Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

John and I graduated from the Arkansas Police Academy (ALETA) in !975. He and I were Police Officers for the Department of Public Safety with the University of Arkansas prior to his having joined the Springdale Police Department. It is so satisfying to have found this web page that offers me an opportunity to offer my regards, in writing, for John Tilman Hussey. John was an unabashed Christian, he was seen as a devoted husband to his wife, who later became a Police Officer herself. He was a Black Belt in Karate, he didn't smoke, cuss, drink, nor gossip. He was loyal to his friends and colleagues. He was fearless. I never understood why someone like John would meet the kind of fate that he did. After more than 30 years in Law Enforcement and Corrections, it still escapes my sense of fairness where a life like John Hussey's was taken when he could have become a poster model for other young men and women to pattern their lives by. I spent many moments in John's company and truly enjoyed that loud cackle of a laugh he had. He was so alive. He was comfortable with who he was. He was younger than I was but yet he had a way of inspiring me to expect more of myself in the ways of becoming a better human being. I am, today, a better human beng for have known, and worked with John Tillman Hussey. He was my friend.

Semon Thompson - Criminal Investigator
Department of Public Safety

February 13, 2014

You are a constant reminder John of what a police officer should aspire to be, and even though every one of us wishes we could have helped you in your time of need it was always you offering help to others. Rest in peace brother, and know that you made a difference in this world in a very short time.

Retired Sergeant
Washington County Sheriff Dept, AR

January 29, 2014

John Hussey was a dear friend—both to me and to my family. I knew John when I was director of the University of Arkansas chapter of the Association of Baptist Students from 1971 to 1974, and John was our music leader all that time. For part of that time he lived in the basement of our student center while my family lived in the upstairs apartment. I had the privilege of assisting his pastor, Jerry Burnaman, at his funeral in the old Calvary Baptist Church on Maple Street. When it came my time to speak, I was unable to hold back the tears. It was the first time I had ever wept through an entire memorial service over which I had any responsibility. Because of John's love for flying, I read the poem "High Flight," by Gillespie Magee, and I hope I am not breaking any copyright laws by including that poem here in my remarks.
One observation relative to the excellent reflection by Special Agent (retired) Ken Parkerson: I believe Special Agent Parkerson is mistaken about John's looking down from Heaven and feeling satisfaction that James Ray Renton is "burning in hell." John loved people and his Christian faith permeated every aspect of his life—even his work as a police officer. My close acquaintance with him causes me to feel that John would never be satisfied about anyone burning in hell—not even the monster known as James Ray "Smiley" Renton.

High Flight
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew -
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untresspassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.
Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee
No 412 squadron, RCAF
Killed 11 December 1941

Dr. James D. Shine
Professor of Biblical Studies, BMA Seminary, Jacksonville, TX

December 27, 2013

I am overwhelmed by the wonderful memories and recollections by so many people who have left comments about John! Knowing that so many people were touched by his life, even after he was gone, is a testament to the kind of man John was. Thank you all for keeping his memory alive by your kind words and shared memories. Each of your remembrances have brought comfort to one who has lost a beloved brother, who was also her best friend.
Lt. Upton...a special thanks to you and to all the officers who were involved in catching the ones responsible for John's death. You are my heroes. With much gratitude to you all.

Norma (Hussey) Roddy
Sister

December 22, 2013

Once again, I stopped today to remember John Hussey, a Springdale Police Officer who gave his life for his community.
I had a book about John and the men responsible for his death and I recently gav that book to a current SPD Officer, encouraging him to read it and to share it with Officers, so they will know the type of person John was. Also that they would know that they should not take their job lightly, and regardless of the problems they face, they are still the Centurians who protect their community.
Watch over them, John, and protect each and every one. Know that you are not forgotten.

Lt Denny Upton, SPD, (Retired)

Lt Denny Upton (Retired)
Springdale Police Dept

December 21, 2013

I never had the pleasure of meeting Officer John Tillman Hussey, however I did get the pleasure of meeting his killer James Ray Renton. I'm one of the FBI Special Agents who arrested the FBI's 10 Most Wanted fugitive James Ray Renton in Aurora, CO on May 9, 1977. My self, along with Agents Don Gunnarson and Reggie Powell arrested Renton when he came to a shop in Aurora, CO where he was working part-time. We had information that Renton was in the Denver area and possibly working at a picture framing shop in Aurora. Don, Reggie, and I located and staked out the shop for several weeks. We were beginning to think Renton had maybe left the area. Don and I were sitting close to the shop. I had the "eye" when I saw a vehicle which I recall was a Ford T-Bird convertible, yellow with a black top park in front of the shop driven by a white male. I called Don and Reggie on the radio to report the arrival. When I saw the w/m exit the T-Bird I knew immediately it was Renton. I relayed the info to Don and Reggie. Don radioed the FBI Denver HQ to request back-up. During that period before an arrest could be made of a Top Ten fugitive it was required that the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) be notified. The Denver SAC Ted Rozack radioed us to maintain the stake out, that he was en route with back-ups. Fearing that Renton might leave before the back-ups arrived Don, Reggie, and I made the decision that we couldn't let this dangerous killer get away. We were armed with our standard issue FBI weapons consisting of two 38 cal pistols, and my M-19 357 magnum. Reggie also had an 870 Remington shotgun. As we neared the shop door we observed Renton sitting at a desk in front of the shop. We decided we would rush in the door and surprise Renton whom we believed was most likely armed. Don went in the door first, followed by me, then Reggie with the shotgun. We took Renton by total surprise. Don went to one side, me the other and Reggie in front of him. Don yelled FBI, freeze, don't move or you're dead. Renton had both hands on the desk. I went behind him and placed cuffs on him. We all looked at each other with a sigh of relief. We had finally caught this police officer killing animal. Renton didn't resist. I think he knew we would not hesitate to use deadly force if he resisted. As I recall a semi-auto pistol was found in his desk drawer. Don and I transported Renton to the US Marshal's Office in Denver. He was returned to Arkansas to stand trail for the heinous crime he had committed. I didn't see Renton again until his trial which Don and I attended. I will never forget the kindness and gratitude Don and I received from Sheriff Herb Marshall, and so many other law enforcement officers, and the community in Washington, Co., ARK. Don and Reggie are retired and still reside in the Denver, CO area. I was transferred to the Miami, FL FBI office in 1982. I retired as a Special Agent in 1996 and reside in the Ft. Lauderdale, FL area. I'm now a Special Investigator with the FBI doing background investigations for the FBI and US Dept. of Justice. I know our arrest of Renton in no way will ever make the death of Officer Hussey any easier for his family, fellow officers, and friends but it was a great satisfaction to us and the FBI to get the murdering monster Renton off the street. Rest In Peace Officer Hussey. I know you must look down from Heaven and feel some satisfaction that James Ray Renton is "burning in hell!" I know I do.

Special Agent (retired) Ken Parkerson
Federal Bureau of Investigation

September 19, 2013

When you remember me, it means that you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on you who are. It means that you can summon me back to your mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us. It means that if we meet again, you will know me. It means that even after I die, you can still see my face and hear my voice and speak to me in your heart. For as long as you remember me, I am never entirely lost.

- Frederick Buechner

Kathy Parker Mastalerz
Retired - Farmington Police Department

February 26, 2013

John... once again it is time for reflection and to remind you and your family that you are remembered. I got to meet a family member who asked about you. She never got to meet you but knows so much about what happened.
I'm still in this Law Enforcement business and I always hope and pray that I never again go through what we went through that terrible night. Keep watching over all those guys and gals at SPD...still a good department.

Lt. Denny Upton, SPD, (Retired)

Lt Denny Upton
Retired SPD Officer

December 21, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th 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 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

@Lt. Upton, your faithfulness in honoring your fallen brother is commendable. I don't think civilians can fully understand what anquish fellow officers go through when a fellow officer and friend is murdered. You are proof that it always stays with you.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember this brave young man for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 21, 2011

I had the priveledge of being in high school with John. He was a dear friend. I filled out an application for patrolman in Fayetteville shortly after John was working at U of A police dept. He gave me a ride home in the snow one afternoon and said he heard about my application. He said: Ron don't do it. I asked why. He said you are too nice, you'll get hurt. Not long after, he was gone. I miss him terribly. Still have his patrolman picture from a newspaper in my drawer. We will meet again soon.

Ron Rader

Ron Rader
High school Friend

October 5, 2011

I never met you or anyone in your family. I'm simply a girl that grew up in Springdale hearing the story... I want your family to know you are remembered. We won't forget, and we won't let our children forget. Hero's are to be honored and remembered. You're considered a hero even to those who didn't know you. God Bless this family.

Wanda Harris Garrison
No relationship

July 22, 2011

It's been 35 years ago. Talking about your last week. Still in the memories of many.

Lt.Denny Upton, SPD, (Retired)
Springdale Police Dept.

December 21, 2010

OFFICER HUSSEY, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU NEVER BE FORGOTTEN FOR YOUR SACRIFICE. REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,SC

December 7, 2010

A time of reflection...a time of rememberance...a time of serious thought...
My son-in-law recently joined the Springdale Police Dept. and I am very proud of him. We talked about what happened that night and what type of impact loosing a fellow officer had on all of us. I told him how I knew you before you joined SPD, how I knew you through classes at the University, and how I knew your wife Toni. I told him you were a good guy and a good officer, the best compliment anyone can receive in this line of work. And I told him that I hoped he stays safe and protected. And though he never met you, I told him to always remember you.

Lt.Denny Upton, SPD, (Retired)
Springdale Police Dept.

December 21, 2009

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Hussey. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

June 8, 2009

Just to let you and your family know that once again, I stopped to remember that night so many years ago, yet it still remains strong in my mind. Some one asked about you the other day and I found myself telling your story. May your family be comforted by knowing that you will always be remembered.

Lt. Denny Upton (retired) Springdale Police

Lt. Denny Upton (Ret)
Springdale Police Dept

December 21, 2008

John and I spent six weeks together in the police academy in 1975.John was a very likeable guy and everyone was his friend.I was on duty when the word came in about John.It was a real shock since it had only been a few months since I had heard from him and he was a real fried of mine.It has been over 30 years and I still remember him well.Lindell Beene Jr

Ex police officer
El Dorado Police Dept,El Dorado,Ar

July 8, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
Manchester, NH

December 21, 2007

It is again that time of year that I remember back to that long night. Just a reminder that you are not forgotten. I shared your story the other day with officers from my new department and told how you are a hero.

Lt. Denny Upton (SPD / Retired)

Lt. Denny Upton (ret)
Springdale Police Dept.

December 21, 2007

rest in peace sir your not forgotten

August 18, 2007

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

August 9, 2007

I was just a kid when John died in the line of duty but still remember it to this day. My father worked on the case in his spare time as he was a fellow officer on the SPD. His case kept my father up at night for several months, he taped tv interviews and every piece of evidence he discovered onto cassette. Up until about 20 yrs ago I listed to that tape several times just to hear my dad's voice as my parents had seperated. I gave the tape back to my father just before he was shot to death, the coroner stated it was a suicide. My dad thought the world of John in the short time they were on the force together. May they both rest in peace. Darla C. Adair

Darla Adair CST
Northwest Medical Center

February 14, 2006

30 years ago, I was a young patrolman with Springdale when I got the phone call in the middle of the night that John was missing. Still, after all this time, it is still as fresh in my mind as it was that night. And each year at this time, I am reminded how precious life is and how quickly things can happen. And as always, I say a special prayer today for John and his family. John's dad, Joe Hussey, was recently lost for a night in the cold weather but was found safe and secure. Perhaps, John was watching over him that cold night, as I am sure John watches over all of us.

Lt. Denny Upton (ret) SPD 12-21-05

Lt. Denny Upton (Ret)
Springdale Police Dept.

December 21, 2005

Mom and dad keep a picture of you in the living room. I think how much I wish I knew you, but you have lived on in my family in a very special way. I was born a year after you passed away. Dad has told me many times how wonderful of a brother you were and grandmother has told me how your gentle spirit touched everyone around. But more than anything, they told me of your love for Jesus and how you served Him in music. One day we will meet in Heaven and I look forward to that day.

Lori Hussey-Brown

December 15, 2005

John and I graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1971. I remember him as shy and very quite but a really nice person. There were several handicapped kids in our class that were sometimes picked on and even knocked down but I remember that it seemed like John was always near and helping them up but not starting anything toward those that acted out like that. He was special. The night of his death I lived on Hwy 16 west and remember a partrol car chasing but never imagined until the next day about his murder, I cried for several hours telling my husband what a great person he was and what hurt so much his death was about 3 miles from my home at the time and for awhile I used to think if I would have known it was him how could I could have helped and that is how this still lives with me. But I know he was a brave person but he did not deserve what happened but I have no doubt that he is looking out for all of us above in heaven and I want to tell his family you all are in my prayers. He just was a really nice guy. After his death I took my yearbook and wrote beside his name of the date of his death. God Bless All Of You, his family the Springdale Police Department. Thank you a friend Brenda.

Brenda (Allbritton) Henslee

October 25, 2005