Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jon,
I can't believe this is going to be the second Christmas without you here. I will forever remember our first (and only) Christmas we spent together and how unbelieveably happy we were. Your house was the ultimate bachelor's pad, but I was determined to bring in the Christmas spirit. You even bought a fake tree for me since I'm allergic to the real ones. Getting a 7' tree in the back of your mustang was pretty hilarious. We decorated the tree together, but eventually you gave up because I was such a perfectionist. We decided to exchange presents on Christmas Eve, since you had to work on Christmas. I wish I would have taken pictures of you opening presents because you were so funny! You had that same twinkle in your eye as I'm sure you did as child, tearing off the wrapping paper. We sat in the floor of the living room, and you gave me the biggest hug ever. At that moment, I realized I had never been so happy in my whole life. I knew God had brought us together. At that exact moment, I knew you were my soulmate. Everything just seemed to fit together perfectly. That pure happiness that I felt can never be explained fully to understand it's impact or probably ever be recreated. The next morning you were a little nervous because it was the first time you'd be meeting my dad, but I already knew he'd love you. After you left for work, my dad couldn't stop talking about you. He made me pack up all the leftovers from dinner and bring them to you to make sure you had a good Christmas dinner. Unfortunately, we never had the chance to celebrate Christmas together again, but I know you'll be with me forever in my heart. There will always be a part of me missing, especially during the holidays in that you completed me. You were my best friend, and my everything. As you said best "forever in love with you..."

Tristen

December 11, 2005

Happy Thanksgiving Jon! I miss you tons!

November 23, 2005

To Mr. and Mrs. Walsh, Debbie, Lisa, and all of Jon's family:
As the holidays are quickly approaching, the days seem to get even more difficult without Jon here. Just wanted you to know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers. Hope you have a wonderful holiday and know that Jonathan is watching over all of you as you celebrate this Thanksgiving. God Bless!

Tristen

November 23, 2005

I have decorated the outside of my home with blue lights and one of them will be lit every night from now until New Years in your honor. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

November 20, 2005

I still miss you so much. I wish I had my friend here for the holidays.....

God bless your family throughout the holiday season, and always.

I love you and miss you.

November 19, 2005

Jon,
I just wanted to let you know that your new bench out at the cemetery is beautiful. But who would expect any less? It is a tribute to YOU - a beautiful person who touched so many lives in the short period of time you were here. Though 15 months have gone by since your passing, not a day goes by that you are not thought of. So many of us have tried to move forward, but the void we carry in our heart will never be filled.

I want to thank you for the strength you have given all of us: your family, your fellow officers, and all of your friends that love and care about you so much. I know your guidance has lead me to where I am today, and I truly thank you for that. As the holidays approach we are reminded of those who are no longer with us physically, but who will forever be near in spirit - Those that touched our lives in some way, those that shaped the person we are today, and those that taught us the tough lesson of: "Life is Short".

I will forever be reminded of your kindness, generosity, and friendship.
Jenna

Jenna Crowther

November 16, 2005

MISSING YOU MORE AND MORE EACH DAY, AS
YOUR MEMORY NEVER SEEMS TO FADE AWAY.

MAY GOD BLESS #305.

Joliet, IL

November 16, 2005

Jonathan,
Since your passing, your fellow brothers and sisters have narrowly escaped death on several occasions. Thank you for intervening and assuring that they came home safely.

John Perona
Joliet P.D.

November 15, 2005

After seeing the words to that song "Who You'd Be Today", I was at work when I first heard the song on TV. I immediately got weak in the knees as tears streamed down my face. I, just like all the others who knew you and heard that song, couldn't help but wonder who would you be today? What would it be like if you were still here? Not a day goes by that I don't think about you, remember a funny story, or a sweet memory. You are a legend. I love you and miss you terribly. Always in my heart and forever on my mind---

Tris

November 14, 2005

It's been a while since I wrote last. But please don't think for a minute that you've been far from my mind. I think of you often, and even though each day does get easier, it doesn't mean I don't miss you the same. There's a new song out on the radio by Kenny Chesey called "Who You'd Be Today". The words couldn't be more fitting to you and to how I feel about you not being here with us. It's an amazing song, and the first time I heard it while driving in my car, it brought me to tears. That happens a lot it seems. I even find that when I'm at church and we're singing different songs, they remind me of you somehow and I end up getting choked up. It still seems hard to believe that you're gone. I know Steve misses you terribly. You two were always there for each other, even though we've never lived close to each other. That never seemed to matter though. I know both he and I will see you again soon, and we both take comfort in that. Until then, take care of yourself and continue to be our guardian angel. We love you and miss you. And be sure to send a message down to your family that we are always keeping them in our thoughts and prayers as well.

Carrie McNamara
Wife of Ofc. Steve McNamara

November 10, 2005

Jon, just wanted to tell you thanks for bringing our officers home safe last night. Some may say it is a miracle that all escaped unscathed, though I can't help but think you were there to protect them all. Thanks for being our guardian angel--though we would all rather have you still here with us, I know you you are never too far away. You are missed my so many, and it never fails to amaze when hearing of yet another life that you touched. You are one of a kind, Jon, and irreplaceable.

dispatcher
Joliet PD

October 31, 2005

Had lunch today - FAR FAR FAR away from Joliet (and Chicago). It's funny how you and Officer Gordon slip into everyday life. When we left the restaurant the car parked next to ours had a memorial magnet on it.

The days get just the tinest bit easier - and life does go on - know that it's not the same without you - but knowing your the angel on our shoulders makes it just the tinest bit easier that your gone.

RIP Jon - and Thank You for watching over us.

October 27, 2005

I cannot beleive that you are gone from us , just a year and a half ago you where keeping our saftey at premeire acadamy school. I just wanted to say to your friends and family that I am sorry for your loss and that officer Walsh was a great and carring person
and in my book he is sitting in a high place with god in heaven. You all should be very proud of his cause and what he beleived in. For us students and the people of Joliet. god bless you Jon!!

Tom Jerzak
student

October 20, 2005

He was SOOOOOOO cool. I remember when he would come down to my grandma and grandpa's house for Thanksgiving or somthing like that. He always would pick me up and give me a hug. Over that wekend my two cuzs came we all had fun. But on Sat.Aug.21 2004 my dad told all of us. My mom had already left for Joliet. I did not believe my dad when he told me. I said no it did not happen. Then to prove me we missed a week of school to go to the funeral. After the funeral we all went to the grave . My 15 year old brother then had Jon's cell phone and when on of the officers weny up to the casket he would press a button and "Hollywood" would apper on that officers cell.LOL. That Christmas Jon was going to come. But then he died. He is in my heart. And waiting for my family to go to heavan with him. I love you SOOOOOOOO much Hollywood. I miss you too.


Love Riley Kralik age 10

Riley Kralik
Niece of Jonathan Walsh

October 7, 2005

I remember when I first heard the news of your accident. I was in the hospital holding my newborn son when I got the call. What a bittersweet feeling. My elation turned to tacit somber. Welcoming new life and at the same time, acknowledging death. Lightning crashes, right?

I watch your close friends here, they talk of you daily. They really miss you. I wish I was able to get to know you better personally, but the impact left on your friends here speaks volumes. You were one of the good ones brother. God Bless and keep us strong.

A fellow officer
Joliet Police Department

October 5, 2005

I miss you so much Walsh! I still think of you every single day, and each time I do a smile is brought to my face.
Thanks for being an angel to many of us. Continue to watch over your close friends and family. WE LOVE YOU!!

October 5, 2005

Jon,
Well summer is almost over and what a tough summer it has been. I went to take pictures of Ashly on Saturday for her first homecoming dance and she looked so beautiful. I can't believe she's in high school. I remember when you first met her and couldn't believe how much we looked alike. I loved how you and her would gang up on me when she'd come stay with us. I remember on Easter morning when we all got up for church and you took a picture of me and her. I wish you could see how grown up she is now. She adored you...almost as much as her older sister :) We talk about "Jon" stories all the time and for whatever reason she always remembers you singing some JLO song in the car. I don't even remember that particular time, but it puts a smile on her face everytime. It seems like everytime we'd get in the car together, you'd always have a new song for me. "Listen to this, Tris" as you'd turn the music up so loud and sing along. You always thought you could sing...hehehe. Thank you for continuing to give me the strength and love to continue here with out you. I love you!!

Tris

October 4, 2005

I heard this song for the first time last night. I'm not sure if you like country music, it is sung by Kenny Chesney. I couldn't help but think of you...

Sunny days seem to hurt the most
Wear the pain like a heavy coat
I feel you everywhere I go
See your smile, I see your face
I hear you laughing in the rain
Still can't believe your gone

It ain't fair you died to young
Like a story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that I've been through
Just knowing, no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder, who you'd be today

Would you see the world
Would you chase your dreams
Settle down with a family
I wonder what would you name your babies
Someday's the sky's so blue
I feel like I can talk to you
And I know it might sound crazy

It ain't fair you died to young
Like a story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that I've been through
Just knowing, no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder, who you'd be today

Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
The only thing that gives me hope
Is I know, I'll see you again someday

We all miss you Walsh!

October 1, 2005

Jon,

You were truly one of a kind. You made our time in the academy together bearable. You are sorely missed brother! Thanks for the good times.

Ofc. Nick Drakulich
Cicero, IL.

September 30, 2005

Jon,

I met you when I was an intern at JPD, the aftermoon the WC told me I was riding with you. I was nervous that having to ride along with guys irritated them, but you were so cool with me. I remember you saying, "Wanna see something cool?", I of course said yes. You then ran someone and told me he would be in a parking lot on Collins. Sure enough, he was, no to mention the felony you arrest out of it. I was in awe. That was something I will never forget and never will forget.

I want to thank you for telling me to keep my head up when I hadn't gotten hired yet, every time I would see you and your girlfriend when I was working at Blockbuster you would say, "Keep your head up, your time will come." Maybe a small gesture that went by the waistside, but huge for me. Little did you know I was thinking in the back of my head of giving up.

My dream finally came through in March 05, and I am in FTO right now. I have had the pleasure of working with some of your friends and the stories I've heard make me hope everyday that I can be half the cop you are. Its an honor to wear the same badge and uniform as you do.



Bob Mau, Jr. 322

Ofc. Robert Mau, Jr. #322
Joliet PD

August 24, 2005

Jon
One year has passed and it seems like just yesterday I was dispatching to you on the radio. I will never forget the last day I dispatched to you on the air. It was the Wednesday before you were taken away from us and you got into a little 10-80 and you said, “No, I am not in pursuit, I’m still trying to catch up to them.” We all knew what was really going on, I even heard the squealing tires in the background. At Double J’s that night I joked that I couldn’t keep with you and you reassured me that I did just fine. On Saturday we did what you would have wanted us to do…go out and have a couple drinks. We celebrated your life, shared our Jon stories, shed a couple tears and drank way too much, you would have been proud. Not a day goes by that you aren’t in my thoughts. I have kept the one promise I made to you when you were alive, finishing school...but I am sure that you can see that. Keep watch over your brothers in blue, especially this month, they will need it. Until the time comes for us to meet again, rest in peace.

Kacey Chizmark
JPD

August 23, 2005

Although I have only met you on a few short occassions, I feel like I have known you for a lifetime after reading the many truly heart felt reflections. You were a friend to so many, including my brother who is a Joliet Police Officer. I had never been extremely close to my brother, after all, like many siblings, we had our differences. After your death; however, I realized that I could have lost my brother, a person that I loved unconditionally, yet hardly knew at all. Your death has touched my life in such an amazing way. I thank God everyday that I have another chance to form a relationship with my brother and that I have him in my life. I feel blessed to have met you, and find comfort in the fact that you are looking over my big brother as well as the rest of your brothers and sisters. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend to my brother and for touching my life.

Sister of a Joliet Police Officer

August 23, 2005

Officer Walsh,

First of all, it’s been a long year for a lot of people and I am sure that it all culminated this weekend. I’m glad to see the positive things that are written on this site and I hope it keeps up for some time. I’m sure this site is a help to a lot of people. I wince slightly every time that I look at it because whenever there is a new post, there is another reminder of what we lost when you passed away. It is also another person who has shared a good time or a memory that everyone can reflect on and hopefully smile and feel a little better.

I for one didn’t get to know you for very long, and frankly, when we first met I didn’t trust what you were saying to me. I thought you were just holding the party line when you told me the virtues of being a police officer. Oddly enough, you tried again, so you probably got the impression that I didn’t believe you. You were the most genuine police officer that I ever met. At first I thought, “how can I ever expect to be like this guy?” I had a huge respect for your cheerfulness, your demeanor, your courage, and your professionalism. You gave me encouragement and a deeper respect for law enforcement. Even though I never joined you on the street, you still deeply affected my life and hearing of your loss devastated me.

One year ago Saturday we lost you, and one year ago tomorrow I sat down with my wife and told her that it was time for me to go back to law enforcement. The thought still crosses my mind, “how can I ever expect to be like this guy?” It is usually followed by the answer “you can’t”. I can however try to do my best to live by your example. To believe in what I am doing, to give it my all, and to keep focus on the things that are truly important. Most of all though, you were not just another cop, and I think that every officer should focus on being more than that as well.

I wish that I could say that I have had success in my pursuits, but one year later I have not. That doesn’t mean that I will stop trying, nor does it mean that I am the only one that you have inspired to follow your path. I am sure that the stories shared by your friends, and sites like this have given many others the resolve to join this noble profession. Every time someone gets to answer the question “what’s with the ribbon/bracelet/bumper sticker/license plate?” they can be told about who you were and why you were special. I know that I’ve gotten the chance to answer this question several times and I do so with great pride.

I hope that everyone who misses you can find peace in knowing that your memory is so vital. I hope that your family and friends have found comfort and I hope that your brothers in blue are able to feel your presence when they are on the job so they can be at their best as well.

Nick Forster
Husband of Kate Forster JPD MIS

August 22, 2005

You have not been forgotten and are a true hero. Watch over your family and brother and sister officers.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

August 21, 2005

Yesterday night I was at work. I t was the last place that I wanted to be. I wanted so badly to be home with everyone else, remembering you. Sometimes I'm so afraid that I will forget something. Of course, I wasn't in the best of spirits. But a friend of mine was there, and while he couldn't understand what I was feeling, he did offer some great insight. He told me that yesterday I was doomed to be stuck in the past, unless I otherwise chose. That there are certain days in our lives that we connect to a memory of the past that we just can't let go. The only thing that we can try to do is to focus on the present to help us get through those rough days. He was right. Not that I didn't want to think about you all day, but turning my attention to a little laughter around me was helpful...if I couldn't reminisce with everyone back home. And I know that is what you would have wanted me to do....so, thanks for the advice! Sometimes, little parts of you can be seen through the faces and words of others. I saw it a lot in some of your friends while I was home...and that feels good. I miss you Jon. But I know that you are still around.

-Tiff :)

Tiffany Tapella

August 21, 2005