Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Having heard for the first time about officer Tony Garaffa through another great officer now Retired Sgt. Ken Hogen from Irvington PD inspired me so much.
I look forward to continuing to live my life remind myself of the sacrifices officers make and how selfless they are so that everyone else like my family and I can live in a safer world.

Isaias Rodrigues
Springfield OEM Auxiliary member

May 31, 2023

I also knew Tony Garaffa. he also was a friend of my Father who was also IPD OFFICER at the time Iwas 29 years old at the time working on the UPD town next to Irvington and working a shift at the time this terrible thing happened to Tony,when the call came over the air about Tony all units started heading towards Irvington to look around for the suspect.This Tragedy that happened to Tony left us all heavy hearted.Tony was a Great person and IPD Officer

Robert R Schroeck son of IPD OFFICER
IPD officer Raymond Schroeck's Son

July 26, 2021

Rest in peace

Nick mottola
None

August 9, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 9, 2020

Visited Tony’s resting place today,as I have on many other occasions throughout the years. Excellent police officer and more importantly a true caring person. I worked with the Irvington police department for a number of years, before leaving to join the Essex County Prosecutors office. I will never forget him. Rest my friend. Investigator Bob Baker

Investigator Bob Baker Retired
Essex County Prosecutors office Ret.

May 18, 2020

Officer Garaffa,

Although we never met, I can tell what a great man, and police officer you were. The stories your fellow brother officers wrote on here are truly beautiful and say so much about your character. Every day I walk into work and see your picture hanging in HQ and it brings me even more pride to work for Irvington PD knowing I am walking the same beats you did. You are truly missed by many, please continue to Rest In Peace.

Police Officer Brandon Gaeta
Irvington Police Department

August 28, 2019

Officer Garaffa,

Although we never met, I can tell what a great man, and police officer you were. The stories your fellow brother officers wrote on here are truly beautiful and say so much about your character. Every day I walk into work and see your picture hanging in HQ and it brings me even more pride to work for Irvington PD knowing I am walking the same beats you did. You are truly missed by many, please continue to Rest In Peace.

Police Officer Brandon Gaeta
Irvington Police Department

August 28, 2019

Officer Garaffa,
We have never met, but I have had the opportunity learn about you and your legacy. I am a 1998 graduate of Morris County, NJ Police Academy and had the opportunity to hear Sgt. Hogan’s (Irvington PD) motivational speech about his career and his admiration for you. Powerful words spoken about you and your Character.
Years later, my family and I were blessed to meet your daughter and have her be my older two children’s pre-school teacher.
In 2018, with my wife’s blessing, I rode in the Police Unity Tour. I immediately thought of you and your daughter. With Nicole’s blessing, I rode in honor of you. It was an honor that I will cherish and never forget. Best of all, my family and I have rekindle a relationship with your daughter, Nicole...
Thank you and continue to Rest In Peace.

Fraternally,

Sgt. Robert Fraser
Sparta P.D.

August 9, 2018

RIP Brother

Lt. Jim Heims
Elizabeth PD

August 10, 2017

Thank you to all who keep my father's memory alive proving what a truly incredible man he was.

Do not ever feel responsible for his death, he died doing what he loved!

I may have lost my father but I have been fortunate enough to gain a bond of brotherhood in blue of father's who keep him in our minds and hearts everyday :)

Nicole Garaffa
Anthony Garaffa's Daughter

August 16, 2016

12 hours earlier I had stopped a car with the shooter driving; I did not have enough PC to search his car, so I cited him and let him go. I still feel responsible for the shooting to this day. I am ashamed of my inaction that led to the loss of a true blue man

Ptl Robert Jacobs K9 Unit
Irvington PD

August 9, 2016

Never Forgotten...Remembering Officer Garaffa today. Thank you for your courageous service.

Jim Sweeney
Civilian Supporter

August 9, 2016

I like many had the opportunity to listen to Sgt. Hogan's amazing story of his life and how Tony changed and guided his until a "coward" took Tony away from this world. To Tony's family he will never be forgotten

Patolman Josh Alfer
McKeesport Police Dept. (PA)

October 24, 2015

A short story to illustrate the type of man and police officer Tony Garaffa was. As a "new guy" I was assigned to a patrol car with Tony occasionally to fill in. One night we responded to a call at an apartment where a woman with three small children resided. Clearly this mom was doing the best she could with very little money. As we left that call Tony told me to drive to a local supermarket and wait outside. He came out with three bags of groceries and told me to go back to the apartment we had just come from. He placed the bags of groceries at the front door, rang the bell, returned to the patrol car and had me drive off.

Steven Palamara, Retired
Irvington Police Department

December 12, 2014

I remember Tony when he and my brother were partners and would stop by our house. I'm glad to see that Tony still inspires even after 30 yrs gone. He was a good cop, a nice guy and a family man. Thanks to Ken Hogan (whom i haven't seen in many yrs) for keeping his memory alive for all other officers to be inspired by. And thanks to MCSD officer mike for that very nice dedication.

paul russo civilian from police family

October 14, 2014

Tony,
Your memory lives on in our hearts. The inspiration you were and still are to Kenny. I had the honor to listen to Kenny in our academy class about your legacy. You are everything I want to be in life, a dedicated father, husband, family member, friend and cop. The day before Kenny came in to talk about you I went on to research your story as well as his story. That night before Kenny came in to speak to us I was thinking about my kids, you, Kenny our brothers and fallen brother. That is when this Police Officers creed came into my mind. I quickly ran to get a pen and notebook and wrote this in dedication to our brothers in blue and fallen brothers. I am not going to take credit for this creed because you inspired me to write this.

I am a professional law enforcement officer. I am charged with the greatest responsibility that any man or woman can be charged with. I will always maintain integrity, locality and obligation to the community. I will always conduct myself with the highest levels of professional standards. I represent my community, agency, fellow officers, fallen officers and family. I will act impartial to all persons and situations. I will always bare self-discipline and conduct myself in a professional manner both on and off duty. I will always place the needs of the public in front of my own. I will never tarnish my badge, the badge which represents the symbol of public faith and allegiance to the community. I will never use my badge for any personal safety or personal gain. I will always protect the liberties, justice and constitutional rights of all men and women. I will always be dedicated and obligated to the community. I am a professional law enforcement officer.

Tony this is exactly what you did.

This creed is dedicated to Tony, Garaffa family, active and retired members of the Irvington Police Department and to all police officers across the country who are active, retired and fallen.
Till one day Tony, I will have the honor to meet and shake your hand but until then watch over us.
God Bless the Garaffa family I will always pray.

Sheriff's Officer Mike Chirichiello
Morris County Sheriffs Department

October 4, 2014

Tony you seem alive to me today.

I had the pleasure of listening to one of your brother officers speak of your career and life. He was a passionate speaker that knew you well. He thanked you for saving his life. Your influence on his childhood and future police career was compelling. Your time here was well spent and you are obviously still missed by many. I wish I had the pleasure to know you and work with you.

May God bless you.

Detective MP
TTPD - PA

May 22, 2014

I was 11 yrs old when Tony was killed. Both my father and step-father were both on the job in Irvington at that time. I remember Tony as a tough yet sweet man. He was my dad's partner for many years and he would occasionally come to the Sunday dinners while on duty with my dad at my grandmothers house on Feiner Pl. The morning he was killed my step-father was on duty as well. I remember he came home in the morning after the shift ended and looked like I had never seen him before. Pale, muted and crying. This was the first time I had seen him absent of any toughness for a 6'3", 300 lb cop. He told my mother, "Tony Died!" At the funeral I was standing on Civic Sq when the percession came past with Tony and it was also the first time I had ever seen my father cry. To this day I still get chills when I hear the bagpipes play. I am honored to say my late mother fought with Patty and all the other concerned police wives from IPD to fight for two man cars, which they eventually won. I went to the trial of the man that killed Tony and watched all the peope that loved him come day after day after day. And when I became an Irvington Police Officer ten years later there wasn't a day that I worked that I did not go to your picture on that plaque honoring you in the lobby of HQ just to say hi. This August will be 30 yrs since those times and they are so ingrained in my head as are great thoughts of the nice yet tough loving husband and dad that was, Anthony Garaffa. R.I.P. Brother and say hi to mom for me!

Patrolman Brian J. Bartiromo (Ret)
Irvington Police Dept

March 29, 2014

Tony's legacy truly goes on and on and on. I have heard Ken Hogan's story and Tony's part in it but never made any personal connections other than that Kenny was shot in front of a house we used to live in. Today my brother Jim, who was an Irvington officer, and I were talking and he reminded me that our cousin was married to the "Tony" of Kenny's story. Suddenly the dots were connected. Then to see Sharon's reflection here about Tony and Sharon's son Anthony - who loved his uncle Tony. I hope that Tony's daughter reads this page every now and then and knows that her dad's legacy just goes on and on, to inspire and show what one caring, loving person can do for others. Rest in peace Tony.

Teri Corso
MCPO Career Series & College of Saint Elizabeth

December 26, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first 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.

I pray for the solace for all those that love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

February 4, 2013

I had the absolute honor to hear retired Sgt. Ken Hogan speak about Patrolman Anthony "Tony" Garaffa a number of days ago. Ken's words regarding Patrolman Garaffa were so heartfelt and moving that I'm still blown away. As I sit hear typing, my next action will be printing out a copy of this page and putting up in my office next to my desk to remind me of what it truly means to be a cop and a human being, like Patrolman Anthony Garaffa was. What a blessing, that Anthony's story lives on through Ken's speeches to keep us reminded of the hero's that have made the supreme sacrifice. Rest in peace brother officer and God bless your family, always.

Sgt. Matthew Reid
New York City Police Department

July 1, 2012

To the family of Officer Garaffa,

I just had the honor and privledge of hearing the story about Anthony from retired Sgt. Ken Hogan. Anthony was what being a cop was all about. He was honorable, honest, and above all, caring. He took Ken in as one of his own and raised him like a son. The story of his passing is not only a wake up call for all of us on the street, but the story of his life is an inspiration to us. God bless your family and God bless Anthony.

Det. Donny Carruth
East Brunswick PD/Middlesex County Narcotics Task Force

October 1, 2011

Anthony - for some reason you came into my mind today and I went on line and saw all of these beautiful words written about you. You were a terrific brother-in-law, uncle, son, husband and father. How the world was so short-changed by your senseless passing. As many have said, Nicole has grown into such a beautiful woman with a kind heart. Mom will always be Mom, a wonderful, caring lady who has never gotten over your death. How strange it would be that my son, your nephew, Anthony Garaffa, would be taken so early in his life like you. I remember the day he was hit by a car and you sat on the floor in his room while he slept just to be close to him. The similarities you had, both of you born on the 3rd of the month, both in the Navy and the last day I saw you, you and Jimmy were putting the roof on my addition and the last time I saw my Anthony, he was cleaning the gutters off of that same roof. I am SURE you were there to greet him. When I stand at his grave, I look over and can see yours and just think of what might have been for you both. The world lost a wonderful man when your life was taken. Rest in peace my caring brother-in-law - we will all meet up one day I am sure.

Sharon Garaffa
sister-in-law

September 30, 2011

Tony, to the best of my memory, you were the first on the department to buy a vest. I'll never forget the way you used to "nag" me to buy one. You were an excellent role model for me and have always had my respect. I'm sure that you and Jimmy Maynard are partners in a side business in heaven. I can see you now, driving a caddy with a little dog on your lap. You were a tough guy with a kind heart. It was an honor working with you. I will never forget you. May God continue to bless you.

retired ptl.#61 Bob Jones
I.P.D.

August 8, 2011

I have emailed Police Director Santiago and asked that he help to honor you properly by having your picture inserted here. I asked that he do the same for the other 3 officers here. I hope he will do it. Rest in Peace Officer Garaffa. You will never be forgotten.

Jim Sweeney Civilian
Supporter

February 19, 2011