Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in Peace. May God Bless you and your family. Thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten.

Police Officer James Scheib
Schiller Park Police Dept., IL

May 4, 2008

I remember hearing the story of the brutal attack against you when I was in fifth grade. I remember seeing your badge in the halls of the hillside police department. As I grew up I followed in the footsteps of many before me. Now as a Police Officer, I, as other from around the state, sign the petitions to keep your assailants in prison. I thank you for your service and sacrafice. Im sure your watching over us are by our sides as we start our shift.

Ofc Z. Pugn
Glendale Heights Police Deptartment

April 26, 2008

HI TONY. I WORK WITH YOUR SISTER AND JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT, BEING A WIFE AND MOTHER OF A RETIRED OFFICER AND 2 ACTIVE OFFICERS, WE KEEP YOUR MEMORY IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS. I HAVE TOLD YOUR SISTER THAT SHE IS A PART OF A VERY SPECIAL FAMILY ALONG WITH YOUR OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS. WE WILL NOT FORGET.

BETSIE CARNEY
WIFE AND MOTHER OF POLICE OFFICERS

April 19, 2008

I just recently signed the petition to keep the excusues of men behind bars that took your life. I wasn't around when any of this happened but your memory lives on forever in both the Berkeley and Hillside Police Departments and you will never be forgotten

April 16, 2008

I was afforded the honor of meeting your sister. She carries on the struggle of keeping your killers in prison. I attended the parole hearing held at 26 and Cal. I will continue to attend hearings and bring more Officers to future hearings. Your sister and I are now family. We are family through tragedy. You are not forgotten.

P.O. Kurt Kaner
Chicago Police Department

March 27, 2008

Your Dad stopped by yesterday because I believe he wanted to talk to us about the upcoming parole hearing of your killers. He said he is unable to sleep and I think he fears they may get off because of their advanced ages and health.

I hope justice continues to prevail and these men spend the rest of their natural lives in prison. Your parents who are now in their late 80's deserve some peace of mind. They are an inspiration to my husband and I.

Carol Gordon
Mother of CPD Ofc. Michael P. Gordon EOW 8-8-04

March 10, 2008

I was six years old when this brutal crime was committed against you. You have been the only Police Officer in the history of the United States who had been Kidnapped and Murdered. My father was a Westchester Police Officer and a friend who had searched the fields for you. I am now the Chief of Hillside, and The Hillside Police Department will never forget you nor will we forget the persons responsible for this crime.

Chief Joseph M Lukaszek
Hillside Police

March 6, 2008

I began my police career in 1972 and I have always remembered your kidnapping and brutal slaying. My thoughts and prayers have always been with you and your family and although I never knew you, rest assured that many young officers have been touched by your sacrifice. Please continue to watch down upon our young officers as they learn to do the job that you gave so much for.

Sgt. Robert Mau, Sr.
PD Joliet IL

March 4, 2008

Officer Raymond...I was just 15 when you were abducted. I remember following the search for you in the newspaper. I too met your parents at the Springfield Memorial. I'm sure you are proud of the way they continue to recognise your legacy. You may have only been of the earth a few years, but you have many who still think about you. Rest in Peace

Lt. Dan Mullin (retired)
Lockport PD

January 6, 2008

"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

January 2, 2008

Wow, how awesome is this. After 35 years, Officer Raymond is still remembered. It's tragic how his life ended but to think that all you people still remember what a great person and hero he is and will always be. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.

Midlothian PD

December 28, 2007

I remember when my husband was a rookie police officer with the Riverside PD when the call came out to be on the look out for a black cadillac. He stopped someone but unfortunately not the people who abducted you.

After my son was killed I met your parents in Springfield during Law Enforcement Month. They are now in their 80's but continue to go on for your siblings and your two sons. We also found out they live just 5 minutes from us. We took them to the Cook County Memorial and to our Bereaved Parents group. It is still hard for them even after all these years. What I learned from them is that through all this tragedy you continue to go on. Your picture is proudly displayed in their home.

Continue to watch over your family.

Carol Gordon
Mother of CPD Officer Michael Gordon EOW 8-8-04

December 28, 2007

Mr. Raymond,

Stumbled upon this site while taking a break from work. I was just a boy when your life was taken. Dad never stopped talking about you; how everyone searched and how your end came. Over the last 16 years I've policed some mean streets both here in Chicago and Arizona. Every time I approach a car I think of you and hope that I am ready and that you are watching. Rest in Peace Sir.

Ken

PO K. Witkowski
Son of Hillsaide PO

November 19, 2007

rememeber to this very day....still cant forget, a friend of a friend. (the chief) Phil. thank you.

RETIRED
WISC

November 13, 2007

Although we were brother officers on the street, backing each other when needed as was the practice of our two depts, we were also family friends as Tony,s Father was brother in law to my Godmother Jennie. While we were looking for Tony during the first days of his kidnapping, while walking through the woods at Coal City, I
would call out for him by the nickname I had given him, hooks! (This was in refrence to his nose, we would tease each other as to who had the bigger nose!) Hoping,as we all did, that he would walk out of those woods. This was not to be. Good friend, great cop.

Sgt. Torry Palermo
Belwood P.D. Family friend

November 11, 2007

Officer Raymond and Family.
As I was only 8 years old when your tragedy happened my
Mother Rita ann (Kruse) Dooley talk often of you. As well as my dearest friend Sgt. Torry Palermo of the Bellwood Police Dept. Officer Raymond this is to let you know you are in our daily prayers and heart.
God bless you and your family

Sgt. Joseph Dooley
Arizona State Department

November 10, 2007

When I was 10 years old, I heard about the disappearance of Officer Anthony Raymond. While driving with my family to Springfield, Il., the broadcast of a search for him was on the radio, and I remember looking for him intently out the window to try to see him in the woods or on the side of the road. Unbelievable, when he was found deceased and his killers were arrested, I was told by my parents that one of them lived accross the street from my home in suburban Hoffman Estates. Since then during these past 35 years, I've often thought of him and will never forget his name or death. I wish I had known him, and think of him whenever the song "The City of New Orleans" comes on the radio, probably because I recall that song playing while looking for him out of my parent's car window.

Nancy DalCerro
none

October 15, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

This writer is pleased that justice was quicly served on your behalf

Pat Van Den Berghe

October 13, 2007

I had just started my law enforcement career as a dispatcher 1 week before your tragic death. What a terrible death you must have experienced and what a hero your were and still are. Even though I'd never met you I never forgot you. Your experience was relived when I attended the Cook County Sheriff's Academy for suburban officers in 1976 and your experience helped me through every traffic stop I made in 30 years. Thank you for watching over me for those 30 years and in continuing to do so for all officers out there now and in the future.

Retired
Mt. Prospect Police

October 1, 2007

My prayers are with you and your famiy. Rest easy brother.

Former N.H. Police Officer
Fauquier County, VA

September 12, 2007

MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. FOR YOU ARE A HERO FOR ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS. I WAS 6 YEARS OLD WHEN YOU SERVED YOUR FINAL TOUR OF DUTY, BUT GROWING UP IN THE AREA I HEARD EVERYONE TALK ABOUT YOU..

GOD BLESS YOU EVERYDAY

tony c
fellow officer

August 19, 2007

I was a kid in Hillside when Officer Anthony Raymond was murdered. I still remember him and honor him today. I hold his family in my prayers, and hope they know that he is always remembered and honored and we will pray for him and his family forever.

March 9, 2007

God bless you and your family, friends, and co-workers.

February 22, 2007

Brother, it saddened me as I read the circumstances surrounding your death. IM so very sorry. May God Bless, and keep you, may God Bless your family. You favor a good friend of mine that I worked with at the Sheriff's Office..... Patrolman Raymond, Sir, Rest easy now, Rest easy for your watch is over on earth.

Sgt. John L. Gulledge Retired
Escambia CO FL SO

November 8, 2006

My thoughts are with your loved ones today on this 34th anniversary of your end of watch. I remember that night like it was yesterday as I was just a rookie and was working the midnight shift after your disappearance. Funny how I would meet and becomes friends with your parents years later after I also lost my son in the line of duty. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

October 1, 2006