Officer Down Memorial Page

The shoes you leave could never be filled.....

.
March 18, 2012

Rest in Peace, Deputy Creegan. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
February 14, 2012

You are still with me and remembered, your squad mate, your zone partner, your friend.

Master Deputy
Orange Couty Sheriff's Office
November 15, 2011

Rest in peace, hero. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13

Friend of USFS Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9/20/08

Anonymous
January 9, 2011

Over the past few years i find myself thinking of you often. my boyfriend is a new york state trooper and when he leaves our home i wonder if that will be the last time i will ever see him again??and i think of you and him and how grateful we all are to have policeman that are dedicated to helping people..complete strangers....when there are alot of people out there that wouldent even hold the door open for someone....then i see you and pete and realize how wonderful you all are...xoxoxoxo...with much love your neice jennifer

Jenn McCausland
niece
January 6, 2011

Deputy Creegan, you are not forgotten. I grew up in OC. Still a great place with a great SO.

SSA Ellen Pierson
US ICE
September 2, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the thirteenth 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.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous
May 29, 2009

Endlessly finding myself "Googling you".

There are no words...
Sue

Sue Caponi
Sister
February 1, 2009

You were a true hero, a role model, someone who everyone looked up to. The impact you had on everyone you met was unbelievable and unforgettable. You will never be forgotten and always missed.

Anonymous
August 6, 2008

John:
I can not ever tell you the lessons that you taught me in the short time we worked together. You were a friend and teacher - even being new yourself. The pride that you held for your past in the Navy as well as the pride you held for our profession, was unwaverable. You are missed, you are thought of often, and there will never be another man like you. I hope that you are in peace.

Anonymous
January 23, 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 15, 2007

Dad, ever since I could remember I wanted to be just like you. You made me strive to always be the best and you taught me everything I know about being a role-model and a leader. I was too young to realize how much you gave me when you were alive and how much you still affect me now. You instiled key values that not many fathers get through to their sons. You taught me that hard work, honesty and selflessness really makes a man. Everyone knows you as a great police officer, but you were best at being a father. I miss you and we will never forget you. -Bill

William Creegan
Son
September 23, 2007

G-d Bless you.And may you always be a very special guardian angel to those officers you watch over.

May 29, 2007

Still see that smile and hear that voice. Still touching my soul. Still see you standing there showing off pictures of your family. Still feel blessed to have known you evenly if it was ever so briefly. There have been very few men on this earth as proud of their family as you. May God keep you watching over us.

March 26, 2007

John we just had a Navy Recruiting New York Reunion, and buddy you were missed. To see all the old faces from 1979-1983. You sure would have had the party jumping!!! Miss you Brother.

Tony Johnson

October 10, 2006

John,

The weekend before you were killed, you let some kid from the academy go for a ride-a-long with you. You treated him with respect, honesty, and most importantly, as if you wanted him to learn what you knew.

The one thing that rings out that you tried to teach him was to go home at the end of every shift. This is a job, not your life, your life is at home, finish your shift then go home safe.

A few days after that valuable lesson, you were dead. I was not able to ask you anymore questions, thank you, or to even know if you thoght I would even make it as a cop?

I never got to tell you what an impact those 6 hours I rode with you made in my career or to the way I handle myself on the street. Your death made me rethink my career choice.

I stuck with it. I tried to succeed and be safe. My only career goal is to keep myself and every officer in my control safe and not let them go. I know I can not be in the car with them, I cant be their cover person, but I can teach them.

As a reflection of you, know that you instructed me on the importance of safety and to always go home. This lesson I have shared with every officer on FTO, at briefings, during class, and whenever I am with a new officer. I share your wisdom, your advice, your desire of going home. I only with you could have been able to follow that same advice.

You didn't waste those 6 hours onme John. I heard you, I will never stop hearing you or sharing your message.

Lieutenant James Napier
Kissimmee Police Department
August 17, 2005

It is amazing how so much time has passed, yet time stands still. My memories are as strong as they where prior to your passing. The way my heart and mind have been touched by the very simple and basic kindness and thoughtfullness that you shared, still amazes me. I have never looked at my children the same. The pride of family and the love you had for yours just so touched me. Those few talks we had about raising sons meant so much to me and affected me so deeply. For anyone who is reading this, please never take your family, especially your childrens needs for granted. Never be afraid to hug them and say "I love you". Take time to read to them and talk to them...........and be strong and supportive of them....

Anonymous
February 21, 2004

John, I have never had the chance to meet you. However I have had the pleasure of working with your son for the last few months. He is an extremely hard worker, and it's obvious that you taught him well. I am honored to work with Ofc. Creegan. God Bless You.

Anonymous
December 19, 2003

John was a good friend we where stationed together in Recruiting in New York and in Orlando. I remember him when e first cae through he doors in recruiting I remember his wife Toni and how much he use to talk about his family. John just to see your picture hit is so hard to believe you are not here with me, but you will always be in my heart... Love You Brother

Tony Johnson

Many officers are shot and killed because they are defending us as U.S citizens. This officer was doing his duty when he was killed. The teenagers even gave him the finger in sheer mockery. We need to pull together to protect our Police force as they are protecting us. Many families must grieve every year at this time because some person decides to get himself in trouble and take his anger out on an officer.

Officers watch over our lives,

They watch over there children and their wives.

Then someone comes along and ends their life,

Maybe with a gun, maybe with a knife.

We need to honor their feats and thier good will,

Take a moment of silence, a moment to be still.

That is all I have to say, thank you.

Vanessa
Concerned Citizen

JOHN, REST IN PEACE, WE WILL WATCH OVER YOUR FAMILY.

PLEASE WATCH OVER US...... GOD BLESS

DEPUTY TONY BRISINTE
ORANGE CO. SO

Your son has started with the department. I am sure that he will honor your name. I still remember you. I will never forget you. I will look out for him and help him in any way that I can. Please watch over all of us.

Anonymous

Rest in peace. We have the watch now.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

Being a behind the scenes (civil) employee was not looked at as being one the team, but you never thought of us that way. No matter what unit you visited, you brought a smile to everyones face. If you were having a difficult day, no one would have ever known. I can still see you standing in my units office showing off a picture of your family. You were so proud. Your strong positive nature and that smile will always touch my heart. I have looked at my children so differently since that day. You were truly a gentleman. Your family was highly blessed with having you in their lives. It is impossible to forget someone like you. May you keep watch over your family and guide them, for you are truly one of the "ANGELS"!!

Anonymous