Police Officer John G. Scarangella New York City Police Department New York Friday, May 1, 1981  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. May it somehow help to know he is not forgotten, and his killers have been relentlessly persued for justice in his honor.

Anonymous

2009-09-09

Officer Scarangella, you are not forgotten.

SPO
Salem, VA
2009-05-01

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

Robyn Wilkes

2009-04-21

Your memory will live on forever and your sacrifice will never be forgotten. May you rest in eternal peace. Your in God's hands now.

Sergeant Chris DiToro
NYPD
2008-05-01

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2008-05-01

I was assigned to the 107th Pct when this happend and was at Queens General Hospital when John was rushed there. I knew the Doctors and ER Team. They did everything they could to save his life, but the wounds he suffered in the shooting were fatal. I often think of him and his partner Richard Rainey and how they were struck for no reason other then they were just NYPD Cops. I hope his wife and family have found the condolence they are entitled to since this horrendous event. God Bless John. MK Class of 6/68 (Company 68-49)

Det.1 Michael Kelty
NYPD
2008-04-06

"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
2008-01-02

Twenty-six years and you are not forgotten. Your heroism is a legacy that will last eternally.

"For those who pledge to uphold it, freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know."

Wife of an MCPD, Maryland Officer
2007-05-01

Your watch ended on the day I was born. 25 years later I would become a Police Officer. The day you left this world as an Officer, another was born. Rest easy PO Scarangella, you are not forgotten.

Police Officer

2007-04-18

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

2006-12-05

25 years ago, I was a Paramedic assigned to Jamaica Hospital in Queens. My partner and I heard the call and responded into the 113 precinct area. As the RMP sped away with John gravely wounded in the backseat, we followed. The RMP stopped and I jumped into the backseat and started treating John. We arrived at QGH and my partner and I stayed in the ER, then later assisted moving John into the QGH OR.
It's tough working on anyone gravely wounded. It's even tougher when it is an Member of the Force.
The call still haunts me to this day and I hope that John's family gains some peace in knowing his bravery and valor.

Paramedic Jeff Kleiman
EMS - Jamaica Hospital
2006-05-05

To Police Officer John G. Scarangella, his loved ones and his fellow officers:

On this the twenty fifth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is revered and honored today.

May your family continue be to comforted by the warm embrace of their law enforcement family, and other police survivors who share this painful journey with them. My heart is with your family as I know this pain never goes away for those who loved you.

Reading the loving reflections left by those who cared for you gives us an understanding of what a good and honorable man you were and of the high esteem with which you are held.

John, as a peace officer you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Officer Scarangella. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service John gave to his community and the citizens of New York, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on May 1, 1981.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

2006-05-01

God Bless you and may he keep your family strong, healthy and well. You are not forgotten brother, we will carry on...in your honor, ciao!

BZ
City of Yonkers PD, NY
2005-08-13

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

John's memorial plaque was lovingly rededicated by the members of the 113 Pct back in 2001. Current members of the command, who never had an opportunity to meet John, volunteered countless hours and funds to make sure his memorial was befitting his ultimate sacrifice. Although most of us had never been lucky enough to meet John we do know his lovely wife and family, who still attend precinct events and always make a point to drop by and take care of us. We were also very happy to see that many of Johns colleagues, most of whom had retired, made a point in attending the rededication 20 years later. We will always remember the sacrifice made by John as we see his memorial every day. Sadly we had to add an additional plaque to that granite wall for another 113 M.O.S. Disdale Enton who died in the line of duty in 2002, something we never wanted to see.

113 Pct M.O.S.
NYPD
2004-01-03

I trained on a F.A.T.S. machine (computer simulator), two robbery suspects in a green duece and a quarter were stopped. As they exited the vehicle, I fired. The ACADEMY "trainer" (who hadn't been on the street in years) told me I was wrong, I shot them BEFORE they could shoot me! Read about this officer. Was I wrong? Who cares, I survived to retire. John, you had one good thing going, you got to see Jesus before I. And, as you now know, HE Loves You. So do we, buddy! Love the NYPD. BOSCO KNOWS.

REt Officer RB Wade
Richmond,VA Police
2003-10-07

I still recall hearing your name when you were brutally murdered when I was a young man growing up in Brooklyn. I remember being sorrowful and wanting to do something about it. Your sacrifice is greatly appreciated by myself and many others. Rest in Peace. You will never be forgotten.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

God bless you. Obviously a good street cop, it is a same that you were taken from us by these two thugs.

Thank god that they were not able to fool a 3rd jury and were finally convicted and sent where they belong.

John,
I never got to meet you, but having been assigned to the 113 Pct the year after you died, I did get to know your beautiful family. Everyone in the precinct had good stories regarding you. I would have been honored to work with you and call you a friend.
It took many years but they finally renamed the street in front of the precinct in your honor.
May you rest in eternal peace.

Fellow Officer
NYPD