Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I attended Baruch College with John. I was just searching for old classmates and came upon this. I had no idea that he even became a PO, much less that this happened. He was such a good guy and spoke so lovingly of his family. RIP

Anita Anthony Estling
Former classmate

January 12, 2021

Officer Venus,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Suffolk County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 20, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Venus.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 10, 2019

I met Officer Venus's family yesterday. I tried to be polite and offer my seat to his mother so they could all eat together. She insisted I remain seated and have lunch with them. The introduction reminds me of an old saying, ....no strangers, only friends who haven't met. The family is inspirational.

I'm delighted Deputy Sheriff Richard Drane shares this important date. I ask you to be proud of this and your accomplishments.

Lt. Kevin McKeon
Suffolk County PD

May 7, 2016

I said a little prayer today for Police Officer Venus and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

November 19, 2015

I searched for officers fallen on the day I was born, November 20 and this officer just so happened to have been killed on the day including the year I was born. I will always think of this officer on my birthday. Thank you for the service you provided!

Deputy Sheriff Richard Drane
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office

September 19, 2015

I never met you, John ... but your brother is the best partner I've ever had. You were a great influence on him. Please protect us all. Thank you.

Sergeant Michael V. Stewart
NYPD

May 17, 2013

Thank you for your dedicated service to others. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

November 20, 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

May 17, 2012

I worked next to you on your last tour. I still think about you...you were taken much too young. I hope, if your family checks this memorial, they know that you've not been forgotten by those you served with.

Anonymous

January 24, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 15th 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.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 20, 2009

"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 20, 2007

Rest in Peace Sir

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 29, 2007

St.Michael,another soldier in your army against evil.
Brother Mark and his family speak of you often,your will never be forgotten.rest easy

Sgt.Gavin C.Duffy
NYPD

December 4, 2006

10 years brother. You are not forgotten. Keep a good watch over the rest of us.

Police Officer
Suffolk County Police Dept

November 20, 2004

You are not forgotten. May you rest in peace.

PO
SCPD

December 31, 2003