Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy John A. McClain

Colusa County Sheriff's Department, California

End of Watch Saturday, September 17, 1870

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Deputy John A. McClain

It’s been a long time since your ultimate sacrifice but you will never be forgotten! Heroes have a special place in heaven and I am certain you are there now.

Retired Sergeant Merced Corona
Colusa County S.O. & Father of fallen Officer Natalie Corona

August 12, 2024

Deputy McClain: Thanks for your service to your county and to the great state of California. My ancestors all settled in California. Your sacrifice is greatly appreciated. Officer John Buchanok (Milpitas Police Department)--thanks for looking into a headstone for this fine public servant.

Jim Lopey, Asst. Sheriff (ret) & NVD
Washoe County Sheriff (Reno, Nv.) & NVDPS

September 17, 2021

Rest in peace and always know that no passage of time will ever erase you service and sacrifice.

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

September 17, 2020

Deputy McClain,
On today, the 150th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Colusa County.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 17, 2020

Rest In Peace brother LEO. You are not forgotten. May the coward who took your life rot and suffer.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

September 17, 2018

Deputy McClain,
On today, the 145th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Colusa County.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 17, 2015

I learned today (8/14/2015) that my Great Great Great Grandfather Alonzo Steuart Sr. (Stewart) owned the land Deputy McClain came to. He was called to evict squatters and serve the Writ. The property was in Antelope Valley. Three other men went with Deputy McClain to serve the Writ. Alonzo Steuart Sr., E.P. Wells ,and James Gongwer. Three great men lost their lives that day. Deputy McClain, Alonzo Steuart, and E. P. Wells. They were gunned down by Robert Hamilton, who fled west, to the coastal range and was never located. Gongwer escaped and was able to tell the story. I was proud to find out that Deputy McClain was buried along side my Grandfather at Colusa Community Cemetery. Unfortunately, Deputy McClain does not have a marker at the Cemetery. I have been a police officer for many years and I believe Deputy McClain needs a proper marker. I will be working to get him a proper gravestone.

Officer John Buchanok
Milpitas Police Department

August 15, 2015

Remembering you today as this is the week our nation honors all its law enforcement heroes.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 17, 2013

Rest in Peace, Deputy McClain. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 139th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.


Rest In Peace

Phyllis Lo

Anonymous

September 17, 2009

"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 20, 2007

Deputy McClain,
It has taken nearly 135 years, but you are finally being honored. I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Colusa County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

March 18, 2005

Although I never knew you and we have lived in different worlds, you are a brother. Rest easy now.

Police Officer Kevin Lares
San Diego Police

March 15, 2005

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