Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Hartwell,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Dallas. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 11, 2021

May you rest in peace knowing that you will never be forgotten.

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

July 6, 2020

Many thanks to the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect and serve and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.. Thank You. We owe you a debt of gratitude that we can never repay. Thank You for your service. J.T Hartwell was my wifes father. She had hust turned 8 when he was gunned down. She has however spent her life giving back to others. Many thanks to the state of Texas for the scholarship that permitted her to graduate as an Rn and work in the Newborn Intensive Care unit for the past 30+ years.

Jim Trogdon
Posthumous Son in-law

May 15, 2018

Rest in peace.

Sgt. Jim Russo

November 13, 2016

I remember that dreadful night in November, 1971 working late nights in south Dallas as patrol rookies. We stood outside the duty room at the Southeast sub-station talking about our experiences and encounters we had during our short and brief time as Dallas Police officers. We really loved our jobs. We said take care and we hit the streets. Later that night - I was one of the first officers to arrive on the scene of an officer down call. That day will be with me forever. Rest in peace Johnnie.

James Michael Harthcock,

Patrol Officer #3061
Dallas Police Department

February 17, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you.
Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 10, 2010

"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

February 5, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 5, 2007

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Dallas Police Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Officer Hartwell deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. No greater love has a man than the will to give his life for another. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Hartwell is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, North Carolina

May 25, 2006

Though it's been 34 years since Officer Hartwell gave his life for the citizens of Dallas we have not forgotten.
It is my prayer that God keep safe from harm the men and women of the Dallas Police Department.

Patrolman Doug Hutchison
Irving Police Department, Texas, (Retired)

November 10, 2005

GOD BLESS. A HERO FOR SURE. GONE BUT NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.