Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Faithful Unto Death | Eternal Rest | Salute

S. I. Drake - Lt/IPD | IMPD (Ret)

July 23, 2022

In the summer of 1987 (I believe) I moved to St. Albans, WV. Shortly after arriving there, I stopped at a beauty / barber shop in town to get my hair cut. The shop door was just being locked by the owner as I approached, but she did let me in for a quick cut, locking the door behind me. I told her I had just moved to St Albans and did not know the area. She asked where I was from and it came up that all my family was originally from Indianapolis. She said that she was also from there and said that she was part of a somewhat famous family there….that her father was a police officer that had been killed in his home. His name was John Sullivan and that I should ask my parents if they knew John’s story. She did not say anything more about what happened and I did not ask. Several weeks later when I brought this up to my father, he was completely astonished that I would mentioned officer Sullivan…how did I know anything about this? I told him of John’s daughter that had cut my hair and ask my Dad why he was so taken back about me mentioning this. The reason was chilling. My parents were married in the church (Our Lady of Lourdes) where John’s funeral service was to be held, and were rushed out of the church so that the funeral service could begin that very day in 1952. Later when I stopped back at the St. Albans barber shop to retell what my father had shared with me…I found the shop permanently closed with no forwarding location.

The connection from Officer Sullivan’s tragedy, to the marriage of my parents, to me from his daughter, and back to my parents is the most unimaginable and unexplainable phenomenon of my lifetime. God speed Officer Sullivan.

Rick McAllister ([email protected])

Rick McAllister

June 27, 2022

Faithful Unto Death | Eternal Rest | Salute

S. I. Drake - Lt/IPD | IMPD (Ret)

July 23, 2021

I miss you everyday! Love you Daddy!!!

Maureen

May 9, 2021

Thank you for your service and today we take the time to remind you and your family that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

July 23, 2020

Faithful Unto Death | Eternal Rest | Salute

S. I. Drake - Lt/IPD | IMPD (Ret)

July 23, 2020

Everytime an officer gets killed in the line of duty, I think of you and your family. You were taken far too soon. Would have loved to have met you.
RIP , Mr. Sullivan!

Michael John Martin
Family friend

April 11, 2020

Every time a death in the line of duty is reported, I think of you. Although I never had a chance to meet you in person, I still want to say thank you for being a good father and husband. Thank you for being someone to emulate. Thank you for your service.

A good man taken much too soon.

Michael John Martin

April 11, 2020

Faithful Unto Death | Eternal Rest | Salute

S. I. Drake - Lt/IPD | IMPD (Ret)

July 22, 2019

Faithful Unto Death | Eternal Rest | Salute!

S. I. Drake - Lt/IPD | IMPD (Ret)
Indianapolis Police

July 22, 2018

Uncle John,
I never had the honor of meeting you, although your name comes up in many conversations. I wish my family stayed close to our family in Indiana. I DO know however my Dad carried an undying sorrow, sadness
For your family. However he had an undying "heartache" towards your assailant.
Thank OUR GOD for HIS forgiveness, as HE forgave US.
Oz Sullivan

Oz Sullivan
Niece

October 30, 2017

Faithful unto Death | Eternal Rest

S. I. Drake, Lt/IPD-IMPD (Ret)
Indianapolis Police

July 22, 2017

Thanks Dad!

Theresa Freeman
Daughter

July 24, 2016

Eternal Rest

S. I. Drake, Lt/IPD (Ret)
Indianapolis Police

July 23, 2016

Eternal Rest

S. I. Drake, Lt/IPD (Ret)
Indianapolis Police

July 22, 2015

Rest In Peace

S. I. Drake, Lt. IPD (Ret)
Indianapolis Police

July 22, 2013

Rest in Peace, Officer Sullivan. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 24, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 61rst anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. 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.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

January 16, 2013

Officer Sullivan, thank you for your service to our City.

Ptl. J. Taylor
IMPD

December 6, 2012

So sorry to hear this. My did worked for the IPD as a Lieutenant for many year and finally retired after his '20' in service. He was survived by his wife and 6 children who miss him very much. He is no longer with us either at this time. I'm sure he misses all the new udated with CSI and forensic evidence which would have made his life much more manageable.

Teresa Willingham (Shrader) general empl
daughter San Bernardino Co Sheriff

November 15, 2011

Sir, Thank you for your service to our city. You will never be forgotten R.I.P brother.

Patrolman R. Lundy
Indianapolis Metropolitain Police Department

July 24, 2011

Officer Sullivan, you responded to a situation like most of us only think about in the "WHAT IF" world. Not only did you secure your property, remove the threat from your wife, but wounded the suspect AND gave your life. I have a feeling that you would have given two lives if you would have had them to give. There is no doubt that all who reads your story...are so proud of you. R.I.P.

Lieutenant
Dept. of Defense, Retired

March 15, 2008

It wasn't enough that he broke into your home. It wasn't enough that he attacked your wife. He just had to take your life too.

Rest in peace.

Deputy Sheriff
Indiana

April 10, 2005

I just read your reflection. Nothing is worse than having your family victimized. You are just one in a long line of hereos (most recently Tim "Jake" Laird) who have died while serving Indianapolis. Thank you.

Patrolman
Franklin Police Dept, IN

November 15, 2004

Office Sullivan, I noticed you didnt have any reflections and I just wanted to thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. Its because of heros like you that I went into law enforcement. Thank you...and rest in peace.

Investigator
Office of State Attorney, Ocala,FL

April 27, 2004