Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman James A. Schowers

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch Tuesday, September 23, 1941

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Reflections for Patrolman James A. Schowers

Rest in peace always and know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 23, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Schowers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 23, 2020

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

September 26, 2017

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 71th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. You will always be remembered and revered.

I read the inspirational letter you had written in case of your death and found it moving and inspirational...I want to post it on my own son's page in memory of you.

You must have made your Indian Nation very proud.

Rest In Peace

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

September 23, 2012

The funeral line was long, There's an awful lot of cars, Folks came out of the restaurants, They came out of the bars.
The workers at the construction sites All let their hammers drop. Someone asked. "What is this all for?" And they said, "Aw, just a cop."
Some chuckled at the passing cars. Some shed a silent tear Some people said, "It's stupid," "all these dumb policemen here."
"How come they are not out fighting crime?" "Or in a doughnut shop?" Sure is a lot of trouble, For someone who's just a cop."
They blocked the intersections, They blocked the interstate. People yelled and cursed, "Damn, it's gonna make me late!"
"This is really ridiculous!" "They're makin' us all stop!" "It seems they are sure wastin' time, On someone who's just a cop."
Into the cemetery now, The slow procession comes, The woeful Taps are slowly played. There's loud salutes from guns.
The graveyard workers shake their heads "This service is a flop." "There's lots of good words wasted, On someone who's just a cop"
Yeah, just a cop to most folks. Did his duty every day. Trying to protect us, Till they took his life away.
And when he got to heaven, St. Peter put him at the top. An angel asked him, "Who was that?" And he said, "Aw, just a cop."
His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was rough, And sometimes I've been violent Because the streets are tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't...I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"

May God be with everyone!!!!!!!!!

Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, Tx

March 31, 2009

The following letter was written by Patrolman James A. Schowers in 1938 and was read at his request at his funeral:

"To the members and the Commissioner of the New York Police Department: It is with deepest regret that I leave behind the department that I loved since I was a little boy. But I also leave you with a joy no one will ever know, and that is being a member of the finest police department in the world. In leaving these few words to all the members, I do hope that each and every one will always have this thought in mind, to live up to all that the department stands for or die trying. Above all, keep one thought in mind, to be a shining example to the public of the department to which you are a member of. I have been looking forward to this day when I would go on the the Happy Hunting Grounds of my ancestors, to live in peace always.

Yours in death as in life,

Patrolman James Alvin Schowers

September 26, 2004

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