Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jon,

I am truly blessed to have met you. It seems just like yesterday that we met down at the station and then ran into one another at Quiznos. I knew the first time we spoke that you were a special person. You always had such a great outlook on life and I will always remember your words: "Life is too short. You gotta work hard, but also make sure you have lots of fun".....You obviously lived by those words.
I will never forget that Friday night when Greg called me to tell me you had been in an bad accident, and had passed. I could not believe it and actually told him to stop playing a sick joke on me. I knew after a few moments of silence that he was not lying. This was not possible I thought to myself....we had all just seen each other on Wednesday night. I kept hoping that it was all just a horrible dream.
Jon - I have never met a more caring, generous, and honest man than you. I am so lucky to have spent some fun nights with you and Humphrey. I am also thankful for the rest of your great friends that I have gotten to know over the past few months. They are the best, and each one carries a little bit of your personality inside. Believe it or not, Rodriguez and I had a great talk, and we have gotten past the whole "Type A" comment! I know how much all your buddies meant to you, and the bond that all of you shared will continue to hold strong. There have been plenty of Bacardi O's and Yeger Bombs in your honor over the past few days, which has really helped to keep your spirit alive. Needless to say we have all had a little too much to drink, but I am sure you are looking down on us with that huge smile on your face.
I am really gonna miss you Jon, and I know in my heart that I have a very special guardian angel watching over me. Please don't ever forget about "Jetta Crowder"! Thanks to you I have myself a new nickname.

Jenna Crowther

August 28, 2004

Jon, It was a testimonial to you as a Police Officer and as a Person to see the many people gathered to pay their last respects to you. You were deserving of such honor and respect as you served and protected those very people in many different ways. Family, friends, and the citizens are better people now that you've touched their lives. You had that gift to instantly make a difference.
I've come to the realization that we lose the good guys like you because there is a greater place beyond this life in need of special people, like yourself, to serve and protect. There's no doubt in my mind that in that place with all your talent and charisma you'll be running that division in no time.
It was an honor to have known you. You will not be forgotten as you left a part of you with all of us. Rest In Peace My Friend.......

Patrol Ofc. T. Higgins 107
Joliet P.D.

August 28, 2004

Dear Walsh famiy, friends and fellow officers:

I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. HE TRULY WAS A PERSON TO ADMIRE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME.

Missy Dames (Skoumal) Corwin

August 28, 2004

It’s obvious you lost your best of the best. Not only was he a great officer but a great person and great friend. After reading all these reflections, I came to the conclusion that you were all lucky to have such a great person as Jon to touch your lives. He was a true blessing.

My heart goes out to everyone for this loss.

God bless you Jon and thank you for your service.

Mike K
x-leo

August 28, 2004

Thank you brother in blue for your sacrafice. We will all miss you but know you can watch over us

BE Davies
Benson Police Dept NC

August 28, 2004

My heart is breaking for your family. I visit this site often since losing one of our own in June of this year. It is simply amazing to read how much love and admiration your fellow officers have for you. I find myself grieving as deeply for you and your families as I did (and still do) for Mark. Though we never met, I am so saddened by your passing. You died a TRUE HERO Officer Walsh. It is very obvious that your legacy will live on through your Brothers/Sisters In Blue.
I will be praying for all of you!

Friend of Mark Sawyers, EOW June 5, 2004

Kathy, Emergency Dispatcher
Sterling Heights PD (Michigan)

August 28, 2004

JON, I have to say I was truly blessed to know and work with you. I'm going to miss talking to you every day sharing our feelings about work and life as well as all the great memories going out after work. I'll never forget when you came to my sons first birthday party and asked him if he was going to a cop like daddy. Thank you Jon for being a great cop and a great friend the impact you left on all of us will never be forgotten.

OFFICER GREG HUMPHREY 131
JOLIET P.D.

August 28, 2004

JON,

OFFICER GREG HUMPHREY
JOLIET P.D.

August 28, 2004

Jon,
You made such an impact on my life. Every time I think of you I smile because I think of how nice of a person you were. You have made me become a better and more positive person and I thank you for that. You were the most well-mannered and kindest man I have ever met and I hope that Greg and I can raise Joey to be like you. As you know I met Jenna like you wanted and you were right, we have become quick friends. I just wish we could have made it out to Greek Town- it could have been a blast! It wasn't meant to be but thank you for making sure that we met and we will take care of eachother now. You were always looking out for us. Thank you for being such a good friend to Greg. I loved hearing the stories about the 2 of you. Watch over him and protect him. When I met your family, everything made sense as far as your kindness and strength. What a lucky guy to have such a fabulous family that loves you and adores you so much. Watch over them and all of us. We will miss you dearly and we'll see you in Heaven when it is our time. God Bless you

Jeannine Humphrey
wife of Officer Greg Humphrey #131

August 28, 2004

It is a sorry shame that we lose so many great guys and ladies every year who give their everything for all of us, every day and night. Brothers and sisters, rest in peace. We miss you, each and every one of you. Without you, there would be no hope for tomorrow, no hope for mankind. GOD bless you and keep you all.
It's up to us now. We'll carry on as you have shown us the way.

SSG ANDY FORSEE
Military Police Indiana Army National Guard

August 28, 2004

It has been one month to the day that I lost my brother. I truly understand the way the family is feeling. As part of a new family you will get thru and they will be there for you during good days and bad days. God Bless your family.

Cindy Sister of CPL Duke Aaron III
Maryland

August 28, 2004

Please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Thank you Officer Walsh for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

August 28, 2004

I'm not sure I even know where to start here...there's so much to say about a person as wonderful as you. Never did I think that the next time I flew home from San Diego would be to attend your funeral...it still seems so unreal. I've thought of a so many things I wish I could have said to you, but the one that stands out so clearly is thank you.

Thank you...
-For always being such a wonderful friend...always ready to give a shoulder to lean on, or a pat on the back.
-For that infectious smile of yours...no one was immune to your smile!
-For always believing in my crazy dreams!!! You always said anyone could accomplish anything they wanted badly enough!
-For standing by and always being there, for the phone calls that seemed to come at exactly the right times!
-For all the memories you have given myself and so many others.
-For being a part of my life...choosing me as a friend. I am so honored to have been a part of your life...and so lucky.
-For giving me a million reasons to laugh and smile...you'll forever be in my thoughts and heart.
-For everything...I could sit here all night and thank you for so many things...but it could take days...months...years even!!!!!!!!

Your were truly an exceptional, inspirational, and special person in my life and I will think about you all the time! I know that if we look to the sky, we will surely feel you smile down on all of us...and I will always give ya a wink back! I will come visit you every time I'm in the good 'ol Jolie, I promise, just as you kept your promise when you said we'd never lose touch the day I moved. I've never liked to say goodbye, so I'l just end this by saying the same thing you said everytime we'd hang up..."You take a yourself and stay outta trouble...I'll talk to you later kid."

I love you Jon...may the angels forever hold you in their wings.

Love, Tiff :)

Tiffany Tapella

August 28, 2004

I WORKED WITH JOHN, HE WAS A GOOD KID. HE TOOK PRIDE IN HIS JOB AND HOW HE DID IT. IT WAS HIS CHOSEN PROFESSION UNLIKE SO MANY OTHERS IN IT JUST FOR A PAY CHECK. AS I DROVE IN THE PROCESSION AND SAW POLICE CARS STRETCHING FOR MILES IN FRONT AND BACK OF ME.....AS I WATCHED THE CO-OPERATION OF THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS THAT SURROUND JOLIET IN MAKING IT EASIER FOR THE JOLIET OFFICERS.... AS THEY BLOCKED VARIOUS INTERSECTION DURING THE FUNERAL PROCESSION AND CAUGHT UP TO US LATER AT THE CEMETARY, I COULDNT HELP BUT REALIZE THAT I HAD NEVER BEEN SO HONORED OR PROUD TO BE A MEMBER OF OUR FRATERNATY IN ALL MY 13 YEARS OF SERVICE. IN RECENT MONTHS I HAD BEEN BECOMING DISENFRANCHISED WITH THE JOB AND ALL THE BS THAT GOES WITH IT FROM THE ADMINISTRATION TO SELFISH CITIZENS. AS JOHN'S FUNERAL PROCEDED THROUGH THE STREETS OF JOLIET IN A STEADY RAIN, I SAW DOZENS OF PEOPLE VERY FEW OF WHOM CHOSE TO HAVE UMBRELLAS....SOME WITH THEIR HAND ON THEIR HEART, OTHERS OBVIOUSLY EX-MILITARY OR COPS STANDING AT ATTENTION, AND SEVERAL LITTLE BOY STANDING AT ATTENTION SALUTING US AS WE PASSED. IT WAS THEN I REMEMBERED WHY I DO WHAT I DO............THANKS JOHN!!!!!!!

PATROL, J
JOLIET P.D.

August 27, 2004

Jon,
I knew you for 10 years while going to college together and taking numerous police exams together hoping that one day we would be partners along with the many many many laughs we had and all the good times we shared. Ever since you sacrificed your life trying to protect others I haven't stopped thinking about you. Not a day will go by when you and your family are not in my thoughts and prayers. I know you will look out for me while I am at work because you are a great friend and like a brother to me. Jon, I will miss you tremendously until we are reunited in heaven. Until then buddy I love you very much and please Rest in peace. 10-4

Friend and Ofc. Michael Hofbauer
Chicago Police Department

August 27, 2004

My nephew John was a wounderful, polite caring person and a top cop. I will miss you always
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Love Uncle Bill

Ptlm. William Walsh #1618 (ret)
Worth P.D. Worth Illinois

August 27, 2004

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"


Rest in Peace Brother, we have the watch from here.

This just goes to show that there is no such thing as a routine call in police work.

A Brother in Blue

August 27, 2004

From our family to yours. May God watch over you and give you the strength to get through these difficult times. Jon might be gone but NEVER forgotten.
La Habra CA

Detective P. Di Pasqua
La Habra Police

August 27, 2004

Johnny, I miss you terribly brother. Losing you has been absolutely heartbreaking. Every time I think about your smiling face it makes me cry a little and smile a little, and I know I'll get to see it again someday when I join you in heaven. Until that day, I know you will watch all of our backs in spirit just like you did when you were with us in body. Rest In Peace my friend.

Patrol Officer Patrick Schumacher
Joliet P.D.

August 27, 2004

Jonnie 5,
I can't believe what happened, it seems so surreal. We always used to talk about how we were overdue for a tragedy like this, never in a million years did I think we would be talking about you. You're a superhero, never will I be able to hold a flame to you. I am so unbelievably proud that I had the opportunity to be close to you. Over the last few days I had the privelage of being with your family. In so many ways they helped with the pain of losing my great friend and brother. I wish that I had met them years ago, but fortunately for you , I didn't.....your sisters told some pretty good "jonnie" stories that would have gotten ya good. Forever will they be a part of my life. I hope that we made you proud at the ceremony, everybody brought there "A Game" to honor you. Sending you away was the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life, but was also the biggest honor. Rest easy partner, we'll take over down here.
You will forever be in my heart,I love you!
B.Pro

Ofc. Brian Prochaska #213
Joliet Police Department

August 27, 2004

As I sit here and read all of the many wonderful reflections of Officer Walsh, I can't help but let the tears fall. America lost another great HERO a week ago today!!!!

To the family and friends of Officer Walsh, my heart and prayers go out to you. Having been through losing a close friend in the line of duty here in Michigan 7-19-2000 I know the awful pain that you are feeling. To have people say that the pain will ease, is true, but it takes a long time. Just know that Jon is still alive in all of you through the many wonderful memories that you shared.

Officer Walsh, rest in peace, your watch here is done. May you take your place of honor patrolling the streets of heaven and watching over all of us left behind. It is evident that you had a very strong faith in God, may you have heard the words "Well done my good and faithful servant." Although those left behind may not know why you were called home at such a young age, may we rest in the arms of our Heavenly Father and know that His reasons are perfect and he will show us in His time.

A Dispatcher in Michigan

August 27, 2004

Jon,
I can honestly say that yesterday was the hardest day of my life. To know that it was the last time I would hear 305 over the air. As dispatch called your number over the air, all was silent. I waited to hear your voice come across and say "traffic for 305 Joliet?" Instead Staff 1 advised that officer 305 was 10-42. Your tour of duty may have ended here with us, but we all know you are 10-8 on the streets of Heaven.
Law enforcement is truly a united brotherhood. I considered you nothing less. You were my friend, my backup, and you will always be my brother. Watch over all of us as we continue to protect and serve in your name. Hollywood, you are the best of the best and will never be forgotten. Your spirit will always live on within us. Rest in peace my brother.

Patrol Officer Shawn D. West
Joliet Police Department

August 27, 2004

My heartfelt sympathy to Officer Walsh's family...Will have you all in my prayers....I was very impressed at all the things that Officer Walsh had accompolished....and the loss of a loved one is never easy...and from what I have read about him and in the reflections that have been left...He was much loved by all who knew him...That in itself speaks volumes...

Charlotte Armes

August 27, 2004

GOD BLESS, AND REST IN PEACE.

P.O. OFC. AMBROSINI
JOLIET PD

August 26, 2004

From all of us at EPD, our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Jon and all his fellow officers and friends at JPD.

Rest in peace my brother in blue.

Police Officer Lawrence Jenco
Elgin PD

August 26, 2004