Police Officer James T. Sackett Sr. St. Paul Police Department Minnesota Friday, May 22, 1970  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

I never knew you Jim. Just the stories I heard. My family was as close to your family as the man next to you that night. So close yet so so far away. I was 1500 miles away that night and felt the thunder of that night from the city I was born. I came back a couple of months after. I came back and tried to understand why you had to die. After all these years many do not understand they just accept. Even if justice is sometimes not fair or equal. God gave us rules to follow. I give my son to Law enforcement to continue enforcing those rules in your honor. I pray you watch over him. And those stories of you will always keep you alive in our hearts forever. Every time I look up into that big blue sky above I remember why that line is so blue down here.

So near yet so far away
your friend always
2009-03-10

Your Grandfather will never be forgotten. We continue to protect the citizens of St. Paul as your Grandpa once did. You are right to call your Grandpa a Hero. He is a hero to all of us.

Officer
St. Paul Police
2007-12-16

I am James T. Sackett's granddaughter and I just wanted to say that if I had one wish it would be that he hadn’t answered that call that night but I believe that everything happens for a reason...=] James is my hero and always will be even though I didn’t have the chance to meet this wonderful man I love him!!!

a little girl with a big heart
would have been granddaughter
2007-12-13

"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
2007-11-29

Now that your murderers have been arrested, tried & Convicted, they will come to me. It will be difficult to watch over them. But as you now finally rest in peace as you so long have deserved......rest knowing that these inmates are finally doing the time they so long deserve.
Know that we behind the walls stand with you, and when we join you on heavens beat, we will rest together, knowing that people like your killers are resting in a less enjoyable place, where they belong.
Please watch over us, please protect us, and please stand with us. Until we see each other in Heaven my friend......

Corrections Sergeant
MN Department of Corrections
2006-05-08

Finally--Justice!! Rest in peace, Officer Sackett. Know that your family and friends never forgot the sacrifice you made.

Officer Lynn Cronquist
Minneapolis PD
2006-03-10

nice job to all the ones involved in bringing the james sackett killers to justice

2006-03-05

Justice will be done.Rest in Peace Sir and may your family now have some comfort.

2006-03-02

The following is a letter sent to Chicago City Councilwoman Madeline Haithcock who has sponsored an ordinance to name a city street "in honor" of a former chairman of the Black Panthers who advocated murdering police officers.

************************************************************************

King County, in Seattle Washington just announced today that they will adorn all county seals, flags, papers, patches and badges with the image of Martin Luther King... I personally am proud to wear the image of my childhood "HERO" on my uniform and badge.

I am however shocked and appauled that you sponsored an ordinance to name a city street "in honor" of a former chairman of the Black Panthers who advocated murdering police officers. Members of the radical group were responsbible for the murders of 5 law enforcement officers, including 2 Chicago officers during his chairmanship.

I can think of the families of the murdered officers (Frank Rappaport ~ John Gilhooly ~ Glenn Smith ~ Kenneth Patrick ~ Ricky Kinchen), and how horrified they might feel to see this supposed honor. Please think of "all" involved before moving on with this idea.

Officer Glenn R. McGloughlin
King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention
2006-03-02

Ronald Reed has been found Guilty. Finally some justice...

Rest in Peace

2006-03-02

The wheel has gone 'round, albeit slowly. Justice has prevailed. God, grant that Officer Sackett rest in peace and bestow Your blessings and comfort upon him and his family.

Never give up. Never forget.

Minnesota Sergeant

2006-03-01

I have never been more proud to be a St. Paul police officer than on the day it was announced that the Off. Sackett's killers were finally going to be brought to justice. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this effort. Rest in peace Off. Sackett.

St. Paul Officer
ST. Paul Police Department
2005-02-10

Persistence has paid off at last. Bless the St. Paul PD and all MN agencies as they hopefully are greatly encouraged by this awesome development. Only trial and sentencing remain.

Son of a retired cop
They're all ONE
2005-01-19

Though it was tough at times, we never lost hope that one day justice would be served. Our prayers have been answered.

Never forget this guardian, this hero.

A Former St. Paul Officer

2005-01-17

Rest In Peace Officer James T. Sackett SR. May you always be remembered! Bless you and your family.

Sgt. R. D. Lansing
United States Army Military Police
2005-01-16

Justice at last!! Rest in peace officer james sackett

a Citizen

2005-01-15

1 -14-05, your murderers are caught, now you can rest in peace officer Sackett

2005-01-15

Jimmy you are not forgotten. I remeber our days during our training. You were a good cop and you changed the lives of all you friend in school .God Bless you Jimmy We all miss you

Dective Dennis Chamberlin(ret)
Oakdale police
2004-12-04

Jim, I pray that one day . . . somewhere, there will be a fresh new lead that will result in the capture of your murderer. I honor you Officer Sackett. With brotherly love and respect, Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer.)

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms
2004-07-29

God bless you, Sir. We carry on in your memory.

St. Paul Cop

I remember,like it was yesterday, when Officer Sackett died. My father is a retired St.Paul Police Officer and was working the night it happened. I was 9. My dad worked midnights and it could have so easily been him that was so senselessly murdered. I still get a ball in my stomach when I think of the next morning waking up first and reading a long letter from my dad to my mom, which looking back It wasn't for me to read,telling her he was back at work but wanted to tell her about the shooting before hearing it from someone else. Although my father is a strong man I know he must have been very frightened, as were his fellow officers who must blatantly realize how everything can end in one call for help. I thank God that my family was spared the tragedy that all the fallen officers and their families have had to endure. My heart goes out to all, this one Just brings back alot of memories. My younger brother is with the Ramsey Co. Sheriff's dept. and I continue to worry and pray he remains safe. This world is getting so violent I would like to thank all the men,women and of course the wonderful K-9 for believing in the peace and safety of the people you protect. Thank you for allowing me to ramble abit. Yours, Cheryl King,(nee; Navara)