Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jim, I only found out you were gone 18 months ago. The shock of your death is indescribable. Now, on this, your 30th anniversary, I want you to know what a wonderful friend you were. Hawaii times were the BEST! Your Mom and Dad were always so kind and supportive too, especially where the Navy was concerned. All of you were my role models; an inspiration to serve my country. SK2, I salute your service to our country and to your community as a Law Enforcement Officer. I know it was your dream. Rest in Peace, dear friend.

CDR Melody Paulsen
USN (RET)

June 17, 2020

Rest in peace Officer McKnight.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 14, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson
Upland Police Dept. CA

June 16, 2018

Although I was only a Cadet & CSO at the time, working with you was always a pleasure. Not much time goes by that I don't think of you. R.I.P.

D. CREGG
Formerly W.S.P.D. Cadet/CSO

October 2, 2015

25 years ago now. I remember the calls, the chases, the arrests....dang, we did a lot of that together back then.

Never a day goes by that I don't think about all those years ago.

Sgt. (Retired) C.G. Torres
Friend and old Partner

June 17, 2015

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

June 16, 2015

For so many years, I've looked and searched for answers to try to help me comprehend. Driven by Quincy Street, gone to your grave, talked to other Officers. There will never be an answer. A part of my heart got buried in your grave that will remain there forever. You were such a wonderful, decent good human being. To die at the hands of something that wasn't. Your voice has come to me in times when I was scared, when I knew things were going to turn to crap. I thank you for that. Always looking out for those you loved. Especially since I knew how much you disapproved of me getting in to law enforcement. It's sad how everyone seemed to scatter, left with their own personal grief after you died, not able to talk or share the feelings with others. The same nightmares I had for 20 years that you were alive, but you wouldn't see me. The terrible rejection I felt. Why would you not see me again? Symbolic, I suppose that you were gone forever and I could never see you again. Those night mares finally changed a few years back. You finally saw me in my dreams. I guess I've finally accepted and let go of your physical being. Now, I'm left with memories that I cherish and will take to my grave. Never to share with anyone. I still have my "Jim box" with your flag, your cool shades, your toothbrush, the cards and letters and newspaper articles. Once in a while me and my friend Coors Light get that box out and cry together. It is a pain too deep to share with anyone else. Your sacrifice helped me to understand my career and has helped me to stay safe, Jim. I'm retired now and got through it ok. I guess I only wish I could have gotten a hit in for you. My only regret.

Malinda Click Retired Level 1 Reserve/CO
Kern County SO/CDC

March 31, 2014

According to the weekly newsletter of the Rotary Club of West Sacramento, dated June 29, 1990, the hat was passed to contribute funds to the James McKnight Memorial Fund created to help his son, Kevin, who as 10 years old at the time. The newsletter reported that Jim's final request was that his son be taken care of. The club raised $6,000 at that meeting when every person in attendance donated $100.

Tim Carnahan
West Sac Rotary Club historian

April 12, 2013

Jim was around seven years older than me. He was around my brother Chris Griffin's age. I knew Jim from Salinas, Ca. His dad Pete was the pastor of the church I went to as a child (Northminster). His mother Ruth McKnight was my Sunday School teacher. I was only in first grade when I had Mrs. McKnight as a teacher,but she was one of my great mentors of my life. I know Jim had one son and I wonder what happened to him. He comes from a great family with a father that dearly loved him and grandparents that were one in a million. God bless all who read this.

Noelle Griffin
Friend

February 16, 2013

Jim and I went to law school together. We sat next to each other in several classes. He was notorious for highlighting the heck out of his books (including the one I loaned him!) and always made those around him laugh - especially when he would tell stories about chasing down bad guys.

Jim, I've been a prosecutor now for over 20 years and I've got a few good stories to share with you when we meet again on the other side. Until then, my friend.

Andrea Crisanti Freshwater
San Diego County District Attorney's Office

June 8, 2012

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

Officer 11169

January 23, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 20th anniversary year 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 remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I hope to meet your daughter and other family members at a NORCAL COPS function one day.
Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer

August 8, 2010

I didn't really know Jim well. We graduated high school together in Salinas, CA, then went different directions, finally both ending up in law enforcement. I do remember Jim as a friendly person and he was well liked.

Having married into the family of a fallen officer myself, I know the pain that the family goes through, and how they miss the loved one who was taken from them too early. It is a pain that never goes away, but there is some solace in the fact that their officer gave his life protecting others, and doing a sometimes thankless job. Just know that all of us in and out of law enforcement share the pain of your loss, and our prayers are with you.

Jim is not forgotten, and we thank you for your sacrifice. God Bless you and all of those still protecting us.

Deputy US Marshal Walter Setzer (RET)
US Marshals Service

April 19, 2010

On the 19th anniversary of Officer McKnight's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Officer McKnight is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

June 16, 2009

I always love seeing one within the profession who goes on to practice law. Judging from what learned regarding Your character and professionalism, I suspect that had You had the chance to fulfill Your dream of passing the bar exam, You would have been as good an attorney as You were a police officer.

May You Rest - In - Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

June 16, 2008

Daddy, it will be 18 years on the 16th of this month. i can't tell you how much I wish you were here. I miss you so very much and wish everyday my kids could of had the chance to met there Papa. They love you and talk as if they did. They are so wonderful! My oldest just turn 15 yesterday. I really Can't beleive it. Know matter haw many years have Daddy it stills feels as if it were yesterday. I think that it will always. You will forever be honnored as though it was always. I am so proud to say i'm your Daughter. You are a Hero in the highest of Honnors. Love Always and Forever Heidi

Heidi T. McKnight
Daughter

June 3, 2008

Jim and I were in the academy together in 1980. We became friends and would eat breakfast together. Jim was a great comedian he made us all laugh with his jokes. Jim was the kind of person you never forget.

Sgt. William Gnagy
Sacramento State Police

January 2, 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

September 20, 2007

We worked together, fought together, laughed together. Watched "The Three Amigos" and "Blazing Saddles" together. I was looking at a photo of you and I after we chased down an HS suspect. Our uniforms took a bit of a beating that day. Remember? I do - and I will never forget. It has been a long, long time since we talked - I remember the last time, that morning, all those years ago. I wasn't there. I still find it hard to think about everything. I can't recall a day going by when I don't think about you. See you later buddy.

CG TORRES
SGT. (Retired)

December 9, 2006

James after all of these years you are still remembered as a hero! God bless you sir.

Ofcr. Dan Winger
LBCCPD, Ret.

January 27, 2005