Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Kennedy,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Delray Beach. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

August 10, 2024

I came to this page because of my friend Lt. Gary Ferreri, who left a beautiful reflection that deeply moved me.
I have attended several ceremonies honoring the memory of Officer Kennedy and was always touched by the numerous stories of his kindness. I have deep respect for police officers and the sacrifices they and their families make. May God Bless the family of Officer Kennedy.

Former Mayor of Delray Beach

January 27, 2023

Officer Kennedy (Danny) and I grew up together...graduated from high school together...shared a Grandmother (Alice Kennedy)...shared a family history of law enforcement officers (Dan's half brother, my Grandfather)...lost touch years ago but he has never been forgotten.

Sharon Wright Winter
Relative

September 8, 2020

God bless you

Nick mottola
None

August 10, 2020

Rest in peace knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 10, 2020

Rest easy Officer Kennedy. God bless you and your family.

Lt. Vai Lealaitafea
Park City PD-Utah

August 11, 2019

I worked with John D, and I still tell stories of his courage.
John covered my shift so I could extend my honeymoon.
I was going to repay the favor when I was told that I couldn't.
When I asked why, I was told , "don't ask". That night John was
ambushed, and this world lost one of the kindest human beings that I've ever met, or ever existed.
John is forever in my prayers

Ron Donlick
Former Delray Beach Police Officer

May 16, 2018

Rest in peace Officer Kennedy. Your courage will not be forgotten.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 10, 2017

I would like to thank all the officers in law-enforcement and also like to thank all the people that come to these pages and to remember that we only have today so let those around you know that you love them today as tomorrow maybe too late I miss my father but I am grateful for all the support and love from all those around me

Son of fallen officer John Kennedy
Survivors

December 15, 2016

Officer Kennedy,

Today is a day of great sadness; Yesterday afternoon two NYPD Officers were murdered in cold blood, 3AM this morning a Tarpon Springs Police Officer was also murdered. I woke up and felt that I needed to visit you on this page.

Although I never met you and probably would've never met you as you would have been retired after I started my career at the DBPD in 2007, I feel like I have known you forever. I am honored to say that your son John has accepted me into your family as if I was his own son for the simple fact that WE share the same profession. I met your son, daughter in-law and grandchildren many years ago responding to a burglary that occurred across the street from your old home. Since, we have become best of friends. I have gone on vacation with your family, even been pranked by your grandchildren multiple times (the best was when they put flour and glitter in the A/C vents in my car, "priceless"). Last year, I had the most amazing honor and privilege of escorting your family to Washington DC’s National Police Memorial and hope to go again this coming year. This week I will be having Christmas dinner with your family and couldn't be more happy.

Your spirit lives on at the Delray Beach Police Department and you will never be forgotten.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Gary #984

Officer Gary Ferreri
Delray Beach Police Department

December 21, 2014

Dear Kennedy Family,
My uncle worked for the Delray Beach Police Department from the 1950's to the 1970s; he has just passed away recently,
Although he never spoke about his job, I did ask him, during a visit with my Mom (his sister) what was the case that he helped solved that meant most to him during his career.
His answer was, the murder of John Kennedy. I would just like you to know this. God Bless you all.

Gayle Hickox-Pard, niece of Donald Michael
Edmonton,Alberta Cabada

Gayle Pard
Niece of the late Donald Michael

September 22, 2014

I grew up in the same neighborhood as the Kennedy's. I played with the Kennedy children. I remember the day this happened. We were all so devastated. I have never forgotten about him and his family.

Patty Livaccari Kearney
Neighbor

May 10, 2014

I still think of John and you and your children. I pray that you all have done well.

Linda B. Hobbs
Gene Billings Daughter lived across the Street

April 13, 2014

Officer Kennedy,
I'm so thankful to you and your family for the son that you created. I never had the pleasure to meet you but your son is one of the most amazing people I will ever meet. I thank you for your service and God Bess!!!

Marc Brammeier

February 14, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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 pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your friends for sharing their devotion and respect for you through their reflections.

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

February 4, 2013

We will never forget the sacrifice that you and your family made for all of us. Continue to rest in peace Officer Kennedy.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

August 10, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Kennedy. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

Even though i never got to meet you grandpa, i can still feel your protection guarding me. I have heard of your bravery from many people, and no matter what happens, you will be in my heart forever and always. I love you and miss you dearly grandpa, you are a TRUE hero.

Madison Kennedy
i am his grandaughter

December 27, 2011

I love you grandpa.

Madison Kennedy
i am his grandaughter

December 27, 2011

My prayers are with the children of this hero, his wife and friends that were left behind to pick up the pieces and move forward after such a tragedy. May God be with them all.. Officer Kennedy, you sir are a hero who we will never forget, may you continue to rest in peace sir.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Deb

August 10, 2011

I want you to know you are missed dearly and loved very much by many. John honors your name every day and your grandchildren are very much aware of what an honorable man you once were. You will never be forgotten by your loved one's.

John & Jennifer Kennedy & your grandchil
Father and Grandfather

May 16, 2011

Rest in peace brother. May God Bless you and your family through this tragedy. There is a place in heaven for hero's and we all know a special spot is reserved for you. God Bless.

SGT Michael Paciorek
Hampshire County Deputy Sheriff

February 17, 2011

Thank you for your service and dedication to the agency, and thank you for allowing me to be the Chief of your great department. You and your family are always in our thoughts and prayers. Tony, Cathy and Jessie Strianese. 5/1/09

Tony Strianese
DBPD

May 1, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Kennedy.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 17, 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

October 2, 2007