Officer Down Memorial Page

I was only four years old when you were taken away from us. That day changed my life forever, and is the biggest influence on me becoming a police officer. There is not a day that goes by that we don't all think about you. When I realize how little I remeber about you and how much you have missed I feel great sadness. But I take solace in knowing that you are always there watching over us and protecting us still today. i miss you and love you greatly.

Jon Durst
Grandson
May 15, 2011

Rest in peace, sir. Your sacrifice is greatly appreciated.

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge. Proverbs 14:32

Friend of USFS Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9/20/08

K.L.
former 4-H Happy Tails member
October 26, 2010

Well Jerry the Shack is no longer there, but the memories will never go away. You last words "I don't want to die" will live in the hearts of all who were there when you were senselessly shot by a low life coward.
We took you for granted when you were here and realized what we lost when you were gone. I keep faith by believing our time of death is preset when we are born, god sets it and there is no changing that. Thanks for the memories and God Bless.

Anonymous
October 12, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 17th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

The cirumstances of your murder were brutal. Justice was not served with the murderer being released after six years. I pray for the solace of your loved ones.
Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous
September 25, 2009

17 years since you were senselessly murdered. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten. May you continue to rest in peace Officer Haaf.

Reserve Officer B. Haapoja
WPD
September 25, 2009

I am still At a loss. And cannot belive still that we are going on 16 years since you where taken from us by the cowardly act.

I still remember you well., When you worked off duty at burger king on 8th and Henn, Oh! the times we had.
I remember the joking around the laughter you had at a good joke,
I sadly remember how you were so ready to retire
and that you had just picked up a new RV for you and your wife to get away from all of the crazyness of the city life.

I remember during the halloween snow storm you were on patrol and you got buried in snow on east river road at lake street and it took a 950 cat front end loader to get you out, All you could do is laugh.

almost 16 years has gone bye, but you are STILL in our hearts and on our minds forever!!!!

You are still missed Jerry.
Bill Anderson

COII Ofc. Wm. Anderson
Correctional Officer MCF-RC
January 16, 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
November 28, 2007

On the 15th Anniversary of your brutal and cowardly murder, I salute you, Sir! What a travesty of justice that the slime responsible for this heinous crime served just 06 short years. Oh well, I bet I know where he will spend eternity; and I KNOW where you are: Walking your beat on Golden Street in Heaven. May your family and friends take comfort in knowing that you will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten!

DET SGT, Retired
AR
September 25, 2007

You were the featured officer when I came to the ODMP today. I am very saddened to see that your killers only served 6 years...where is the justice?
I wish peace for your family and eternal rest for you, Officer Haaf. Thank you for your many years of dedicated service.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04
March 5, 2007

After all these years we still remember your sacrifice. We will never forget. God Bless your family!

Officer Randy Brown
Spring Lake Park Police Department
February 10, 2007

Our Lord will see to justice.May you Rest safe with Him.

September 25, 2006

are you kidding me?
only 6 years for these terrorists?
something must be done.
rest in peace and god bless...

June 27, 2006

I was working as a security officer in City Center the night the Vice Lord scum came into the Pizza Shack and gunned you down. I heard your last calls for help over the scanner, and gave what assistance I could. I watched your fellow officers rage at what happened, watched the offenders caught and then released after 6 years.
Many years have passed, and I have been on the job now for close to 11 years.
You were a lesson for me, Ofc. Haaf even though you never knew me. As many of us police officers that die in the line of duty, how many of us are never avenged, how soon the public forgets, you showed me that this job is worth it - no matter the sacrifice. I have been to the Wall in DC two three times since you died, and every time I wept for a man who taught me something very important. Thank you, Jerry. You will be with me in a small part for the rest of my life.

Sgt. Charles Hall
Vidalia, Louisiana P.D.
January 28, 2006

Patrolman Haaf,
On today, the 13th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Minneapolis. It's a travesty of justice that one the scum that murdered you only served 6 years of a 30 year sentence.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

September 25, 2005

I was a child when your incident took place. I now work with some of your former fellow officers. From the things they say about you, it sounds like you were a wonderful man. God bless.

July 11, 2005

I remember the loss I felt this day like no other in my 18 yrs of service. I had just enough time on that people didn't call me Rookie. I was in a class in ND when I happened upon the news of Jerry Haaf's senseless death on TV. It was happy hour at the motel, and all the cops got so quite that you could hear hearts skip a beat. I remember asking God to bless his family, and saying, 'We Will NEVER Forget!' for the first time in my career. Sadly, it is not the last funeral I have attended. I never knew Jerry, but he is one of my heros. You aren't forgotten friend. May God bless your loved ones.

Patrolman
Rochester Police Department
April 14, 2005

Dearest Haaf family, I served at your father's funeral. His death hit everyone in blue hard because he died simply for "wearing the uniform." The symbolism of this murder cut to the bone for every officer who has ever served in this nation. I was moved by seeing Jerry's grandson wearing his police hat during the funeral proceedings. It struck such a sentimental chord of a child losing that beloved grandparent. The highway filled with flashing red lights and squads from near and far. Civilians pulled aside to pay tribute. Jerry may have been just this side short of retirement . . . but the memories of why and how he died are not retired - not in Mpls. or in the state of MN. A watchful eye will remain under the honor of a man named Jerry Haaf, a man in blue who could have been anyone of us.

LEMA Honor Guard Member
retired now
August 20, 2004

Almost 12 years later and it is like it was yesterday. You will always be with us Jerry. Rest in peace brother, I will see you again.

Patrolman
Minneapolis Police Department
May 26, 2004

My sympathy goes out to the friends and family of this fine officer. I find myself saddened for your loss as he was so close to retirement and spending the rest of his life with his loved ones. Also, as I read all the information I wonder what the courts along with the jury were thinking in Minneapolis to only send down a sentence of 30 years?? Rest in peace my brother as your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Anonymous
March 29, 2004

God bless you and your family.

Anonymous
March 16, 2004

Eleven years later, we still carry on as we take the fight to them in your memory. You will never be forgotten. UNITED FOR POLICE!

A Minnesota Cop
September 28, 2003

Rest in peace blue angel. It has been many years since you were slain, you are not forgotten.

September 16, 2003

May god look over and bless the loved ones you left behind

PO Andrew
Chicago PD

why did suspects only get 30 years in prison ??? why not life ??? what is wrong with the system ??? made this officer rest in peace forever

Anonymous

Police officers are people who risk their lives day in and day out to protect people they don't even know. And once in a while they pay the ultimate price. It's sad, but I know your in a better place. "Peacemakers shall be called the childred of God". Matthew 5.9

Rest in Peace.

Anonymous