Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jon, I continue to pray for your mom, dad and sisters on a regular basis. All of us miss you, and only God can take away our pain. Today I especially feel that pain in my gut on the anniversary of that tragic day.

Ofc. Brian Lewis
Joliet P.D.

August 20, 2009

Wow. Five years already....still feels like yesterday. I agree with Pauly - writing on here feels weird when I know you see us everyday...but somehow, it's comforting for all of us :)

Not a day goes by I don't miss your presence, but you're still there in my heart pushing me to work harder and achieve more, and believe I can do anything...just like when I could physically see you, and hear you lecture me, haha....but...actually, I think I can still hear you....

Such an amazing person taken all too soon - makes the reality harder to accept, even after 5 years. But wow, we are all so fortunate to have been a part of your life....I'm reminded all the time...and know I'm a better person because of it.

Miss you, love you, know you are still watching :)

xo, Tiff

Tiffany Tapella

August 20, 2009

Jon, I can't believe it's been 5 years. I still remember when you got hired at Joliet the month after me and laughing when we saw each other up in radio. It was such a pleasure being able to dispatch for you (and your Dad) at SWCD and JPD, even the times you were a little mischievious! Nothing like being busy and sending S13N out to Mayfair! I still laugh about that! BTW - your Dad, not as scary anymore! I used to be so scared when he would walk into SWCD to pick up the morning paperwork. I know you will continue to watch over your family, JPD family and friends. You are missed.

Dispatcher Kari Parker
Madison Co SO/Former JPD Dispatcher

August 20, 2009

Jon as we celebrate your 5th anniversary, know that your always in our hearts

Anonymous

August 20, 2009

Jon, where do i start? It's been 5 years since we lost you and sometimes it feels like it was just yesterday. I almost feel a little strange writing to you like this when i know you can see everything i do. You would hardly believe all that has happened, for one, they actually made me a detective - what were they thinking! That being said, I am so fortunate to work with a great group of guys, they are amazing! We have lost some really good people and have taken on some equally good ones. The Karma train has visited a few people we know - good and bad!
Enough about work, that was never really our bond. As you already know, you inherited a 120 pound lap dog last June. I told him that you would keep him company until we all meet again. He can be a handful, but he is such a sweet boy. Just keep him quiet with extra kisses and standing tummy rubs. He also digs the car rides, even if some people thought your car was too small (and complained that it didn't have a system in it!). I hope Dad is not slapping you around too bad playing handball. Those old guys can be tough!
Jon, there is not a day goes by that i don't think about you and thank God that I got to know you as well as i did. I am a better person for having known you. Now you know i don't pray too often, so if it's not too much to ask for, please continue to watch over me and those i love.
Until the day comes that i can ask you in person, "What do u got for me?", you take care of yourself and my family who have already joined you in Heaven.
Much love, Homeboy.

Paul Rodriguez
Friend

August 20, 2009

5 years have come and gone. I sure miss my brother, but I am grateful for all of you who remember him in all kinds of ways. A little kindness, a smile, a funny joke. His memory lives on in all of us.

Lisa Kralik
Jon's sister

August 19, 2009

Malibu-

I just got back from the Cycle Across Illinois fundraiser for ILCOPS. It definitely was challenging, but everytime I was struggling, I looked down at my bracelet and I knew you were right there with me. Thanks for the encouragement and for keeping us all safe. I want to say you should have been there riding with us, but you already were! Miss you!!!

Officer Jodie Wise
Lisle PD

July 21, 2009

Thinking of you today Jon. wishing your were here with one of your jokes to bring a smile to my face! You are greatly missed!

Jenna Crowther "Crowder"

June 13, 2009

Wood,

Every day I suit up to come in to work I think of that day. Then I hear you say saddle up kid its time. We still carry on with you in our hearts and sitting next to us in the squad watching over us. I miss you brother keep us safe. AFTERNOONS COWBOYS!!!

Anonymous

June 12, 2009

Remembering you this week during Police Memorial Week.
Contine to watch over us all.

Cpl. Mike Barnes
Burr Ridge PD

May 14, 2009

Hey Jon,
Just missing you today. Your birthday just passed and Easter is this weekend. We would usually go to Mom's and you would stop by because you would be working. The girls loved when you would play with them. You would then entertain us with some Jon stories and Lisa and I would give you a hard time, just because we could and it was fun.
I now tell my kids stories about us growing up... like when Lisa and I would hide in your room and wait until you were almost asleep and then jump out....when you got lost in the mountains on vacation...and my favorite, when we left you at a gas station on vacation ( I can still see you in your "I'm a Pepper T-shirt ) Well I miss you and keep your brothers in blue safe tonight and everynight.
It's All Good,

Deb Stephenson
Sister

April 9, 2009

Today is your birthday...you would be 32...

I hope that you are celebrating in Heaven, I'm sure that you are ;) You're really missed down here...

I still miss you everyday...and wish sometimes you were here with some of those great words of wisdom you always had...though most of them stayed with me anyway :)

Wish you were here..

Tiff

Tiffany Tapella

April 7, 2009

Happy 32nd Birthday Jon! Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I miss you more than ever. You are forever embedded in my heart and soul. I am so happy to have had you in my life. Even though it was for a short period of time, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Happy Birthday!
With love always,
Lisa xoxoxoxoxox

Lisa Yanchick
Joliet Police Department

April 7, 2009

Happy Birthday Walsh...always thinking of you!!

Sgt. Larry Collins
Joliet Police Department

April 7, 2009

Hi Jon,
First time I have written, it seems like it all happened just days ago instead of 4 years. I watched a movie for the second time on HBO called Bringing Chase. It was about a marine who decided to be an escort for a marine who was killed in Iraq. It was extremely sad,yet profoundly moving. I guess it reminded me so much of the day of your funeral. That was a day for many reasons I will carry in my heart the rest of my life. The people standing in the rain with signs in your memory, and the longest line of patrol cars and flashing lights I have ever seen in my life. The hundreds of people who were their to give their respects in honor of a short but oh so valuable life. I knew you as a nephew before you passed, a shy little boy at my wedding to a very handsome young man dancing with a beautiful girl at your uncle's retirement party. Yes, my friend you and your lady sure did steel the show! I guess I just want to let you know you will never, ever be forgotten not just by our family but ALL the people that think of you daily. Your cousin Bill never ever takes his bracelet off and proudly tells everyone who asks all about you. I hope he can be the good person with the big heart just like you were. Your uncle Bill has your badge tatooed on his arm in respect, and to show he will never stop thinking or loving you. Sure wish it had'nt taken me this long to post a message, but if it makes a difference it comes straight from my (and our) heart. God love you, as I know he does and if you have any pull up there at all please do what you can to keep us safe and on the right track. Love, Aunt Gail

Gail Walsh
Aunt

March 30, 2009

i was 14 when you passed and it has put my father in a new perspective for me. i never worried about him until then which perhaps i should have based on his accident rate. he has been in some pretty bad ones and i know that he is coming through because of you. please continue to keep an eye on him and all of my other "dads" on the JPD. you will never be forgotten.
<3 daughter of JPD officer

Anonymous

March 13, 2009

I remember seeing your funeral procession going down the highway I was working by. It made a lasting impression on me; it stretched a very long way. I was hired a short time after your EOW, and just wanted to say that even though we never met, I remember that well, and you will never be forgotten

P.O.
Chicago Police

October 17, 2008

Hi Jon, Steven got promoted to Detective today! I know you are proud of him and I know you are still with him every day keeping him safe. Thank you for that.

Kelly
Sister of Officer McNamara

September 12, 2008

I cannot believe it has been 4 yrs. I miss seeing your big smile. We miss you so much and think about you all the time. Please continue to watch over your brothers and sisters.

wife
jpd officer

August 25, 2008

Just thinking about you and honoring your memory..

Anonymous

August 23, 2008

So many sweet reflections and memories of you, Jon. So sorry your friends and
family are having to go thru such pain. You certainly left your mark on everyone's hearts. Their love for you runs deep. Go with God.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

August 22, 2008

Walsh,

It's been 4 years too many. So much has happended, mostly wonderful, good times shared together with friends. The best part of all of them is that you are always there with us. In our hearts, on our minds, and occasinally there is a distinct sign that you are around. Thank you for all you were to us as a friend, and all you stand for in our hearts today. You are always missed and you will never be forgotten.

With Love,

A Friend and a JPD Wife.

Anonymous

August 20, 2008

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones and close friends today. Continue to keep watch over all of them. You have not been forgotten nor will that ever be the case.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon

August 20, 2008

Tomorrow is four years...though it still seems like yesterday that you were here.

So much has changed, I wish that you were here to see how all of us have grown and come into our own. I know that you would be proud of everyone :)

I always think about you, but this week more than ever...I don't think any of your friends or family aren't thinking of you constantly this week. What I always remember most (aside from your huge smile) is how inspirational and movtivation you were....always positive.

I am grateful that I was so influenced by you in that way.....you still keep me motivated...even when it's rough.

We all miss you Jon, so much. Thank you again, as always, for everything you gave us all and for watching over us. There are so many times that we know you've been there.

Four years ago, 6 months ago, 3 days ago, yesterday, today, tomorrow, five months from now, 10 years more....you're always in my thoughts and close to my heart :)

Tiffany

Tiffany Tapella

August 19, 2008

Just dropping a note to remember you. Keep my husband safe.

wife of an officer

August 19, 2008