Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hello to John’s Family. I graduated with John January 28, 1973 from the ISP academy. I am now 74 years old. I was only 22 when I met John. I remember him and have thought of him so many times over the years. I left ISP after 5 years plus and retired from my home State of Minnesota after 25 more years with Hennepin Co Sheriffs Office. John was a quiet and seasoned vet I admired. I was so young but easily saw his can and will do attitude. I can’t tell you how many times I have thought of him over my career in law enforcement. I am probably alive today because of hearing about his murder so many years ago that has caused me to be more cautious in all things. John would recognize my name but I was never in his league. Even today. He was head and shoulders above me in talent, confidence, and insight. I miss him even though I only knew him for 16 weeks. I was assigned out of the Seymour Dist 43 post. That Post is gone now, just like John. How lucky I was to know him. One last take away for all officers. One day while John and I were in the academy class room, Lieutenant Flynn came in and addressed the class. I remember nothing of what he said at the beginning of his lecture. But I do remember the last thing he told me and the rest of the class. He said “you can forget everything I’ve mentioned to you today, except this one piece of advice, when in doubt…DON’T! I always thought that was really good advice so one day I told my brother about the value of that very sage advice. My brother said that’s good but he said he learned as a fireman that “if you’re going ….GO! It was then I realized that was John. For me that is the paradox all officers have to answer a thousand times per shift. Stay or go…..Thankyou, John for being part of my life. William A Leadens.

ISP Trooper / Retired HCSO (Mn)
Hennepin Co Sheriff office

October 13, 2024

Rest in peace Lt. Hatfull.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 26, 2020

Hi Grandpa Hatfull. Nana has talked a lot about you. I love you so much. I am very proud of you. Nana is one of
The strongest people I know and I know a lot of people say that but she is. I am very proud to have a Grandpa who risked his life for someone else’s. I love you so much. Dad misses u a lot and so do I. I never got to meet you but I know you are great. Thank you for helping keep Indiana Safe!!
Love You!!

BHat
Grandson

January 19, 2019

Sgt. Hatfull,
On today, the 36th 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 USMC. You weren't even a citizen of this Country yet you chose to come here and serve first as a U.S. Marine and as a LEO-that says it all about the type of man of you are. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO;former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 13, 2017

From when i was younger my grandma used to tell me all about John and show me pictures and it was so inspiring. John was brave and really hardworking i wish i had the chance to meet him before his tragic death.
You will always be rememered John
Tegan X X

Tegan Wheeler
Great Niece

July 28, 2015

As I live life without my dad, I think about the joy he would have gotten from seeing his grandchildren grow. My son asked me yesterday to take him fishing and my first thought was about dad. He would have loved it. I think about him all the time and miss him each day. My mom is the strongest person I know and I am so blessed to have her as my role model. I have 3 wonderful children and an amazing wife Jennifer who keeps us all moving in the right direction. My life is so blessed and it is because John Edward Hatfull was my dad! I love you Dad.

Jay Hatfull

May 13, 2015

I wish I had the honor to meet sgt. Hatfull. He is inspiration and the world has lost a great man. His son, Jay, has grown into a man he would be proud of. Jay is like family to me and, not only is he a good man, but he is also a great father. Srgt. Hatfull was an all around great man and is truly missed. May he be in heaven watching over his kids and grandkids.

Megan Snodgrass
Friend

August 14, 2014

I never met John but from what I've recently discovered he was quite a man and one to be very proud of. I admire what he did leaving England alone at age 18 and then joining the marines and afterwards becoming sergeant in the U.S. police service, serving for 14 years. The world is a poorer place without John. Very sad.

Ken Hatfull (UK)
3rd cousin once removed.

June 14, 2014

I have only this month learned of John's tragic death. I never met him, only wish I had. To have left home at 18 sailing to Canada and to then join the Marines a year later is admirable to say the least. He served for four years as a marine so I understand and some time later joined the U.S. police force where he served for 14 years. To have lost his life so tragically is so sad, words are never enough.
God bless John.

Ken Hatfull (UK)
3rd cousin once removed.

June 13, 2014

John was my third cousin and unfortunately I never met him, I very much wish I had, but reading all of the above and the accounts of the circumstances in which he so tragically died prompted me to leave a message to say this - that the world is a poorer place without John. A true hero, to have left home at the tender age of 18 to sail to Canada alone then to go on to join the marines a year later where he served for four years and then, to reach Sergeant rank in the U.S. police force is more than most of us can say that we've done in life. I have only recently learned of this loss, my heart goes out to his family. Words can never be enough can they?
God bless you John.

Ken Hatfull (UK)
3rd cousin once removed.

June 13, 2014

It was a true honor today to be small part of the resolution to honor Sgt Hatfull’s service by naming a bridge on I-64 in Posey County Indiana in his memory. Sgt Hatfull’s has been an inspiration to many that have come behind him and his story will continue to be told to the many more that follow. Thank you for your service and the sacrifice made by your family. You will never be forgotten.

Sergeant
Indiana State Police

March 4, 2013

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Hatfull. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 17, 2013

Today is Father's Day, 2012. I am one year shy of the age my beloved father was when he gave his life in the attempt to save someone he did not know. My dad now has 5 beautiful grandchildren. My precious sons are Hayden and the youngest is John who carries his grandfather's name. I am proud to be the daughter of a hero. I am grateful for his influence on my life and for the time I had with him. I give God the glory for pulling me through the difficult times without him.

Thank you to all who remember and have left messages here. May God bless you.

I love you, Dad and I miss you. I tell my boys about you. I married a man who you would be proud to call a son. Your son, Jay, is a wonderful daddy and Mom is the strongest woman I know.

To everyone who reads this, tell your family that you love them. The time here is very short.

Renée Hatfull Brooks
Daughter

June 17, 2012

I've heard a lot from mickey and my dad, but you were a great man, I know you can't read this but I'm proud of you.

michael hatfull
grandon

June 10, 2012

Rest in Peace

Deputy Randy Bennett
Henry County Sheriff's Dept. (Indiana)

April 13, 2010

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 13, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twenty-second 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. Rest In Peace.

I hold your family in my thoughts and prayers today. You are loved and missed by so many.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 13, 2009

"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 23, 2007

Sir, you as my father and all of your brothers and sisters are true heros and we thank god each and every day for all of you who put your lifes on the line for our safety no matter what the circumstance is. Your son Jay is a good friend and I wish that I could have met you on earth. Thank you for the friend you gave me. Son of Fallen Deputy John D. Landrum Edgar County Sheriff Department.

Chad Landrum
Family friend

April 20, 2007

John and I were brother Troopers. He was and always will be a great police officer. Think of him every day, may he be with god.

ret. master tpr. Jerry mooney
Ind state police / form sheriff knox county

December 22, 2006

John was my big brother and my hero. From the time we were little he would look out for me. I miss him terribly even though thousands of miles separated us as adults. He is always in my heart.
Nina

Nina Hiscock (nee Hatfull)

March 27, 2006

You will always be in the hearts & minds of your fellow officers,loved ones, & friends. It's been over 18 years now & I can still remember the summer heat boiling down on the long lines of officers which stood outside of the church on that fateful April afternoon. I was among those officers who was there that day to pay tribute to a fine man & a fine officer. Little did I know that in 2000 as police chief in Oakland City that I would face yet another police funeral-that of one of my own officers. My prayers & thoughts go out to his family & loved ones.We will never forget their sacrifice.

Mike Nichols/Retired Police officer
Oakland City Police Dept.

January 5, 2006

Our Greatest Fear
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again, I hold back a tear.
They patrol in the state, city, county and town,
in uniforms colored white, green, blue and brown.
The shape of their badges may vary,
but it’s a symbol that they all, proudly carry.
They leave for work with a kiss goodbye,
but some don’t come home, no matter how hard they try.
To uphold the law is the job that they pick,
with such high aspirations, why must some die so quick?
They leave behind loved ones, family and friends,
after their lives have met tragic ends.
Some die in crashes, others hearts not too stout,
too many have been lost when gunshots ring out.
Our Heavenly Father has called them home,
no more these dark streets do they roam.
Through trial and error they have given their best,
please Lord, now grant them eternal rest.
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
" Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again I hold back a tear.



Master Trooper Dave “Stumpy” Miller

Indiana State Police Dist 13

December 19, 2005

Honoring you on the 18th anniversary of your murder.

You will not be forgotten.

Deputy Sheriff
Indiana

April 13, 2005

I thank you for your service and salute you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace, Hero.

September 27, 2004