Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Knaff,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Akron. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

November 5, 2024

George,

Every year on Nov. 5, I play Taps at your grave. Thanks for your service. Miss singing with you.

Peace, Scott T. Hartman

Scott T. Hartman, Senior Lecturer
Wayne College - Univ of Akron

November 6, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman George R. Knaff of the Akron Police Department, Ohio and the additional 97 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

November 5, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman George R. Knaff of the Akron Police Department, Ohio and the additional 90 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

November 5, 2021

George
I played Taps on your grave November 5th 2020. Still miss talking with you.
Peace, Scott T Hartman, Seville Ohio and former coworker

Scott T. Hartman

November 5, 2020

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorney Generals Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman George R. Knaff of the Akron Police Department, Ohio and the additional 85 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

November 5, 2020

Just working on some veteran's claims and heard a song that George and I used to sing when we would make a 2 on a shift (Trick 4 APD), "STAY IN MY CORNER" by The Dells. Man, his falsetto was pitch perfect! We would laugh about the days when we played basketball and shooting around when we were at Central-Hower. He was the one that secured my ticket so I could take a '96' from Camp Lejeune to travel to see my High Flying Eagles win the State Basketball Championship. One of a kind...a friend who was caring, fun and loyal. Hard to believe that is has been this long. Oh, and the Teddy Bears...the children in Akron lost a gem when George Transitioned. Forever a friend. Missing my vocal duet partner and fellow comrade.

Dr.Tweila-Rochelle Cauthen
Commander American Legion Post 2 Washington, DC/former APD officer

September 13, 2020

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman George R. Knaff of the Akron Police Department, Ohio and the additional 85 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

November 5, 2018

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman George R. Knaff Akron Police Department, Ohio and the additional 83 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

November 5, 2017

I am deeply saddened that I didn't really get to know you Uncle. I see your reflection in Cassie. You were a great friend to all who knew you.

Patrolman A. Perine
Beverly P.D

July 14, 2014

George,
Miss playing basketball with you and singing 60's soul music. Peace,

Scott T. Hartman, Sr. Lect.
Wayne College - U of A (and father of a peace officer)

November 25, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

January 28, 2013

George was such a sweetheart with an incredible singing voice! We worked together at Southern Ohio College NE before he joined APD. I was heartbroken when I saw the news story on TV about the crash that killed him Rest In Peace dear George, I was honored to have known you!

Nancy Price
Southern Ohio College NE co-worker

December 17, 2011

I worked with the Akron Police Department from 1984-1990. I transferred to the Atlanta Police Department in 1990.

Actually George lived across the street from me, while growing up. Sadly, I was not able to see George in full uniform.

I just read that the same guy that took his life, just got charged with another DUI.

RIP George.

Michelle Hightower-Gray
retired | previously with APD

August 15, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 16th 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.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 5, 2010

Thank-you for all you were and all you did. Rest in Peace.

Lt. Stephen A. Joy #980
Prince George's County Police Department

October 13, 2010

I was so sorry to read today that the man responsible for your death has been arrested again, for the 2nd time since his release from prison for charges related to your death, for DUI. You would think that causing someone else's death would've had an effect on him, but apparently it has not. But one thing that is obvious is that your life (and death) has made an impact on many people's lives. That your little girl cherishes the few memories she has of you is a true testament to how much she loves you. God Bless You.

A 911 Dipatcher
Houston County 911

December 18, 2009

RIP.You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

October 18, 2008

Dear George:

I will never forget the time you played the recording of your singing and I thought it was Billy Ocean. You were so thoughtful and helpful at Southern Ohio College. I also will never forget your asking back then whether I thought you had anything to offer APD. I told you I thought you had more to offer them than the dangers of the job had to offer you. I am so sorry to have been right about that to the extent that you died in the line of duty. I take comfort in knowing that you died doing something that you really wanted to do. You made everyone so proud to know you!

I am sure that your sweet spirit lives on in your daughter. I look forward to seeing you in the Heavenly choir, yours is such a beautiful voice!

Maranatha!

Nancy

Nancy Scarberry
former co-worker

May 14, 2008

Dear Daddy,

I don't even know what to say. I miss you and love you so much. I still think about you all the time and wonder what life would be like if we could have been together. The few memories that I do have of you, like you picking me up from elementary school, will always remain in my head. Just looking at your picture which I have not seen in a while makes me see just how much that I look like you. As broken hearted that I am that you had to been taken out of this world I know that you are still in your heart and that everything I do today I am able to do because of you. I love you and I can't wait to see you some day.

Your daughter,
Cassandra

Cassandra Knaff
Daughter

April 25, 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 31, 2007

Officer Knaff,
I remember that day,November 5,1994, when you gave your life protecting the citizens of Akron. That was over 13 years ago. I pray that your family will find some comfort in knowing that you are a true hero. You will always be remembered.

Ohio
summit co

December 27, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

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

November 1, 2007

God bless you, Sir. Peace be with your family always.

HPD Wife
Houston Police Dept

March 24, 2007

Fallen but NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's

October 27, 2006