Officer Down Memorial Page

I grew up across the street from the Sartains...I had the biggest crush on John when I was little...I still remember going over and having tea with his mom and then taking a nap on his bed...I remember the day John was killed...my mom and dad were on their way home and I remember running to the drive way and telling them the news...we were all so devestated. I had the pleasure of knowing Ruth Mary and babysitting Voss, what a precious child. I will never forget this wonderful family and the sacrafice that John made....34 years seems like yesterday...Rest in peace John.

Mary Wood Bailey
Friend
July 16, 2009

RIP.You are not forgotten.

Anonymous
November 19, 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
February 5, 2008

Only the best, a loss still thought of today as yesterday. Corpus Christi thanks you, your comrades miss you, your family will never forget you.

Officer Scott Parker
Covington Texas Police Department
September 16, 2006

My son, who is Johnny's nephew, sent me this web site to peruse. I am extremely proud of my brother who made the ultimate sacrifice. I think of him almost every day and still can't believe he is gone; even after 34 years.

You were much loved and much respected, Johnny and I miss you terribly.

Russ Sartain

Russ Sartain
August 29, 2005

John was 22 and his badge number was 133. He was a wonderful son, brother, husband and father of his two year old daughter, Voss. He died doing what he believed in.

nancy sartain
mother
August 28, 2005

God bless you for your sacrifice. You will not be forgotten.

DE
St. Louis City Police
May 19, 2005

God bless you and keep you always.

DE
St. Louis City Police
December 13, 2004

ALTHOUGH YOU HAVE BEEN GONE FOR A LONG TIME, YOU HAVE NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN. THE CORPUS CHRISTI LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPLORER POST #133 WAS NAMED AFTER YOUR BADGE NUMBER, AND HAS MADE IT PROUD. MANY RESPONSIBLE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS HAVE GONE THROUGH THE PROGRAM AND WILL NOW BE ABLE TO FOLLOW THEIR DREAMS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY, AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

November 26, 2004

Johnny, I remember the pickup football games we used to get up in your front yard in Hurst with your brother Rusty and my brother Tim. Every time I drive by your old house I think of you. Rest in Peace Brother in Blue.

Cpl. C. T. Skiles
Euless P. D.
June 21, 2004

I WAS THE NEXT IN LINE TO GET OUR ID PHOTO MADE AND WE LAUGHED AT YOUR SOUR EXPRESSION NOWING IT WASN'T REALLY YOU WE WERE ALL SO VERY YOUNG AND DEATH WAS NEVER EVER A THOUGHT RUTH MARY AND VOSS WHERE EVER YOU ARE I DID ALOT OF GROWING UP THAT DAY

PORKY
May 9, 2004

REST IN PEACE OLD FRIEND FROM A FELLOW CLASSMATE 17TH SESSION AND ONE OF YOUR PALLBEARER IN HOUSTON ON THAT RAINY DAY I OFTEN GO TO THE REAR OF THE OLD PD AND STOP AT THAT DOOR AND SAY "HI"

DEPUTY DON WATT
NUECES CNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT
May 8, 2004

As a child, I remember my father, who was either a classmate or a close friend of Officer Sartain, telling me about the incident. At the time, I didn't understand. Now, as a Agent, I can personally understand what my father was going through. Still to this day I will mention Officer Sartain's name and my father is silent.

Officer Sartain, although we never met, you were and are still a part of my life. I would like to say that although you are gone you will never be forgoten.

10-42...may you rest in peace.

Don Watt, Jr. Senior Patrol Agent
United States Border Patrol
May 1, 2004