Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I stumbled across this website just the other day.
I was blown away!
I didn’t even know it existed. Jim and I were partners most of my short career with the Sheriff Department.
We were almost always together unless we received different details.
We also worked as security for a local bar lounge. A job that Jim influence the owner to hire me.
We became very close until his death.
When Jim died it devastated me.
Anyone who knew him knew he was bigger than life!
I thought it was impossible for him to die.
I thought he was invincible!
The day he died he was having a party that night to celebrate his promotion to sergeant.
I was planning to attend.
I was traveling for work when my wife called me on my way home, she wanted me to know before I heard it on the radio. That’s a day I will never forget!
His kids were little at the time. Jim and Donna were a great couple, he love his family.
I’m very sad that he didn’t live long enough to see the kids grow up and missing out on the loving relationship he had with Donna!
I really think he would have had an incredible career. Not only was he a Sargent on the Sheriff Department but he was Mayer of the Castle Shannon and he was doing a great job.
I really believe he was destined to be Sheriff of Allegheny County one day, he was very smart.
Jim was the best friend I ever had in my life.
We went in different directions in our careers but remained close friends.
I can’t believe it’s been all these years, I still miss him!
Until we meet again!

Former Sheriff Deputy Bill Soracco
Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department, Friends

November 1, 2024

Jim,
It will be 39 years in 2 days that you left us. You are always remembered, not forgotten. Rest peacefully until we meet again.

Love Donna

Retired Commander Donna Best-Milcarek
Allegheny County Sheriff's Office (and Surviving Spouse)

November 16, 2022

Jim, You have never been forgotten! You are at all times missed.

Donna Best, Retired Commander
Allegheny County Sheriff's Office

November 13, 2020

When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.

Donna Best (Milcarek)
Wife

November 18, 2014

A Hero now in Heaven, Always remembered and Never forgotten.

Kim Weigand - PA C.O.P.S.
Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand E.O.W. 9/14/2008

November 18, 2014

Here, Here, Donna.
He would be very, very proud of You too!!

I think of him a LOT also.

We share memories of how great he was.

Bill Mannsz
best friend

September 14, 2013

Remembering you is easy. Being married to you was far too short, but it was good.

Your kids are amazing! They are no long kids; they are responsible, respected, funny and for the most part happy. You would be so proud of each of them, Jim, Debbie and Jeff. There are now five grandchildren.

It is hard to believe it will be 30 years in November. You are not forgotten!

Cmdr. Donna J. Best
Allegheny County Sheriff's Office
Pittsburgh, PA

In memory of Sgt. James R. Milcarek EOW: 11/18/1983

May 6, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

January 7, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 28th 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

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

November 18, 2011

Thank you for your service Sergeant Milcarek and also for the short time you were Mayor of Castle Shannon. I had the pleasure of sitting in on the meeting you held at the library and was so impressed with your ideas for the community. Such a sad loss to your family. God bless you.

Patricia Howard
Castle Shannon resident

May 23, 2011

Thank you for your dedicated service to your agency and community.

PSO CW Edwards
North Augusta Dept. of Public Safety (SC)

September 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

January 15, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

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

November 29, 2007

Dad,

It's been 24 years today. I can still remember the day you died. My life would have been so much different if you were here. I have a son and a daughter that you would love so much. They know all about you. I miss you dad. I remember you every day in so many ways but I especially remember you today.

Debbi Milcarek
Daughter

November 18, 2007

Dad, I miss you and the thought of how life would have been if you were still here is daily. I love you.

Debbi
daughter

May 26, 2007

Sgt. Milcarek, thank you for your service. Neither you nor your sacrifice has been forgotten.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

April 26, 2007

We saw your name at the re-dedication of the Police Memorial in Pittsburgh. We have another relative on the memorial from other side of family, too. Presuming there is a distant relationship, you are in our thoughts & prayers and your family is too.

Relative by Marriage

May 8, 2006

miss you dad!

jeff milcarek

January 27, 2006

Thank you for your service, we are greatful to have had you protect us Deputy Milcarek Sr. RIP

June 25, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace.

November 18, 2004