Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The Absent One

As we gather at the table
And watch each smiling face
The heart fills with emotion
To see this vacant place.
We may strive to hide our longings
In the midst of mirth and fun
But we're thinking, thinking, thinking
Of the loved-the absent one.

When we gather 'round the fireside
With merry laughter and jest
How we wish the absent dear one
Was here with all the rest.
Still we join in all the frolic
But we wish the day was done
For we're thinking, thinking, thinking
of the loved-the absent one.

Yet when the day is over
And they all have gone to rest
We feel the Heavenly Father
Does all things for the best.
So we cheer our drooping spirits
With the rising of the sun
But we can't help thinking, thinking, thinking
Of the loved-the absent one. author unknown

You touched alot of lives and they will never be the same.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

January 9, 2007

HAPPY NEW YEAR JONATHAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

January 1, 2007

Merry Christmas Jon! Still miss you everyday.

Tiffany

December 25, 2006

Merry Christmas Hollywood!!

dispatcher
Joliet PD

December 25, 2006

Merry Christmas Jon!
Still thinking of you every day!

Kacey Chizmark PSDII
Joliet Police Dispatch

December 25, 2006

Merry Christmas Hollywood!!! May God bless you and your family. Thinking of you always and forever in my heart....

Mary Schu
Joliet PD

December 24, 2006

MERRY CHRISTMAS JONATHAN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

December 24, 2006

Merry Christmas Jon! You and you family are always in my thoughts...

officers wife
jpd

December 24, 2006

On December 2, 2006, our beloved Grandma at age 85 moved on from this earthly life to her new heavenly life. I'm sure Jon has welcomed her with open arms!! It is a blessing and an honor to send Grandma "home" knowing she is surrounded by Jon and Grandpa and other loved ones who have gone on before her. Say a prayer today, especially for my mom, who has taken such good care of Grandma this past year. I hope to be half the daughter that she is.

It is by no accident that Jonathan exhibited goodness, kindess, strength and honor. These characteristics are passed down from generation to generation by angels that we call "Mom".

Love,
Lisa K.

Lisa Kralik
Sister of Jonathan Walsh

December 4, 2006

Jon,
The holiday's are quickly approaching, as I'm sure it is difficult for your family without you there. It's only been a little over two years since God called you home, but already it's seemed like a lifetime. You changed so many people's lives here and continue to touch so many more. The group has never been the same without Walsh around. You were always the life of the party, the spark of the fire, the last to go home. We all miss that. We try to follow in your footsteps but you were the one and only Hollywood. No one can come close. Keep an eye on all of us especially during the holidays. Your parents and family are always in my prayers.

friend

December 2, 2006

Saturday is a huge test for me. I pray that you and others watching over me will help me out and be there with me. This is definitely a time when I could use your positive attitude and encouragement.

- tiff

November 28, 2006

Jon,

Thanksgiving has come and gone and Christmas is looming. I still cant believe your not here. We put up the tree and the kids were asking about the gold ornament from 1978. I explained the three angles were Auntie Lisa, me and Uncle Jon. Cara wanted to know why you looked like a girl and I told her Grandma didnt want to cut your curls. That seemed to satisfy her. I've been thinking about you alot. Keep your brothers in Blue safe through the holidays. The JPD is always in my prayers.

Miss you,

Debbie

Debbie Stephenson
Jonathans Sister

November 26, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving Jon!! Thinking of you always.

Mary Schu
JPD

November 23, 2006

Dear Son,
Last weekend I went to Washington, D.C. to walk 25 miles along the Potomac River in memory of you. It was to raise money for a national organization called C.O.P.S.(Concerns of Police Survivors). They provide retreats and other hands-on-services that are critical to the recovery of families of fallen officers. Your sisters, Dad and I have benefited greatly from it. There was not a chapter in Illinois at the time of your death but your Dad and I were instrumental in starting a chapter here. I raised $3,200 for C.O.P.S. thanks to police departments and your friends who sponsored me.
It was a beautiful walk and the Secret Service Employee Recreation Association provided all of our needs - hotel rooms, food, water and snacks. A few of the agents walked with us. I began training this summer and was unsure if I would be able to complete the 25 miles, but I remembered how you always encouraged me whenever I attempted any sport or exercise. I MADE IT, thanks to you.
Love you and miss you. Till we meet again
Mom

Norma Walsh
Mom

October 18, 2006

Every day that I struggle studying for my law exam, I think about the time you told me to just suck it up and get it done. Complaining won't get it done for you - your exact words I'm pretty sure. And of course, then I start to study again, because I can't give in and quit when I think of that. Thanks for the motivation you still give me everyday. I miss ya and I love ya and wish you were here to put me in my place still sometimes!

- Tiff

TIffany

October 4, 2006

Hollywood, its been hard for me to put into words what your loss means to me. they say time heals all I haven't seen it yet and i know i won't ever see that time until we are side by side fight against evil again. A day doesn't go by i dont't think of you. every time i walk into the station with the uniform on i know you are watching us. i hope to see you soon brother GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!

September 30, 2006

Jon,
It's been a while since I was on this last, too long in fact. But that doesn't mean you've been far from my thoughts. To be honest, I think about you practically every single day and still continue to miss you. One thing I regret is that we never made more time to spend together. I know there will come a day when we'll have all the time in the world together, but until then, I miss you terribly. Take care of yourself and know that you're always in our hearts and in our thoughts.

Carrie McNamara

September 29, 2006

Hey Uncle Jon, I miss you sooooooo much!!!!!!! I'm in school right now and I need to get off. Love ya



Riley

Riley Kralik
niece

September 12, 2006

Hey Uncle J, just saying hi, I miss you so much!!!
I hope to see you soon!!!!!Love ya!!!



Your niece,

Riley Kralik
Age 11 in sixth grade

Riley Kralik
His Niece

September 12, 2006

To the family and loved ones of Officer Jonathan Edward Walsh and his fellow officers with the Joliet Police Department:

On this the second anniversary of Jon's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. Jon's professionalism and dedication will never be forgotten, nor will his valor and courage.

In reading the loving reflections left by his family, friends and co-workers I can see that he was very well respected and is sorely missed. I hope that God is holding him in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

I am so sorry that Jon was robbed of his life so young and so tragically, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

To his parents, I share your anquish in having lost a beloved son in a line of duty death. I am sure that Jon's father was proud when he followed him into law enforcement, and sickened when his son was taken in this awful incident.
When we lose our children like this, it alters our lives forever.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Jon gave to his community and the citizens of Chicago, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 20, 2004.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 21, 2006

Hey Jonnie-
It hasn't gotten any easier these past 2 years. You are still so missed by everyone here. There is not a day that passes that you are not in my thoughts. Went to the cemtary today to visit, and to no surprise I saw that I was not the only one who had been by to see you. You have left such a memory of yourself here- no one will ever forget. Two years is too long, Hollywood- keep waiting for it to get better but it hasn't - not sure it ever will.

Miss you, buddy.

August 20, 2006

2 years, 24 months, 1 rose for each month. I miss you Jon!

August 20, 2006

We are thinking of you and your family today, we know the pain and heartache and loss that fills every day now even while we remember the beauty and the wonder of having precious sons that mean everything to us.

We honor your sacrifice that was so great.

With love,
Linda Rittenhouse, Mother of Fallen Officer
Jesse Matthew Rittenhouse, E.O.W. 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse

August 20, 2006

I salute you Officer Walsh on this, the two year anniversary of your untimely departure. I will say a special prayer for your family, friends, fellow officers and dispatchers today as they no doubt are reliving that heartwrenching day. You are loved, respected and sorely missed by so many!

Although we never met, I will always remember you!

Take Care of each other out there...

Friend of Mark Sawyers EOW 6-5-04
Sterling Hgts Police Dept, Michigan

August 20, 2006

On a warm summer night,
not far away,
a man got dressed,
to begin his day.

He got dressed for work,
maybe just like you,
and put on his uniform,
made of blue.

He was out on the street
when he got the call.
There was a burglary in progress,
after all.

He turned on the lights,
and he sped away,
not knowing he wouldn't
go home that day.

The angels came,
it was his time,
for another officer,
who walked The Thin Blue Line.

He was young, with strength and might,
but what happened on that night,
Is something that doesn't go away.
My family lives with it everyday.

He was special,
like no other,
because that man,
was my brother.

I shed a tear,
and turn my head,
and think of others,
now instead,

Who will work tonite,
for their time,
another officer to walk,
The Thin Blue Line.

Lisa Kralik
Sister of Jonathan Walsh

August 19, 2006