Officer Down Memorial Page

I remember my friend John I served with him. We graduated togeather from the academy. We worked 8pm to 4am. I miss you and will always remember you. God BlessYou. W.T.

PO Tempesta Dist #1
New York City Transi Police Dept
September 22, 2011

I remember my friend John I served with him. We graduated togeather from the academy. We worked 8pm to 4am. I miss ypu and will always remember you. God BlessYou. W.T.

PO Tempesta Dist #1
New York City Transi Police Dept
September 22, 2011

i wish i got to know my oldest cousin jackie. i was only a kid but iremember when it happened.i remember feeling sad for my cousin john and his mother.i cant imagine how difficult it must have been for them without their father and husband rest in peace jackie. you were taken way too early

Anonymous
July 5, 2010

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

Robyn Wilkes
June 19, 2009

Officer Skagen,
On today, the 36th anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacarifice for the citizens of New York City. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous
June 28, 2008

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE
April 15, 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
December 20, 2007

This is my father. I was so young, that when he died I did not have any memories stay with me until the day when I was told of his passing. I was not told the truth then. When I was 18 or 19 I finally learned the truth. It has taken me years to forgive those officers. I put myself in their shoes and I probably would have done the same thing.
The one thing that makes me upset and angry is that I never had a "catch" with my father.

john m skagen Jr
son
November 20, 2007

can't beleive the mut that did this did not pay. may god bless the mos that fired, only to realize what they had done. may officer skagen rest in peace.

ret. p.o. john engebretsen
nypd
October 1, 2006

A TRUE HERO.

LT.CAROLLO
NYPD
June 17, 2006

Officer Skagen was my uncle, and from what I'm told, a great man. I wish I got the chance to get to know him.

Patrick Lamorgese
December 5, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies.....

Rest in peace, hero.

September 29, 2004

tragic, gone but not forgotten.

December 3, 2003

Your memory will always be carried on with the dignity and respect for their is no greater love than to sacrifice one's life for your fellow brothers and sisters. The members of the NYC Transit Police Memorial Lodge #317 are proud and honored to call you one of our own.

Sgt. Michael Fanning
NYCTPD