Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Capt. Francisco,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II and the Korean War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 16, 2022

I will never forget hearing of Captain Fransisco’s death over the radio in my Dad’s car. He is the Richmond County Sheriff’s Chaplain and we heard the broadcast from central dispatch to all cars and all stations, The dispatcher was obviously overcome with grief. That is a moment I’ll never forget, and I mourn his loss. A man among men. God bless his memory.

Supervisory Special Agent Ken Gross Jr
Federal Bureau of Investigation

July 27, 2021

I will never forget hearing of Captain Fransisco’s death over the radio in my Dad’s car. He is the Richmond County Sheriff’s Chaplain and we heard the broadcast from central dispatch to all cars and all stations, The dispatcher was obviously overcome with grief. That is a moment I’ll never forget, and I mourn his loss. A man among men. God bless his memory.

Supervisory Special Agent (retired)
Federal Bureau of Investigation

July 25, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 16, 2020

You will never be forgotten Captain!! I learned a lot from you in my days with RCSO. May God bless you and your family. Tell Buster hello for me!!

Judge /retired SC Trooper Danny Lynn
Aiken County, SC

August 16, 2018

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

November 3, 2017

Rip my good supervisor , miss the old days!!

Magistrate and former SC Trooper Danny L
Aiken County, SC

September 5, 2016

This Thursday past, May 14th, we held a solemn memorial service at the FBI Academy to honor FBI National Academy graduates and FBI agents killed in the line of duty. It was my honor to sing our Nation's national anthem at the beginning. As always, I sang in memory of Captain John L. Francisco, Jr. Please see my previous comments below.

SSA Kenneth R. Gross, Jr.
Critical Incident Response Group, FBI

May 17, 2015

Dad,

Today 05-13-15, you were remembered with your fellow "Fallen Heroes" at a gathering of families and other Law Enforcement brothers and sisters. The emotions within me ran high and the trickle of tears fell down my face. However, I stood tall as you would have wanted and received a plaque on behalf of our family which simply had an "Officer's Prayer" on it. I am still so proud to call you Dad and my love for you has never waivered.

Love,

Greg

Gregory A. Francisco, Ph.D.
Son

May 13, 2015

The name of John L. Francisco, Sr. is graven on my heart and mind with a permanence that will never fade. My sincere condolences to the Francisco family for the loss of such a hero, thank you for your sacrifice.

I was riding in the car with my father, Ken Gross, Sr., the day Captain Francisco was shot on that domestic call. Dad was and still is a chaplain for the RCSO, and I viewed the Franciscos in the RCSO as a legendary institution - particularly Capt Francisco. I will never forget the moment the dispatcher placing a tearful broadcast that Capt Francisco had died. It seemed time stood still, and impossible to believe he was gone.

There are many names on the Law Enforcement Memorial in DC, but none resonates so clearly with me as that of John Francisco, Sr. His death roused me as a rising high school senior to the danger in this world and the importance of law enforcement, which I joined in 1990. His sacrifice laid on the altar of justice, law and order was the ultimate priceless gift to his fellow citizens. God bless the Francisco family.

Supervisory Special Agent Ken Gross, Jr.
Federal Bureau of Investigation

December 26, 2014

Happy 89th Birthday Dad. I love you and miss you so much. Please keep watch over all of us.

Love Greg

Gregory A. Francisco, Ph.D.
Son

October 28, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 31rst anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

February 23, 2013

Rest in Peace, Captain Francisco. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 3, 2012

I watched this happen so many years ago, I have just read of another CSRA officer being cut down. So sad!

Richard Long

January 28, 2012

i know your dad in the 70s he would come by the fire station on washington rd and eat lunch and have a laugh he was a great guy ,he is still remember by the one how know him .

don laisure II
ex west richmond county fire dept

November 23, 2011

Today I honor the memory of my Father, Captain John Louis Francisco, Sr. (RCSD). Today would have been your 86th Birthday. You were good Husband, a great Father, a devoted Friend to many, as well as a dedicated Law Enforcement Officer. A day does not go by when I do not think of you. You are still my HERO and I miss you to bits. Tears still flow and my love still is strong. I miss you Dad!! I am comforted knowing that I will one day see you again and will embrace you once more!
T-1 End of watch 08-16-82…. BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!!!!!
Love,
Greg

Dr. Gregory A. Francisco, I
Son

October 28, 2011

I did not know you, but I remember you were going to assist your own son when he needed help on a call -- if I remember correctly, he had just been shot. Thank you for your many years of service to the citizens of Augusta, your courage and dedication to law enforcement, and for your selfless love that only a father can have in trying to protect your own son in a time of dire need! I pay tribute to you, sir.

PSO CW Edwards
North Augusta Dept. of Public Safety (SC)

May 21, 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

October 10, 2007

Just a note to say that you are not forgotten. Thanks for your service to us all.

Doug Teachworth
Lynnwood, WA PD

July 20, 2007

I was a teenager when I meet Capt. Fracisco. He was an encourager and one that willingly served. Although, I only knew him for a short while he made a great impression upon my life. Thank you for serving.
David Blizzard

Chaplain David Blizzard
Friend

May 14, 2007

Thank you for your service. You will always be remembered. Rest in peace.

daughter of an officer

August 16, 2006

Captain Francisco,
On today, the 23rd anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service to the citizens of Richmond County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

August 16, 2005