Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thinking about you today Dad.....your birthday...you would have been celebrating 72 years. I love you always!!

Jacqueline Alfano Stone
Daughter

June 29, 2012

I have never wanted to leave a "reflection" on this website-- how could I possibly reflect on a man I have never known, and yet is such a huge part of my being? I see the man he was, in the father that I know and love. I think of how painstaking it is for my grandmother to see her son, a replica of her beloved husband. Who looks talks and laughs like his father. Although most of my life I have only heard of him (almost as in a ethereal way) and I have spent most of my adult years trying to picture in my head a man I have heard so much about, and yet I do not know. I have a wonderful relationship with my Grandma Judy (his wife) and she had read me a short poem she had written about her husband, my grandfather, shortly after his death (she doesn't have access to the internet) i figured for everyone who writes on here it would be something worth reading, to see that his family has not forgotten. Regardless if you knew my Grandfather James Alfano or if you have someone serving in the police department or armed forces, I feel that you could find comfort in her words and thoughts as a mother and police wife.

So here goes...

And I, My Loving Vigil Keep
As dictated by : Judith Wise Alfano 1971

A tiny boy stood for a long time,
gazing out the window, at a butterfly.
"come and see the butterbee," he said.
Dropping what I was doing at that time
I joined my little son and our chat was suddenly halted by the shrill whooping of a police siren speeding on its way to an emergency.

He smiled and said, "my daddy's a policeman too".
and then his thoughts returned to the graceful butterfly...
"Your daddy's a policeman too" i whispered...
and tears welled in my eyes,
as my mind strayed back to an article I had read about a policeman's wife; who kept her vigil at night waiting hours for her husband's safe return from work.

I too have kept my vigil.

I knew he loved his job,
it was a challenge to him, and his way of life.

We had grown to accept disappointments...
when he wasn't home for holidays,
There were many days he had missed meals,
or times when we had invited friends to our home and at last minute his day off would be cancelled for an emergency.

He was so proud, so dedicated to his calling.
A man who loved all men,
a fair man,
a loving husband-
a proud father.

I glanced at my year old daughter playing contently;
and at her sweet small face
- a miniature of her father's
--a father she would never know.

The police siren had reminded me of that final ride
that I had taken to the hospital-
where my husband lay, clinging and fighting for his life.

Yes, I had always stayed awake every night waiting for his safe return.
And locked up as if a prisoner in my own mind, was that final good-bye.

He had left for work that day,
got into his car,
and as if something had compelled him--
he came back and tapped on the window;
Waved his final good-bye to the little boy,
and said, "see you later, little man"

The telephone rang that night,
shattering my world.

A voice on the other end said...
"Jim's been shot and he's very bad."

I kept my vigil in a hospital now,
in an intensive care unit.
Where Doctors worked frantically,
for three days,
just to keep him alive.

Watching this brave, struggling man...
The man I love,
and my world lay dying too, with each labored breath he took.

I kept my vigil,
as hundreds of people paid their last respects to my husband.
On those hot muggy August days.

And I kept my vigil as he was laid to rest,
on a Sunday August morning.

But for the tiny boy, who is fascinated by a butterfly-
The vigil will never be over.

For his daddy's last words to him were,
"see you later, my little man"

And the boy still waits by the window,
watching and looking at passing police cars and waiting for his daddy-
Who will never return home.

As a faithful policeman's wife, I will keep my vigil by his grave.

Brittany Alfano / Judith Alfano Lascola
Granddaughter/Wife

June 19, 2012

As a little boy, my dad always told me about Jim Alfano (My Godfather) and what happend on that tragic day. He also told me wbout what a great Martial Arts expert he was and how he was training for the Olympics. Just Imagine! I periodically think about him and about 3 years ago, I was watching a show about Chicago Gangs and right in front of me they told the story about what happened on that day. I was blown away seeing this right in front of me. Although I can not feel the pain Jackie and John feel. However, seeing my two children have a relationship with their God parents is something I truely miss. God Bless you both Jackie and John.

Richard Alfano
God Son

June 5, 2012

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Alfano. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 27, 2012

Dear Jacqueline and John, I had the honor of being one of your father's first karate students during his short tenure in Hialeah, Florida at a school he ran with Leo Thalasitas. In fact, I was part of the promotion class and one of two who received their green belts from Sensei Jim Alfano. Your father was a huge influence in my life and, although I initially grew up with the "wrong crowd," Sensei's influence prevailed. I'm now 61 years old, I still train and a photo of Sensei Alfano still hangs in my workout room. I can remember exactly where I was when I read of his death: at my then place of work reading a Times magazine; I cried. His sacrifice was immense, as was his influence on many like myself. God bless you and yours.

Enrique "Ric" Prado (SIS-2 Retired)
Federal Officer

April 19, 2012

Jackie, I just read your response: dated Oct 21,2011, regarding the letter your father had written my mother so many years ago. I'm glad you got the opportunity to know how important that letter has been to my family and now so many others.

A couple years ago I was asked if I wanted to speak at the Illinois Police Memorial in Springfield. I accepted. I shared that letter to all who attended and told them of its' significance. I told the crowd of how during my times of doubt and disgust of my profession I pull out your fathers letter and it refocuses me to the REAL purpose of this profession.

" We sometimes contemplate whether it is worth it or not. It is, worth the price. Your husband gave his life for a way of life so many have died for; and our dying for today. His memory and the good he left behind will always be there, to give you the strength and his fellow officers the reinforcement to continue on our journey through life".

I have read those words hundreds of times. Those words live on. They are the words of a man who walked the walk and talked the talk. They are pure and genuine. I have the utmost respect for him.

I have read many of your reflections and must say I fully understand the void. He's always with us , but not in the flesh. It's a difficult road.

I'm currently assigned to the Chicago Police Marine Unit. The operator of this web site said he would give you my e-mail info. Please feel free to contract me. I would like to take your family out for a ride on the Police boats

God Bless you, your Father and Family.

P.O. Kurt Kaner
Chicago Police Department

February 27, 2012

Correction : "... I also knew Jim's wife,Judy Weise,when I was attending Pullman Elementary ..."

Gene Derow
Close friend

January 7, 2012

I just received a Look magazine, "Cops As Targets" November 13,1970) which featured Jim ALFANO who was listed among the 18 cops killed in unprovoked attacks. The magazine is on loan to me from Frank S.,another friend of Jim's. Sadly,Frank learned of Jim's death while reading this magazine when he was stationed in Europe.

"Chico" was a close friend of ours while we were at Gompers Elementary and at Fenger H.S. I also knew his mother when I was attending Pullman Elementary(Judy Weise). I later transferred to Gompers in 1951.

I mention all of this because after all these years,our memory of Jim ALFANO,what we did together,what we talked about,are memories that will always be indelibly etched in our minds. Jim is gone but not forgotten.

Gene Derow
Close Friend

January 6, 2012

41 years Dad and you are NOT forgotten! John called me this morning to tell me about an article in the paper today about one of the men responsible for taking you from us. Your name was mentioned there too and it turned into a sad day for me, Mom and John...a day of thinking "what if that tragic day never happened??" I miss you Dad and I will forever miss you and I will forever wonder "why???" You are in my heart and we talk about you all the time. I am so proud of the job you did! I love you Dad!!!! May God Bless and keep safe all of the men and women of law enforcement...true heroes!

Jackie Stone
Daughter

October 21, 2011

After all these years, I can still see your beautiful face.
With tears in my eyes and a smile in my heart you are
fondly remembered. You are a special thought today
as I read that Rey has met his maker and must give
an accounting for all his deeds. Justice is sweet.

pat musolino arizzi
extended family

October 20, 2011

My daughter and her boyfriend and I were stitting here talking about a show on tv called"Gangland". I was telling them about how you were killed. I did search for you online.I came upon this site and read the things that your friends and family have wrote about and to you! There are 3 that got me crying! The 2 from my cousin Jackie and the 1 from Johnny! I was to young to know you. I just wish you werent taken so soon from Johnny and Jackie's lives. They are 2 of the most wonderfull people in the world.You would be so PROUD of them!

Kristine Goodwin
Niece

September 30, 2011

I was a 16 year old kid from Iowa staying with my aunt in Hegewisch for the summer when I heard about the shooting and, later, James' death.

I did not know him but this tragedy affected me deeply. I was stunned. It seemed so brutal to kill a man for doing his job. I did not understand it. Could not understand it.

My aunt owned a coffee shop and she lived in the back. I remember going outside after hearing that James had passed and sitting on the steps and crying for a long time.

I think about him often. I have remembered his name all these years, the name of a man I never knew. I think of him every time I am in Chicago.

He must have been a good man.

God bless James' family. I hope you have found peace.

Paul
Fellow Citizen

September 27, 2011

Although it has been 41 years your ulimate sacrifice will not be forgotten by the CPD. Your dedicated service can serve as an example. Please know you are still remembered.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

August 20, 2011

i worked with his son john alfano at nations way, i remember one day john told me his father was killed in the line of duty and i just stood there dumbfounded and i said to myself know one would make such a statement if it were not true.i'm absolutely,postive that his father was a great human being,because it reflects on his son john.i will give example his son gave me a ride home when my car was in the shop and i remember inviting him into my house and we would joke about john being in the marines and i was in the army and i would call him alfonz and he would call me fritz my prayers go out to your family.R.B

Anonymous

November 14, 2010

Jimmy,
What can one say after so many years. I was 16 when you left us. I am very proud to have known you. You were a great role model for me. I do believe that if I did'nt have your guidence, I would have gone the wrong way. I do know one thing, and that is I will never forget you. It is sad that your children never got to know the man that so many people loved. Rest easy my friend.

Anonymous

November 13, 2010

Not knowing how John's father was killed in action,and after working with John for many years as an Ironworker,has left me in shock and awe. John never talked about his Dad. But I can truly believe that John and his father,were probally a lot alike. Both Marine's, quite men, family first, and good friends to everyone. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Nicholas Krajac
Ironworker Local#1. Friend of John.Alfano

November 6, 2010

James, I would like you, your family and friends to know that you are not forgotten. Thanks for your service to our country and the City of Chicago.

President, Anthony Langone
Italian American Police Association of Illinois

January 6, 2010

While going through old Pictures I came across one from boyscout camp in Michigan dated 1953, His Dad is also in the picture so if the family wants a copy you should be able to find me somehow Tommy B

Thomas A BauzaSr
went to both st Catherine of genoa and Fenger with Chico

August 15, 2009

Dear Dad,

Another Father's Day and another birthday (June 29) have come and gone. I thought about you not just on those days Dad - but every day. I miss you Dad! I look at Courtney, Brianna, Jake & Zack and wish for anything in the world that you could know them - your grandchildren. I look at your pictures and i try to find myself in them. Next month will be 39 years that you will be gone. It is so hard to believe! You will forever be in my heart . . . i will forever be wondering about you - the man i never got a chance to kiss or hug or say i love you to. God Bless you and I love you!

Jacqueline Alfano Stone
Daughter

July 3, 2009

DEAR JOHN,

YOUR FATHER WAS A GREAT KARATE MAN AND MY BEST FRIEND AT THE TIME OF HIS DEMISE.HE NAMED YOU AFTER ME.PLEASE SAY HELLO TO YOUR MOTHER. THE REASON I HAVEN'T BEEN IN TOUCH WITH YOU IS BECAUSE I DIDN'T KNOW WHERE YOU WERE. THERE WAS A SHOW ON T.V. ABOUT YOUR FATHER, SO I FIGURED THAT I'D TRY ONCE MORE TO LOCATE YOU.

John Giordano
Godfather of John alfano

January 5, 2008

Our prayers are with your family. We will never forget the sacrifices of our law enforcement brothers and sisters.

Deputy Jon Alfano
Multnomah County Sheriff's office, Portland, OR.

January 4, 2008

hi i am brianna and i am james grandaughter and i never got to meet him and i think of him and love him and i know his kids and wife miss him very much i am now 10 years old and will always love my grandpa and miss him as time goes on i will never forget him and he will always be in my prayers i love you grandpa

brianna
grandfather

January 3, 2008

I have lived my whole life growing up in the shadow of a man who I never got a chance to know. To say that has been tough is a great understatement. I was 2 years old at the time and really have no recollections of my father. I have heard all the stories from family and friends who new my dad and it was such a shame that I never had the opportunity to share my life with him, to get to know the person that so many people loved and cared about. For the others who have wondered about Chico's family we are all doing good. My mom Judy is doing good and living in Monee. My sister Jackie is married with 4 wonderful children and residing in Lansing, Il.. As for myself I married my High School sweetheart Natalie, and served in the Marine Corps from 1986- 1992. I'm an Ironworker for local 1 in Chicago. We have 3 Terrific Kids,Brittany, John and Alyssa. I would like the opportunity to thank each and everone of you that have left thoughts about my dad on this page. It's been a long healing process (37 years) but is still nice to hear your recollections about my father. To say the sad feelings ever go away would be a lie but each day we move ahead remembering those we left behind. To those who wear and have worn the uniform I say this to all of you. May God protect each and everone of you from harm. You have the toughest job there is to have with sometimes little or no appreciation from the people who which you serve. For everyone I leave you this. Always leave somebody with a kind word or action, for you may never get the chance to again.

John Alfano
son

December 22, 2007

I served with Jim in the USMC.Though a lot of time has passed,I think of him often and what a great guy he was and the fun times we had. What a waste of such a good man. I also served as a police officer and suffered the loss of two good friends in the line of duty. In any case "fono" left a lasting impression on me. I hope his family has done well over the years.
Jim Morse

Jim Morse
friend

December 13, 2007

Chico sat in front of me in Mr. Schmidt's chem class at Fenger HS. I don't believe I ever saw him in a bad mood. He was a good guy. He lost his life the day before I got married in 1970 so I'll never forget him.

Al
H S classmate

November 16, 2007