Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Was the Patrol Sgt in the 73 PCT and had the job . It has been 38 yrs. RIP my Brother

Ret Sgt Ed Burmeister
N.Y.P.D.

March 23, 2024

Today is 37 yrs that P.O. James Holmes of the N. Y. C. Housing Police gave the ultimate sacrifice. I was the Patrol Supervisor in the 73 pct and had the job. I was there when you became an angel. RIP my Brother

Ret Sgt Edward Burmeister
N.Y.P.D.

March 23, 2023

Rest in peace..

Lieutenant Raymond Flores
NYPD (retired)

March 23, 2021

Rest in heavenly peace

Mark Mottola

March 23, 2020

On March 23 1986 I was the Patrol Supervisor in the 73 pct when the call 10-13 MOS shot being transported to Brookdale Hospital came over the radio. I responded and when I arrived I went into the ER and as I passed a room I saw Doctors and Nurses working on someone who had powder burns on their chest. I then realized it was the PO who was shot. They worked frantically but to no avail. The doctor turned and looked at me and handed me P.O. James Holmes shield and said I think this belongs to you. They left the room and I walked up to PO Holmes and said to him you were not alone when you died I was with you. I then told him I will make sure you are not forgotten. As I walked into the hallway I could see a woman in the distance coming towards me and I had the feeling it was a family member. I froze and just then a hand touched my shoulder and a voice said to me I will take over Sergeant. It was a Police Chaplin. All the time I held the Officers shield so tight in my hand that it imprinted on my hand. I think of him often. Every year on his EOW I write this story in a retired P.O group that I belong to. RIP my Friend and Brother.

Ret. Sgt Ed Burmeister
NYPD

May 13, 2019

It was my honor to research newspapers, books and magazines and finally find your ID Card Photo and make sure your photo was put on this site. I wanted to put a face to your heroism in the Line of Duty. I did the research because you are a brother officer and no matter how many years past, you will always be remembered. Rest Easy Hero.

APO Christian Durante
NYPD: 68th Precinct Auxiliary Police Unit

February 5, 2016

I knew Officer Holmes when I was a young police officer assigned at PSA #3 and he worked out of Marcy. I was part of the task force that hunted the bastards that killed him. May he alway Rest In Peace.

Kevin Hinkson
Ret Housing Detective

May 21, 2014

A GOOD MAN :)

Police Officer
New York City Housing Authoity

May 20, 2014

I worked with James the day before this happened in Red Hook. We were going to PA the next day to purchase vehicles. Always remembered.

Police Officer
New York City Housing Authoity

May 20, 2014

May you always watch over your brothers and sisters in blue. You're forever in our hearts. You may be gone, but you'll never forgotten.

Sister in blue
NYPD

March 4, 2014

Make God always watch over the love ones that you left behind. Thank you for helping to serve and protect the streets of New York City.

Sgt. Selena D. Holmes
NYPD

February 26, 2014

I remember this incident. I also worked with Jimmy Holmes he was a gentleman, if asked he would have probably given the mutt a few bucks if he needed it. Rest in peace.

PO Mike Scala (retired)
NYC Housing/NYPD

March 23, 2012

God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain; but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way.


Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of US Marshal

August 24, 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

March 23, 2010

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion
Proverbs 28:1

You are not forgotten, especially on the anniversery of your death.

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

March 23, 2009

May you rest in eternal peace. You will be missed but never forgotten...

Seregeant Chris DiToro
NYPD

March 23, 2009

Officer Holmes,
On today, the 23rd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of New York City. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

March 23, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Police Officer Holmes and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

March 12, 2009

Never Forgotten Sir - Be at Peace.

Senior Constable
South Australian Police

October 7, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE, THIS WRITER HOPES THAT JUSTICE WILL CONTINUE TO BE SERVED ON YOUR BEHALF

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 27, 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 19, 2007

Officer Holmes, thank you for your service. Neither you, nor your sacrifice, will ever be forgotten.

It angers me that your murderer has even a small chance of seeing the light of day again. It was his choice to return to the scene and commit murder; that a judge and/or jury would even consider the fact that he should enjoy the luxury of walking freely down a city street is beyond my comprehension!

Rest in peace Officer Holmes.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

October 24, 2007

To Police Officer James "Rock" Holmes,
To my friend and co-worker I will finally say good-bye. I am gratefull for the two years that I knew you,your kindness, warm smile and quick jokes. I changed clothes right next to you with little thought that such a sweet and easy going guy would suddenly be taken from us. I know that your part of God's army now and I look froward to the day when we will suit up again. If it's one thing I know, its that once a cop always a cop. You have been missed.

To his family and friends, I can only express my condolences and that you for having shared him with me. I learned alot from him. Rock, as we liked to call him was exactly that. In 1984,when we first got to the command,he was very kind to us, and even let me, a rookie locker next to him. Each day he would talk to me, always with a word of caution and encouragement. He, and a few other oldtimers gave me a love for the job. I'm retired now, but, I will tell you that I paid attention to his advice and this is the man I became. I received 25 department awards, 5 letters of commendation and over eighty awards from the community, elected officials and various foundations. In all of that Rock's words and his spirit were with me. I'm part of his legacy. I have not, nor will I ever forget him. May he rest in peace.
Rafael Orozco

Detective Rafael Orozco, Ret.
Housing PSA#3

February 18, 2007

To Officer James Holmes and his loved ones:

On this the twentieth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.

James, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Officer Holmes. I am humbled by your valor, courage, dedication.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service James gave to his community and the citizens of New York, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 23, 1986.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 23, 2006

Rest In Peace Brother

J.B.
S.P.D.

January 27, 2006