Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Neff,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Ohio. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

January 30, 2024

Though it has been many years since your passing, your name and memory still echo the halls of our sacred Academy. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Larry R. Bowman
Trooper, OSHP (Retired)

January 30, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Jerry R. Neff of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio and the additional 59 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

January 30, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Jerry R. Neff of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio and the additional 56 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

January 30, 2022

I was one of three Franklin County Deputies that responded to this incident. I have never forgotten the senselessness of it. US 62 was subsequently named the Jerry Neff Memorial Highway in that area. I drive through it regularly and cannot forget it 47 years later. Thank you for your service to Ohio. I hope your fellow Officers, Deputies and Troopers did right by your example and did our best to hold the line after your watch ended.

Michael Creamer
Chief Deputy, Franklin County Sheriff's Office, Retired

February 2, 2021

Jerry and I go way back, my Mom and Dad were friends with your Dad for years and we always bought our cars from him and our friendship picked up from that and bring classmates. You were my best buddy. Sitting in the PIT at school laughing at teachers, or when you would check on me and my baby daughter while on patrol when my husband was overseas. You were a caring person watching out for people.
The day of the accident my Mom called me. My heart broke. When I saw Brenda broke even more.
I know you are watching over your family and friends.

Jessica (Peart) Pence
Classmate

February 7, 2020

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Jerry R. Neff of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio and the additional 54 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

January 30, 2020

Can't be on 3C highway without Jerry coming to mind. Sometimes his name and smiling face just comes to mind. I wouldn't know his adult son of I stood beside one. Or Brenda.
We did get the area where we lost Jerry named for him and as long as I can take a breath those signs will remain.

Terry Dountz
Franklin County Retired. FOP Lodge 9

November 19, 2018

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Jerry R. Neff Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio and the additional 54 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

January 30, 2018

Visiting, unknown if there is any relation. R.I.P.

Officer W M Neff
Mission Kansas Police Dept.

October 15, 2014

Jerry, It's been a long long time. I was a freshman in college when I got the call. I was numb. You were the funniest guy. Never a dull moment when you were around. I thought you married the greatest girl, Brenda, and your boys were just little dolls. I remember many details of the day of your funeral. One of the saddest,yet most impressive things I have seen. I married and have three children and three grandchildren. I usually just happen to run into Brenda at Pumpkin Show. She never looks any older. So many of the family have passed on now,and we seldom see any of the family. I have always told my kids about you, and about that dreadful night. I think of you so often,when I'm on the highway and see other patrolmen. Life has changed so,and I don't think lawmen will ever get the respect they deserve. I am blessed to have known you. Rest well now.

Darlene Neff Glick, first cousin

May 2, 2013

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department

January 30, 2013

Patrolman Neff,
On today, the 39th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Ohio. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

January 30, 2013

I never knew you, but thanks for serving as a police officer and patrol man. every time i see a highway patrol car i think of you.

Thanks Grandpa!

______________________________
His son's kid

June 8, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th 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 the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I hold your family in my heart's embrace today.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 30, 2012

Jerry was a friend of my dad's, another fallen, dedicated state trooper Ed Moore. I babysat the Neff boys and hope they are doing well.

Linda Moore

Anonymous

January 15, 2011

Patrolman Neff,
I met one of your sons the other day. You would be proud of the man that he has become. The pride that he displayed when he called you Dad was enough to melt the hardest of hearts. As chance would have it, he was delivering my early Fater's Day gift. It made the event of receiving my first cruiser bike that much sweeter that I was being handed the keys by the son of a Hero.

A Trooper
OSHP

June 5, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been a long time, I'm sure those you left behind and served with disctinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thanks for your service and for looking out for us you left behind. Rest in peace Officer Neff!

Sgt. Robert Mau, Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 16, 2008

From freshmen in high school we were best of friends. You were from a more affluent family, and I was from the wrong side of the tracks. But that didn't matter to you. You were always humble and looked at people as people...nothing more or less.
The years have melted away since the day I got that awful call....so long ago... yet still like yesterday. The shock, the pain still rushes to the forefront when I contemplate that day.
To this day, I often talk with you when I am alone. At times, I tell you a joke in my mind and I can almost hear your little snicker...but alas, it is just beyond earshot.
The sun grew a little dimmer the day you died, and the world grew a little colder. Would that this tired old orb were visited with a million---nay, a billion--- possessed of your gentle manner and tender heart. All the earth would be the better for it.
And when the ages have run their course and the sands of time flow no more, the Author of Life shall set HIS feet above the circle of the earth. The trump of the Archangel shall sound and the heavens shall reverberate with the clarion call of the last reveille. Then shall these who have served so well awaken and arise to stand final muster before HE who created them. At that transcendent moment in the twilight of history, HE shall surely say unto these: “Well done, ye of selfless courage and boundless love. The Eternal Councils await thee. Come, and take thy place of honored glory…….”
Until that day, Rest in peace, Jerry, dear friend so true.

Charles A. Lewis
159 Rathburn Rd
Fulton, NY 13069

Charles A. Lewis
Best Friend

April 10, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 27, 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 8, 2008

Rest in peace Brother Neff.
"Come walk a beat in Heaven's streets, you've done your time in Hell."

Officer Kempf
Beavercreek, Ohio PD

December 24, 2007

I attended the Ohio State Highway Patrol's memorial service for the first time this past May and was moved by the dedication the Patrol has for remembering it's fallen officers. I was also greatly moved by the number of family members who come back year after year to honor their loved ones...some who have died over 50 years ago.

My boyfriend is a trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. I have always been proud of his job and his affiliation with the Patrol, but am even more so after attending the service. People always use the "words" "you will never be forgotten. The family of OSHP live by those words.

Becky Muncy, widow of Sgt. Marc Muncy
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Franklin County

September 21, 2007

I was just a baby (born the previous May) when your life was taken while on the job. Though I have no memories of my father, I have great respect for his line of work and the ultimate sacrifice he made. I am now older than my dad, coming up on 34 this May, and it is a strange feeling to know now how short his life was. My Mom (Brenda), Brothers (Tyler and Jason) are doing very well, and we all recently heard of the dedication on Route 62 in his honor. We thank you for this memorial as it means a lot and have the highest respect for all Troopers out there. May God keep you safe.

Kyle E. Neff
Son

April 5, 2007

In 1973 we lost a good friend. He had been a barber and dreamed of becoming a Trooper. This year we are working towards and looking forawrd to the dedication of US 62 near wear we lost Jerry as Trooper Jerry Neff Memorial Highway so everybody in Ohio will remember this fine Trooper.

Terry Dountz
FCSO Retired

March 29, 2007