Officer Down Memorial Page

Where has the time gone? We were in the academy at the same time and I remember this incident like it was yesterday. Your dedication to duty, while off-duty, should serve as an inspiration to all young officers. Thank you.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago
May 22, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th 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 solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections. I loved your son's birthday message to you.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
May 21, 2012

Hi uncle John. I'm thinking about you a lot today on the anniversary of your death. I still remember that day like it was yesterday even though I was only 7 years old. I remember staying at your house for a few days while my mom was in Florida. I don't think that was too long before you went to heaven. I remember getting in trouble with Annie for being up late and painting when we were supposed to be sleeping. You and aunt Laura were so mad. The night you died I had a dream about you. To this day I think it was you coming to tell me goodbye. It was such a vivid dream and in it you gave me a chocolate donut (my favorite!) and you told me not to be afraid and that you loved me. Since then it seems like everything has changed. We have all grown up. I wish you could have too. Everyone misses you so much. I wish you could see all of us. I'm confident that God lets you look down on us sometimes. I love you.

Keri
Niece
May 21, 2012

Missing you Johnny. You'd be so very proud of your children and Laura. They are amazing! You will never be forgotten. We love you!~ Your cousins.

Ofc. Todd Witulski CPD
Cousin
May 21, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Mathews. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
April 27, 2012

Soooo...just saw a video of you from Easter in 1987 at Aunt Susie's. Mom told me about it...turns out we have the same voice...HOW SWEET IS THAT! Johnny gets your personality, but i get the voice! WOOHOO!

PS...Hi, Jenna! You freaking rock! Seriously.

Joey Mathews
Son
December 3, 2011

Hey there bro! Gosh we have so much to catch up on ... but probably not since I feel you with me every day. I miss you so much in my life. There are so many moments that I should have been sharing with you. I miss you so much but know that we will be together before long. You were the best big brother I could ask for. I so much enjoyed our relationship as it was growing, changing and becoming so close. You would love your brother in law and my children. My Matthew is so much like you and I love it. I'm with you every minute of every day and thank the Lord for life everafter ... cause we will be back together.

Your favorite and only little sis, Lori.

Lori Bach
Sister
September 13, 2011

You would be extremely proud of your son, Sir. Tell my Dad I said hi and share a nice cold one with each other!

Jenna Olson
July 1, 2011

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear daaaaad, happy birthday to you. You're 48 today, yet still 26 in my eyes. It's weird to think i've outlived you, I wish I could have spent the past week trying to figure out what to get you for your birthday so I could go over to your house and celebrate this day with you (who am I kidding, I would have bought a gift on the way to the party...ask mom, she knows how I do things). This is your 22nd birthday without us, and your 11th with Uncle Mikey. Hopefully you two aren't getting too bored with each other up there, and I hope you don't mind having to wait another 70 years to hang out with me, but I'll get there, just don't rush me. Anyway, I love you dad, happy 48th birthday.

Joey Mathews
Son
May 15, 2010

Christmas time is here again. Your favorite time of year. Remember that Christmas when it was so warm out that you washed everybody's car. Oh, where does the time go? Your daughter is in South Africa right now. Yep, that's right she's in South Africa. I know pretty neat right. Joey is living over by the old police headquarters. The area is "changing" I know pretty crazy right. Johnny is Johnny, crazy and full of life. Well I know you'll be looking down watching over us, make sure Annie get's home safe for me.
Love you!

Anonymous
December 10, 2009

Happy 47th Birthday.

Anonymous
May 15, 2009

What's up Dad? I'm out of the Marines, i'm in school...literally, in class right now...it's a class I've already taken twice, got an A both times, didn't transfer from COD to JJC or JJC to UIC...so yea, i'm just here to have something to do. Figure it's been awhile since I've said hi, I got out of the Corps in August, and I miss the hell out of it...however, I just figured I'd stop by, give a quick update on me, I'm scheduled to graduate with a political science degree in December of 2010. What do you think of my girlfriend? I did good huh? You and her would get along great! Thanks for pointing me in her direction, you did good! Hope all is well up there, I know you and Uncle Mikey just shared your ten year anniversary of being able to hang out on Valentines day. Miss you, see you in a few years, wish I could remember you so I would know what to expect when I got there, but surprises are always fun too! Bye Dad!

Sgt Joseph Mathews
USMC - Son
February 18, 2009

Dad,
Missing you today and everyday. I'm finally finishing school and I really hope your proud of me, it's been hard but I'm kicking butt. In a month I'll be 27, I have already lived a longer life then you which is very weird to think about, and I wish it weren't true. I wish you were here, I wonder what you'd be like, what our family would be like. I love you:)

Annie
Daughter
October 10, 2008

20 years today. Not doing so great with this anniversary. Still wondering why this had to happen to you, to our family. What's the big purpose. Still doesn't make sense to me. 20 years and this still hurts so bad. You were so awesome, I couldn't have dreamed of a better husband, I wish we would have had more time together though. I'm so envious of people who get to celebrate their 10th, 20th,....anniversaries. I love you!

May 21, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former Police Officer
May 21, 2008

20 years dad...so weird, love you!

Sgt Joey Mathews USMC
Son
May 21, 2008

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on this 20th anniversary of you being called away from duty. Your memory has been carried on by those that love you. They will forever carry you in their hearts. Continue to keep watch over all of them, let them feel your presence so they know you are near and protecting them. You are a true hero and have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
May 21, 2008

I ran the whole thing thing for you!! Well for all the officers but mostly for you... I Love you:)

Annie
Daugter
May 3, 2008

Happy 27th Anniversary. Wish we could be together to celebrate.
Miss you, love you.

April 18, 2008

Haven't left you a message in a while so I thought I'd say hello...I'm working really hard at finishing my degree, I got on the dean's list last semester which was an amazing feeling. For the first time in my life, I'm doing good in MATH!!! I've decided that you must be helping me with that somehow.. I still miss you a ton... you've been on my mind a lot this week, losing you still hurts so much. We will be doing the walk to remember, Grandpa showed us up last year when he ran (crazy) so mom and I are stepping up our game and we are gonna run!
Love you!

Annie
Daughter
March 6, 2008

After reading aunt Lori's post I realize that I have no idea what your voice or laugh sounded like...and i'm honestly completely jealous of everyone that does. Miss you a lot, as I always do, i'll be with Annie at UIC next semester being an over protective little brother. Gonna do homework now. Love you!

Sgt Joey Mathews
USMC - Son
March 5, 2008

Wow. What to say after reading all those posts. I am with Dickie, never knew this site existed.

Well, Johnny, I miss you everyday but I know you are with me. I try to imagine you now, at 45, but that is impossible. We were both so young then and our relationship was just really beginning to blossom. I trusted you and looked up to you so very much. I am so glad we were able to share our police stories for that short period of time.

I loved your little ones then and even more now. My little Laura is a blessing in my life and she looks out for me and my kids. Oh, how I would give anything for them to know you. I have a boy who reminds me so much of you in so many ways and a girl who has that wild adventerous streak you had.

I miss your laugh, your smile, your warm nature and watching you love your family. I cannot wait to see you again. In the meantime, dear brother, keep an eye out for me and my family and I will do the same for yours!

Love Your little sis, Lori

Lori (Mathews) Bach
Little sister
February 26, 2008

I was not aware of this site. it is so nice to hear from the kids about John.
He was taken from us when he and we were becoming close. being the big brother I think I was an asshole at times. I wish he was here to hang out with. i miss him so much.

I think we would have been good friends. He loved his family so much. He packed so much success in such a short life.

I remember john borrowing my honda accord and taking the kids for rides on lake shore drive up and down a hill on the road the kids loved it.

So many memories in such a short time. I have dreams about him almost every night. I wish I had a brother to hang with. Joe and John always remember to stay close. He would be so proud of both of you. And believe me he would be looking to do some crazy things with both of you. He loved history and adventure.

Annie your dad would be so proud of you and also to see how beautiful you are. I can see him being very protective of you.

laura and John were truly in love. I remember Barb always saying why can't I be as romantic as john.

We all feel cheated that we had such a short time with you. i wish I could tell you how much I looked up to you. How proud I was when you got married and took on so much responsibility at such a young age. You trully were the best husband, father, son, brother and friend anyone could have asked for.

All my love
your brother Dickie

Rich mathews
brother
February 5, 2008

Thankyou for your service and sacrifice, you are a true hero to us all and will never be forgotten

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA
January 28, 2008

TO N. DeCook,
Thank you so much for writing that reflection, the kids love to hear stories about their dad. Thank you for remembering him and sharing your story about him, it's priceless.

Laura
wife
January 7, 2008