Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Lydon,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of California. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 5, 2023

I still remember the day we met. You were so kind and thoughtful. Very attentive to meeting me. I often wonder what would have been if I had stayed there with you. I think of you often. My life took me in a different direction. But I have never had you out of my mind. When I learned of your tragic accident that day a friend called to tell me. My knees nickeled and I fell to think how could this possibly happen to such a sweet man. I wanted to attend your funeral but decided best to not. Chris you will forever hold a place within me and I pray you are watching over me. Thankyou for you❤️

Roxanne Hill
Friend

June 13, 2020

Be at Peace Brother.

DA Investigator Julie Callahan
Monterey County District Attorney's Office (Ret.)

June 5, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You are honored and remembered on the 20th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

June 5, 2018

"When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him.”

Euripides

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 24, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 6, 2015

Hard to believe it's been 25 years since graduation, and 16 since Chris passed away. Your old PHS friends were thinking and talking about you this memorial weekend and laughing over photos. We all miss you.

Andrea Weaver
High School friend

May 25, 2014

I wrote the letter below after September 11,2001. I feel it applies to all law enforcement personal who die in the line of duty. My condolences to the Lydon family.

To My darling,


By the time you read this, I’ll be gone. Don’t weep for me but rejoice in knowing that I am in a better place.


Tell the kids I love them and know that I love you with all my heart. Know that I lived my life to the fullest and gave it my all. Know that despite the poor pay and lousy hours, I did my job for the love of it, and because of it. I made you sacrifice some of the things you needed and wanted, and for that I am truly sorry.


Do not mourn my death, but rejoice my life. To my friends, I ask you to keep in contact with my kids as they grow older and tell them about me, about what kind of person I was, for it will help ease their pain.


Darling, know that I will be with you until the end of time, for I will live on in your heart, I will be that warm and fuzzy feeling you’ll get sometimes. Remember that I’ll always love you.

Your Hero

Detective Patrick J. Lydon NYPD retired
NYPD retired

April 27, 2014

PARTICIPATING IN CHRISTOPHER'S FUNERAL WAS AN HONOR AS NOT ONLY A CHP OFFICER BUT A FELLOW VETERAN. RIP. 01/21/2014.

MOTORCYCLE OFFICER ANTHONY ( CHILECHOKER ) HERRERA # 9878 CHP A FOREVER FRIEND.

January 21, 2014

Heroes live forever, Officer Lydon, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of the great State of California.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

June 6, 2013

our heroism and service is honored today, the 14th 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing thier memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

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

June 5, 2012

Chris, we were so sorry to learn of your mother's death. Janie had a zest for life and a hearty laugh. We will miss her, but know that you two have been reunited.

Rest in peace - you are not forgotten.

WA State Concerns of Police Survivors

January 9, 2011

Dear Mrs. Lydon,

My name is Theresa Navarro My son Ivan Navarro Badge#18201 was laid to rest a Dearborn Memorial cemetery in Poway, He was a California Highway Patrolman and former Marine he had worked out of the San Diego Central CHP office, My son Ivan had passed away on July 12th 2009 due to a massive heart failure at his home, he was only 29 years old single with no children, he had been with the CHP force for 4 years serving his first years at central Los Angeles office where he said there was excitement everyday on every shift but when the opportunity to transfer to San Diego came up he thought he was going to be working in the best city ever, he did complain a little about it not being as fast paced as L. A. but to him San Diego was paradise to him.

My reason for writing is both my son Ivan and my family remember Officer Lydon's accident We are all so sorry for your loss and from what I have read about him you must be so proud of your son and his accomplishments he was able to achieve in his short life, Our family lives in Lakeside, I work in Poway and at least once a week I visit my sons resting place, Today I went to see your sons resting place and It would be an honor to help keep his beautiful head stone looking good, as one CHP family to another My son had told me the best family to belong to is the California Highway Patrol family they care for each other.

With much respect to you and your family,

Theresa Navarro
(Ivan Navarro's Mother)

Theresa Navarro
Mother of a fellow CHP officer

January 21, 2010

Rest in Peace, Officer Lydon. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

To Janie and Steve,

Out of the blue today I thought of Chris. Maybe its moving back to California after time in GA. Now, as a parent of two young children, I can see how losing two children would be the mightiest of challenges to overcome. I pray that the two of you are well, and Chris will always have a place in my prayers.

Best regards,
Danny

Dan McCutcheon
Childhood friend

May 11, 2009

I drove my your memorial sign on the freeway today. Thank you for your hard work! May you rest in peace. My heart goes out to your family. This year in May I will be at Sacramento for the plaque presentation for my brtoher in law. When I am there I will think of you and your family and all you have sacrafice. Thank you for your service.

Jennifer Fenelli
Sister in law to John Miller CHP EOW 11-16-07

April 16, 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

November 21, 2007

Hi Janie--
I often go to the Dearborn Cemetary to place flowers and holiday decorations on the markers of both your boys. I have tried to contact you in San Diego, but the internet info I have found says you are now in Alaska. Please email me back--I want to stay in touch! Lori Faison--Poway

Lori Faison, Poway, CA
friend

October 2, 2007

You know The Blue and Gold NEVER forgets our own ..Keep resting in peace Brother !!

DB
Calif Hwy Patrol ..RET

June 5, 2007

May your sleep be sweet and may He ever bless you and your loved ones.

June 5, 2007

It was a pleasure serving with you in Kuwait. I know you parents really miss you and were VERY proud of you.

SEMPER FI...

Mark Abend, Senior Special Agent
US DHS/ICE

March 16, 2007

I had the pleasure of knowing Chris for a brief time shortly before he left for the Academy. Now as I prepare myself for the CHP Academy, for the physical and mental challenges that lie ahead, I think of Chris and others like him and know that I am going to continue the good fight as he did - and it gives me strength. RIP

Cadet, Fabio Bandini
California Highway Patrol

December 5, 2006

Not a day goes by that I do not think about my dear friend, Christopher David. Especially today, I pray for your parents and I remember you.....

kATE ROMOSOD

June 5, 2006

Officer Lydon,
I have recently had the honor of meeting your parents through the Washington State Fraternal Order of Police Auxilary, which I am Vice President.
Your parents are so very proud of you and it's very clear how much they love you and miss you.
Thank you for giving your life so that others may live. My husband is a Deputy in Skagit County and I know the risk he takes every day. There are only a few like you that are so unselfish and caring that you would put yourself in harms way for others, who don't even realize what you do, but then again, there are so many of us that do realize and appreciate everything you do.
God be with you always,
Renata G. Marlow
La Conner, Washington

Records Specialist Renata G. Marlow
Mount Vernon Police, Washington State

November 30, 2003

Rest in peace Brother Chris, you are a true hero and will not be forgotten. Thank you for your courage and service, watch over us as we carry on.


Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham
Sand Springs Police Dept. Okla

November 26, 2003