Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey man! I was on YouTube the other day and I found a video clip with you on it. It was of you investigating a plane crash on the eastside. It was good to see you! We had coffee that same evening. I can remember it like it was yesterday. I miss you my friend.

Bryce A. Lewis

May 6, 2009

In 1995 I was a newbie drug investigator and had the great fortune of working with John and the PCSD drug team on many occasion. John was like a big brother. He was a mentor and friend. I wish I could talk to him. I miss him...

Chief Warrant Officer Three
USACIDC

May 4, 2009

To the Bananola family,

I give you my condolences of the passing of your loved one. I was a security officer at that time and worked in the Tacoma/Pierce County area, working in some of the seedy areas that not many would go at night.

I went to Deputy Bananola's memorial and was amazed then and to this day I will never forget the lives you touched. I became a police officer in part because of the sacrifice you and others before you have given, to the citizens of Washington State and the Tacoma/Pierce County area.

I often think of the day I heard on the news and look back, never had I met him, but I hope that he knows that we all miss and think of him.

Rest easy brother, your shift is done.

Brian Mollett, Police Officer
Shoalwater Bay Tribal Police Dept.

November 30, 2008

RIP.You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

November 11, 2008

RIP.You will always be remembered.

Anonymous

November 11, 2008

Hey Bud. I miss you!

Bryce A Lewis
Former Milton PD

October 24, 2008

Hey Dad! Today there will be a hearing for Eggleston. He is attempting to reduce his sentence (such a jerk) Me, the kids and Colin will be there in the front row to honor you and show our support. I love you and miss you now and always!

--Boots

Anonymous

October 24, 2008

I have not forgotten, I will never forget.

Master Officer John King
Pierce County Sheriff's Department

October 23, 2008

John;
Almost 13 years have gone by, and the memory of you is still fresh in my mind. You may have left us for a better place, but you will never be forgotten. You will always be the best John. I miss you.

Deputy Sheriff
Day County, SD

October 8, 2008

John,

I was just thinking about you and how long it has been since you were taken from us. I miss you brother.

Officer Bryce Lewis
Milton PD FRIEND

September 17, 2008

Happy Birthday Dad!! It's been almost 13 years now and I can still hear your voice, I can still feel your presence in my life everyday. Your granddaughter is almost as tall as I am and wears the same size shoes! You have a grandson now, and he has your name. It's crazy but when he smiles really big, he wrinkles up his nose just like you did! In my growing relationship with God, I find comfort in knowing that you are waiting for me in heaven. I love you always....

Brooke Bananola-Lamar
Daughter

June 8, 2008

Time seems to stand still. It doesn't seem that long ago. I miss that fu man chu you were sportin in 1995. You looked like that guy that is in all of the martial arts movies. You know the one that no one knows his name.... Keep us safe brother and be at peace.

Police Officer PB Murphy
Friend

May 18, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 29, 2008

I was a neighbor and friend of Bananola's daughter while in elementary school. We used to ride the school bus together. Although I never had an opportunity to meet her father to know what he was like I could only imagine since he created such an awesome daughter. She was a vibrant caring girl who I admired and looked up to. All the wonderful things I read about her dad must be a piece of his light that I saw shining through her when I was little. It's amazing how a person can impact your life almost 17th years later...

Joana Goyette
Childhood friend of Brooke

March 16, 2008

John;
There is not a day go by that I do not think of you, and the way you lived your life. I still carry your badge in my patrol car, and strive to be as good as you. You are an inspiration to me, and when I let things get me down, I talk of you to friends. While it initially hurts;just thinking of how you went through life, always cheers me up. You were and always be the best. Let us be safe out there.

Deputy Jim Houser
Day County Sheriff's Office Waubay, SD

January 17, 2008

I met officer Bananola more than once and found him to be a kind, articulate and honest man. I appreciate the job he performed for our county and paid honors to him the same week my very dear friend Stephan Folsom was killed in a drive by shooting at the Swan Creek apartments...4 blocks and 4 days apart from each other...I am happy to see Officer Bananola's memorial and that the person responsible for his tragic death is in jail where he belongs but was terribly saddened when I entered my friends name and nothing exists on the internet, no memorials (which I will change) but also no news coverage, the person/persons responsible for Stephan's death have never been brought to justice, all he was doing that night was sitting on his sofa watching the tv, bullet through the wall, through the sofa and into my friend killing him before he hit the floor...his wife of only two months killed herself 8 months after his death. Every year I have drawn on the strength of God for those responsible for Stephan's death to turn themselves in, from now on I'll ask Officer Bananola's spirit if maybe he can help give those people a conscience. God Bless Officer Bananola and my dear friend Stephan Folsom. I do not find my posting abusive or derogatory, however I knew Officer Bananola and so did Stephan...Stephan was the chair of that neighborhoods SAFE STREETS program. I would like the powers that be to please look at his case again..thank you

none
citizen

December 1, 2007

As the holidays approach, once again I am reminded that there will always be a void in this family's festivities, memories that should be made, gifts that should be given.

You and I met on Christmas Eve 1978. You sang and played your guitar that night, I can still here your voice and pray I always will.

I am very proud of our daughter, as I know you would be.
She's a good mother to our 2 beautiful grandkids and a hard worker with a bright career and future.
It took a long time for her to "rise above" the pain but she's just like you...a fighter and a survivor.

I pray that you are at peace and making beautiful music.
(Sing a song for us on Christmas)

Until we meet again my forever friend,
Glori

Glori Manning
former wife

October 30, 2007

John,

We were good friends living at proctor together, we were in the Air Force together and played guitar together, Brook's birthday was at our house and I remember your smile when Gloria would tease you...your show in Federal Way and your apartment behind Denny's...the lunch we had a week before, I miss you buddy...and think of you often..

Love ya
Jim

Deputy Jim Armstrong
Friend

October 18, 2007

I have not forgotten, I never will. The pain is still there but deepened in the determination to not have this happen again. Your memory will live forever.

Rest in peace my friend

Master Officer John King
Pierce County

October 16, 2007

You aare remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

This writer is pleased that justice was served so well on your behalf

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 16, 2007

Mr. B.,
Twelve years gone, but never forgotten.

Always in our hearts,
Bright Eyes

Bright Eyes

October 16, 2007

Deputy Bananola - thank you for your service. Neither you, nor your sacrifice, will ever be forgotten.

It is unbelievable that a jury couldn't (or wouldn't) convict your killer of 1st degree murder! 40 years for taking you away from your family is not nearly enough.

Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

October 4, 2007

Almost 12 years ago you were taken away to soon from your family and friends. Your dedication and love for the job will be remembered forever and your sacrifice was not in vain. God wanted you by his side and you are truly in a kingdom without worry. Watch over your family and friends. God bless you Deputy Bananola.

Officer Brandon Needham
Department Of Veterans Affairs Police Walla Walla, Wa.

April 19, 2007

Although I did not know you personally, I remember the day of your burial. I was visiting my father's gravesite. I was so impressed by the number of officers and mourners at your funeral. It made such an impression on me...the honor, love, and utter sorrow I could see on their faces, that I knew from that day forward, I wanted to be a police officer. And today I am. I think of you and your family often and want them to know that your loss touched and changed my life.
I carry your memory with me through the door of every search warrant. Watch over your fellow LE brothers and sisters from the gates of Heaven.

Police Officer
Seattle Police Department

January 14, 2007

It has been 11 years since you were taken from this world so suddenly. I am now able to reminisce on our wonderful memories without the pain being so sharp, but the void in my heart will never be filled. You have a grandson, 6 months old. He was named after you, Keoni (Hawaiian for John) Bananola-Lamar. You live on thru both of your grandchildren and also thru me. I love you now and always...

Brooke Bananola-Lamar
Daughter

November 14, 2006