Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Cuz, I remember when you were stationed out at Mchord AFB and I was at Ft. lewis. That was a real relief that you were there also.I hope you liked that song I sang at your services because if you did'nt teach me how to play the Guitar I'd never would have picked it up.I also wrote another song for you at the same time but its a Instrumental that I call "Blues for John-Boy". Someday I'll record it or I'll go to slopes above Kona and play it for you. I would just like to know one thing? "Would you know my name, if I saw you in Heaven?" Always Ohana, Love cousin Brian.

Brian Gallarde
First cousin to John

October 17, 2006

Sleep Safe with Our Lord and may He Bless your family.

October 16, 2006

Just watching a 1992 episode of Cops that featured you arresting a bad guy profiled on America's Most Wanted. Brought your death back to mind. Didn't know you, but the circumstance of your death affected me greatly and I've never forgotten. I hope your family knows that you are not forgotten by the public you served to protect. Thank you, Deputy, and rest in peace.

Kris
citizen

October 11, 2006

Nearly 11 years you've been gone. I was young at the time of your passing and don't really recall the event, or media coverage surrounding it. The local officers that we have lost in the last few years have brought me here to odmp. I am sickened by the sentences given in these murder cases, people get more time for much lesser crimes and it's sad.
Thank you for your service, and your sacrifice. I will remember you.

King Co citizen

September 29, 2006

John,

we are coming up on 11 years. I can remember it as if it were yesterday. I don't know if I ever had the chance to thank you for helping with the reserve academy. We could not have done it without you. The first day we met was when I stopped that car on chambers creek rd. Imagine my surprise when I pulled a gun off the guy. The radios did not work well there and I couldn't get out. Then like a miracle you pulled up. You were watching out for me then and I know you still are.

I have run into Brooke a few times since your tragic death. She grew up to be a wonderful person. You would be proud.

Keep us safe brother. We will keep your memory alive.

Aloha,
Murph

Officer Patrick B. Murphy
Brier Police Dept. Friend

September 18, 2006

John,

There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you. I miss you brother.

Provisional Officer Bryce A. Lewis
Formerly of Milton Police Department

July 10, 2006

May you Rest safe with Our Lord.May He continue to comfort your family.

July 7, 2006

I read this story and I am completly shocked at the outcome. How can a jury find a man guilty of drug charges and be hung on the murder charge? That is simply unbelievable.... I can only assume that this was a witnessed murder, or at the very least, other officers were in the house when it happened. How could the jury find him guilty of only 2nd degree? Whatever the case, Deputy Bananola's brutal murder is not in vein..... God speed deputy, you will never be forgotten!!!!!

April 6, 2006

To the family and friends of Deputy Bananola and his fellow officers with the Pierce County Sheriff's Dept., and most especially to Deputy John Bananola:

Today it has been ten years and one day since your brutal murder. Deputy Bananola, your valor and dedication are not forgotten. Some measure of justice was rendered in your case, but not nearly enough.

I hope that your family is still embraced by the care and comfort of their law enforcement family, and other police survivors.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Deputy Bananola gave to his community and the citizens of Washington, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 16, 1995.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

October 17, 2005

John,

It was ten years ago today that you were taken from us, but I've not forgotten you or what you meant to me as a friend and mentor. I remember our conversations we had at my sister's birthday party as you were immediately made a part of our ohana, and the mid afternoon hang out sessions at your house after you woke up from working graveyard. Your memory lives on through those that knew you, and you will never be forgotten.

We will always remember ... always.

Ke koa po'ina ole.

Durand Dace
Pierce County Sheriff's Department

October 16, 2005

It is coming up on 10 years since you were taken from your family and loved ones. I was reading your memorial and it is sick that the jury found him guilty of 2nd degree murder. What the hell is wrong with society today. He shot an officer 9 times, killing him, and only gets 40 years. What the hell!! It should be more like the death penalty or life in prison without parole. Okay, I had to get that out. I just want to let your family and friends know that I will keep all of them in my thoughts as October 16th approaches. You are a true hero and always will be! Thank you for your hard work!

October 15, 2005

It has been 10 years since you were taken from us. A day has not gone by without remembering you and the friendship and kindness you gave. My wife, children and I will never forget you.

A poem for John:

I Remember

I remember,
I remember, The smile and the twinkle in your eye.
I remember,
I remember, The day that you died.
I remember,
I remember, the sadness in our hearts.
I remember,
I remember, your daughters cries.
I remember,
I remember, the thoughts of despair.
I remember,
I remember, the bagpipes in the air
I remember,
I remember, I always will.
I remember,
I remember, the Island where you rest.
I remember,
I remember……………

Master Officer John King
Pierce County Sheriff's Department

September 19, 2005

It will be ten years next month and we are still mourning his loss with tremendous sorrow.
John will never be forgotten.

Lt. Karr
Pierce County Sheriff-Corrections

September 17, 2005

Deputy Bandanola,
I just wanted to write this Reflection so that I could tell you that I still remember the day when you left... You see my best friend worked with you. And he told me that you were a great cop. Your death made me want to became a cop. And on 04-04, my dream finally came true..

As of this date, I have your Sheriff's Star pinned up in my patrol car so that I can have you watching over me. Rest in Peace my Brother.

Deputy
OCSO

July 27, 2005

Even though we're coming up on ten years, I can still see your smile and hear your voice like it was yesterday. You are always with me and your granddaughter. I live my life everyday to make you proud of me. We miss you still so much. But there could never be a better guardian angel watching over us. Aloha no ka oi- Boots

Brooke Bananola (aka Boots)

May 8, 2005

although we met on not the greatest circumstances,officer Bananola was one of the fairest and nicest police officers Ive ever met,there needs to be more like him

kim johnson

October 22, 2004

Mr. B...We have somehow made it through another year and cannot believe you were taken away from all of us 9 years ago. We miss your contagious laugh and the warm twinkle in your eyes. Your grandkids are beautiful and will grow up to know all the good things about their Grandpa and how much he was loved by everyone, especially his kids.

Bright Eyes

October 20, 2004

John;

You were the nicest, kindest person I have ever met. You always had a smile on your face and a twinkle in your eyes. It was an honor to have known you and worked with you.
I can only hope to be one-tenth the cop you are. You are missed John, everyday. Until the day we are 10-7 together, watch out for us.

Police Officer Jim Houser
Canton PD Canton, SD

September 26, 2003

I was on the scene that day of the horrible shooting. I was working as an EMT on the ambulance crew. Deputy Bananola you and your family are always in my prayers. Although I never met you in person, I know that someday we will be able to meet and I will thank you for all you did for this great community that you served!!!! God Bless You!!! You are a true hero!!!

Jenny Frame/EMT

John, AKA Banana Man, Still missing you. Wishing you were still here. Its been 7 years, but time doesn't seem to ease the pain and sadness that I feel when I think of you. I write this with a heavy heart and the tears fill my eyes. I love you man. The world has been a little worse place since your passing. I will see you later. Jim Jones

Deputy Jim Jones
Pierce County Sheriff