Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Jerry R. Ivey

Salina Police Department, Kansas

End of Watch Friday, June 13, 1975

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Reflections for Patrolman Jerry R. Ivey

Rest in peace Patrolman Ivey.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 11, 2019

I truly do believe that the day Jerry Ivey was killed was one of the saddest days in the life of the late Salina Police Chief John Woody. Over the years, the Chief and I had many talks about that day. The Chief would still show his emotion.

Police Chief Don Poore
Paola Police Department

June 13, 2018

Jerry was one of the reasons I became a cop. I had previously considered applying but contact with Jerry convinced me. He came to my aid when I fell on a snow covered street and treated me with kindness and respect.

I had just gotten to bed after getting off the 11pm-7am shift when I got a phone call from the PD saying there had been an armed robbery and an officer had been shot. I didn't learn it was Jerry until I reached the PD.

Because my foot and ankle was in a cast I wasn't able to join the field officers during the search for the suspect. Rather, I was assigned to the hospital where I was to preserve any potential evidence. This was the first of many autopsys during my career.

Jerry's death strengthened the bond of area law enforcement officers and June 13th is a date I'll never forget. I'm proud to have known him.

Lt. Carl Kiltz (Retired)
Salina Police Department

June 13, 2017

I was on duty as a Salina P.D. Patrolman on the morning of Friday, June 13th, 1975 when Officer Jerry Ivey was killed. Although it has been over 40 years since that day, I can still remember Jerry calling in the traffic stop on the Robbery Suspect. Dispatcher Jim Coddington dispatching Officer Jim Miller to proceed to the area to back up Jerry. Then a civilian came on the Police radio and advised that Jerry had been shot. Every June 13th this memory comes flooding back to me. RIP Jerry, you were a Great Officer and Person.

Bill Pettijohn
Retired K.B.I.

June 13, 2017

I met Jerry through Burgess Schwinn Cycle, where he worked part time. He and I used to spar about my riding style and how rough I was on a bicycle. We became friends and it was a terrible loss when he died. He was well liked in the community. Jerry and I never served together, but his memory served with me on my 25 year tour at the Salina PD. Rest in Peace my friend.

Glen Soldan
Retired, Salina KS PD

June 13, 2017

I was stationed as a Military Policeman at Fort Riley in 1975 and remember this most sad occasion. Although I never met the officer I did visit police headquarters once on business and all these years later I can still see in my mind the display that had been erected in his honor. My blessings to his memory and to his family.

Philip L. Evans, Probation Supervisor
Chautauqua County Probation Department, New York

May 13, 2017

Jerry u were like a Superman to me back when I was 11 years old, and knowing we couldn't afford a Bicycle, U bought me one, God bless u, I will never forget u, it broke my heart when I heard the news, and cried for months! U were the finest Police Officer Salina ever had! Till we meet again, Luv U Big Brother! SCOTT SMITH SPRING HILL KS

Scott Smith

October 22, 2016

I worked with Jerry from 1970 until 1973. He became one of the best friends I ever had. It's been 41 years and two months to the day (today is 8-13-16) since Jerry was killed and I can say that there has not been a week gone bye that I haven't thought about and missed him.

Tommy Shirley
Ex Member Salina Police Department

August 13, 2016

I served with Jerry on the SPD from the time he started (1970) until I transferred to the SFD 1973. We became very close friends (as did our wives). He was one of the best men I ever worked with. I don't care how bad your day was going, 5 minutes around Jerry and your spirits would sour. It's been 41 years and two months since Jerry was killed but I think about him very often. I'm looking forward to seeing my friend again someday soon.

Tom Shirley (PSO)
Retired Boeing Software Engineer

August 11, 2016

I have heard many stories of your time at SPD. You were a good man and I am sorry you were taken from us. God Bless you my friend.

Chief Brad Nelson
Salina, Kansas P.D.

April 14, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 15, 2015

I survived a similar armed encounter with bank robbers; you did not. I got lucky; you did not. My incident is all but forgotten; you will be remembered always for your ultimate sacrifice. May God bless you and all your loved ones forever.

Patrolman James B. Boyd
Laredo Police Department

June 14, 2015

So sorry Jerry, I just found out today( 6/13/2015) ...I was a U.S. Army Military Police traffic investigator at Fort Riley, Ks. 1975 and I work traffic accidents on Fort Riley and up to 50 miles around Fort Riley involving military personnel or family members involved in fatal accidents ( I left overseas in Mar 1975) .. I may have at one time met you... I'm so sad to see this after all these years.... Lots of respect for you... Thank-you... you are a hero

Retired Deputy, R Wilbur
Ventura County Sheriff, Ca

June 13, 2015

I love going to Jerry Ivey park to see the wildlife. I live in Concordia KS, but its your park Jerry, that keeps me coming back. Thank you for your sacrifice!

Alicia T.
none

March 18, 2014

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Ivey. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 4, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 37th anniversary year 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. Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 19, 2012

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

July 27, 2012

I recently moved into the home where Mr. Ivey resided at the time of his death. I strongly believe Patrolman Ivey has never left his home. Believe me when I tell you this.

Christina Owen Physical Therapist
no relationship only coincidence

May 23, 2012

I served on the Salina PD from 1982 to 1984 before going to the Kansas Highway Patrol. His memory was never extinguished, and his service was never forgotten. RIP brother.

Officer Morgan Wright
Salina Police Department (Former)

May 16, 2012

I grew up and went to School with Jerry we would fight one day play marbles the next He was a great friend. I am still friends with his Brothers. We have memorials here in Gastonia for our downed Officers I have been there several time. When I came home from Calif I did not know what happened. When I found out,I went to see Mike your Brother,His first words were.(I knew you would come I just didn't know when.) Can't promise Jerry but if the Lord is willing I will see that Park.God Bless you Buddy Rest assured you are not forgotten.

Anonymous

February 9, 2010

I was working at the Dairy Queen Brazier when Officer Ivey was killed. I did not know this officer but have always remembed the day he died. Thank you for you service.
Jim Hanson, Yuma Arizona.

Jim Hanson Survelliance Officer
Yuma County Arizona Probation Dept.

November 29, 2008

My father told me many stories of officer Ivie, he was a good hearted man who was shot in cold blood. The story my father told me of that day will haunt me the rest of my life. I wish that I would have known him he was a very good man.

Sgt. Colt Sherman
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Idaho

August 16, 2008

I was with Officer Ivey when he died that Friday am in 1975. My new wife and I were on our honeymoon, just heading east on I=70 after staying the night in Salina. We pulled into the gas staion and began filling my 1956 Ford p/u. I will never forget that day or forget officer Ivey. I never knew him but he is with me everyday. Thanks John D. Merritt. Colorado Springs, Colorado

john d merritt

June 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

October 25, 2007

I never knew you personally, but I used to go to Jerry Ivey Park in Salina almost everyday. I can honestly say you are a big part in my decision to become a Police Officer. Thank you so much for your courage and bravery in the line of fire.

Rest In Eternal Peace.

Dylan H.

April 5, 2007

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