Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard about John. It was on that day I decided I did not want to be a cop any longer.

I worked maybe one rotation with John which means we probably worked 3 days together for 3 or 4 month. John had what it takes and was a pleasure to work with.

It has been 30 years and it breaks my heart just like it was yesterday .

Rest in peace my brother!! Hope to see you in the afterlife. God Bless!!

Keith Smith
Ex-STPD

June 25, 2023

Thanks to your sacrifice, Officer Venezuela, there's one less child molester on our streets wasting oxygen.

Rest in peace, sir. You are gone but not forgotten.

PFC Puffer, David C.
74D10 United States Army (Veteran)

June 6, 2022

RIP sir knowing that you will never ever be forgotten.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired.
New York State Police - Troop D

August 4, 2020

It has been 26 years since my Hero and Older Brother John Valenzuela was killed into line of duty. He is and will always be my hero ! There is never a day that goes by that I don’t think or remember my brother. When he died part of me me died too. I would like to thank everyone for all the years of remembering my brother and kind wishes. My you rest in peace and when it my time to join you I hope you are the first person I see along with Mom and Dad too.

James Valenzuela
Johns Younger Brother

May 17, 2019

This is the 24th year you have been gone my brother! I remember that day above all other days in my career! I was a Pima County Deputy and worked and had work South Tucson Police, at the time was a the arson investigator for South Tucson Police. I was at Sahuarita High School on a public assist. The call for the 10-99/999 on the radio I had a 1988 Chev Caprise Patrol car. Took off code 3 on I-19 to the scene. Was the 4th other agency unit on scene. Took the rear of the scene and stood by for PCSD Homicide to arrive. I was relieved and went to STPD station to start handling calls. I called our Station and got the SO to start patrol and dispatch for the community. There were total of 18 officers then and of us were close! My wife was a dispatcher for STPD. The hardest call I ever made was to Johanna to tell her John had been killed! I know that thru the rest of my career I had John on my calls protecting me! I could feel a cool breeze by my right ear and in 100° weather that was something and I never got hurt! I know John is still with even as I have retired! God bless you and those of your family who are with you now! Love you Brother!

Deputy Dennis Rankin
Pima County Sheriff's Department

May 10, 2017

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 17, 2015

John Valenzuela, RIP my friend.

Police Academy Brother
ALETA 150

March 20, 2014

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

May 16, 2013

I was a dispatcher for the South Tucson Police Dept. and it was my shift when this terrible event happened.

Although it has been 20 years, I still replay my actions, everything I heard on the radio, and the emotions I was feeling as though it was yesterday. "You never forget".

The thing that stands out most in my memories of that day was prior to the start of the shift, I remember John driving his POV into the back parking lot and he was blasting the theme from COPS "Bad Boys" on his radio.

I chuckle every time I think of that.

John, you are missed. God bless you and your family.

Officer Steve Ingram
Tohono O'odham Police Dept. AZ.

May 8, 2013

John,

Sgt. K. Smith and I were talking on the phone this evening and he (Keith) reminded me it's been almost 20 years. We both have our own memories and they are all good.

I remember your enthusiasm and deep pride at being a South Tucson Police Officer. Especially, when you showed off your letter/memo from the Department about a new assignment working with kids as the new school resource officer.

I also remember working off-duty with you at the South Tucson Civic Center on most Friday evenings in the Spring of 1993. You really liked playing pool with the kids and just being their to meet and talk with them and to keep them safe too!

Keith and I (and others) will always remember. May God bless you and your family.

January 26, 2013

Ted Forgach, Res. Police Officer
South Tucson Police Department, South Tucson, Arizona

January 26, 2013

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 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.

I pray for solace for all that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

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

May 18, 2012

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

May 17, 2012

Officer John Vlenzuela, as you've walked with God these 19 years in Heaven please know that your family, friends ,your community and all your fellow L.E.O.'s across this nation honor your service and morn your loss. Taken too soon, missed still. Eternal peace be yours John.
Our sympaties to your family, friends and the South Tucson Police Deptartment.
E.O.W. - Monday, May 17, 1993

A Grateful Citizen,
son serving in the Phoenix P.D.

May 1, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Valenzuela. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

May 17, 2008

Officer Valenzuela,
On today, the 15th anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of South Tucson. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

May 17, 2008

"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

August 1, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Valenzuela. May God give you comfort.
Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

May 17, 2007

Brother Valenzuela,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables LE Motorcycle Club

January 21, 2006

To the family left behind- God bless you all.

Sgt. Brooke Moore
Pima County Sheriff's Department

August 3, 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.

May 17, 2005

I had the honor of working with John Valenzuela. He was a fine officer and wonderful person, and he is greatly missed.

Dan Brooks
Former Communications Supervisor
South Tucson PD

Dan Brooks, Senior Surveillance Officer
Pima County Adult Probation

April 5, 2005

It's been ten years today since your tragic death and I just felt that I should say that you were a fine officer for the city of South Tucson and that you have not been forgotten. There is now a youth center that bears your name on it, which means that the citizens of South Tucson have not forgotten you either. May God bless and walk that beat in heaven for us that one day shall join you.

Public Safety Specialist Casey Jennings
Pima County Sheriff's Dept. Tucson,AZ