Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Friel,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Air Force. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

December 4, 2024

Your service and sacrifice are remembered today on this 30 year anniversary of your untimely death.
You will always be remembered.
Rest in peace Officer Friel.

Elizabeth
Widow of Deputy Michael Haugen.
Riverside County Sheriffs Department

December 4, 2024

Rest in peace Officer Friel.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 18, 2022

Joe was my goaltender on my hockey team while in high school. Him and his brother Bobby were great guys. Rest easy Joe!

Jean Bernek
Friend

March 5, 2022

I came upon your headstone in North Cedar Hill cemetery on my daily walk. Rest in eternal peace and thank you for your service.

Raymond Greway
Neighbor

December 11, 2020

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

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

December 4, 2020

I was not working that shift. But several of my close friends were. It was unbelievable it first, then it started to sink in. It was horrible.
Rest in peace Chuck.

P/O Jim McGurn
Philadelphia police 5th district 5 squad.

November 30, 2019

I was not working that shift, but several of my close friends were. It was unreal at first, and then you just feel helpless.
Rest in peace Chuck.

P/O McGurn
Philadelphia police 5Sq.

November 30, 2019

I think of you often and amazed at how much of an impact you made to my life in the short time we were friends! I can’t believe this week it will be 25 yrs since that awful night! Continue to watch over all of us!

Police Officer Kristina Pluck- Yeiter
Police officer

November 30, 2019

I had the honor of laying a wreath at your graveside during the past Christmas holiday. Actually my son laid it. My whole family accompanied me to remind you that you'll never be forgotten.

P/O Joe Leighthardt
Philadelphia Police Dept.

March 19, 2016

A Hero now in Heaven, Always remembered and Never forgotten.

Kim Weigand Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand
PA C.O.P.S.

December 4, 2014

Today marks the twentieth anniversary of your passing which I recall like it was yesterday. Your dedication and service to the Philadelphia Police Department and its citizens has not been forgotten. You are a true hero who will always be remembered fondly. I know you continue that dedication as you watch over all your brother and sister officers in blue. Thank you Joe for being an example for all to follow.

John McGlynn

December 4, 2014

Your heroism and service is honored today, the fifteenth 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 4, 2009

Reading the postings I've realized that I'm not the only one that still thinks about you everyday. I wish you were here to help me through a lot that i have questions about.

Love You and Miss you,

- Joey

Joe Friel
Son

June 22, 2009

Joey,
This is no special anniversary, just another day. However, I think of you everyday. You will never be forgotten by me, your family and friends.
There are many memories that I cherish of our days running in the neighborhood with all of our friends . . . hanging in the Tot Lot, playing ball - football, bball, stick ball, listening to the older guys and teaching the younger guys.
Now that I am older and raising my children, I think back to the way we were raised and make sure that my children live, respect and have fun the way that we did. My children know about you (because now they are old enough to know that Daddy lost a dear friend to early . . . a brother). They ask about you from time to time and I always tell them a funny story of some of the things that we did.
You will always be loved by me and my family.
Rest now, because when we meet again - there will be no time to rest.

Love you,
Jerry

Jerry Becker
Friend

May 2, 2009

in the wake of the pittsburgh shooting i was thinking of my friend joe who i had talked to a short time before he was killed he will always be a hero to me and every time i pass st annes and see his murual he makes me proud i knew him god bless

chief dan kessner
pa security services

April 5, 2009

"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

January 24, 2008

We will always remember you and may you always rest in peace.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

December 4, 2007

Thank you for your service and you will not be forgotten.

Craig Figgins
Brother - SGT Dan Figgins St Charles, IL EOW 4/9/05

December 4, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

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

December 3, 2007

Uncle Joe

You are always in my dreams and i will never forget you

I love you very much

Nicholas Harris
Uncle

November 30, 2007

Officer Friel, you are not forgotten. Your in my daily prayers along with all our Fallen Officers. Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice you made in protecting the people of Philly. God Bless you as you sleep in God's Love and peace.
Respectfully,
Kathi Halligan Phila PA wife and mom of LEO's

Kathi Halligan
Phila., PA.

December 4, 2006

God Bless! I knew Joeseph in the Air Force.

Mark A. Jones
US Air Force

June 15, 2006

Joe,you will never be forgotten! You were a good friend and an excelent human being.

P/O Malveiro
PPD

March 15, 2006

God bless you, Officer Friel, for your noble service. You are a hero and will always be remembered. Rest in heavenly peace.

Karl Gwynne

November 15, 2004