Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice are always remembered.

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

October 6, 2020

I was 7 yrs old when this happened, I was walking home for lunch. I lived on 19th st at the time and I remember hearing this loud boom and then I heard someone gron like a holler , I had just gotten to our driveway when this occurred. But at seven I had thoughts of cowboy movies I didn't think anymore of it, a few minutes later I heard sirens like I never heard before .And the next thing I know my sister and cousin where running up the steps to third floor where my aunt lived yelling that a cop had been shot around the corner.later that day I remember police cruising up and down the street looking for the suspect it seem like every police from all the surrounding towns where going up and down our block .It rained later that evening and a song came on the radio , dont sleep on the subway dont stand in the pouring rain. Everytime after that when I heard that song it reminds me of that day.

2nd grader
Citizen

March 18, 2020

Rest in peace Sergeant Connelly.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 1, 2019

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 48th anniversary of your death. I am privileged 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 Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) Officer Larry Lasater, O

October 6, 2013

I had just turned 8 years old and I remember quite well when Sergent Connelly was killed .I was going to Kentopp school at that time and Sgt Connelly helped us cross 18 street every morning .He was a regular fixture at the corner and all knew him and respected him. He was the only police officer we knew by name. I remember seeing blood in the street when I was walking home that day and wondered what had happened and was told he was shot. He was the first person I knew personally that was killed. I am now a teacher and even today when I pass 18 street I am reminded of this memory constantly. RIP Sgt Connelly the kids of that era will always remember you. Thank you for keeping us safe and looking out for us and encouraging us. I remember speaking to you that day and you as always were encouraging. I remember finding out he was shot but not knowing whether he was actually killed. For some reason I think I found out he was shot first and later found out he had died and I cried. I kept telling all the kids I had spoken to him that morning and it was hard to believe. It was the third killing I had knowledge of in my young life by tben- JFK, Malcolm X and Sgt Connelly. Funny what you remember. It was the beginning of a violent decade for the children of that era. Thank you for the opportunity to remember. Condolences to the family. He made a difference in many children's lives who even today remember him still.

DR

Darell Richardson, J.D.
East orange resident at the time who knew him when a kid now a teacher

October 9, 2012

Lord I ask for courage

Courage to face and
Conquer my own fears...

Courage to take me
Where others will not go...

I ask for strength

Strength of body to protect others
And strength of spirit to lead others...

I ask for dedication

Dedication to my job, to do it well
Dedication to my community
To keep it safe...

Give me Lord, concern
For others who trust me
And compassion for those who need me...

And please Lord

Through it all
Be at my side...

Off. Stephen M. Rochester
East Orange Police Department

October 3, 2011

NO ONE KNOWS WHY GOD CALLS US HOME , LETS JUST HOPE THAT WE HAVE ALL LIVED AND SATISFIED OUR OBLIGATION TO OUR DUTY THAT WE ALL SWORE TO UPHOLD, MAY OUR WORK BE NOT IN VEIN BUT A REMINDER TO ALL "CHERISH EVERYDAY LIKE ITS YOUR LAST".

OFF. ALBERT ALSTON
EAST ORANGE POLICE DEPARTMENT

July 2, 2008

Today on the anniversary of your death wewith to remember you and thank you for your service, Sir.

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 6, 2007

REST IN PEACE, LIFE IS SOMETIMES A MYSTERY ON WHY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG. BLESS YOUR SOUL AND MAY YOU LIVE WITHIN ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

DETECTIVE RAHSAAN L. JOHNSON
EAST ORANGE POLICE DEPARTMENT

December 14, 2005

Rest in peace my brother.

Police Officer
Burlington Township PD

October 19, 2004

I never dreamed it would be me,
My name for all eternity,
Recorded here at this hallowed place
Alas, my name, no more my face.

"In the line of duty, " I hear them say:
My family now the price to pay.
My folded flag stained with their tears;
We only had those few short years.
The badge no longer on my chest,
I sleep now in eternal rest.
My sword I pass to those behind,
And pray they keep this thought in mind.

I never dreamed it would be me,
And with heavy heart and bended knee,
I ask for all here from the past:
Dear God, let my name be the last.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children OF GOD

Lieutenant Gene DiGiacomo
East Orange Police Department

May 21, 2004