Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 15, 2020

Rest in peace Correctional Officer Motchan.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 25, 2020

I became a NYC Correction Officer in 1971, and happened to be at Kings County Hospital the day Officer Motchan was killed by a prisoner that was being escorted by Officer Motchan and his partner, and when I was notified of the shooting, I remember having my fellow Officer, Officer Heinrich, handcuff our prisoner to the bed railing using three handcuffs, and I instructed Officer Heinrich to keep a close watch on our prisoner and I responded to the immediate search for the inmate that had obsconded immediately after killing Officer Motchan,,, we apprehended the murderer subsequently with the help of NYCPD and other Law Enforcement personnel.. I sill remember the Medical responders tried valiantly to save Officer Motchan’s live, to no avail,,,, first time I cried on the Job.

Officer Quiles
Rikers Island NYCCIFM C-76

November 12, 2019

I Remember When George Was Murdered. Over 44 Years Ago. So Sad.

Correction Officer James Maruffi
NYC Correction Department

September 15, 2019

Hello Theresa,

Thank You for your kind words. I was just researching about my Grandfather, C.O. George Motchan. I do that from time to time, and recently my children's school has been collecting challenge coins to honor all heroes. We recently received Grandpa George's coin as the GMDCC building was closing. I was searching for information to provide to their school along with the coin. This is such a beautiful message that I received from you this morning. I am thinking of my Grandmother today as I prepare for my daughter's communion this weekend. she unfortunately passed away two years ago the day after my son's communion. So as I sit here and think of the many blessings in my life, I am reminded of the sadness my family has suffered but I know that my Grandmother is now at peace with the love of her life, George. Through the years, I have often your Dad's name, C.O. Joseph Connors (But I see there is no "s" on the end as in your name). It is a privledge to have received your message today and a little "wink from God". Thanks for your kindness and your Dad is always in my prayers as well.

kelly mcglyn [email protected]

May 3, 2019

My dad was George Motchan partner on the day he was shot and killed. He sacrificed his life for my fathers and the hundreds of others in the hospital that day.

Theresa Connor-Green

April 23, 2019

My name is Jeanluc MOTCHAN, I am French and I came across this article by looking for my family in the United States.
If anyone from this family can contact me I will be happy.
Thank you.

family

April 22, 2019

Thank You all!! Now at age 40 Years old, having also lost my grandmother Dolly this year April 2017, George's wife, I ask you to keep us in your prayers as Grandpa's murderer is up for parole this June. We do not want this murderer granted that right.

Thanks,

Kelly McGlyn
Granddaughter

April 10, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother. You are not forgotten

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
City of Upland, CA

September 15, 2017

It was my honor to research newspapers, books and magazines and finally find your Photo and make sure your photo was put on this site. I wanted to put a face to your heroism in the Line of Duty. I did the research because you are a brother officer and no matter how many years past, you will always be remembered. Rest Easy Hero.

APO Christian Durante
NYPD: 68th Precinct Auxiliary Police Unit

February 5, 2016

Wow! That is beautiful! I am George Motchan's granddaughter. 37 years old. Never had the opportunity to meet him but my grandmother and mother keep his memory alive for me. Regardless of never meeting him, I know him! Thank you for your beautiful message! I'll let my mom and grandmother know! It's very much appreciated! Hope you are enjoying retired life!!! Have a wonderful Christmas season!!!

Kelly
Grand daughter

December 3, 2014

Greeting to the Motchan Family:

As the Holidays come near your family will always be in the hearts of the NYC Department of Correction.

On Sunday October 26, 2014, the retirees from Kings County Hospital Prison Ward, were reunited for their second annual Breakfast Gathering. This has been organized by two dedicated retired Correction Officers who has worked there. That night, I read the beautiful letter that Correction Officer Konce had written about George Motchan. All of us worked together there as a Team, but we treated eachother like family. It was a nice group of Retired Correction personel, family, and friends.

This has prompted the need to inform the Motchan Family that everyone in Correction has safer career due to George Motchan's sacrafice. It has allowed us, and so many individuals to work safely and retire. Rules and Regulations were implemented, and are followed in strict compliance daily in honor of him.

I retired over 13 years, and worked both as a Correction Officer and Captain, at George Motchan Detention Center on Rikers Island, as well as Kings County Hospital Prison Ward. As a Correction Officer, whenever assigned to a Hospital Run, I followed the Rules and Regulations with pride, and always had a thought of Officer Motchan's sacrafice. His memory is still in the lives of everyone in Correction. Thank you, so much for sharing him with us.

Captain Sherry Simmons
NYC Department of Correction

October 27, 2014

my cousin although i never met you
your bravery and dedication will live forever
rest in peace

P.Castellano
Family

June 26, 2013

RIP

C.O. RETIRED
NYCDOC

February 20, 2013

Officer Motchan, has been missed by his family for many years. During his time on earth he was a great father and husband. His daughter has many happy memories of him. Debbie Sullivan

Debbie Sullivan
Friend of the family.

September 25, 2011

Dear Ms. Loya!

So sorry for your loss! Thank you for stopping in and commenting on my Grandfather's page. The loss of a child is the most horrible, and my prayers are with you always! I never had the opportunity to meet my grandfather, but I do feel a strong connection with him. My grandmother, George Motchan's wife has also lost her son as well, in a car accident a few years back. She has been dealt a rough hand of cards in life! I come in here to check on reflections every now and then and let her know how many people support her! I wish you peace in your heart knowing that your son is in good hands. what a shame his loss and that of all uniformed men and women is. Know that we are all a family. Be well.

kelly
grandaughter

June 26, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th 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.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

September 15, 2010

Hi,

Just checking in. Thanks again for all of your thoughts and prayers!

kelly
Grandaughter

October 2, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Correction Officer Motchan and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

September 14, 2009

Today is Sept. 15, 2008, 33 years later.
I thanks everyone for remembering, and for all the beautiful words. The hurt and loss doesn't go away as you all know, but Thank you all for remembering him in such a special way. He was a great guy, well loved by everyone, and is truly missed. He's my dad.

Kathy Dory
C.O. George Motchan's daughter

September 15, 2008

Dear Officer Larone Koonce,

Thank you so very much for that beautiful letter and tribute to my grandfather. That is so beatiful and it is stories like these that keep his name and spirit alive.

I am glad you are safely retired.

Thank you again. I will share this with my family!

Kelly

Kelly
Grandaughter

June 23, 2008

(A letter of thanks to the Motchan Family)

Dear Motchan Family,

I am a retired New York City Correction officer. I worked eleven years in the Kings County Hospital Prison Ward, the facility where Officer George Motchan lost his life. Although I came to KCH in 1989, many years after his death, I feel that George Motchan has played an important role in my career and my life.

In KCHPW their was a plaque at the front entrance dedicated to the memory and sacrifice of George Motchan. Each day we all would have to pass that plaque when we entered and exited the facility. KCHPW was a small command and the only place that the plaque could be mounted was directly in front, near the entrance, which was also next to the facility's arsenal.

Each day when we surendered our firearms to the arsenal or were issued a firearm from the arsenal, we had to line up in front of George Motchan's Plaque. On many of days, while I stood on line, I placed my hand on his plaque and touched the bronzed shield that was at its center and said a silent prayer for George Motchan and for myself and my fellow officers. I saw many of my fellow officers do the same.

We often would talk softly among ourselves about the sacrifce that George Motchan made as we waited to be issued or firearms.

The accounts of that tragic day, when Officer Motchan gave his life in the line of duty, were passed down from one generation of KCH Officers to the next. His legacy lives in the collective memory of every KCH officer. He was an intergral part of the culture of KCHPW. We revered and honored him and kept his memory alive each and everyday.

He was a constant reminder of how we also may be called upon to give our lives, at anytime, in line the line of duty. He made me a proud to be a correction officer. We all were extremely security conscience and vigilent because of George Motchan's sarifice. I truly believe that his sacrifice has saved many lives at KCHPW and throughout the Department of Corrections because we all were more vigilent and alert because of George Motchan's sacrifice. Although I did not know him personally I can honestly say I felt his presence each time I entered KCHPW.

KCHPW closed down permenantly in 2005, I was assigned to Bellevue Hospital Prison Ward (BHPW) at the time.

Me and several of my fellow officers, who had also worked at KCHPW, were extremely concerned about the future of George Motchan's Plaque. I was the union delegate at BHPW at the time and the officers and I made it known to the Commanding Officer that we wanted George Motchan's Plaque to be rededicated at BHPW and mounted on the wall next to the arsenal, just like it had been at KCHPW.

Although there was a Building on Rikers Island (GMDC) dedicated to George Motchan, we at the Prison Ward, were determined to keep his memory alive in the Prison Wards as well. We did not what his plaque to be archived in some closet and lost forever.

We inquired daily about his plaque and had come to an agreement with the Commanding Officer of BHPW concerning the future location of the plaque but, we were later told that the decision was not ours or the Commanding Officer's. The Department heads would decide what would happen to his plaque.

As we waited on pins and needles for their decision, hopeing that his plque would not be archived, we were surprised and pleased to hear that the Department had decided to give the plaque to the Motchan family. We were extremely happy to hear this and although we wanted the plaque to be with us, at BHPW, we all knew and agreed that the very best place for the George Motchan plaques was with his family.

He, in the form of that plaque, had done his job and given his service and had given us inspiration to go on for many many years. It was only right that the plaque be retired and given to the family where it truly belongs.

Officer Motchan in my eyes was a role model and a constant inspiration. May he rest in peace. Thank you to the family for giving us such a fine Officer, he will always live in my heart and in the hearts and minds of every KCHPW Officer. He will never ever be forgotten.

Thank you,
Larone Koonce,
Correction Officer, #1611, Retired

Correction Officer Larone Koonce , Ret.
New York City Dept. Of Correction

May 22, 2008

I love that there are new posts in here all the time! It truly amazes me, Thank you.

Kelly
granddaughter

May 20, 2008

Rest in peace brother.

"My Brother"

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was idealistic and believed he could make a difference.
He was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and what they represent.
He felt privileged to be of service to his department, his community and to his country.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm.
He laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary.
He was competent, trained, and professional.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong and became
frustrated when true justice became sidetracked.
He felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but he
never wavered.
He stood by and for his fellow officers.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He longed for his family during the long hours.
He worried about them during his shifts and the lonely
weekends, holidays and midnights when they were apart.
He felt guilty about the lost time, but knew his calling
and prayed they would understand.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was a good son, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
He was dedicated to the profession and cared about the
people he served.
He wanted to do the best job that he could and strived to
be the best he could be.
He was a good citizen and a good neighbor.

He was a cop.

Yes, I did know him.
He was a cop, he was my Brother.

Sgt. J. O'Toole
Louisville Metro Police, KY

April 24, 2008

I salute C.O. Motchan and send love and support
to his family. May he rest in peace and remembered
for serving NYPD and his country.

Andrew

Andrew
Friend of Grandaughter

March 26, 2008