Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I wish I had a chance to get to know you, but I was way too young when you passed. I think about what life would be like if I had my Father to grow up with. I am very proud of having a father that served as and officer of LAPD.

Patricia Calderon
Daughter

July 10, 2023

Officer Lawler,
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 Los Angeles. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 9, 2023

Uncle Jack you were the best. So glad I was able to spend time in CA with you!!

Mary Beth (Wersell) Zakfeld
Niece

July 9, 2021

John was one of my baby sitters after I graduated for motor school in 72. Easy going and understanding. I was still working there when he died. I think about him with great appreciation from time to time. My thoughts go with his family.

Larry Garfinkel P2+2 back then
LAPD

July 9, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered. Rest in peace always.

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

July 9, 2020

Rest in peace Policeman Lawlor.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 23, 2020

Remembering the incredibly cool and kind uncle in law that took me on a boat ride, camping in the desert, on my first motorcycle ride. I think maybe he, Aunt Sharon, and Char instilled in me a life long sense of dedication to public service. It’s interesting how the kindness shown to a kid can last a lifetime. There are some people who you’ll always remember with fondness. I feel like maybe there’s a smoking section & motorcycle club in the afterlife.

Micki Self-Loveland
Former Step Niece in Law

July 11, 2019

Remembering the incredibly cool and kind uncle in law that took me on a boat ride, camping in the desert, on my first motorcycle ride. I think maybe he, Aunt Sharon, and Char instilled in me a life long sense of dedication to public service. It’s interesting how the kindness shown to a kid can last a lifetime. There are some people who you’ll always remember with fondness. I feel like maybe there’s a smoking section & motorcycle club in the afterlife.

Micki Self-Loveland
Former Step Niece in Law

July 11, 2019

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

July 10, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 45th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

July 9, 2018

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 15, 2015

John & I were classmates at motor school. We worked the freeways together on various assignments for several years. He was a good working partner. I always enjoyed his company off duty as well. My wife liked John very much. I knew he often went by the name 'Jack,' but I always spoke to him as John.

Officer Roi W. Brown #7784
LAPD

May 13, 2012

I knew Policeman/Motor Officer John Lawler as 'Jack'. Only learned his actual name was John, at his funeral. I met Jack in the late 60's, we were both in the same motorcycle club, the 'Valley Sport Riders' sponsored by Andy Kolbe (he's with Jack now) of Kolbe Honda in Reseda. Jack would always say, "JJ, you'd love being a Policeman". Well in 1971 I joined the LAPD, unknown to Jack, and on my graduation day, at the LAPD Academy there was Jack, in his motor uniform, standing just below the Academy Arch which crosses over the road going into the academy. He was smoking, we all did in those days, and waiting to ride in on his motor carrying the colors-the Dept had the LAPD Motorcycle Drill Team Colors at all graduations, in those days. Naturally I was in uniform, I walked up to him, nudged him, and asked for a light. He immediately got his lighter out, lighted it, and then realized who I was and stated, "what the heck are you doing up here?" I answered, "it's my graduation!" He was shocked but so was I, we remained good friends and brother Policeman. Jack, hope I did you proud, when I was on the Motor Drill Team!

MotorOfficer/PoliceMAN John "JJ" Leonard
LAPD-VTD

March 6, 2012

Rest in Peace, Policeman Lawler. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 14, 2012

Miss you uncle Jack, say hi to mom, dad, mum mum and pumpa.

Tom Wersell, Director of Investigations
nephew of John

October 28, 2011

Policeman Lawler - I worked alongside your widow, many years in both employee and family support work at LAPD. She labored to make sure that "No one was left behind." Thanks for your service to the people of Los Angeles.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

April 15, 2010

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 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.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

July 9, 2009

Always wear your Motorwings with pride. Please continue to watch over us. May God be with you and your family.

-Motor brothers forever-

Master Police Officer Justin Fleming
High Point Police Dept NC- Motor Unit

June 3, 2009

Thank you for your service to the City of Los Angeles and it's citizens! Rest in peace!

Michael Bondi
Former LAPD

June 22, 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 1, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

February 12, 2007

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer D.Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

July 9, 2006

you are not forgotten officer.rest in peace.
semper fi

Anonymous