Trooper John H. Kugelman Illinois State Police Illinois Monday, November 10, 1986  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 22 of 2

23 years ago today this Dad lost a real Pal and son. Love ya Pal. Miss you every day. Dad

Bill Kugelman
Dad
2009-11-10

To anyone interested; Mr. David Melind, Johns Murderer, is living in Franklin Park, Illinois and works at Genesis Co. in Roselle, Illinois.
16 years in the joint for being a 'cop-killer' doesn't seem like justice in my way of thinking. A life of misery would be more like it. But I'm just the Dad that lost his Pal.

Bill Kugelman
Father
2009-08-15

50 years ago today you became my Pal; Son; Friend.
RIP with your creator My Pal. Love Ya.
Always and Ever, Dad

Bill Kugelman
Dad
2009-06-28

Thanks for the memory......And the blood from that deer was all over the driveway the next morning when his Grandfather woke me and feared something felonious happened until we looked in the tree and saw it hanging for the neighbors to see. What a kid. Again; Thanks for the pleasant memory and stay safe.
PS; Yes it was delicious...........

Bill Kugelman
Dad
2009-05-15

John,
I was once again at the Illinois Police Memorial service in Springfield May 7, 2009. I go every year to honor all the fallen officers. I told stories about you the night before at the FOP party. I worked with you on I-290 while in D-02. I laugh everytime I think of you dragging that deer up the hill and calling me to assist you. When I arrived you told me what assistance you needed, help putting the deer in the truck of your sqaud car. The sausage you gave me was excellent. I could not believe it. You were a great partner to work with and I will never forget you or your final trip on the Kennedy. RIP my friend.

Captain Dick Kinter
Illinois State Police D-19 Carmi
2009-05-11

Hey Troop...I was really board...bored... on the midnight shift(U know how this is...) so I took a couple of my guys to this web site. They were very impressed and also very quiet when we started looking into what happens to us 1st responders and HEROS like U that gave it your all. HERO JOHN! NEVER FORGOTTEN!!! GOD Forever Bless U and this Great Nation We serve!!! I never knew U but I feel as if I did. RIP Brother in Blue. God Bless U and UR Family!!!!

Police Officer D. Kirk #309
Round Lake Heights PD (IL)
2009-03-30

I worked with John at district 2 in Elgin, Il. I worked in dispatch. I loved working with John and think about him all the time. It was a very sad day when we lost him. He will always be missed.

Supervisor Barbara Johnson
Smyrna Police Department
2009-01-13

Peace is with you son after these 22 years. Miss ya a lot.
Visiting the grave really sucks after all this time but you won't ever be forgotten till we meet again. Love ya My Pal. Dad

Bill Kugelman
Dad
2008-11-10

22 years ago you gave your good life to protect others Pal. I'm so proud of your loyalty to your fellow man but miss you so much. God Bless you Pal. You would be so proud of your nephews and niece. Everyone says such good things about them. Love Ya Seymour. Dad

Bill Kugelman
Dad
2008-11-10

Happy 49th Birthday Son.....

Bill Kugelman
Dad
2008-06-29

Looked your name up again this year at the Illinois Police Memorial in Springfield...HERO!

Patrolman D. Kirk #309
Round Lake Heights PD (IL)
2008-05-05

It is so very nice to read these good things about a great guy--My Son. Chris, Now I know where the fusees went that I kept in my CFD car. Good Luck to you and that young man of yours. Keep in touch. And thanks to all of you. Every EOW anniversary I get an anonymous pkg. that contains some type remembrance so Thanks to whoever it may be...........

Bill Kugelman
Dad
2008-01-22

I worked with John on I-290 & remember his humor and irreverance as much as his agressive police work. One Sunday,he called in a large pothole to IDOT on Il 53/I-290 and gave very specific directions for the repair crew. When IDOT called back claiming they couldn't find the pothole, John lined the pothole with a bunch of lit flares-It looked like a b-day cake! We went to lunch & when we got back, an IDOT crew was patching the hole. I have great memories of you, John! Rest in Peace. Bill- keep the faith!

Christine Casey /Retired
Illinois State Police
2008-01-17

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sergeant
Connecticut State Police
2008-01-17

"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
2008-01-07

Hi Pal [Seymour]; It's been 21 years now and it sure doesn't get any smoother. God Bless ya Son and say a few prayers for me and your family. You wouldn't believe who took Reds place now. Love, always and ever, Dad

Bill Kugelman
Dad
2007-11-10

John- I was looking tonight (11-09-07),while running radar at my memorial bracelet that I wear daily while on patrol. It has your name/department name/location on the Washington D.C. wall/ and your end of watch date. It is 21 years tomorrow (11-10-07) that you went 10-42 for the last time. May you continue along with St. Michael to watch over those of us on patrol. Know that you will never be forgotten. Thanks again for your dedication and service to the people of Illinois.

Patrolman D. Kirk #309
Round Lake Heights PD (IL)
2007-11-09

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service, this writer is disappointed that justice failed you.

VanDenBerghe
NH
2007-11-05

John I was in Springfield last week for the Police Officers Memorial. I made it a point to find your name again on the Police Officers Memorial at the State Capital. RIP Brother.

Patrolman D. Kirk #309
Round Lake Heights (IL) PD
2007-05-09

I remember hearing this tragic news from my step father (retired ISP Dist 9 1955-1985). He was very upset and in tears when he told me. I was a 16 year old then. It made me sad and it still does. Thanks for serving the people of this State of Illinois. I see your name every year in May when I go to the Illinois Police Memorial Service in Springfield. You will never be forgotten. R.I.P.

Patrolman D. Kirk #309
Round Lake Heights PD (IL)
2007-01-22

20 quick years and an ocean of tears..........Miss ya son.
And to realize that a bum is free and walking the streets. No Justice--Just memories. Luv ya Pal.

Bill Kugelman
Dad
2006-11-10

Rest safe with Our Lord and may He bless your loved ones.

2006-11-10

I had the pleasure of working with John on I-290 in 1984-85. We had adjoining patrols and I could count on John showing up in my rearview mirror anytime I had something other than "routine". John was the best back-up anyone could have...he was aggressive and smart. I see that Bill Kugelman visits this site often, I hope he knows how all of us felt about John.

Sgt. Tony Heindel
Illinois State Police
2006-08-11

It seems so long, almost 20 years, that I could say Happy Birthday to you Pal. Tomorrow is that day and I miss you so very much. Happy Birthday my son. Dad

Bill Kugelman
Dad
2006-06-27

Trooper Kugelman,
On today, the 19th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Illinois. It is a shame that the scum that murdered you only had to serve 16 years.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

2005-11-10