Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

John was my FTO Sgt. and friend. Reflecting on the 32nd anniversary of his line of duty death brings a solemn reminder to never forget those that proceed us. I’m sure John will walk with God. I always remember him drinking coffee out of that Cleveland Browns mug he had. Even in a jacuzzi after a tournament in Vegas.

Off. Vince Bingaman Ret
Phoenix PD

July 25, 2022

Rest in peace Sergeant Domblisky.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 23, 2022

It's ben 29 years since you were taken along with Danny. I just visited his page and want to send you a message as well.
I rode with you when I escaped from the Airport Detail. Randy Brown paired us up for a while to :break me in, again". You know us old guys had a tendency to forget stuff..
I vividly remember the night we were riding the wagon when we got a call to back up Mikey Jones at 23rd Ave and Campbell. A

Viet Nam vet was having flashbacks and was shooting the apartment complex up. We were able to take him into custody without injury to anyone. Leo Hynes arrived as the three-striper and we went into service telling Mike to call us when he needed transport. We drove to 23rd Ave and Indian School when Mike put out a 906. The 918 had gotten into the kitchen after Leo took off his cuffs, grabbed a knife and was threatening Leo. Mike was about to shoot him when we arrived and took him back into custody without further incident. That time we took the 918 with us...
I also remember other incidents that we depended upon each other and no one was disappointed. I loved it when you came to Sq Pk working Dets. There were lots of times made better with you and Danny there.
Rest in Peace my friend. You will not be forgotten...

WG Bill Noe 1673 Ret
Phoenix Police Department

July 26, 2019

As another officer falls, my thoughts return to Thelma and the girls. I want them to know that my thoughts often return to them and to the sacrifice Wayne gave for his community.

Martye Fredley
Neighbor

May 26, 2016

Something in the breeze made me think of Sgt. Domblisky today. With the advent of still another professional indoor soccer league, many of us "old-timers" remember the great MISL days. I only spent a few months on the Phoenix Inferno staff, but was delighted to find that my stats crew was comprised of John and other detectives. I knew my stats would be water-tight. I did not know of his passing, but something compelled me to look him up using the powers of the internet. Thank you, John, for your dedication to the community and for your great sense of humor. RIP, friend.

Jackie Knapp Talley
(former) Phoenix Inferno MISL Soccer

September 24, 2014

I used to watch my dad and John play indoor soccer. I remember John being very friendly, funny and an all around nice guy. I know my dad still thinks of him often.

Each time I drive by the place where John was killed I remember him and the sound of his laugh.

You're not forgotten.

Lisa W.
Daughter of Phoenix Detective Mills

March 3, 2014

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

July 11, 2012

I remember "Wayne", as we called him, as being a really fun person with a big heart, always laughing and making me laugh. He and my father were very close. I found this page by accident, but am so glad I did. Thank you for posting this Memorial Page, for Wayne and all of other officers who have given everything in protecting us and our families.

Karen Domblisky Reese
Cousin

November 8, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 20th 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 26, 2010

I was in charge of North Resource Detectives when John asked me if I would consider him for Detective Sgt. John had a good reputation and there was no hesitation on my part to accept John into our group. He was always known as a hard working, capable officer. We had too short of time working together. John, you are missed and will continue to be missed. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Lt. Len Zingg
Phoenix Police

November 12, 2009

You will always be remembered, if not from our time on the street, it will be from the many hours we spent looking for your golf balls. Continue to watch after us John. We will never forget.

J.C.Duncan 3661/R0929
Phx P.D.

November 9, 2009

To the family members of Sgt. Domblisky. I grew up knowing John as a man and not a Sergeant, he and my father worked together and were friends both on and off duty. I thought John was an exceptional man, I am on the department now and everyone who knew him have nothing but wonderful things to say about him. He is truly missed from both the department and his friends.

Officer Lindy Steele

November 4, 2009

I knew John as a detective and we worked together when John was promoted to Sergeant. He was truly a great person and I considered him to be a good friend. As a probationary Sergeant, his paperwork was usually scrutinized by myself and the Precicnt Commander.( standard practice in the day) One day, one of John's oficers responded to a call in a construction zone, hit a rock, and dented the oil pan. John, being the diligent probationer that he was made an accident report on it. When it got forwarded to the Precicnt Commander, he returned it for further questions. The Precicnt Commander wanted to know if the rock was vertical or horizontal when the officer hit it. He even drew a diagram of the rock in both positions.
I debated whether or not to give the returned paperwork to John, but decided I would. He came into my office, I showed him the hand drawn diagram and questions ,and he about fell over laughing in disbelief.Then got a bit irritated with the questions but said he would take care of it. I told him not to work to hard on this one and dont worry about it.
Later in the shift, John asked to meet me on a street corner to talk about something. As he pulled up, he got out of his patrol car, went to the trunk, and pulled something out of the trunk. As he got closer, I saw that it was a fairly good size rock. he walks up to my car, and proudly announces he has found "the rock" in question. He advises that based on his investigative expertise, he can categorically prove, to our Commander's satisfaction, that this was the rock and it was laying horizontally to the ground. He further identifies marks on the rock that confirms his position statement. He then says he is going to call the Identification Bureau to photograph it and impound it as a " 961" rock; just in case the Commander has any further questions. I was laughing so hard , I had to get out of my patrol car and stand up. However, John was serious about it all and I told him it probably wouldnt be a good idea to impound it or photograph it. Just add a sentence to the effect it was laying flat on the ground when the officer hit it.
I guess you had to be there, and you had to have known John, but It was one of the funniest things I have ever seen. We laughed about it for a while. John put it in his trunk and left. I never asked him what he did with it. I still have the routing slip from the Commander with the questions and the rock diagram on it.

Commander Emmett H. Quill
Phoenix Police Department

November 3, 2009

To the family members of Sgt. Domblisky, he was a kind, caring and gentle giant. He was my first Sergeant as he was my Field Training Sergeant, and I could not have asked for a nicer man to help introduce me to the world of Law Enforcement. I am grateful to have known him.

Officer Debbie Burt
Phoenix PD

November 3, 2009

John and I worked in District 6 at various times and althrough he never worked for me we knew each other well and played softball together on Dept teams as well as city leagues. John was a true Police Officer who always gave his best. He loved to play sports as much as he liked being an Officer.

When John and Danny were taken way to early from us the Dept lost two of the their finest supervisors. I know they are both working together still on God's team.

Rest in peace,
Lt Dick White #990

Lt Richard White
Phoenix Police Dept

October 30, 2009

I remember so clearly the day as if it were yesterday. Mike and I had been in Prescott and when we got home there were several urgent phone messages and notes on our door from Glendale PD for us to call PESB. We already knew of your death from the news reports, however, Thelma wanted Mike to be the liaison between her family and the department. Mike did not take this responsibility lightly, my friend. We were with your relatives until the day of the funeral. I was so proud of Mike, Thelma and the girls. We attended several hearings with Thelma to show our support. I could not even imagine how Thelma was able to cope, you were larger than life itself. Now, I understand, having lost Mike six months ago. I hope you two are on a good softball team, playing golf and eating all your favorite foods with no worry!! I remember dancing with you at our wedding in Las Vegas, a good time to be sure. I never hear "Wind Beneath My Wings" without thinking of you. Rest in peace, Big John.

Susan Gaff

October 29, 2009

There are many heroes that walk among us who make daily sacrifices to protect others. Officer Sgt. John W Domblisky thank you for your service. You are a hero in my family’s heart and my heart. Rest in peace.

Anonymous

October 27, 2009

John, you gave so much of yourself to so many especially to those less fortunate. How can anyone forget your dedication to law enforcement, special olympics and our police olympics soccer team. For all you gave, thanks for those memories. Gone, but never forgotten.

Sgt. Larry Hauger Ret.
Phoenix Police

October 25, 2009

"No more the bugle calls the weary one.
Rest, noble spirit, all thy work is done.
I will find you and know you among the
good and true.
When a robe of white we're given
for our faded coats of blue."

Ret. Sgt. Bill Rice
Phoenix Police Deopartment

October 24, 2009

I was stationed at Fort Gordon, GA (1966-1968), when I met
John. He was a young 21 year Military Police Officer at the time. He loved law enforcement and planned to join a civilian PD when he had served his time in the service. In the short time we served together, we became great friends. John had a great sense of humor and enjoyed a good laugh. I knew at that time that John would become a dedicated peace officer.

Those memories of John so long ago, are still etched in my my memory. I know he is still missed by his 'Buddies."

John made the greatest sacrifice any police officer can. He gave his life to his job. God Bless him in Heaven and his survivng wife and childred, on this 19th anniversary of his passing.

Sgt. Roger A. Burton
US Army Military Police Corps

July 25, 2009

Brother John you have not been forgotten nor will you ever. Your reassignment to God's police department caught a lot of us completely off gaurd. God has received a great warrior for his department and your presence there is a terrific asset to His squad as you were here. Know you are not forgotten nor will you ever be. Give Jesus a huge hug for all of us here. Rest in Peace brother.
In Christ, Tom Bradley Arizona State Chaplain FOP

Tom Bradley, Retired
Phoenix AZ PD

August 21, 2008

Sgt. Domblisky,
On today, the 18th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you to you and your partner for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Phoenix. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

July 26, 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

November 14, 2007

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Domblisky. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 15, 2007

Thank you for your service. You will always be remembered. Rest in peace.

Daughter of an officer

July 26, 2006