Officer Down Memorial Page

Rest in Peace, Detective Airhart. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
April 27, 2012

He was simply a mensch. He was a dream son, one that would do anything for his father before himself. Just a great human being. I did not know him well, but it was a true honor to have just have just met him for the few hours we connected on a couple of get togethers. I miss the chance of getting to know you better.

Hope you are in a better place!

Jordan Kagan
Friend
June 3, 2011

As the second anniversary of your passing nears i pause and reflect on all the good you did while as a Area 2 detective. It was an honor to serve with both as a P/O and as a detective. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Your memorial card will hang on the Area 2 bulletin board forever. Thank you for your service. We will never forget.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago
November 1, 2010

Always remembered & honored 4 his service & his ultimate sacrifice. May the Lord continue to comfort his loved ones.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister & granddau. of LEOs
May 23, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the first anniversary year 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 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
November 5, 2009

To Det. Joseph Airhart Jr, his family and his fellow officers with the Chicago Police Department:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Det. Airhart’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Det. Airhart and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff
November 4, 2009

Dad,
I miss you so very much! Sunday, I rode my bike with the Pedal for the Police from CPD Headquarters for the first time. It was great to be out on the lakefront. Reminded me of the times you let me sit on your lap as a child and drive the Corvette with you. I thought I was all big and bad. A group of officers rode across the state for all the fallen officers. Your name was placed on a band and worn by some of the riders. They traveled for 4 days to make it to Chicago where we greeted them and joined them on the final stretch to Gold Star Family Park. Your memory is never forgotten by them. Your spirit and words of wisdom rest in my heart and mind. I love you. Mom and I went to check on the family. We have a lot of work to do. It's just so different you not being there period. God blessed us with those 7 years but sometimes I wish we had more. I miss not being able to hold your hand and tell you my latest adventures. I am taking care of mom. Getting ready to close on a new home soon. I still see you guiding me even from the grave on my important decisions.

Love you always!!!

Melissa
daughter
July 22, 2009

Detective, I was fortunate enough to be able to run the National Police Week 5K yesterday in Washington D.C. and was honored to find that I was running in memory of you. May your family always know that you are not now nor will you ever be forgotten. Rest in Peace Warrior.

DUSM
US Marshals Service
May 17, 2009

I would like to take a moment to express, during this,
National Police Week, my sincere appreciation for your service to the City in which I was born.

As you soar through the Heavens above, may your family/friends and brothers have peace in their hearts.

Detective Joseph M. Airhart Jr., I HONOR and I SALUTE YOU!
+Rest in Peace+

Lisa Gagliano
May 17, 2009

I will be going to Springfield soon to see your name placed on the memorial. It will be a sad day. You were always a gentleman and a great cop. May God keep you always in his hands.

Retired Sgt. K. Brozynski

Retired Sgt. K. Brozynski
CPD
April 25, 2009

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

God bless you and all who mourn you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.
February 28, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with those friends and family members that are left behind and cannot follow. Rest in peace my brother in blue...we will take it from here.

PFC Adam F Laser
Westminster City Police Department
January 4, 2009

Thoughts and prayers go out to all those who love and miss you....let them feel your constant presence and see the impact you made in the world. Heroes Live Forever

Meridith Jensen--Comm Center
Colorado Springs Police Dept.
December 14, 2008

"My Brother"

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was idealistic and believed he could make a difference.
He was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and what they represent.
He felt privileged to be of service to his department, his community and to his country.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm.
He laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary.
He was competent, trained, and professional.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong and became
frustrated when true justice became sidetracked.
He felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but he
never wavered.
He stood by and for his fellow officers.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He longed for his family during the long hours.
He worried about them during his shifts and the lonely
weekends, holidays and midnights when they were apart.
He felt guilty about the lost time, but knew his calling
and prayed they would understand.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was a good son, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
He was dedicated to the profession and cared about the
people he served.
He wanted to do the best job that he could and strived to
be the best he could be.
He was a good citizen and a good neighbor.

He was a cop.

Yes, I did know him.
He was a cop, he was my Brother.

Rest easy Brother Airhart, we have the watch...



”I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
---Isaiah 6:8

You answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice. Rest easy in God's kingdom and watch over us as we continue the battle here on earth!!!

Officer
Metropolitan police Department Washington DC
November 30, 2008

The members at Arresting Hearts wish to offer their deepest heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Detective Joseph Airhart Jr. Because of Detective Airhart‘s ultimate sacrifice we live in a safer place. We thank you for your service and your dedication.


The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.” Mary Stevenson 1936



With love and respect,

The members and staff of Arresting Hearts

Anonymous
November 26, 2008

For the family and friends, he is at peace now. I had a brother officer, a friend that was in a coma for 10 years before God took him home. I used to go sit with him and talk to him and watch them feed him through the tube. I understand what its like watching a good man go through that and the strain it puts on family and friends. You are not alone. When Donnie went to be with the Lord it was a relief. He was not suffering anymore and there was no more wondering. To the family and friends, his police family loved him and will always be here for you. Detective Airhart Jr. is watching over all of us now.

Sr. Corp. Alexander
Dallas PD, Tx
November 21, 2008

"for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer" Romans 13:4 ESV

Rest In Peace, Servant of God.

Former SA "CG-14604"

SA "DE-14604"
FBI-Detroit Division
November 20, 2008

R.I.P. BROTHER.A CHICAGO SISTER

PO CHICAGO
CPD
November 19, 2008

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones. I know your parents cared for you for a long time and they will forever carry their love for you in their hearts for as long as they walk this earth. Watch over them, protect them and also those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and will not be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
November 18, 2008

God is sure to have a home waiting for you, your good deed were not in vain.

Murphy
November 18, 2008

To the family and friends of Detective Joseph Airhart Jr. and the members of the Chicago Police Dept.

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Detective Airhart tragically died as a result of the injuries inflicted seven years earlier.

To Joseph's family, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in the Bay Area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I hope you will receive the same support, and maybe even more importantly, have received that support during the last seven years. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace. I am humbled by the valor and courage of Joseph and his family.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Joseph gave to his community and the citizens of Illinois, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on November 4, 2008.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD (CA), eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05
November 17, 2008

REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF E.J. MORRIS
RANDOLPH MO P.D.
November 16, 2008

Thank you for your service
You will NEVER be forgotten

Civilian
Columbus, Ohio
November 15, 2008

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO.

Deputy Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriffs Office
November 15, 2008

Det. Airhart: God Bless you and your family. I review this website everyday hoping there are no new names added. I am sorry to see yours. Rest in Peace.

SSA Ellen Pierson
US
November 14, 2008