Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

In Honor And Memory Of Patrolman George Frees... Blessings To Your Family Always... May You Rest In Eternal Peace Patrolman George Frees...

Gail Mercado

April 6, 2024

I am a retired Suffolk County Police Sergeant and I was George's best friend in the police academy. We were classmates and sat next to each other as the seating was alphabetical! We grew together as officers and good friends. Jane was unable to attend the retirement ceremonies due to her youngest child being sick. Upon arrival George was waiting for me outside and asked if his daughter could sit with my wife and children. We were honored to do so as he was such a great friend! I have had George's picture on my dresser ever since he passed! I can tell many stories about George but he might have been embarrassed by some if I did so had he still been with us but in honor to him I will refrain! We were both born in 1942 and God has blessed me to reach the age of 80, I wish my friend had too! God bless his family and I know that Jane has also passed but he really loved his children and I pray for them to have all that George could have dreamt for them!

Sgt 467, P.O. 1682
Suffolk County Police Department

May 17, 2023

Patrolman Frees,
On today, the 51st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Nassau County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 6, 2022

With respect to George Frees who lost his life 50 years ago tonight. I knew George while we both worked at the 1st Pct. He was a gentleman, great cop and a great family man. George's dead greatly influence the people of Suffolk County and I believe that his passing made them aware of just how dangerous police work can be. May you rest in peace and God Bless his family.

Police Officer Gary Mott, #1856
Suffolk County Police Department, Yaphank, NY

April 6, 2021

In Honor And Respect, Patrolman George Frees, Sir, I Honor And Salute You... So Very Tragic How You Lost Your Life So Young "50" Years Ago Today... To Your Family, Your Husband, Father, Grandfather, Was A True Hero, A Man Of Honor, Courage And Greatness... May Peace And Blessings Be With The Family, And With Your Partner That Survived That Tragic Day... Patrolman George Frees, You Are Remembered Today, "50" Years Later... May You Rest In Eternal Peace, Sir...

Gail Mercado

April 6, 2021

Your partner Bob is my neighbor and shared the story tonight of that fateful night . Rest in continued peace sir as the 50th anniversary of your sacrifice approaches . You are never forgotten

Retired PO Michael Donnelly
NCPD NY

March 19, 2021

I think of George all the time. I was a member of his Squad #2 On that night I was there to try and help. Rest in Peace.

P.O. Thomas P. Soriano 1st.Pct.Squad #2
Suffolk County Police Dwepartment Badge #1752

November 7, 2019

Think of George often and his sacrifice. His passing will never be forgotten by all the members of S.C.P.D. Rest in peace on the 48th anniversary of your death.

P.O. Gary Mott, #1856
Suffolk County Police Department, 1st Pct. & Highway Patrol

April 6, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Frees.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 8, 2019

I remember this tragic incident. So sad. I passed this location many times and never forgot what happened to Officer Frees and his partner. RIP George.

walter depietro
port richey police dept

December 15, 2016

I joined the department in July 1971. In our last weeks in the police Academy, we were assigned to ride with seasoned officers for field training. My first day on the streets I was assigned to a First Pct car, assigned with George Freese.
We had several calls that night, store alarms, customer disputes, traffic accidents.
That night we heard over the radio, that a second pct car was in pursuit of a car on route 110 heading south towards our location. Further transmissions indicated that the vehicle was heading south in the northbound lanes. George pulled over and we attempted to pull drivers to the side of the road to avoid oncoming collisions.
I was outside the vehicle facing southbound waving vehicles over when George grabbed my shirt and pulled me back, as the suspect car passed me doing about 90 mph, saving this Rookie"s life. My first day on the street would have been my last if it wasn't for George.
I retired after 29 years of service. I have my first and last memo book page of my career, and remember him always in my prayers.

PO Ronald Puza
Suffolk County PD Retired

July 12, 2015

Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to remember and honor my father, George Frees. Even after all these years, my family misses him very much.We were young children when he was killed,and these reflections give us glimpses into who our father really was. Thank you!

Mr Chilton, your stories made me laugh,and gave me insight into my dad as a teenager. My love of cars must have come from him!
Mr Carlucci, I remember our families spending time together in Bayport, and appreciate what you wrote here.I hope your family is well.
Judy Martin...wow! I still have those pictures of us in the snow drifts and at Lollipop Farm. You were my first best friend! I hope you are well,and thank you for what you wrote.I never knew the impact my dad had on your life.Thank you for sharing this.
Detective Carmody, you and the other officers took very good care of our family.We were never alone, and still know that all of you are here for us. Thank you for being such a good friend to the Frees family.
Greg, thank you for your kind words.I hope you are paying it forward in your life.

Dad, I am very proud to be your daughter.

Dianne Frees Jones
Daughter

January 1, 2015

This is my favorite memory. George and I were seniors at Oceanside High School. He ordered an auto accessory from a catalog, and was excited when it came. We read the installation instructions, got tools, and proceeded to drill a 5/8 inch hole in the floor of his car. We crawled under the car to mount the main component with machine screws. On top again, George dropped a rubber-topped, steel plunger through the hole. Grinning widely he climbed into the driver's seat. He then used the heel of his left shoe to push down the plunger. From beneath the car came a very loud, metallic sound: "DING DONG, DING DONG" "Cool!" he shouted. What is it for?" I asked. We drive around looking for girls and when we see some we go "DING DONG, DING DONG" and wave at them. "That's it? What does going ding dong at a girl make her want to do - remove her clothes?" "I couldn't afford that model," George replied.

Edward Chilton, MA retired
High school buddy

October 18, 2014

I never knew Officer Frees but I now work with his son. Brian Frees is a new Assistant Principal of a school where I am the School Resource Officer. During lunch duty recently Brian had shared with me about his father being an officer that was killed in the line of duty in 1971. Patrolman George Frees must have been a good, hardworking and honest man because his son has those traits. Thank you to the Frees family for your sacrifice.

Corporal Ricky Bishop
Henderson County Sheriffs Office N.C.

November 4, 2013

My wife and I met George and Jane in the hospital when their son Brian was born and my daughter was born in August 1966. Our families visited with each other occasionally. I remember George being so happy that he was becoming a Suffolk county police officer. Jane said that when he was doing traffic control in a store parking area that the older ladies just adored his baby face. Once when we visited them in their home and had a cookout he told me about a sad crime scene experience he just experienced. A young mother whose husband was in Vietnam killed her young daughter with scissors. He looked down at the little girl still holding her doll and told me he thought of his daughter and how precious children are. We later moved to New Jersey and they came to visit us. George was concerned that he had his off duty concealed firearm with him and hoped it would not be a problem if he was stopped by the New Jersey police.
In 1971 my family was back for a visit with our parents and in laws in Nassua county. My wife called Jane and she said "Didn't you hear about George?" It had just happened a short time ago and we did not know. It was a shock. George was the first officer in Suffolk to fall from gunfire. Jane later told us about all the memorial events she attended in his honor. Eventually it was hard for her to continue to go to so many events especially since they had just been blessed with their third child and getting a baby sitter was not always easy. We continued to stay in contact with Jane for some years afterwards.

Ron Carlucci
friend

October 12, 2013

We were age 16 and this was after school. Holding the brown wrapped package, George's fingers trembled with anticipation. It was something he had found and ordered from a Mail Order Catalog. The object was an amusing, add-on, toy to his first car. George opened the package, took a look at the parts, and then unfolded the mounting instructions. "Drill a 1/2" hole into the floor where the driver rests his feet. From beneath the car, push the threaded part up through the hole; use large washers and the bolt to mount and fix it to the vehicle. Insert the plunger with the large rubber top. Press down to see that it is working properly." When we were successful, George and I celebrated by rotating our skinny hips in the motion of the Twist.

"Let's go for a ride." We sped off, looking for targets. We saw two high school girls on the sidewalk - and George happily pumped his left heel up and down, twice. "DING DONG, DING DONG" went the mail order bell. The girls looked at the car and George waved wildly at them. You never saw a happier grin on a teen's face. Soon another female appeared on the sidewalk." "DING DONG, DING DONG" George announced hopefully. No response. I swiveled in my seat to look. "That was a grandmother, George".

Ed Chilton
High School Friend, 1960

June 24, 2013

42 years-not forgotten

RIP George

TPF/SCU
NYPD

April 6, 2013

I was 11 years old, coming home from school when a neighbor ran outside to tell me what had happened. I remember George as a kind-hearted man, a true gentleman who I looked up to as a surrogate father when he lived across the street. I was friends with Dianne. We had a blizzard, in 1968 I think, and the snowbanks were bigger than we were. Dianne and I played in her back yard, waiting until her dad finished shoveling to take us for a sleigh ride. One summer he invited me to Lollipop Farm. I have a picture he took of me sitting on a horse statue, with Dianne standing beside me because the stone was too hot for her to climb on. I think her dad took me under his wing because my own dad wasn't around, and some forty years later I remain thankful for this kindness.

George was thrilled to become a policeman, and the family moved away shortly afterward.  Such a wonderful soul, very nurturing and kind, and so young to lose his life in that senseless tragedy. I want his family to know that he touched my life profoundly in the short time that I was privileged to know him, and how very sad I am that his children and grandchildren lost such a wonderful role model. I am not surprised that he was a hero, shielding a child from gunfire. I hope that it comforts his family to know that he left an indelible mark on many lives, and how grateful I am to have known him. God bless and keep you all in His care.

Judith Martin-Conlon

January 2, 2013

"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

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 41rst 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 the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today. Thanks to your family and 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

April 7, 2012

I'm the Mike who received the unvailing coverlet from Det. John Tobin, Clarkstown Police Dept. on October 15, 1991. My wife, Susan and I attended the unveiling dedication at the National Law Enforement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. on that date. George Frees and I were appointed to the Suffolk Co Police Dept. on 9/30/1968 and attended the same academy class. We and four other police officers were assigned to the 1st Precinct. George's partner, Robert Staab, survived his serious injuries and continued to serve Suffolk County for many years and retired a few years back at the rank of detective. George's mom & dad have since passed away. His wife, Jane, died a few years ago from cancer. George's children still attend memorial services for fallen Suffolk Co Police Officers.

Thank you John Tobin for remembering that special day in 1991. It's just one hour into Christmas Day and I happened to come upon this website. Thanks to your reflection, I now remember vividly, the contact we had on October 15, 1991. John, if you read my reflection, I want to thank you for kind and thoughtful words. Hopefully, one day, we'll meet again. Until then, may God bless you also.

Detective Mike Carmody
Suffolk County Police Dept., Ret.

December 25, 2011

I had the opportunity to participate in the unveiling and dedication of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. on October 15, 1991. After the unveiling I met George Frees brother officer Mike from Suffolk County PD, who told me all about George and pointed to his name inscribed forever on the memorial wall. I was deeply touched and presented to Mike the unveiling coverlet I had removed from the memorial during the service. Not even a week later, I received a wonderful letter from George's mom Anna, who Mike had just left, thanking me for allowing her to show her children and grandchildren the blue cloth that honored the memory of her son. Now 20 years later as I clean out my desk in preparing to retire, I again find and read the note and here I am passing this reflection on. God bless you all.

Det. John Tobin
Clarkstown Police Department Honor Guard

August 26, 2011

Patrolman Frees,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Suffolk County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP

April 6, 2011

To the family of Patrolmen George A. Frees. I visit the Police site often. It is because I want to remember our fallen brother officers. The reflections written for Patrolmen Frees is a tribute to his memory and attest to what a great Officer he was . God bless him in Heaven.

RETIRED DETECTIVE FRANK DEMARCO
NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

April 6, 2011

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 6, 2010