Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Captain Johnnie Richard Wyssbrod, Jr.

Helena Police Department, Arkansas

End of Watch Tuesday, June 30, 1998

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Captain Johnnie Richard Wyssbrod, Jr.

It has now been 25 years since you were here with us but i still think about you all the time. Every day when i see a police vehicle you are what i think about. I miss you very much and still look into the sky every December 17th and wish you happy birthday!!! My family and i will always miss you and love you!!!

B Max
Your Nephew

August 28, 2023

Capt. Wyssbrod,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Helena. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 30, 2023

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

November 13, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

June 30, 2020

Rest in peace Captain Wyssbrod.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 7, 2019

I cannot believe that it is coming up on 20 years since you were killed. I wonder how many people actually remember you every year. It is sad that the younger officers there never knew you as the finest officer that Helena ever had.

Former Helena Citizen
Citizen

April 25, 2018

On October 10, 1983 you and I sat in a room with 64 other officers as we began our academy training. Over the next few weeks I got to know you as an individual. I came to respect you for the person that you were and the type of officer it was obvious that you would become. I remember several years later that we met and talked outside of the State Crime Lab. You seemed to be doing well. We couldn't have known it would be the last time we would meet.

I've traced your name from the wall in D.C. and brought it home for another of our classmates to have. I've changed your name on our class plaque at the academy from black to gold and added end of watch date in hopes that it would catch the eye of officers and they would wonder or remember.

For you and your family, I remember often.

Training Instructor Ronnie C. Poole
Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy

May 13, 2016

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

July 4, 2015

Sometimes I wonder? What if? You called me and asked me to ride with you that night, at least until 9:pm. Could I have changed the outcome?

Deputy (then Lt.)
Phillips County S.O. (then H.P.D.)

July 11, 2012

Thank you for your dedicated service to others. You were a true asset to law enforcement. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You have not been forgotten.

" Every man dies, not every man lives." By William Wallace

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

June 30, 2012

God how we miss you cuz.

William W. Wyssbrod, JR
FAMILY

December 27, 2011

I miss you Captain Wyssbrod...
I can remember when I was in my young 20's having problems with a guy breaking in my house. You would sit outside my house most nights of the week trying to catch that guy and also helped me to feel safe in my own home. You also kept watch over me while I was in high school driving around the town and being a "teenager". Sometimes my choices were not good and you would remind me of making the right decisions without always telling my parents when I was wrong. I always remember you and smile. You are a good example of what a officer should truly be... I love you and miss you dearly. Your friend, Leslie Galloway

Leslie Galloway
friend

October 29, 2011

It is nearly 12 years since you were killed and you are still remembered, missed and loved. You did a great job and were always an honest man who always tried to do the right thing.

HE Susan Howard, Cts Arundell of Wardour

May 20, 2010

Rest in Peace, Captain Wyssbrod. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

July 28, 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

August 6, 2007

Richard, thanks for the breaks as a kid and for setting such a good example for me during the beginning of my career. Though I have moved on to another agency, I still carry with me a lot that I learned from you.

Patrolman Andrew Miles
NLR Police

January 21, 2007

It has been just over 8 years since I lost my dad. He was a true hero to anyone who knew him. He was the person I looked up to the most. I miss all those times I would go visit and he would say, "keysha leann, sit down, it is time for us to talk". That used to drive me crazy, but to be honest, i would do anything to hear him say that just one more time. The last time I saw my daddy was the day of my wedding, as he was walking me down the aisle. This was one of the most bittersweet days a girl could have. If you ever had the pleasure of knowing my dad, you would know that he was on of the kindest souls you could ever meet, and we are truly missing a hero. But, he went from being a hero to being an angel. I just hope he is watching down on us and he is proud. We love you and miss you.

keysha wyssbrod
daughter

July 12, 2006

To Captain Wyssbrod Jr., his loved ones, and his fellow officers:

On this the eighth anniversary day of your tragic death, please know that you are remembered and honored today.

Reading the reflections left for you lets me know how well-loved and well-respected you are, and how dearly you are missed.

I share the agony of your loved ones as I lost my beloved youngest son when he was murdered during a foot pursuit of two robbers on April 23, 2005. I am awed by your courage and dedication.

Captian Wyssbrod, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Captain Wyssbrod. Your memory is honored and revered today and everyday.

This respect is sent with the utmpost respect for the service Captian Wyssbrod gave to his country and to his community as a police officer, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on June 30, 1998.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

July 1, 2006

It is coming up on 7 years and we still think fondly in remembrance of you. We cannot believe it has been this long since it seems like only yesterday you were whistling and popping gum like you did so often. Sometimes I hear someone popping gum and it sounds somewhat like the way you did it. You did a great job and you are still looking out for everyone.

Cts Susan Stewart

June 11, 2005

It has been two years now since you were taken from us. Each week when I go home to see our Mom I miss seeing you there. Every time I see a police car I think of you. Every time I hear of a fallen officer it brings back all of the sad memories. My heart goes out to each and every family. I have so many good memories of us when we were growing up. Having a brother is like having a very special friend that you can always count on. Even after we were grown and went our separate ways, there was still that special bond that we had between us. You will always continue to live in my heart and on the top of my mind forever. I love you so very much. You are missed by everyone.

Your Sister,             

Anonymous

It has been almost a year and a half since you were cut down. You are still missed by your family and friends. It is still hard to think of you being gone from us forever. It hasn't gotten any easier. You are always in our hearts and lives, watching over us. We still love and miss you.

Norstar K-9 Group

Captain Wyssbrod,


I did not know you as well as my daughter and others, but I did know you through the growing confidence, professionalism and the deep love of law enforcement you instilled in my daughter. I will always be grateful that YOU were my daughter's mentor and instructor. As a police officer, you were one of the Elite in that you demanded the best of yourself and others and would not put up with second rate professionalism. You expected others to live up to their vow to protect and serve as you did. It has been two years since you died and my daughter still speaks of you with respect and love. Your memory will always live on in the people you trained and the lives you touched in your years of law enforcement.


May we always remember and honor the didication, commitment and love of public service of all those who gave their lives in the ultimate sacrifice in protecting and serving the citizens of their community.

Janice Hastings

It has now been 2 years since you left. Even though we honor you with memorials and street names, we would much rather have YOU back with us. It has not been right without you with us. I know that you will always be in our hearts and minds, but it is still not the same. I remember the sound of you popping your gum and whistling and felt safe. I never have that feeling now, but I know you will always be in the hearts and minds of those who loved you.

Anonymous

He has known me ever since I was born. He was the kind of guy that would help you out no matter what it was. He could always make you laugh and would fill the sadness with you when we lost a loved one. He loved his mother more than anything and would do anything in the world for her. And then there was Keysha, who was the only real daughter that he ever had, boy wouldn't she special to him. He still has a sister who will always love him from here on out. Me and my sister started calling him Uncle Tichie when we were little, because we could not pronounce the name of Uncle Richard correctly. He was the only uncle we have ever had. He will always be missed and will always be in all of our hearts. I only wish the Lord didn't have to take him so early.


I Love You.

Anonymous

He was a very good officer and mentor. I always wanted to become an officer like him. He was always a professional and everyone looked up to him. Why do all the good ones have to die?

Kelly S. George
Helena Police Department, AR

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