Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Reserve Deputy John R. "Sonny" Litch, Jr. of the Mahoning County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 71 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

October 22, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Reserve Deputy John R. "Sonny" Litch, Jr. of the Mahoning County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 72 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

October 22, 2022

Rest in peace Reserve Deputy Litch.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 30, 2022

Reserve Deputy Litch,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Mahoning County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 22, 2021

Sonny , you were a friend to many. I remember most your smile. We served together for a season and I left for the military. This morning I remembered the day I received the call from my Dad about the incident. Rest In Peace. Gone but not forgotten.

Dennis James
Former Deputy, MCSO

June 2, 2020

Sonny , Rest assured your memory lives strong in the church that you so loved and served ; Sts Peter and Paul Croatian Catholic Church in Younstown Ohio . Your children have grown to become successful and respected members of the community that you served. Your wife Darlene still grieves. She diligently keeps your memory alive . You are not forgotten . May St Michael the Archangel guide you to the light of the Lord . May your soul rest in eternal pease.

Senior Federal Air Marshal Ken Kovalchik
DHS. FAMS

October 22, 2019

Sonny, Rest assured your name lives on in your church that you so dearly loved ; Sts Peter and Paul Croatian Catholic Church in Younstown Ohio . Your children have grown to become respected members of the community that you served . Your wife ; Darlene still grieves but keeps your memory alive . Thank you for your sevice.. Your sacrifice has not been in vain . May your soul rest in eternal peace . May St Michal the Archangel guide you to the light of the Lord .

Senior Federal Air Marshal Ken Kovalchik
DHS. FAMS

October 22, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Reserve Deputy John R. Litch, Jr. of the Mahoning County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 68 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

October 22, 2019

The offender is out of prison and has been out for the past 8 years - needs an update

Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous
Anonymous

March 21, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Reserve Deputy John R. Litch, Jr. of the Mahoning County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 61 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

October 22, 2018

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Reserve DeputyJohn R. Litch, Jr. Mahoning County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 60 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

End of Watch: Thursday, October 22, 1981

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

October 22, 2017

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department

October 22, 2012

Deputy Litch,
On today, the 31st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Mahoning County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.


R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

October 22, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the thirtieth 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.

Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace. I pray for solace for your family.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater. Pittsburg Police Dept., eow 4/24

October 22, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th 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.

Your sacrifice was made so many years ago. Evil was, is, and will be a part of life just as goodness such as yours will also be present.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater. Pittsburg Police Dept., eow 4/24

October 22, 2011

"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 3, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

This writer is disappointed that the death penalty was overturned.

VanDenBerghe
NH

October 19, 2007

Sonny, I will again, this year, have the honor of riding for you in the 2007 Police Unity Tour this May. I will wear your bracelet Proudly. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace my Brother.

Deputy D.J.Moss
Mahoning County S.O.

February 16, 2007

And when he gets to Heaven
to Saint Peter he will tell.
"one more cop reporting sir
I served my time in hell"

Deputy
Trumbull county S.O.

June 14, 2004

A hero dead....but never forgotten. Rest easy, brother as we will continue for you.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)