Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Aloha braddah John,

I posted a pic of you on Facebook -- the one of you with your arms crossed and leaning on your patrol car with that big local boy grin -- and everyone loved it, even those who weren't around on that tragic day 17 years ago.

All these years later, we haven't forgotten you and we never will. You were taken from us too soon, John. Your time with us was short but what a difference you made while you were here. Miss you like crazy, and trust me, so does everyone else who had the fortune of knowing you.

Rest easy and keep watch over everyone.

Durand Dace

October 17, 2012

"I Remember" We always will.
We placed a spray of flowers under your picture at work today. Bill Ruder had me place a Bananola Bear with it. We miss you and always will.

Master Corrections Deputy John King
Pierce County Sheriff's Department

October 16, 2012

Hey John. I can't believe it's been 17 years. Even after all this time, it still seems so unreal. On this day in particular, the memories of that horrible phone call that changed so many lives, come flooding back. So much has happened in the last 17 years, but one thing hasn't changed...we all still miss you every day. I just wanted you to know that. Say "Hi" to Mom for us. I love you John. 'Till we meet again.

Ang

Angela Wright

October 16, 2012

I found an old pic of us from the liquor sting days. So many old memories... The Pink Floyd laser show and the walk on the waterfront; softball games. Your smile and laugh were so infectious. I'll never forget the day I heard the news. All day long news of a Pierce County officer gunned down but no name was revealed. I feared it was you and when it was confirmed my heart broke for the world's loss of you and for your family.

Rest in peace, dear friend. You were an amazing man.

Shannon Lord
Old friend

October 9, 2012

My dearest brother - I love and miss you so much.....

Jo Ann Bananola Nagatori
Sister

July 26, 2012

I was real good friends with your daughter brooke at Stadium High and I will always remember that day and remember seeing brooke and not knowing what I could do for my friend my childhood up bring was ruff and my parents had many many run ins with police and I remember you at our house a few times and you always was nice and not ever like the others and you changed how I felt about police you made me not scaired anymore my parents ya were criminals but you treated them like they were people my dad once a drug dealer/gang member and through out all these years when we be sittin down talkin about back in the days my dad will still be and say or talk about how you was so cool always to him and treated him like a man not just another Black criminal

natasha williams
your daughters high school buddy

June 17, 2012

Today I celebrate you! Happy Birthday, Mr. B! Always in my heart and never forgotten.

Bright Eyes

June 8, 2012

Mr. B,
Another birthday, another year since you were so tragically taken, another Christmas & New Year's Eve - and another Public Servant killed. Always in my prayers, thoughts and in my heart.

Bright Eyes

January 4, 2012

John:

It has been a long time, but you are not forgotten. I still remember Sgt. Detrick calling to tell me the unfortunate news of your passing. I remember your smile and good nature during our academy days together.

Over the last 16 years, I have thought of you often, especially before serving a narcotics search warrant and when conducting training for those warrants.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Tom

Sgt. Tom Ovens
SPD, classmate

December 12, 2011

John, you still live in my thoughts and dreams. It's hard to believe that it's been 16 yrs. My daughter spoke to me just tonight about you. She was your daughters age when you were stolen from us. They say
that time heals all wounds, but I'm not sure about that.

Kent is now also with you and Lord knows how much I miss you both. Thank God that he was able to save Nick, before he too was killed. God, how I miss you guys! My time is now up, after 30 yrs. Bought a log home in Montana. The place is always open to you in my thoughts/honor and my dreams. Love you guys and I will see you soon!

Deputy Jim Jones
Pierce County Sheriff's Dept.

December 6, 2011

Brooke-

Your dad is not forgotten. Know that there are many of us who still share your pain, still cherish the memories, and who still miss him very much. He was a warrior- he was a great man. And I know that you'll meet him again.

Anonymous
Friend

October 17, 2011

Today is the day.... 16 years ago I was called to the principals office after lunch (thought I was in trouble!) and was told I would be driven home by the principal due to a family emergency. Little did I know, that "emergency" would impact my life forever. I still remember the moment Mom told me you were gone. I couldn't believe it, sometimes I still can't. I've officially lived longer without you than I had with you. It still hurts so much. A different hurt than before. Initially, the hurt stemmed from the sadness of how you died and how suddenly you were ripped from my life. Now the hurt comes from the pain of what could've been... The need for support, encouragement, advice and love of my father. I would imagine an important part of adulthood is developing a friendship with your parent, I was robbed of that opportunity. Everyone raves about how cool you were, how funny and kind hearted, I will never get a chance to know John Bananola, the man.... But you were an awesome Dad and I am honored to be your daughter. Thank you for giving me life, if it weren't for you, my children wouldn't exist. We are your legacy, I hope we are making you proud. I love you always --- Boots

Brooke Bananola-Lamar
Daughter

October 17, 2011

John;

You are missed by everyone who ever knew you. I think of you frequently. I strive to be as good an officer as you were, but you have set the bar very high. I will always feel as if a part of you is watching over all of us as we patrol the streets. God bless you John.

Jim Houser Chief Deputy
Day County Sheriff's Office

October 16, 2011

This Sunday will be 16 years since you were killed. Since that time I have kept an eye on your little girl from time to time. She is all grown up and the best news of all.... she has a husband you would approve of and he takes good care of her. Your grandchildren are beautiful!!

For all the police funerals where I hear about an officer giving the ultimate sacrifice I cringe. NOTHING WAS GIVEN!! It was taken, since I know you would have gladly killed a thousand men that morning so you could live and see the strong woman that was once your little girl.

This week I have been having a sip of Jose Cuervo each night. Wish you could share one.

Deputy Dennis Robinson
Pierce County Sheriff

October 14, 2011

Still deciding what I want to say to you this year.... I don't know why, but the past year I have thought more and more about you and what I really lost 16 years ago... I will be back to write you more on the 16th! I love you.

Brooke Bananola-Lamar
Daughter

October 13, 2011

I Remember.........

Master Corrections Deputy John King
Pierce County Sheriff

October 13, 2011

It's been 15 years since your death. Sometimes it feels like yesterday. I still remember the heart crushing feeling we all had during that time. Yesterday, October 14th, your Friends along with the Command Staff remembered and honored you with a beautiful Hawaiian tropical arrangement and Lei below your picture. We sent pictures of them to your daughter. She relayed a message and I will share part of it with you.

“The best way for everyone to honor his memory, is to love their families and friends and show them and tell them every single day. Because we truly never know when our last day will be.”

Peace be with all of you

Master Corrections Deputy John King
Pierce County Sheriff

October 15, 2010

I just finished watching the Seattle news and the subject who murdered you had his sentence reduced by running charges concurrently. Your beautiful daughter was there and my heart broke for her. May God bless your soul! You were a very honorable man who had defended your country and was protecting the citizens of Pierce County. I will be praying for your daughter and hope that one day she may find the peace she so deserves. Thank you for protecting others!

Anonymous

August 13, 2010

Once again, your family is preparing (mentally & emotionally) for yet another day in court. You will be in our hearts forever!

Bright Eyes

August 13, 2010

I remember John as a customer of the bank I worked at. I didn't get to know him real well, but it was always good to see his smiling face and know he was one of the good guys watching out for all of us. I really enjoyed the newspaper article about him and you, Brooke. It was wonderful to see what a wonderful person and mother you are after all you have been through. Your dad had a lot to do with that, for sure. God bless you and your family.

Joyce

January 23, 2010

If I close my eyes,I see you sitting there on a stool playing your guitar and singing to me. At times I wish i could see your smile....no one has ever smiled as big as you did to me! Unfortunately, another officer was killed the other day and it is times like this that bring back all the hurt and pain I felt the day you left us! You are still missed very much! My son, Chris is 18 now and he still remembers going to the park and feeding the ducks with you. I just wanted you to know that you were a true inspiration to me and my family!! And yes, Mom & Papa are doing ok! Mom talks about you often! We loved you and Brooke very much and thank you for the wonderful memories you left us with.......
We love you very much!!!! and ofcourse,I'll see you in heaven!!

Mardee Marquard

November 2, 2009

Your friends placed a beautiful flower arraignment under your picture/badge on the 16th. They have not forgotten, and never will. Rest in Peace John.

Master Officer John King
Pierce County Sheriff

October 19, 2009

I miss you so dearly, your smile, your voice, your laughter my baby Brother. I try to be strong not just for me but for the children. And what I see in the children, Brooke, Jerod, Scottie, Winter, Geno, Josh and Trin is your strength, your courage , and the deep respect that you have for all mankind. And you would be so proud of them and of your grandchildren. I love you always and forever, sis Joyce

Anonymous

October 16, 2009

Wow it's hard to believe it's been 14 years! The biggest update from last year is you have another grandchild. Yes I know, another one? LOL This is the last one I promise!! Her name is Kalina Ann and she actually looks like me this time, which means she looks like you = ) We drove to Lynnwood last weekend to see Aunty Joyce, Winter and Uncle Ben. Mom actually came too! I know you'd be so happy to see us all together. Although the pain is not as deep as it was 14 year ago, your memory is as strong as ever. I love you!

Brooke Bananola-Lamar
Daughter

October 16, 2009

Mr. B.,
How can we already be at the eve of 14 years since you were taken from us? You are well remembered - never to be forgotten - always loved.

Bright Eyes

October 16, 2009