Police Officer Paul Garofalo

Paul, on the night you were murdered in such a cowardly, evil ambush, I was a rookie of 6 months. We happened to gas our patrol cars at the single island gas pumps just west of City Hall (pumps are no longer there). You were serious and didn't acknowledge me other than a quick head nod to my "Good evening sir" because you knew I was a rookie.

It was such a shock later to hear that you had been taken from us--and from your family--so suddenly. I remember being so nauseated when I heard (at 3am) the man who had been across from me at the City Hall gas pump around 10p was now gone. It could have been me (or anyone else) instead of you. Such are the mysteries of this world.

I attended your funeral in my Class A uniform, along with nearly every other WPD officer and civilian employee. The Sedgwick Co SO and KHP Troopers graciously took calls in the City so we could attend. I will never forget it, it was the 1st police funeral I ever attended as a member of the Thin Blue Line. Sadly, it wasnt the last--WPD Danny Laffey and KHP Ferdinand "Bud" Pribbenow would follow in quick succession. I will never forget seeing how distraught your parents and wife were. It ripped my heart into pieces. I'm not ashamed to admit I cried because I knew just what a loss we and your family sustained by your tragic death.

Now, it's almost 40 years later, and I still remember you. We worked the same 3rd shift, but you were assigned to Baker One and I was in the Adam Three (opposite quadrants of town). You may be gone but you certainly will never be forgotten.
RIP Paul.

Retired WPD
Wichita Police Department

September 26, 2019