Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Please watch this short documentary to learn about my brother Patrolman John Norcross and my partner, Inv. Jack McLaughlin and how they valiantly gave it their all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_2G2rzO9N8

Richard Norcross
Retired Police Offier & Survivor
Ptlm. John Norcross (Brother) Haddon Heights (NJ) PD EOW 4/20/1995

June 24, 2024

John you were the best dispatcher I ever had. I knew you would make an excellent police officer but as it turned out that was taken away from you. John you will NEVER be forgotten as a police officer or as a man. Love you Ret/Sgt. Tim Daly

Ret/Sgt. Tim Daly
Haddon Heights Police Department

April 19, 2023

John, thank you for your service 1822 gone but not for gotten

philip isenberg

September 29, 2022

John, not a day goes by that I don’t think of the day you gave your life up for others. Every time I see an officer I think of you brother. I will always go to the side of an officer who needs help because of your sacrifice you made.
Tony

Tony
Friend

May 29, 2022

John,

I view this memorial page every year. I attempt to put into words how much your sacrifice has meant to others, and how proud we all are of you. Each year, I try to write something to express how much I miss you. Each moment I think too long about this day, and it takes my breath away. I know you are watching over all of us. I know you are proud of Richard as he was always your hero. You both are my heroes. I will always be forever thankful for you, big brother. You taught me so many things that I will always hold dear to my heart. I will continue to remind my kids how much you loved sports, cared with your whole heart, and always put others first. I will always pray that no family endures this tremendous pain and loss. I love you so much and miss you always.

Thanks for giving Richard the strength and courage to continue working with the law enforcement community to keep your memory alive.

Your loving sister,

Heather

Heather

April 20, 2022

I was taking a report at Cooper Hospital of a juvenile struck with a baseball bat when the the ambulance carrying John Norcross arrived. Being the only officer at the scene I had to take off his Garrison belt while he was in the trauma unit being helped by the team of doctors. A few minutes later his brother, Richard, was brought in from the back of a Mt. Ephraim police vehicle. This day haunts me every year. I will never forget the sacrifice these men, along with Investigator John McLaughlin made on this day.

Miguel “Mike” Torres
Camden City Police Department

April 20, 2022

Unfortunately I remember this incident well. Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

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

April 20, 2021

Patrolman Norcross,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Haddon a Heights. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 20, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Norcross.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 27, 2020

John

I cannot believe it has been 26 years since that fateful day. Despite all of the years, it still seems so fresh and I think of you many, many times a day. Your courage and dedication have inspired me to try and do great things in you and Jack's honor. Your sacrifice cannot have been made in vain. I hope I am making you proud because I am so proud of you.

Your loving brother,

Rich

Rich Norcross, Commander (Ret.)
CCPO/HHPD

April 19, 2019

Your sacrifice if not forgotten.

Sgt Dennis D'Alessio (ret)
Westchester County Police NY

April 20, 2013

"No words can possibly speak loudly enough -- profoundly enough -- when measured against the brave sacrifice laid down for us all?'' Thank you. And you will not be forgotten.

Ret. Chief Edward C. Dobleman
Mount Ephraim Police

April 20, 2012

I worked at the bank where you were stationed on Saturdays...You were my friend and I was heartbroken when you were taken....I think of you often and hope your family has found some measure of peace

daughter of a detective

September 13, 2011

You died protecting my family and me. You made sure we got out of our house safely. None of us have ever forgotten. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Grateful

March 2, 2011

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 20, 2010

John,
Rich spoke yesterday at COPS Training about that horrible day. Thank you for your service and watch over us down here. Know that you are missed and loved by so many and that Rich is helping so many officers and at the same time honoring you and Jack's memory. I was at your funeral as a young boy with my Mom, that memory has stuck with me. I maintain the memory of the fallen and make sure the boots know from where they have come. Rest in peace, may God hold you in his hand.

Bill Walsh

PO Bill Walsh
Voorhees Police NJ

April 9, 2010

May peace be with you and your family Officer John Norcross. And may the evil person who did this someday soon hear the good Lord say, "go to hell"

R. Emary
Chandler, Az PD

March 8, 2010

John,

I never got the opportunity to meet you, but I did meet your brother Rich. I took the Warrior Mind Set class that Rich taught about the incident. I now teach the Warrior Mind Set, Surviving Violent Encounters at my agency. I show the picture of you and Rich at the beginning of every class. I can’t help getting a chuckle out of Rich’s stripped shirt, it is so 80’s.

CPL. Jimmy Smithers
Havre de Grace PD, Maryland

February 1, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 14th 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.

I am sure you are very proud of your brother and the impact he has on others who attend his seminar talks.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 21, 2009

I was about to turn seven when Officer Norcross was killed. I remember waking up that day and being told of the events unfolding. I can't quite recall exactly when I found out about his death, but I do remember crying hysterically about it in the parking lot of my aunt's building.

John Norcross was my school's version of a D.A.R.E. officer. It may sound corny, but he was called "Officer Friendly"... I think. He must have been great with kids, because like all of my classmates, I loved him.

Anonymous

December 11, 2008

I had the honor of taking a class taught by your brother. He makes sure that your death is not forgotten. Rest in Peace.

Det. Tina Clouse
Hackensack Police Dept.

August 5, 2008

My thoughts are of you, your partner and all of the loved ones who have suffered this terrible loss. People just don't understand the suffering of those left behind, if they did, the individual that caused all this pain would have been put to death. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those on patrol. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

April 20, 2008

REST IN PEACE IN MY BROTHER YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

Kevin T Ryan
Ex Bulington County NJ Cop And Correction Sergeant.

April 20, 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 12, 2007

I remember this incident quite well when it aired on the news. May you guys always rest in peace and watch over your law enforcement brethren from above.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

April 20, 2007