Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Was my honor to follow thru on a story my father told me as a boy, that his mothers sister , Susan Valente (maiden name Danes) husband Ernesto was the the first police officer to die in the line of duty in the city of Hazleton PA.
So I searched the net for any old newspaper articles of his sacrifice and came across The ODMP page. Again no tribute to this man. So I contacted Chief Frank D’Andrea and he put the tribute together. I also was able to bring his grandchildren to Hazleton the second year of the tribute. I am proud to be a father of a Police Officer and all our men and women in blue. And Especially proud to have been a factor in honoring Patrolman Valente after 75 years of his sacrifice.
Bill Juliano

Great Nephew of Officer Ernesto Valente
Hazleton Pa Police Dept
End of watch May 15, 1938

January 31, 2022

No passage of time can ever erase your service and sacrifice. Rest in peace always.

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

May 15, 2021

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

May 15, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 75th anniversary year of your death. I am privileged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. 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 Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

May 31, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Detective Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

May 24, 2013

Officer Valente,
Sir, it has taken 75 years but you are finally being honored. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Hazelton City.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

May 24, 2013

Sir,
It is truly humbling to be the first to have the opportunity to honor you. My family and I wish to thank you for your courage and service and want you to know that we will remember you in our prayers. Your honorable actions have not been forgotten and your service is greatly appreciated. Rest easy my brother, Honore Semper.

Herb Fernandez
Detention Corporal
Midland County Sheriff's Office TX
Senior Honor Guard Member

May 23, 2013