Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You may not know who I am but I know who you are. You knew my dad, Steven Hazel. I have heard lots of good things about you. I hope you are protecting the streets of Heaven.

Sabastian Grigsby
Family Member

March 21, 2024

you will always be remembered brother me and my dad who is your cousin will never forget you.

patrolman first class James Hazel
abbeville police

September 20, 2022

Rest in peace Patrolman First Class Hardy.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 13, 2019

In this small Cajun town of about 12,000 people, Officer Hardy's death made a huge impact. I was in school at the time, and this community never thought it would happen here. The result was a regathering of our roots as a community, and the renaming of a main street from the legend of the pirate Jean Lafitte (who supposedly operated a base in the area) to honoring Officer Hardy.

J. Gaspard, civilian
Hometown citizen

March 31, 2018

I had just received a job offer from the Arizona Highway Patrol. I was excited while still on terminal leave from ten years active duty in the USMC. I called home on 12/24/92 to wish my Mom a Merry Christmas and give her the good news. She was not too excited and asked me "Are you sure that's what you and to do?" I was confused. Then she dropped the bomb. I told her, Well now I have no choice, I have to. John was my 1st cousin. We grew up together. We were the same age. I've just completed my 20th year as an AZ State Trooper and of course I think of John often. Him and the many others I've known who gave all. I'll see you when I get there Cousin.

Officer Eric Weaver
AZ DPS

July 13, 2013

I was working as a Paramedic in Abbeville and John was one of the few people I did know in that city. He was a good guy. I was the paramedic who treated and transported him that night. Not a Christmas goes by when I don't think about him, that I got to go home to my family and the holidays at the end of my shift. He didn't.

Rest in peace, My Friend

Elmer Tatum, NREMT-p

January 27, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

December 17, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 19th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 23, 2011

Wish we could have met. Your brother helped me with a 180o turn around in my life when i really needed it as the new police chief. Tony that is :). That is a testiment to the good of your family. Know that good men have survived you. Know that you are still spoken of, positively and dearly misssed. Even missed by those who have never known you. Oh and p.s. though your monument in front of the police station sadly reminds everyone of your tragedy, it was still very well done!


-Ike

SPO Isaiah Rochon
Abbeville PD

September 7, 2011

What a great memory I have of you. It's been a very, very long time. You were life itself! It was so sad to see you go but know that I will see you again!
Love,
Celise

Celise Hamann
Cousin-in-law

November 29, 2010

I dont know if I can post twice, John, but I once posted about my feelings about you. Three months ago there was NO
picture of you, But for over 10 years I saw your picture in our paper-now I see it for the first time-in "your"
memorial. a memorial-that is a lasting tribute to a wonderful person and officer. Who died too young,And did not and was not given a chance to live. I am sorry!
Your picture is so much a strong reminder of your brother
who you look so much like--Your life was taken away unjustly
on dec 23 1992,

On this day nov 29 2009--it is a somones birthday-I cant wish that person a good day-but I can remember she helped
save my life on a certain day
God Bless you John Mark Hardy-they now have a steet named
after you-You will always be remembered.
God Loves you Now and Forever!
Your love for K-9 was a great help to our city.
Be at Peace John -"you deserve it"

abbeville homeowner--citizen
resident--abbeville-louisiana

November 29, 2009

May God have mercy on your soul,John.who I saw you once
and your beautiful smile reflected your true personality
---You were a GOOD Police Officer-- and kind person to all
I had the opportunity to meet your brother--Tony--last week
He is awonderful person--He is what I describe a "gentleman"--
Wish I could tell you this John---
let your brothers read this as God is taking care of you now,
Let me read it---
when I was denied water---I gave water more to those who did nothave
when I was denied restroom--I gave more to those who could not afford
when I was denied food--I gave more to the poor
when I was denied money---I gave none
because I have none
thank you for listening---
I am not anything John---but you died as almost a child
please know people remember you
as no one will remember me
as I am not anything but a human
God Bless you--And my sorry to all your family
God---Please take care of all
Bless you
I once sent a card to your brother Mike, in 1993
but he never told me thank you--
Thank you John for being a policeman for such a short time
to the citizens of Abbeville Louisiana

bonnie richard---a citizen of abbeville
vermilion citizen

August 2, 2009

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
Manchester, NH

December 22, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 31, 2007

WELL I NEVER GOT CHANCE TO MEET YOU BUT SORRY YOU HAD TO GO MEET YOUR GOD ON MY 2 END BIRTH DAY.WELL SORRY TO SAY IF I HAVE NOT MET I SURE MISSED OUT ON A LOT.JUST LIKE ALL OFFICERS YOU PROBLEY WAS THE BRAVEST THEM ALL.YOU STOOD UP FOR YOUR TOWN AND YOUR FAMILYAND EVERY BOBY KNOWS YOU STOOD TALL AND BRAVE TO DO WHATS RIGHT.

PERFECT STRANGER
NONE

August 26, 2007

Final Inspection

The officer stood and faced his God.
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To your church have you been true?"



The officer squared his shoulders and said,
" No, Lord, I guess I ain’t,
Because all of us who carry badges
Can’t always be a saint.
I’ve had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was rough,
And sometimes I’ve been violent
Because the streets are tough.



But I never took a penny
That wasn’t mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got way too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I’ve wept an unmanly tear.



I know I don’t deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you’ve a place for me here,
Lord, it needn’t be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t… I’ll understand!



There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints often trod.
As the officer waited quietly
For the judgment of his GOD
"Step forward now, Officer.
You’ve borne your burdens well
Come walk a beat on heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in hell"

author unknown

Rest in Peace Brother and GODSPEED.

Officer Myron Monceaux
Coushatta Tribal Police, Louisiana

March 11, 2007

i didn't know you but i see and feel so much of you through your family. if you were like the rest of your brothers, i know you have a loving and giving heart. i know the angels were smiling to know that someone like you was called home. the tears fell when a man stated "i know someone was smiling in heaven the day your dad passed away" its sad that you were laid to rest so soon, but you are never forgotten! rest in peace a know that you are loved and always will be remembered.

September 24, 2006

Thank your for your service and your sacrifice. My prayers are with your family that you had to leave behind. Please continue your your "watch" from heaven for your brothers and sisters in blue.

Sister in blue

Sister In Blue
APD

June 21, 2006

I will always remember the impression that you have left on me. I now hope to follow in your foot steps and become the great officer that you once were.

Anonomous

June 28, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies...

Rest in peace, hero.

December 23, 2004

God rest your soul.

Anonymous