Reserve Deputy John B. Jamison Coconino County Sheriff's Department Arizona Monday, September 6, 1982  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

John,

I remember the day that you died like it was yesterday.

Now, some twenty-five years later and having found this site, the memories come flooding back.

I had left the Department not long before and moved to Phoenix. We were in Flagstaff for the weekend and were at the Fairgrounds when we heard one of our own was down.

We arrived at the hospital after you had passed; and didn't immediately know that it was you that had been hit.

When we found out, the news was devastating. When we attended your funeral, I remember your wife saying that you always liked parades. It was a splendid parade, John; but more than that it was a fitting, solemn tribute to a strong, yet gentle, man who died doing something he felt passionate about - quietly and without compensation.

I remember my conversations with you fondly and am so sorry that I could not help you that day. You died much too early.

I am privileged for having known you and for the opportunity to post this short reflection.

May God bless you and keep you, my friend.

John Glover
MAJ, USA, RET

John Glover, PhD
Former Deputy, CCSD
2007-10-26

John,On this the 25th anniversary of your murder I just want to say that you are remembered. I understand that the Sheriff's Office held a Rememberance for you this week and awarded you the Medal of Valor. I was told it was a nice occasion for the deputies who worked with you and your family. Your son, John Jamison Jr, a deputy with the Sheriff's Office, attended and I'm sure is very proud of you. Thank you for your service to the citizons of Coconino County.

DET LT TOM BRAWLEY ( RET )
COCONINO COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT.
2007-09-07

I salute you, Sir, on the 25th Anniversary of your brutal murder. Your selfless service and bravery should be an inspiration to people everywhere. May all take comfort in knowing that you will FOREVER be a hero and NEVER be forgotten!

DET SGT, Retired
Fayetteville PD, AR
2007-09-06

John
I had never met you, however we worked for the Sheriff's Office at the same time. I worked remote duty 130 miles away, but remember that day vividly. I listened to the radio traffic and positioned myself at the very northern reaches of my area in hopes of helping.
It was with great sadness that I heard the Sheriff indicate you were gone. With all you had going for you in life, it was hard to imagine why you would put yourself in harms way for no reward.
After all this time, I know why now, and appreciate the sacrifice you made so willingly.
You are special, and will remain in our hearts forever.
Rest well.

Det. Paul M. Ferroni (ret)
Coconino County Sheriff's Dept.
2007-08-22

"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
2007-07-25

Rest in Peace, Deputy Jamison. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

2007-03-14

IT WAS NICE JUCTICE WAS FINALLY SERVICED, BUT IT TOOK SO LONG, AND DID NOT SEEM STRONG ENOUNGH WITH THE SECOND PERSON THEY SHOULD.

2007-01-21

I worked with John Jameson at the Coconino County Sheriff’s Department in the late 70’s. A short time after I left law enforcement to attend graduate school he was killed. John was a fascinating person and a great Deputy Sheriff. He was a radiologist and pilot, and flew a twin engine plane all over Northern Arizona practicing medicine. John had that incredible poise we associate with doctors but never took himself too seriously.

I now manage employment and promotional testing for the San Francisco Police Department. We lost a Police Officer last week and was struck by how memories of John flooded my consciousness. The same day Dr. Michael Maughan, an Industrial Psychologist from Texas, surprised me with a visit. Mike was my Sergeant at Coconino County and a good friend of John’s. Such a tragic loss of a truly good man.

Bruce W. Topp, Ph.D.
Former Deputy Sheriff, Coconino County
2006-08-02

Deputy Jamison,
On the 23rd anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Coconino County. It took 18 more years but the scum that murdered you finally got the justice he deserved.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

2005-09-06

John, Today, Sept 6th markes the 23rd year of your death and I just wanted to stop by and say that you are missed. The investigation and the trial consumed me for the following 9 months. One year later, Sept 6th 1983, I applied for and was granted a disability retirement from the Sheriff's Department. Today your death remains as fresh in my mind as if it had happened yesterday. I hope you are not patroling the streets of heaven but are applying your real profession of being a Doctor. God Bless you.
DET LT TOM BRAWLEY ( RET )
BANGKOK, THAILAND

DET LT TOM BRAWLEY ( RET )
COCONINO COUNTY SHERIFF's DEPT
2005-09-05

The Deputy Sheriff stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his boots were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, Deputy.
How shall I deal with you.?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true ?"

The Deputy squared his shoulders and said,
" No lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough.
and sometimes I've been violent
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny.
That wasen't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me.
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Deputy waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, Deputy
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

DET LT TOM BRAWLEY ( RET )
COCONINO COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
2005-02-18