Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I knew Officer Bananola, and even in a domestic violence situation where the charges were later dropped he was the arresting officer. He was only doing his job, and with alot of domestic violence being a number one reason at times for a fallen officer, it grieves my heart even more about John Bananola. Being a part of a drug-force unit, he was one of the best officers on the force who would try to do whatever he could to help a person with a drug addiction get the help they need. He was a fantastic person to others in general, and well liked in his community. Now, with newer and more deadly drugs out there, it scares me and grieves me for other officers who have a heart like John Bananola, and could possibly end up dead in other ways, by a used needle or otherwise.

Viola Cupps

March 27, 2023

I knew John fairly well. John was working on the Narcotics Strike Force for Pierce County Sheriff's Office. I met John while I was working on the Drug Suppression Team for Army CID at Fort Lewis. John's death was a real shocker and eye opener for me. I literally had a beer with John the week before he was murdered. I have a photo of that evening I last saw John. I also knew all the Deputies who were with John at the Search Warrant when he was murdered. News spread pretty quick after John was murdered and I was very upset for some while, in fact I still am when I reflect on the tragedy of it all. For those who did not know John he was the most honest, friendly stand-up guy I have known. He was always more than eager to help in whatever task was at hand. I worked an illegal Marijuana Grow investigation with John and Gabe Fajardo (Gabe is retired now), Gabe is a top cop and honest and friendly like John. Gabe was my friend, working in the Narcotics Strike Force, when he introduced me to John. John and I had many cups of coffee when he was on patrol.
It was always a highlight of my day to see and have coffee with John. RIP John. We think about you all the time. Your legacy was not forgotten.

Supervisory Special Agent Thomas Barnes
Army Criminal Investigative Division

September 9, 2022

RIP to Deputy Bananola.

Sergeant
Haw River Police Department

June 6, 2022

I was an on duty medic at Madigan Army Medical when this Ofc
came in. Sadly I could see he was already gone on arrival. Never forgot that day and became a police officer myself for almost 20yrs now. RIP!

Ofc. Durivou
Clearwater Police

April 2, 2021

Rest in peace hero.

J.R.

October 17, 2020

I was two years old when this courageous deputy lost his life protecting and serving his community. Now as a 27-year-old woman and with a much deeper understanding and appreciation for law enforcement, I say thank you to Deputy Bananola for his years of service. I will never forget him or his sacrifice. Rest in Peace!

ELIZABETH A. RIVERA

October 16, 2020

25 years since your life was so tragically taken.
Never forgotten, always in my heart.

Bright Eyes

October 16, 2020

25-years goes fast John. I'll never forget you. God Speed Warrior.

Glen Carpenter

October 16, 2020

Deputy Sheriff Bananola,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the USAF. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 16, 2020

My only memories of John are the best. He was my sensei and taught Taekwondo for no money in his own freetime to young kids at the high schools after hours. I wish i could have learned more from hím.

Because I lost that role model at 13, i have become a career criminal with no future and messed up so many times , my life can not be fixed. Hope some of the officers now would stop powertrippin so much and be a role model to some of these kids maybe they would save a few of them from the life ive lived.

Sincerely,

Danny Foster Tabb
Dated; 3-7-2020

C.E.O. TRUTH FACTOR NEWS MEDIA
INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST

March 7, 2020

Miss You Vato! Perp ....Hayes

c/o Robert "Bo" Hayes #661
PCSO

November 29, 2019

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Bananola.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 16, 2019

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

December 2, 2016

I met Bananola as a Pierce County sheriff, and although in a domestic biolence case where I ended up having my head bashed into a bookcase by the complaining party and ended up with a concussion and seeing stars, he had to arrest me and take me into custody.

He and his fellow partner heard me mention in the car while being transported when another gal complained about her situation "How do you think I feel, I get my head bashed into a bookcase and I get arrested." After further inquiry they found out the complaining party was a known drug user, using his grandmother's house as a place to live and do his drug deals, which were reported anonymously to try to protect a very dear sweet old lady.

He had a prior conviction for drunk driving on military property and domestic violence complaints with a restraining order against him not to be around me. He intimidated both his grandmother and me and was finally caught in several drug raids. All charges were later dropped and no ill will was felt for either officer by statements they received by myself and the complaining party.

Bananola was a wonderful caring officer who cared for his community and protecting the public. Due to various incidents of corruption by Pierce County officials this officer was a target to be disposed of by information I was aware of.

Bananola was known to care and often do various things for the public, that many other officers recognized and thought he was a true perspective of a leader in his role as an officer of the law and its integrity.

The whole public who really knew Bananola as the caring, loving father, husband, and officer of Pierce County grieved such a loss at a time when drug dealers, domestic violence, gandg activity, and various other corruptions of the law were at an apex.

WE ALL MOURN THE LOSS OF OFFICERS WHO ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT THE LAW AND SEEK TO PROMOTE TRUE JUSTICE COMPARED TO SO MANY OTHER CORRUPT OFFICIALS IN OUR GOVERNMENT.

Viola Cupps, Pierce County
Knew Bananola as an officer upholding justice

February 17, 2016

After all theses years you are still thought about & missed!! So many great memories. Rest in peace my friend!! ♡♡♡

A friend Mardee Marquard

October 16, 2015

Hey buddy, 19 years and you are still my hero. Rest in Peace and Honor.

Officer Pat Murphy
Brier Police Department

October 16, 2015

It's been 19 years and I remember like it was yesterday. I remember the year we spent on graves together, and the stuff you showed me when I was just a rookie. You were the first of my many friends I've lost doing what we do. I will always remember you John. Rest easy, we've still got your watch.

Sgt. Glen Carpenter
Pierce County Sheriff's Department

October 16, 2014

John, today 04/19/14 I took a drive down to the Satsop river at Shafer State Park with my wife of 7 years to show her where we used to fish so many years ago (20). She was so taken aback with the beauty of the park and the stories of our many fishing expeditions. The weather was not the best but the trip was worth it. I got back home and showed her some pictures. The memories are priceless. I want you to know that I miss you every day and you will and everyday remain my best buddy till I leave this place. Mahalo buddy. Paul McClain and wife Laurene.

Officer
Pierce County Sheriff Retired

April 20, 2014

I met John at Lackland AFB during basic training. We became friends quickly and stayed in touch for many years. John had a great personality and a smile that brightned my day. I still have pictures of us and letters he wrote to me...always with beautiful drawings ..palm trees , an island and the ocean. ...his Hawaii. We lost touch with each other, but I never forgot you my friend.
Love Always,
Peri Marr

Sgt. Peri Marr
USAF

March 3, 2014

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

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

October 16, 2013

The years keep rolling on; you are remembered for your contagious laughter, sweet voice, and the love you had for your kids. So many memories. You will forever be in my heart.

Bright Eyes

October 16, 2013

Miss you brother

Police Officer
friend

October 16, 2013

Birthdays, another special day to remember. Never forgotten. Mr. B, always in my heart.

Bright Eyes

June 7, 2013

I was 20 years old when Deputy Bananola passed away. I'm just a guy, not in law enforcement, but for whatever reason, Deputy Bananola's named has been burned into my mind ever since I saw the news reports that night. The tragedy of Deputy Bananola's death has created in me a special sensitivity whenever I hear of officers losing their lives.

Now as a resident of Los Angeles, and with our city dealing with the aftermath of the Christopher Dorner case, I was reminded of Deputy Bananola.

I am very grateful for the work of the men and women in law enforcement and the sacrifices their families make. Thank you, to all who serve our cities and communities in this capacity.

May Deputy John Bananola rest in peace.

Lorenzo
Just a citizen that watched the news that night

February 18, 2013

If you believe in forever~ then life is just a one night stand
if there's a rock-n-roll heaven~well you know they got a hell of a band
Rest in peace, John.

Glori

October 19, 2012