Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Detective Sergeant John Paul Tsolis

Highland Park Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch Tuesday, April 16, 1974

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Reflections for Detective Sergeant John Paul Tsolis

Det. Sgt. Tsolis,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Highland Park. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

April 16, 2024

To our Father…our Papa…all these years later. I cannot even imagine the strife you endured with the I influx of narcotics into the area I that 1974 era. So proud that you and Jimmy Watts continued the battle… for the future of the children. Very sorry that others forgot you had a family waiting for you at home (?). But we know that Jesus sees all things. So proud of you. Wished you could have stayed longer. Love always.

Susan Tsolis Rosen
Daughter

October 13, 2022

Rest in peace Detective Sergeant Tsolis.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 5, 2020

My friend John. I remember working with you many times in the Dept. Many memories. It was my Honor working with you and having you as a friend. Thank you for all the advice and help. You are missed and loved. Armen

Lieut. (Retired) Armen L. Hagopian
Friend. Highland Park Police Dept.

November 6, 2015

John, I don't know you personally but my mom (Nancy Bagnasco/Di Maio) who is one of your cousins told me stories of your heroism. I pray for you, your family and all fallen officers across the world. You made the ultimate sacrifice and for that I say thank you and god bless.

Police Officer/PFC Gregory Di Maio
Wayne County Airport Police

October 19, 2012

I continue to have a mass said in John's memory at St.Benedict' Church in Highland Park.I have the mass
said as close to te first Sunday in November as that is
the anniversary period for the US Marine Corp which John
Paul was a proud member having served in Korera during
that war.

Grant B. Alberts, Fin Dir, City of HiPk,
Former City of HI Pk official. Friend.

May 24, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th 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.

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.

Rest In Peace.

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

April 17, 2012

Thank you cousin John. You would of loved him as I did and I love you for the great man you are .

Lisa

LisaTsolis
Daughter

November 23, 2011

John, We never met, but we are second cousins. I was sworn in as a patrolman 39 days after you were killed. I have recently met your wife, Dorothy, and your youngest daughter, Lisa. They are great people and I'm proud that they are part of our family. They have great memories of you. I wish I had met you and that we could share stories. I'd like to think that there is something in our genes that made us who we are. Thanks for the sacrifice that you made and know that you did not die in vain. Your legacy lives on.

Captain John L. Jaros
Mentor Police Department, Ohio

October 31, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been a long time since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Detective Tsolis.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 16, 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

November 14, 2007

John, while I was new to the Department at the time, you always had the time to say hello and ask how things were going. I stood Honor Guard for you and felt the lost of deep in my heart, as all of us on the Department did. You were so respected by everyone, (even by many who you had arrested) as a classy gentleman and a fine officer. Till this day, you have never been forgotten my bother. -

Ptr. Edwin C. Ostrand, Jr. (73)
Highland Park Police

August 2, 2004

JOHN i did not know you. but you were working that day with jimmy watts on a drug raid.just wish it would have went down the way it should have.but they say you never know on a raid that anything can happen.I KNOW MICHIGAN LOST TWO GREAT COPS. jimmy told me you were going to retire the following month. god bless you john i know you and jimmy are in a better place now. free of crime.GO WITH GOD MY BROTHER scott montgomery

scott montgomery
friend

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