Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dude, as John was known, was a fellow classmate of our 1971 police academy. In those 16 weeks it was easy to see the potential he had to be a great officer. His ability to connect with people, either by his humor or his wisdom was exceptional. With all the skills and traits he possessed he was still humble. He never made someone feel less because of their lack of a particular ability. He brightened times of sheer boredom, encouraged when things seem too hard and led by example.
It's now 2024. He wouldn't know the police department today, it has changed so much. I'm not sure why he came into my thoughts so intensely today. However I see the anniversary of his death is approaching.
We are blessed by having known certain people. They add to our lives. Dude was one of them in my life.

Sgt. M. Warner (retired)
SPPD

April 10, 2024

Officer O’Brien,
Forgive me sir, I meant to leave this reflection yesterday on the 40th anniversary of your End of Watch. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of St. Paul. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 17, 2021

Rest in peace Officer O'Brien.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 17, 2019

Since you've gone one of your daughters was born and the other two grew up and got married to wonderful men, who would be honored to know you. Your youngest wishes she would have had the chance to know you as she hears stories of your fabulous sense of humor and love of people and life. You are grandfather to 5 lovely granddaughters and one great-granddaughter. They too will not know the blessing of your amazing energy. Life would have been so much richer had you been able to stay. There were times that we struggled, we cried, we remembered, we smiled. The years have passed much quicker than one would have imagined. Faith and Hope have sustained us. Sorrow is not forever but Love is. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

JOAN
wife

August 6, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 31rst anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace.
Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 17, 2012

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 16, 2010

"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

November 29, 2007

On this 25th anniversary May we never forget Officer O'Brien's sacrifice. May God Grant His Family, His Fellow Officers, and His Friends, the Serenity to accept the things They cannot Change, The courage to Change the things they can, and the Wisdom to know the difference...Rest in Peace Brother in Blue.

Officer Debra McFall Ross
East Buffalo Twp Pd Lewisburg, Pa.

April 16, 2006

Dude we miss you, I was only on a year when you left us, but you are not forgotten. Thank you, for all the things you never knew you did for us new guys.

Sgt Eric Anderson
St. Paul Police

June 11, 2005

This morning we honored your life and sacrifice to the citizens of Saint Paul, and more importantly to your family. It was a moving moment in which all our thoughts were on that day that you were taken from us. I know your family was there, and are proud of who you are to this day.

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Watch over us as we protect these same streets that you once did.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

Officer Candidate
Saint Paul Police Department

April 15, 2005

JOHN WAS KNOWN BY HIS FRIENDS AS DUDE. HE GOT ON THE DEPT AROUND THE TIME OF MY BROTHER. I GOT ON THE DEPT WITH DUDES BROTHER MIKE IN 1977. JOHN WAS A GUY EVERY OFFICER LOOKED UP TOO. IT WAS A SAD DAY TOO LOOSE THE DUDE AND A PIECE OF MANY OF US WHO KNOW HIM DIED THAT DAY ALSO. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN MY FRIEND KNOW THAT WE STILL LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU. RENNIE RENTERIA 547 --RET--7/25/02

OFFICER RENNIE RENTERIA[RET]
ST.PAUL POLICE