Patrolman Joseph A. Piagentini New York City Police Department New York Friday, May 21, 1971  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

Though I never knew him, he was part of my Law Enforcement family and I will mourn this deep loss the rest of my life. My heart aches with all the losses we have suffered, and continue to suffer, through the years. God is our only peace in such incidents & our only real comfort comes from Him. May His strength, comfort & peace continue to be the sustaining force in the lives of all who knew this beloved officer; and may it somehow help to know he is not forgotten.

Vicki Hare, Telecommunicator
Salisbury NC PD
2009-09-09

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

Robyn Wilkes

2009-05-20

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE
2009-02-15

i was 22 years old when it happen.i saw a movie about the shootings.i felt very sad and why it happen,the two brave police men are in haven now.i didnt know them but i feel they are great men.may god bless them and their families and fellow officers in the united states.god bless.

walter
a friend of all police
2008-01-06

"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
2007-12-20

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

This writer again states outraged thay anyone being associated/involved with your murder being paroled, Justice has not been served for you and for that I am sorry

Van DenBerghe
NH
2007-10-17

Dear Joe:
I was just a kid when you died, yet your death truly upset me. The fact that you and your partner Waverly Jones were gunned down by cowardly animals, fueled a fire in me. A fire that was ignited when Officer J.D. Tippet of Dallas, Texas Police was killed by Oswald. Then came your incident,and Jones, Rocco Laurie and Gregory Foster. That, my brother in blue, sealed my fate...to become a police officer.
It took a few years, but I did it. And I am happier for it. The chance, for 27 years and counting, to lock up criminals who don't deserve to walk around in our society.
But know this, Joe...you did not die in vain. You and Jones died doing the job you loved, and keeping the oath we all take. I know it has been a long time since you left us, and I have never had the honor to meet you. I believe I owe you, Jones and Rocco and Gregory, a debt of gratitude to help convince me to put on a badge and strap on a gun.
Now as I close, I pray that God above hears me when I thank Him for you, your service, your sacrifice, and in His taking you home, fueling the fire within me. Rest in peace my brother, we have the watch, and all is well. Amen

Detective Ron Tomassi
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office-Florida
2007-06-19

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

2006-12-05

may he and his partner rest in peace. there is no color but blue!

ret. p.o. john engebretsen
nypd
2006-10-01

you are not forgotten,,,

Detective Jim Mulligan (retired)
NYPD
2006-05-05

DAY IS DONE,
GONE THE SUN,
FROM THE HILLS, FROM THE LAKE, FROM THE SKIES.
ALL IS WELL, SAFELY REST,
GOD IS NIGH.

GO TO SLEEP, PEACEFUL SLEEP,
MAY THE SOLDIER OR SAILOR, GOD KEEP.
ON THE LAND OR THE DEEP,
SAFE IN SLEEP.

LOVE, GOOD NIGHT,
MUST THOU GO,
WHEN THE DAY, AND THE NIGHT NEED THEE SO?
ALL IS WELL. SPEEDETH ALL
TO THEIR REST.

FADES THE LIGHT;
AND AFAR
GOETH DAY, AND THE STARS SHINETH BRIGHT,
FARE THEE WELL; DAY IS GONE,
NIGHT IS ON.

THANKS AND PRAISE,
FOR OUR DAYS,
'NEATH THE SUN, 'NEATH THE STARS, 'NEATH THE SKY,
AS WE GO, THIS WE KNOW,
GOD IS NIGH.

A Brother In Blue

Detective Troy S. Pilivi
Box Elder Narcotics Strike Force (Utah)
2004-10-20

Prayer of Solace

May Christ support us all the day long,
till the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in his mercy may he give us a safe lodging, and holy rest and peace at the last.

Thank you for protecting us, dear one. We will meet someday. In the meantine, please pray for us. We love you.

Grandma & Grandpa Hinkle
Parents of a Deputy Sheriff
2004-10-14

It was encouraging to read on the ODMP site that your murderer was denied parole. God's peace be with you. May you rest in peace, and those that were involved - may they continue their fight to keep your killer locked up.

Citizen

2004-08-28

It is May 21st again, and this time, thirty-two years have gone by since this brave patrolman was villainously cut down as his back was turned. It has been thirty-two years since he fell to the pavement with Waverly Jones lying there beside him. Know that we're still fighting here for you, fighting to keep the men who killed you behind bars forever, fighting to keep your memory alive, fighting for you, Patrolman Piagentini.

Gabriel L. Nathan

May you rest in peace with God's Angels in Heaven.

Karen Leahy
Civilian