Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I remember this day every year. I was a rookie cop serving in neighboring Merrillville, Indiana. I was working days and when the call came out officers saturated the Glen Park area searching for the offenders. I believe that Gary officer Pastorett (sp?) located the offender vehicle, initiated the pursuit and subsequently was involved in the apprehension. I also remember talking with Gary officer Wally Jagiela (one of my on duty lunch buddies) and he had said that he just talked to George about meeting for lunch with him and was waiting for George to arrive at the Big Wheel restaurant (53rd and Broadway) when George responded to the bank alarm on his way to meet Wally. Wally left to also answer the call and as he arrived saw his friend laying on the ground murdered. That was a very dark day for everyone. Lt. Yaros was an old school cop's cop who left a very large void in the community and in his family. I'll never forget this tragic day and every August 11th I say "God bless you George." Blessings to him, his family, and the Gary Police Department.

Cpl. Greg Ostrozovich (ret.)
Merrillville Police Department

August 28, 2023

Another year… I can only hope you are proud of all of us…

Heather- grand-daughter

August 11, 2023

A truly good man. Rest in peace. You will never be forgotten

Jerry
Fellow citizen

August 11, 2023

Even though it has been 40 years today - I remember it like it was yesterday. Hearing the news as a 6 year old… processing death and its permanence. I call on you often to guide & protect (even selfishly to influence the outcome of certain football games - though I swear you have sway over ND - to my constant consternation).
Family was always important to you, and while ours probably hasn’t ended up how you would have wanted - we have navigated our lives the best we know how, secure in ourselves & our decisions.
You left us a legacy of honor, respect, & love of family. I can only hope that we are good stewards of that legacy.
Til we meet again Grandpa….

Heather
Granddaughter

August 11, 2021

Lt. Yaros,
It's now 40 years that your heroism took you from your family , friends and community. My dad was so heartbroken after that day. He was your co-worker and he looked up to you as an idol, as he was in the 82nd Airborne. He always spoke so highly of you when you two were on the PD together and held you in such high esteem after your sacrifice.
My dad has been gone for two years now and I hope you two are smiling, with the Lord and all of your loved ones. Thank you always for your service to our country and city.

Steven E Kokos
son of Lt. Steve G. Kokos, Gary P D, (Ret.) ;

April 30, 2021

Rest in peace

Nick mottola
None

August 11, 2020

Lt. Yaros:
Thank you for your sacrifice and service to the city of Gary and to the state of Indiana. You were nearing retirement but still didn't hesitate to serve and protect. Thank you as well for your service in WWII as a member of the 101st Airborne--particularly in your fight during the Battle of the Bulge--the costliest battle in the European Theatre. I too am an ex-paratrooper (509th BCT) and greatly appreciate your service. You no doubt were a cut above your entire life. I'm glad to see you family appears to be doing well and carrying on your legacy. "All The Way".

James Lopey, Assistant Sheriff (Ret)
Washoe County Sheriff's Office (Reno, Nevada)
Nevada DPS

August 11, 2020

Rest in peace knowing that your service and sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 11, 2020

Just read the Perpetrator was released. What a flawed system we have. Rest In Peace Lieutenant Yaros.

SDS retired Mark Mccormack
NYPD

August 11, 2019

Paraphrasing General George S. Patton:

We should not mourn that these men died. We should thank God that such men lived!

Kenneth Curtis

April 1, 2019

NEVER FORGOTTEN!
Cops cycling for survivors
www.copscycling4survivors.org

Monica Zahasky
Cops Cycling for Survivors

August 11, 2017

I THINK OF THIS DAY OFTEN. IT WAS ONE OF THE REASONS I LEFT AFTER TAKING A BUY OUT ON MY PENSION.. I ANSWERED MANY FALSE ALARMS AT THIS BANK.......................

J. C. HAMILTON PATROLMAN
GARY P. D.

August 12, 2015

Your life will not be forgotten by those whom you have met, Lt. Yaros. I know one terrific man who fights on your behalf to this day. May God grant you peace. My prayers for your family and friends who still love and miss you so much. My prayers for those who committed this crime against you, that they may know the error of their ways and reform their lives.

Maria
Citizen

November 26, 2014

Anytime an officer is lost, i always remember Lt Yaros. You protected our city and protected us- but taken way too soon. Continued prayers to your family --- you would indeed be proud

Marie Siroky
Gary citizen

August 19, 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 6, 2014

Gunned Down[August 11,1981


I Served for 20 years on the Lake County[Indiana] Police

Dept[Sheriffs Dept.] and met Lt George Yaros[Gary PD] about four months before he

was

gunned down[August 11,1981 AS HE RESPONDED TO A BANK ALARM AT THE AGE OF 57] - he was at the Lake County Jail to interview a prisoner

and

pulled out his wallet to show me pictures of his grandchildren and

told me

that in a few months he planned on retiring from the force - It wasn`t

very

long after that I remember standing out side of St. Marks at his funeral in the

pouring

down rain to say goodby to a brother police officer and a new found

friend.



Steven Yaros Jr

Captain Steven J. Yaros Jr.(Retired)
Lake County Police Dept

October 5, 2013

32 years ago... wow, has it been that long? I hope that you are proud of what Cathy & I have become - and you support the decisions Mom & Dad have made. For the good times...

Heather
Granddaughter

August 11, 2013

Rest In Peace.

Sgt. Jesse Salomon (Ret.)
Gary, Indiana Police Department

August 10, 2013

Rest in Peace, Lieutenant Yaros. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 17, 2013

Lieutenant Yaros, Six months before retirement you could have hesitated to respond to the Glen Park bank robbery, but that was not your nature. You were a true soldier and fellow officer. I was in the tenth year of my career and your death inspired me to continue my commitment or bail out.
"He answered the call, of himself gave his all, and a part of America died." I stayed the course, lieutenant. God bless you sir!

P. J. Adams, Cmdr. (Ret.)
Lake County, Indiana P.D.

July 16, 2012

Lt Yaros, you were my Lieutenant during my time as an officer with GPD. You were a wonderful, wonderful Lt and such a jovial and kind man. I left the dept and moved west and shortly after, you were killed. The news reached the west coast and that is how I found out about it. It broke my heart. I never forgot you and always think about you when I reflect on my days with the department. They do not make them like you, anymore. RIP and know that you are thought of often, in the kindest regards. To your children...you had a very, very special dad, but I know that you already know that.

Anonymous
Former Officer, GPD

January 27, 2012

Dad, I can't believe its has been 30 years. So much has happened and changed since you have been gone. Some good and some not so good. Mom misses you so much and talks about you all the time. I know your watching over her and one day the two of you will be together again. Dad you don't have to worry about her shes doing fine and Phil, Amy, Amanda are taking care of her like you would want us to. You have two granddaughters that you would be very proud of. I just wish you were here to see them but I know you are watching over them and protecting them everyday. I miss you so much dad and not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I will always remember your smile and I keep it close to my heart. As tears roll down my face I know someday we will all be together and I will see that great smile of yours again and you telling me thank you pumpkin for taking care of mom. I love you dad, your pumpkin always, Jane

Jane Yaros Kalinowicz
daughter

August 11, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th 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.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

August 11, 2010

Hard to believe it has been 29 years - I still remember the day, even though I was only 6 years old. I know that you have watched over me during this time & I hope that you are proud of who I have become. You have 3 wonderful great-grandchildren (so far) who will know you through stories and fond memories. Already my son laughs and appreciates the Midnight Mass story with the trumpets in the choir loft!

Keep watch over all of us until we can 'go bummin' again...

Heather

Heather
Granddaughter

August 11, 2010

Hi Dad,
So many years have passed without you and it still hurts so much. We are sorry to say one of the men who killed you just got out of prison today. Please give us the strengh to understand the bigger picture that God has for us. Please keep vigil over the men and women who serve and protect us. We know you are with us in spirit and you have been with us during those times of celebrations and at times of grief. You would be so proud of all your grandchildren and their accomplishments. We love you and miss you dad. Please keep us safe from harm until we see you again.
Love you
Tim & LaVonne

Tim & LaVonne Yaros
Son & Daughter-in-law

February 22, 2010