Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My dear, sweet, handsome, smiling Uncle John....
I found out I could leave a message here from a very special young man. You've never met him, but he feels he knows you personally. That is impossible, because he wasn't born for 6years after you were gone, but from a lot of first hand accounts, and research of his own, he found this memorial page. He is a Sailor 1st class in the Navy, his name is Mario, and he's your great-nephew. You would be so very proud of him Uncle John! He's sure proud of you! I was surprised one night when a message came through in the middle of the night, and it was a picture of the Fallen Officers Memorial. He sent, hoping he wouldn't make me sad doing so. When I found all the nice comments that had been left, it made me smile...just like you always did. I miss you terribly, but know that you are with grandma&grandpa, and your favorite brothers&sister, who I miss with an ache in my heart. I say brothers because you know I'm including my dad. I love you all&miss you terribly!
Merry Christmas to all of you in Heaven xoxoxoxo

Toni Zamora(Santucci)
Niece

December 26, 2011

I said a little prayer today for Sergeant Hawley and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He died a New York hero.

Robyn

January 7, 2009

Thinking of John and how he changed our lives. What an awesome man he was!!

Anthony
Friend

June 19, 2008

John-Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and how much your friendship meant to me. You were one of but a few police officers who bothered to find out what was really going on with me. It was with your encouragement in the final days of your life, that I was able to gather up the courage and leave the monster that had made me his boxing partner, even though I didn't box. And you know that in today's' terms it would have been called domestic violence. You gave me the strength, as I was too timid to do anything but sit there and take it for all of those years. Lord only knows why God decided you needed to patrol the streets of gold, but I do know that you have been in heaven protecting all of my friends and relatives who are police officers, my son, who is now a federal cop and your son. Keeping all of those folks safe must keep you busy. I took loving care of your mother at the county infirmary and she always talked with pride about her son the police officer. Please know that your words of encouragement will always be what guides me in life and when I graduate from law school, it will be in my fathers memory and yours. For the officers that were there the day you lost your life, no one is to blame for your death but the lost souls who decided to commit the crimes that ended up with all of those officers being there on that frigid day in January. If it weren't for those crimes that day, you would still be here and your name wouldn't be on the wall in Washington, D.C. I'm positive that you don't blame them, so they shouldn't blame themselves. You must be up there beaming, with John John being an officer now. I haven't seen him or Tina since the last time I talked to you at the bowling alley. Your eyes used to gleam with pride as you watched them bowl. I miss you John and so do many others. Sometimes, even after all these years, when another officer is lost in vain, it brings back the hurt of loosing you just like it was yesterday. I miss you John and hope to see you in the hereafter. May God help you keep a watchful eye over all of the officers.

Tina (Peterson) Castle
Mother of Federal Police Officer

February 20, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE

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

January 2, 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

December 18, 2007

John,for many years i had a heavy heart and think of you often. But time heals everything, they say. I just read the reflections and according to John,er,David Holmes, john john, your son, is an officer. I know that you are standing by the hand of God and he will be watching over him. You were one hell of an officer and father. Remember, David H. and Roger S. will probably be at heavens gates together. Could you get me in first. God Bless You.

patrolman roger struble
elmira police dept

October 4, 2007

May Our Lord give you sweet rest and may He comfort all the other officers involved in this.May He sooth their souls and heal their hearts.G-d Bless.

January 8, 2007

John;
You'd be proud of your son, he's an Officer now, tall and wears the uniform with your pride. The department has changed, I'm the last one waiting for retirement, however, you'll always be on patrol with us. I know I visit and talk with you often, I just wish to God that night I could have done something, anything, to save you. They have told me for twenty-two years that myself and Walt DeLap did everything possible in trying to give you the best chance at making it, hard to believe it. I take comfort that, knowing you, your spirit was standing next to your son at his Academy graduation. I also take comfort that you are now in the company of other fallen hero's, and I'll see you again someday, until then, take care (and John, put in a good word for me with St. Peter!)

Officer David Holmes
Elmira Police Dept.

December 28, 2006

My grand mother had him as a training officer and what a kind, helpful, and funny guy. Because of him she is now a sergeant to this day.

September 29, 2006

This is a story of tragedy and bravery that ought not be forgotten. The bravery is beyond belief. In the face of heavy fire these men met a determined enemy. Sgt Hawley stood his ground so that others may retreat. Many men might have ran. Sgt Hawley did his duty without hesitation and for this he is a hero. Tragically he fell, yet his memory and spirit do survive.

To Chief, officers and civilians of the Elmira Police(both past and present), thank you, your service is greatly appreciated and we pray that the Lord will continue to bless you all...

former Elmiran
friend of the Elmira Police

November 10, 2003