Police Officer Charles Patrick O'Hanlon Philadelphia Police Department Pennsylvania Wednesday, November 13, 1985  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

The first night i worked with your son in the 24 he showed me your memorial. He shared this story with me so i figured I would leave it here for you.

He told me he was drinking at a bar or lodge just a block away from state road under 95 where your memorial is..
He walked down to it and took a few minutes to remember you as he saw what looked to be a local homeless man walking up to him..
In his mind he figured the guy was gonna say something stupid like WTF are you doing here, or why are you staring at that..
Then the man said to your son suddenly "hey what are you doin here"..
Your sun briefly stated he was just reading your plaque..
Then the stranger said to him something like this.."ok, i thought you were pissing on it, and i would have been really mad if you were doing that..a philly police officer died here..you have to respect this spot."

Your son was shocked, I would have been too..
It shows that you never know what people think of you as you do your job 8 hours a day. It shows that some people care about cops, even if they cant care for themselves.

Your son is one of the funniest cops i ever met..you would be very proud of him!!

#4951
ppd 24dst 3sqd
2009-02-22

I lived next to Mr O Hanlon for 3 years i dont really remember him that well but i heard stories about him when he came over to talk to my dad and have a beer with him. Mr O' Hanlon you are not forgotten be me or my family. Rest in Peace my friend.

John
neighbor
2008-06-25

"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
2008-01-24

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh
2007-11-28

Rest in peace always and know that you will never be forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
2007-11-13

Rest well Officer O'Hanlon. You are not forgotten.

SGT. Jim Morace #458
PPD
2007-11-13

Mr. O'Hanlon,
I grew up with Terrence and I will always remember the day you were taken. I never knew you personally but I honor your memory. It makes me proud to read that your sons have become fellow brothers in blue. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Agent Paul Bruno
DEA Task Force West Palm Beach, FL
2006-09-12

mr. o was like a second dad to me i practically lived at his house he was agreat dad and a hero i remember going to watch him at the thrill show and just amazed at that stunts he and the other highway cops would do he was a hero to me and i still miss him

john delaney
family friend
2006-06-12

P/O O'Hanlon, you are not forgotten. Your family is strong and proud, a reflection of you.

P/O #5434
Philadelphia PD
2006-05-30

I never knew Officer O'Hanlon personally, but I knew his family very well and I will never forget him or the time I spent with his loved ones on Fuller Street. I am proud to have known his family, proud of his sacrifice, and proud of his legacy.

2005-12-09

I's quite a testament to you that all of your sons are now Philly Blue; and it is a reflection of your wife's bravery that she supported every one of them coming on the job. I came out with Matt and occassionally saw your nephew when he was in the 9th. You would be proud of your family. A good, solid Police family. You can rest in peace knowing they, and the department never will forget you.

P/O Joseph Leighthardt
Philadelphia Police
2005-12-01

Every November 13, I remember Police Officer Charles O'Hanlon and his sacrifice. I remember his family especially.

A Friend

2005-11-14

HE WAS MY UNCLE CHARLIE I HAVE SUCH GREAT MEMORIES OF HIM,WE WOULD ALL GO SWIMMING IN HIS POOL,BARBQ,AND LISTEN TO IRISH MUSIC. HE WAS THE FUNNIEST PERSON I HAD EVER KNOWN-- WE ALL MISS YOU

sgt.john patrick o'hanlon
philadelphia police
2005-08-04

All four of his son is a Philadelphia Police Officer and the youngest is in The Highway Patrol Unit where his father served his last tour.

2005-07-03