Officer Down Memorial Page

I was young and new to law enforcement. Your sacrifice taught us to be vigilant and never turn our backs. Thanks for your service.

Sergeant Miguel Rivera
Newark Police Dept.
May 9, 2012

You were one of my first friends, we rode trikes together, you put ice down my back on the way home from school... never thought that your name would be on this memorial. I have never forgotten you and I hope that your family has found some comfort in the reflections on this page. i know you were a brave man.

Donna Morea
Childhood friend
November 11, 2011

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 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.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
June 4, 2010

John was murdered 17 years ago, well before many of today's Newark cops even came on the job, but we have not forgotten him, or his family. May he continue to watch over us all.

Jim Stewart Jr
Newark Police FOP
June 3, 2010

John,
I miss you, I escorted your wife to the trial of your killer. You made me laugh like no other. When we meet again I will remind you of some funny things we did together. You, my friend, really "marked" the "unmarked Car" in the East District!
I have a funny photo of you tearing the pants off of my partner! In the precinct!

Frank Mosca
Newark Police Department
May 11, 2009

RIP, this instance shows the security we need for leos at court houses across the country.

Officer
DC Police
October 27, 2008

Rest in peace my Brother.

Kevin T Ryan
NJ
June 4, 2008

Det. Sczyrek,
On today, the 15th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Newark. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous
June 3, 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
December 12, 2007

JOHN, IT`S BEEN 14 YEARS THAT YOU HAVE BEEN GONE, I STILL REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I SAW YOU, YOU WERE DIRECTING TRAFFIC AT RAYMOND BLVD / MCRTR HWY, YOU HAD TRAFFIC BACKED UP FOR MILES. EVERY TIME I DRIVE THAT INTERSECTION I ALWAYS THINK OF THE TIMES WHEN WE WERE KIDS ALWAYS GETTING INTO TROUBLE, BACKING UP TRAFFIC FOR MILES.
MISS YA! M.A.

E.C.C.O. M.A
FRIEND
June 6, 2007

You and your family remain in my thoughts and prayers.
May God bless you and continue to look after your friends
and family. Much has changed over the past 14 yrs in the city you served and gave your all for; sadly much has stayed the same.

Ret. Sgt. AJC
June 6, 2007

rip dad..never forget love you

June 3, 2007

rip dad..love you

Daughter
June 3, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Detective Sczyrek on the anniversary of his passing. May God continue to comfort you all. Heros are never forgotten. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia
June 3, 2007

Miss you John see you some day

charles congelosi
April 28, 2007

I JUST MISS YOU BRO. .ILL SEE YOU SOON>>>>YOU KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR PEOPLE ...YOU DIG...EX.FUT. BROTHER IN LAW SCREW UP...CHRIS LICHANSKY

SR.OFFICER CHRIS LICHANSKY
N.J.STATE J.J.C. & FRIEND
October 5, 2006

I think of you often and know that you are looking over your girls. I remeber the days we laughed and the days of struggle. You will always be missed. Stay close! Your strength is always needed!

Friend
September 8, 2006

We here at the Newark Police Museum will keep your memory alive forever. Thank you for your faithful and dedicated service and rest in peace.

Curator Edward J. Dalley, Sr.
Newark Police Museum
July 22, 2006

John, even though its been 11 years since your death, you're still in thoughts often. I will never forget you even though I never really got to know you that well. You're my hero. Love you.

anonymous
February 1, 2005

john was a great person . friendly and kind . i mostly new him from just relaxing in the summer time and just enjoying life on the jersey shore . i think of him often ,his widow and her family are the best . peace . thank you john w.

john wolff friend, friend of his widow
January 20, 2005

I remember John well. We worked together in the same precinct. John was a knock around guy and a cop that you would want to be with when things got rough. We'll never forget him and may he rest in peace.

Newark Police Department
March 7, 2004

To the family and friends of this brave officer. I have just completed the new web site for the Fraternal Order of Police Newark Lodge#12 and would like to take a moment to thank all of these men for giving me one of the most spiritual experiences in my life. I felt that each and every one of these officers were at my side guiding me to the completion of the sites "In Memory Of..." page. God Bless and Thank You!

Tom Tortorici
AJ Projections
February 19, 2004

John, I and the thousands that attended your funeral over 10 yrs ago are aware that Newark PD lost a great man.
May god continue to watch over you and your family. We will never forget you and the sacrifice you made.

Sgt (Ret)
NJ DOC SOG K9 UNIT
November 22, 2003

Rest in Peace. I was working with the Marshals, Newark office,
10 tears ago. I heard the call and have never forgottten you. The following poem was written in your honor:

Black bands covered the shining shields.
The legion amassed across the field.
The horses pranced at an impatient pace.
Pain and sorrow showed on every face.

The lights extended as far as the eye could see.
Not in our worst nightmare could it be,
That we would be here, to say goodbye.
To a comrade, who had to die.

Evil has reached out and ripped a brick from our wall.
It has murdered a father, who once stood tall.
In a wave of Blue, we came pouring through
To answer the call for a Hero did fall.

There is not much that we could do.
We have come for your family and to honor you.
There were no mear words, we could say.
But we could come together to stand and to pray.
From across the nation and lands far from our own
We have all come to say, You have not die alone.


In memory of Det. John Sczerek
Newark PD, NJ EOW 06/03/93

Ret Sgt AJC
MCSD NJ

John, its been 10 years since you were assassinated, we haven't forgotten you, rest in peace

Auto Theft Task Force
Newark NJ Police Department