Officer Down Memorial Page

Love ya Uncle Jim. I think about you everyday. Hope you liked the flowers I dropped off for you and Ricky.

John Szuba
Nephew
January 10, 2012

Two years Jim, Josh, Steph and I miss you you so much. Give Ricky boy a hug from mamma. I Love You...........

Debbie Szuba
Wife
January 9, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 10th 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 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. I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 9, 2012

Great father to me and my sister and an awesome husband to my mother. It's been two years since I've seen his face but it feels like an eternity. He is still loved and missed dearly, but not forgotton.

Patrolman Joshua J. Szuba
New Carlisle Poilice Dept. (Son)
January 9, 2012

both Ricky corporal SZUBA dog that dog was quite intelligeint and a hero just like corporal szuba he was an officer who passed away although alot of other s passed away we shall say the pledge of alligance , i pledge of allegiance to the flag of the united states of america to the republic from which it stands one nation under god to liberty and justice for all

mckenzie hantz
good friend
October 22, 2011

I am nothing but a student for my high school, and I was tasked with for my semester project to look up stories about officers harmed in the Line of Duty and writing a report on that person. I found this story, and originally skimmed through it. I came back tonight and re-read it at length, and I can honestly say I almost cried. Seeing how all these people care about John makes a man rethink life and how quickly it can be taken away. My best regards, and my good thoughts go to the family and friends of Corporal Szuba. A hero never dies - not really. They live on within us...

Dan Richardson
Common Reader
October 19, 2011

Happy 24th Anniversary Jim
I Love You

Debbie Szuba
Wife
October 17, 2011

This week I received your bracelet for participating as Support for the Law Enforcement United " Road to Hope" Bike Ride. Yesterday I placed that Bracelet on the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Wall near your name.

Rest in Peace

Lt. Sheila Jones
Fredericksburg Police Dept.
May 14, 2011

Today I thought about you alot, I watched a top shot marathon, then Steph posted something about her finals on FB. All day... all I could think about was you Jim. So, trying to clear my mind, I took Smudge for a walk and the first dog we saw was a sheppard. Looking back at my day [with you in it], it was pretty damn good. Thanks for being with me today !

Bobby McC
MPD
May 1, 2011

Corporal Szuba
Often times people are taken from us for no apparent reason. I know that you and Ricky are looking down on all your brothers and sisters in law enforcement keeping us all safe. This May 10th-12th I have the distinct privilege of riding in your memory from Chesapeake,VA to Northern, VA. If your family is going to be at police week, I would be so honored to meet them. Keep us all safe, we have the watch now.
James Aspatore
Law Enforcement United

Special Agent J. Aspatore
Norfolk Southern Railway Police Department
April 4, 2011

To Cpl. James J. Szuba, his family and his fellow officers with the Mishawaka Police Department:

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

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff
January 9, 2011

I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. God Bless. Heroes Live Forever.

Elwaer 2161
South Bend PD
January 8, 2011

I know my husband valued yours as a friend and a trusted officer. Our hearts still grieve for your loss. You are not forgotten neither is your sacrifice. God Bless

Robin Spencer
Police Officer's wife
October 28, 2010

Happy 23rd Anniversary Jim.
I love and miss you so much. You can be so proud of our kids, they are making sure I get through today. I know you are always with us, watching over us and keeping us safe but we miss you and think of you everyday, all day. Give Ricky boy a big hug from mamma, I love you. I am so blessed that you are my husband.
Love with all my heart,
Debbie

Debbie Szuba
Spouse
October 17, 2010

In Celebation of Our Special Day
A Marriae is Measured
by more that just years-
it's measured by living,
by laughter ad tears...
by good times, contentment,
and dreams that come true...
and also by hard times
that loves brings you through
A Marriage is greater
than simply the sum
of all you've accomplished
and how far you've come...
it's people whose lives
you have touched in some way
and values you've stood for
and lived day by day.
A Marriage is Measured
by lessons you've learned,
examples you've set,
and respect you have earned.
It's forged in the balance
the two of us find
in partnership, friendship,
and love all combined.
Happy 23rd Anniversary Jim
I love and miss you so much.
I thank God everyday that you
are in my life.
10/17/10
Debbie

Debbie Szuba
October 17, 2010

The Dail family of Ocala, Florida sends our deepest condolences to you and sincerest love. We are praying for you and grieving with you. May the LORD carry you and protect and provide for you. Trust Him, rest in Him.

The Dail family, Ocala, FL
in-laws Ofc. Tony Zeppetella eow:6/13/03
July 2, 2010

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Every time I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the officer they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Corporal Szuba, especially to his wife. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. (The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. I can also be found on Face Book.) You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for James, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember James' life and the MAN that he was. Remember that James' life was about so much more than the way he died. James will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Corporal Szuba, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been seven years and a half years but he's still very much missed and forever loved.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)
June 26, 2010

Jim

We had a rifle shoot last week. Weather was great, shooting was good. The Irish boy, as well as the (fellow) Polock and I were remembering back to the intial patrol rifle school that you taught. Great freakin school. Probably the most fun I have had in a training environment. Six months, plus. Sucks. Miss you, brother.

Steve Headley
MPD
June 20, 2010

As a former SAR Member - It was a shame both lives were lost. In Memorial to Both Officer and Dog, We have named one of our German Shepherds up for Adoption " SZUBA" to incorporate both Officer Szuba and Rickie"

We send our condolences to the family. Check our website for any news on his adoption and where German Shepherd Szuba ends up.

Anonymous
June 11, 2010

Jim I have tried to write here before but couldn't. It's been almost a year that I moved but it feels like yesterday we were fishing for gills in Dugger. I hope you know how much I respect you and appreciate all you had done for me. I hope Deb and the kids are doing good, I know it must be hard. Look after all of us and I'll see you some day. Thanks again for being a good friend.

Ofc. and Friend Chad Smith
Jupiter, FL.
May 5, 2010

Jimmy - It's been 103 days since you were taken from us. You can't imagine the unbearable grief the whole family is going through. We all miss you so very much. There isn't a day that passes that we don't think of you and what a great brother you were. We know that you are with dad in heaven and some day we'll all see each other again.

Love you always -
your sister, Kathy

Kathleen Atkins
sister
April 20, 2010

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Corporal J. Szuba,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Corporal James J. Szuba. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Corporal james J. Szuba is a hero.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network

Anonymous
March 27, 2010

Thank you for the job that you did. God bless you and your family.

Deputy Doug Sullivan
Fresno County Sheriff's Office
March 22, 2010

You will forever be in my thoughts and prayers♥♥♥♥

Retired Sgt. Kathy Hamilton
Mishawaka Police Department
March 12, 2010

Thank you for your service to your community, Corporal Szuba. Praying for your family, friends, and fellow officers. Rest in peace.

Kathy Bubb
Caring Citizen
March 10, 2010