Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Saturday, June 6, 1981
Reflections for Deputy Superintendent James J. Riordan
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I grew up in St. Gertrude Parish with his family. He was well admired by everyone in our close knit neighborhood. I was very young when this happened and was in charge of answering the phone in the choir loft during his funeral. I was just in awe of how many people were there. My dad was a Chicago police officer and knew Mr. Riordan well. I knew many of his kids.
Civilian Brian Ide
Family friend
August 25, 2024
First Deputy Superintendent James (Jim) was a real gentleman, a Police officers friend. A dedicated father and cared for all who came in contact with, both on and off the job. I am happy to have known him both as a friend and as a fellow police officer, who took time to listen to any and all problems happening on and off the job.It is a pleasure to have known him, his family and friends. We all miss you. Keep us safe and pray for all of us
Retired Police Officer Lawrence Ide
Chicago Police Department
June 6, 2016
Thank you for your service
Dominick
June 6, 2016
2009 was my latest reflection, now is my 2015 reflection.
Jim:
I'm 83, and may not be available for too many more reflections. But, again " May we meet again in one of God's Mansions," Until we meet again !!
Walter Vallee
Deputy Chief of Special Operations
Chicago Police Dept.
April 2, 2016
Jim Riordan was respectfully and lovingly called "Boss" by my Dad. They first worked together in Vice during the 60's. Jim exemplified the term "Chicago's Finest".
Sincerely,
Jess Mandell
On Behalf of CPD Officer Marvin Mandell, Badge 6319.
December 12, 2015
Jess Mandell
December 14, 2015
Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless
Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas
June 6, 2015
My father also served under you, he worked Damen Ave, burglary, area 6 homicide, Shakespeare....he was a good friend of my fathers.
badge #3816 Det Robert Richards
nancy richards
daughter
April 11, 2015
Dear Sir:
I am 80 year old and remember all those years I served
under your command. You were a great leader, mentor and
friend.
I acquired a letter written by your assailant who states he lives in constant daily fear that your brothers or a Chicago
Police Officer will come after him.
I'm sure that where your are, in one of God's Mansions, that you are in leadership position. Good Lord willing we will be together again!!!
Walter Vallee
Deputy Chief Walter Vallee
Retired Chicago Police Department
October 12, 2013
Jim, you were a great friend and advisor to young officers. I will always remember your kindness to others and try to follow your example. You are a " A TRUE POLICEMANS POLICEMAN " May God bless you
Ptlmn. C Baxtrom
CPD Friend
December 28, 2012
I had the privilege and honor of working for and knowing him as the great man that he was. What a loss to both his families. I treasure the times we spent together and always will hold you in the highest esteem. God bless
Ptlmn. Frank Lewis
Traffic Division, Chicago P.D.
July 16, 2012
To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. 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. Rest In Peace.
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. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.
How proud you must be that your family continued your legacy of protecting and serving.
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
June 7, 2012
Rest in Peace, First Deputy Superintendent Riordan. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
April 27, 2012
Hard to believe it has been 30 years since you made the ultimate sacrifice. Despite your high rank in the department you still took police action. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice and example for the CPD.
Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago
June 7, 2011
To one of the greated friends I can honestly call my best friend. He was always there to help me with many lifetime problems. I have known him all of my life and I miss him very much. His wife Loretta was my dear friend and fun loving pal. Miss them both so much.
Jayne Schaus Kern O'Donnell
Forever friend
January 28, 2011
JIM:
YOU WERE A GREAT LEADER AND A HEROIC OFFICER & FRIEND.
I LEARNED A LOT WORKING UNDER YOUR LEADERSHIP. MAY WE MEET AGAIN IN ONE OF "GOD'S MANY MANSIONS.
WALTER VALLEE 9/4/2009
DEPTUY CHIEF WALTER VALLEE RET.
CHICAGO POLICE RETIRED.
September 4, 2009
28 years later....
we still remember you and grieve your loss.
we will never forget you or your sacrifice.
rest in peace.
-the men and woman of the Northeastern Illinois University police Department
Anonymous
June 6, 2009
People learn through example.
You were the best example out there.
Never forget where you came from and who
helped you get there!
You have done all the above.
R.I.P.
family
October 1, 2008
Jim, The likes of you have never again came to the CPD. You were a good man. R.I. P. brother.
Detective
CPD
August 27, 2008
We all miss you Jim.
RJ Kern
Friend
July 5, 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
October 17, 2007
So much time has passed and yet your legacy remains through your children.
MD Hanson
friend of family
June 12, 2007
Jim Rordan was a friend to everyone he met. Most of us owed him a favor, what a great man and a great cop. I shall never forget him, worked with him as our boss on the old "OP" Task Force. God bless him and his family.
Marsh
Marshall Considine, Director
Chicago Police Crime lab
March 9, 2007
Jim is a person that many people admired and loved. Everyone should be so lucky to have someone like him in their lives. If you take a piece of his philosophy on life and apply to your own life, you may be able to achieve all the success he enjoyed. He treated people as he would wanted to be treated.
MRA
March 8, 2007
My uncle was a special man to the city of chicago but to me he will be remembered as a great family man who would be there for you in a second. He will be missed.
tom McGovern
nephew
February 22, 2007
WHAT A GREAT MAN YOU MUST HAVE BEEN, BECAUSE YOU HAVE A GREAT LOVING AND CARING FAMILY. YOUR WIFE WAS ONE OF A KIND AND SHE IS MISSED VERY DEARLY. YOUR CHILDREN ARE THE TYPE THAT GO OUT OF THEIR WAY TO HELP OTHERS. RIP KNOWING WHAT A WONDERFUL LEGACY YOU HAVE LEFT BEHIND.
BARB KLACZA AND LAURA MATHEWS
GSF
December 8, 2006
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