Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer John Francis Duffy

Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Saturday, December 10, 1983

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer John Francis Duffy

It’s hard to believe it’s been forty years Jack. Not a week or two goes by that I am not reminded of your bear hugs, hearty laugh or big smile. You may be gone from us, but you have never been forgotten.

BettyAnn Matkowski Frederick
Friend

December 10, 2023

Missing you Jack, and remembering you with love on this 40th anniversary.
Nancy

Nancy Pokorny
Sister

December 10, 2023

Officer Duffy,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Philadelphia. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 10, 2023

Jack, you are thought of often and remembered fondly. It’s so difficult to believe you’ve been gone 39 years.
RIP

BettyAnn Frederick

December 10, 2022

39 years ago ton8ght was the last time I saw you Jack, spoke with you, heard your laugh, kissed your cheek and felt your big hug. The next evening December 10 you were tragically taken from us.
I am sure you waiting with open arms (maybe open wings) on March 1 to welcome Mom into heaven.
I am sure she was overwhelmed with love and joy being with you again.
You are missed and loved always.
Nancy

Nancy Duffy Pokorny
Sister

December 9, 2022

Jack you are loved and missed every day.
38 years have gone by without hearing your laughter, feeling your great big hugs, listening to your stories, and seeing your face.

Nancy Duffy Pokorny
Sister

December 2, 2021

Jack, I think of you often.
You were larger than life, a teddy bear of a man with an infectious smile and twinkling eyes that lit up every room you entered.
I was blessed to have known you.
RIP.

BettyAnn Frederick

December 10, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

December 10, 2020

Today, December 10, at 5:03pm marks the 36th anniversary of your death.
Jack, you are missed and loved.

Nancy.
Sister

December 10, 2019

Another birthday Decenber 2 and you would have turned 58. - instead you are forever 22. Missing you, Jack.
Love always
Nancy

Nancy Pokorny
Sister

December 2, 2018

You would have loved Eagles winning the Superbowl hope you had a bird's eye view from your seat in heaven still miss you everyday goon it up

Daniel P Duffy
Cousin

September 8, 2018

Today marks 33 years of missing you in our lives.
Always n our thoughts and hearts.

Nancy
Sister

December 10, 2016

Carry you always in my heart!!

Nancy
Sister

January 17, 2016

A Hero now in Heaven, Always remembered and Never forgotten.

Kim Weigand Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand
PA C.O.P.S.

December 10, 2014

As December 10, 2014 arrives tomorrow, remembering you and missing you, Jack, each and every day these past 31 years. Although the anniversary date is a sad day each year, throughts of you bring Mom and the family joy, laughter and loving memories.
Love you always!

Nancy
Sister

December 9, 2014

still wear your badge proudly everyday
you will never be forgotten Danny

Dan duffy
Cousin brother

August 11, 2014

My best friend Jackie- I still think of you everyday and miss you.
You are in our hearts and will always be there -
Love you my brother-

Peter Burke
One of your best friends

January 14, 2014

Missing you each and every day, Jack, as we arrive at the 30 year anniversary date. Still seems like you were taken from us yesterday!
Memories and love keep you in the hearts of your family members and our stories bring you to the neices and nephews who never knew you.

Nancy Duffy Pokorny
sister

December 10, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 28th 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.


I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 10, 2011

27 years sincewe saw you last.
Always in our hearts, always in our thoughts.

Nancy
Sister

December 10, 2010

Thinking of you today. You are a hero for us to look up too. God bless your family.

POLICE OFFICER 9TH
PHILA PA

December 9, 2010

Keeping you and your beautiful family in our prayers.

Love, Mindy,John&Joey

Anonymous

December 10, 2008

Missing you and always remembering you, especially on your birthday December 2. It is hard to believe 25 years have gone by.
Loving you always,
Nancy

Nancy
Sister

December 2, 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

January 24, 2008

Jack, we were friends from "The Bent Elbow". You were a great guy, always happy and laughing, and made everyone around you feel happy. Can't believe that its been 24 years since we were laughing together.

Bettyann (Matkowski) Frederick
Friend

December 17, 2007

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.