Officer Down Memorial Page

Thinking about you Brother! God Bless you and your family.

Senior Federal Air Marshal J.P. Roe
U.S. Federal Air Marshal Service-Chicago
April 20, 2012

Officer Kenneth Novak, Jr. was killed almost 20 years ago…
I met “Butchie” when I went to family parties with my wife and other family members. I will always wish that I had gotten to know him better. Sometimes we are so busy or too preoccupied to take the time to find out about people. As it turns out we had a lot in common, although I could not fully comprehend it at the time. Both Butchie and I were paramedics, police officers, and probably more. We spoke about these things at a Christmas party, before he was killed. It would have been nice to talk about the job with him later on in his career, but we never got the chance.
A few years ago I spoke to Former Lansing Chief Dan McDevitt about his officer’s death. Dan was surprised to hear that I was related by marriage to Butchie. He told me about the plaque in the Lansing Police Station. I told him that I already had taken a picture of it, and had it at home.
I had the chance to thank the Judge who convicted the accomplice in the cowardly act, Judge Edwin Gosselin. I told the Judge, even some justice is a small comfort to Butchie’s loved ones.
As long as Butchie’s memory is still in the hearts and minds of his family, friends, and everyone who knew him, his life continues on through these people. Everyone in “our” line of work should forever remember these horrible and tragic events, and try to prevent them from happening in the future.
Rest in Peace Officer Kenneth Novak, Jr. – Sleep peacefully, “Brother in Blue”.

Lieutenant Ross Fuller
Metra Transit Police Department
March 31, 2012

20 yrs, yesterday its all the same to me

Tony Perovich L.P.D. RET.
Lansing P.D>
March 27, 2012

I cant believe it has been 20 years since Kenny was murdered. I remember the incident like it was yesterday. I will never forget his professionalism and selfless dedication. But more than that, I will never forget a soft spoken, laid back young man who never had a cross word to say about anyone. Kenny still is a true inspriation... R.I.P. my friend....

Sgt. George Zorzi
Lansing P.D. (ret.)
March 5, 2012

Ken and family, we still remember and honor your service and dedication to the citizens of Lansing. Rest in peace brother, and God Bless your family.

Federal Air Marshal JP Roe
United States Department of Homeland Security
April 8, 2011

19 years ago. Wow. Just like it was yesterday. Kenny, not a day goes by that I don't think about that night. Sometimes it hurts, more often than not it keeps me grounded. Loosing you was a blow to not only your family and friends, but the Village, and to the world. But, if anything good can come from this, it could be that we're more vigilant, less complacent, and more aware of "what if..."
I miss ya, brother. You taught me alot; in life and death.
Rest peacefully, 612. We got it from here.

TCO Tim Hudson
Oak Lawn Emerg. Comm./Former Lansing, IL PO
April 7, 2011

Kenny, I had the pleasure of working many paramedic calls with you and even though I am a “hose jockey” and you were a “bullet boy” we got along very well. I have great respect for you and the sacrifice you made. I have two daughters ages 9 and 11. In today’s world where sports figures and rock stars are considered heroes by many people, I have taken my daughters to the spot where the marker with “612” stands. I told them about you because I want them to know what a REAL hero is. Rest in peace, you won’t be forgotten.

Jerry Kuipers
Firefighter / Paramedic
June 13, 2010

Kenny, Thank you for your bravery, compassion, and dedication to your job and comunity. You have been missed every day for 18 years by your fellow officers and their families, past and present.

Dawn Costello-Gertonson
Family friend
April 8, 2010

Thinking of you Kenny on the 18th anniversary of your murder. Your body may have been taken from us, but your spirit will live on forever. I'm sure that you have one heck of a band and softball team going in heaven. We all miss you!!!!!!!!!!

Cmdr. Pete Grutzius
Lansing Police Department
April 8, 2010

Kenny, it was 18 years ago today that you made the ultimate sacrifice. We can remember that day like it was yesterday. Heaven is a brighter place because you are there, but we sure miss you. Please keep watching over us. We love and miss you Kenny.

Officer Kenneth Richard Novak Jr. - April 8, 1992

Anonymous
April 8, 2010

kenny,,this town will never forget you, nor will anyone who ever knew you.you were one of the kindess people i have ever known. rip

DIANE COSTELLO
April 8, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
April 8, 2010

Kenny it is coming up on 18 years since you made the ultimate sacrifice for our village. Bud & I will never forget you, our friend and comrade. I've made arrangements for our village to be remined of your bravery at our Village Board meeting on April 6th. Miss you!

Patty Eidam, Lansing Village Clerk
friend
March 27, 2010

Wow, you would've been 45 today. I often wonder what life would be like if you were still here...would you have been married, had kids? I know you would've been a great uncle to my kids...teasing Ashley, (and she'd tease you right back!), and sharing Brett's love of trains! I think about you often, and miss you. Happy Birthday Butch.

Kathy Novak Faucault
Sister
January 17, 2010

Kenny: Hard to believe it has been over 17 years since you were taken from us. I think about you often and truly appreciated the way you always ‘dug’ to protect us when you were working dispatch. It was an honor to work with you. Rest in peace my friend.

Paul Warn D.C. (Ret.)
Lansing P.D.
September 8, 2009

Hello, Kenny. You worked with my sister. You are and will always be a hero for your selfless actions. I remember well the day your life was taken, and I swear to you and your family that I will never, ever forget.

Edward
April 28, 2009

Well Ken I just thought I'd say Hi . Thinking of you and your family today . I know your watching over them today . God bless you and your family . Maureen Rolniak (Wally Rolniak jr eow2-4-04)

Anonymous
April 8, 2009

17 years ago today, you are not forgotten
rest in peace brother

Anonymous
April 8, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the seventeenth 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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
April 8, 2009

My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to your family, friends, and entire department. I know that Angels carried you high into the heavens above, where you are in the loving arms of God. You will never be forgotten! Rest in Peace & God Bless!

Stephanie Burns

Stephanie Burns
Wife of a NY State Trooper
January 12, 2009

DEAR KEN I HAVE RESENTLY MET YOUR SISTER THROUGH FACEBOOK.I REMEMBER THAT NIGHT. WE HAD LIVED IN LANSING AT THAT TIME . YOUR A TRUE HERO AND THERE IS A BLUE LIGHT LIT IN YOUR HONOR IN OUR HOUSE. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY . MAUREEN ROLNIAK WIFE OF ( DET WILLIAM ROLNIAK JR EOW2-4-04)

Anonymous
December 13, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH
April 8, 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
October 18, 2007

Officer Novak -
I was a patrolman working just the other side of 394 at that same moment in time and only wish we could have been there for you. I have always admired you and how you lived your life as a police officer. It has been 15 years and I remember it like it was yesterday. I hope that you and your family know how many of us remember your heroic actions.
Pat

PR
April 9, 2007

We attended many law enforcement classes together at Thornton Community College but I don't remember if we had ever spoken. I remember the day you were taken from us and I still think of you today. God Bless You, watch over us.

Lieutenant Michael Cioni
Metra Police Department
November 11, 2006