Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My deepest sympathy for your tragic loss. May your faith in Jesus Christ sustain you in your time of need. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

Former Baltimore Police Officer

September 5, 2006

Cowards die many times before their deaths, the valiant never taste of death but once.
Julius Caesar, Shakespeare


Det. Schroeder you are the valiant.

Patrol Officer
Cleveland Division of Police

September 5, 2006

When God made Peace Officers...

When the Lord was creating peace officers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said,

"You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one."

And the Lord said, "Have you read the specs on this order?
A peace officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark
scale walls, enter homes the health inspector would not touch
and not wrinkle his uniform.

"He has to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout
cover a homicide scene that night
canvass the neighborhood for witnesses
and testify in court the next day.

He has to be in top physical condition at all times
running on black coffee and half-eaten meals
And he has to have six pairs of hands."

The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands... no way."

"It's not the hands that are causing me problems," said the Lord
"it's the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have."

"That's on the standard model?" asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks,
"May I see what's in there, sir?"
(When he already knows and wishes he'd taken that accounting job.)

"Another pair here in the side of his head for his partners' safety
And another pair of eyes here in front that can look
reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say,
"You'll be all right ma'am, when he knows it isn't so."

"Lord," said the angel, touching his sleeve, "Rest and work on this tomorrow."

"I can't," said the Lord, "I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on a civil service paycheck."
The angel circled the model of the peace officer very slowly,

"Can it think?" she asked.

"You bet," said the Lord. "It can tell you the elements of a hundred crimes
recite Miranda warnings in its sleep; detain, investigate,
search and arrest a gang member on the street in less time
than it takes five learned judges to debate the legality of the stop
and still it keeps its sense of humor.

This officer also has phenomenal personal control.
He can deal with crime scenes painted in hell, coax a confession from a child abuser,
comfort a murder victim's family, and then read in the daily paper on how
"...law enforcement isn't sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects."
Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the
peace officer.

"There's a leak," she pronounced.
"I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model."

"That's not a leak," said the lord, "it's a tear."

"What's the tear for?" asked the angel.

"It's for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades
for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the
American Flag, for Justice."

"You're a genius," said the angel.

The Lord looked somber,
"I didn't put it there..."

~Anonymous~


Officer Schroeder rest easy, we got it from here Brother. Please watch over my old partner up in Cleveland, Second District. God's speed.

Police Officer I Stuart M. Smith
New Orleans Police Department

September 5, 2006

Rest in peace sir,you are a true hero that will never be forgoten. My brother and his family live in Cleveland and I know they sleep well at night knowing they are protected by hero's like you and the rest of the fine men and woman of C.P.D

Ofc. G. Watts Star #2062
San Francisco Police Dept.

September 5, 2006

It is with great saddness I read of you death in the line of duty. My deepest sympathies are extended to your family,friends, and colleagues. Your city, state, and nation are fortunate to have had you in their service. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Sergeant Brian Bowman
Toronto Police Service

September 4, 2006

AJ... I sat across the room from you in that vice office for three years. I think back at what a pleasure it was to spend everyday with you. My first emotions were denial and anger but now I just want to remember everything I can about you. I will never be able to see a white Jeep Cherokee, hear anything that has to do with Oktoberfest, hear about the recent Bigfoot sightings at Presque Isle, hear someone at work click the mike and have a long pause before they say something, hear someone answer "Sounds Good" on the radio, see that picture that Pitts has of you with that goofy hat, crack open an Iron City beer or see the numbers 2191 without thinking of you. But most of all, I want to thank you for being a hero. You touched many lives an will never be forgotten.

Tom Klamert
Cleveland Police

September 4, 2006

"A Policeman was killed last night"

A policeman was killed last night.
He died while protecting your rights.
His creed was to protect and serve.
This fate he didn't deserve.

A mom and dad have lost a son.
So many other jobs he could've done.
His wife and kids are left alone.
Their daddy won't be coming home.

His fellow officers are hurt so deep.
For a fallen brother they weep.
The morning paper will print a story.
About a policeman who died in glory.

The flags will fly at half mast.
Politicians and citizens will seem sad.
The service is tomorrow
We all express our deepest sorrow.
He will never be forgotten in our hearts and in our soul.

My wife and I send our condolences to AJ's Family.

Det. Vu Nguyen 1534
CLevelandPolice Dept.

September 4, 2006

This is a hard time for so many. Another senseless act has taken another great man from this earth. You are a true hero.

I hope your wife and son know that you will never be forgotten. Your name will be known for future generations.

J in Ohio
LEO Spouse

September 4, 2006

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Officer Schroeder, especially to his wife. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for AJ, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember AJ's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that AJ's life was about so much more than the way he died. AJ will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Officer Schroeder, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been three and a half years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

September 4, 2006

Rest in peace and God bless your family.

Sgt
Corning PD, NY

September 4, 2006

Jon,
We had the honor of knowing you for a short while as you attended Kent State with our daughter, Danielle. You were always a pleasure to be around and we were blessed to have known you. May God bless your family!

Don and Holly Rutti
(Medina, Ohio)

Don and Holly Rutti
Friends

September 4, 2006

I have shared this with others. Now I Share it with you and your loved ones. You will be missed brother.

AS YOU WALK TOWARD THE LIGHT
WIPE THE TEARS AWAY FROM YOUR SIGHT
CLEAR YOUR MIND OF ALL YOUR FEARS
THESE YOU WILL NOT FIND THEM HERE

AS PETER WELCOMES YOU AT THE GATE
HIS EXPRESSION AS IF THOUGH YOU WERE LATE
HAS CHANGED FROM A SIGH TO JOY AND LAUGHTER
WELCOME BROTHER TO THE HEREAFTER

NOW DOESN'T ALL OF THIS SEEM WELL
A GIFT TO YOU OR CAN'T YOU TELL
FOR BACK IN THE WORLD YOUR BODY FELL
YET YOU DID NOT LEAVE YOUR SOUL IN HELL

HERE IS ALL THAT YOU LIVED FOR
REWARDS FOR ALL YOUR DEEDS AND MORE
ENJOY A FEAST AMONG THE LIVING
ASK AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN

FOR IT WAS NOT AN EASY TASK
YET YOU ENDURED AND DID AS I ASKED
YOU LIVED A LIFE OF LOVE AND PEACE
TRUE TO THE WORD UNTIL YOU CEASED

WHILE SATAN ALWAYS GAVE SUGGESTIONS
RIGHT FROM WRONG WAS NEVER A QUESTION
YET EACH TIME AFTER YOUR TRANSGRESSIONS
YOU CAME TO ME FOR ANOTHER SESSION

I NEVER ONCE TURNED YOU AWAY
I LISTENED TO YOU DAY AFTER DAY
AND YOU WOULD HAVE MISSED OUT ON ALL THIS WEALTH
IF YOU WOULD HAVE FACED HIM BY YOURSELF

SO ENTER NOW. YOU WELL DESERVE
A ROOM FOR YOU HAS BEEN RESERVED
IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO MEAT YOUR MASTER
MASTER....

WRITTEN BY E. LANDRAU

Detective Elliot Landrau #1636
Cleveland Police

September 4, 2006

WE'LL ALL MISS YOU A.J, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!

SCOTT
BROTHER IN BLUE

September 4, 2006

SAINT MICHAEL'S BOYS

Not long ago, the struggle between Good and Evil erupted, again, into war. The Devil threw his forces against the very Gates of Heaven, themselves. His attack beaten back, he withdrew and called for a meeting with God.

And Satan began.....

Who were those men who stood their ground,
When they were just some thousand few?
And when Gabrielle's Army is clad in gold,
Why did they all wear blue?

"They were out-numbered ten-to-one
And should have run like new-born foals,
But when they showed no fear I realized
That you'd used men who have no souls,

"And there, at last, I have you,
Through all your boasts you've lied,
So no more claims of righteousness
And behind no more Commandments hide,

"You've cheated and you've robbed me,
Those men, they are my proof,
The soul-less can't be yours in Heaven,
But mine in Hell, beneath my roof."

God listened, then replied....

"My poor, misguided child
Can't you see the error of your ways?
Those men just stood against you, now,
As they did in mortal days,

"I knew they wouldn't turn and run,
For they've seen your worst before,
And that is why I placed them there,
To keep safe and gaurd my door."

"As for those battered coats of blue,
They're worn with such fierce pride
That if I ordered them to change,
Why, then even I might be defied,

"Ye, you believe they have no souls,
When their souls are why they're here,
For in life each took an oath they kept
Although the price was steep, and dear,

"Even tempted by the face of death
Their hearts did cowardice decline,
You see, they never could be yours,
As they were then, and always, mine,

"And it's strange that you don't know them,
Since you've sent me every one,
Each time your murderers and theives
Killed a policeman's father's son,

"With tear-stained eyes I greet them all,
Cut too soon from their families' joys,
So send me on your shades of Hell...
And they'll meet Saint Michael's boys."

Author: Louis H. Knowles, CPD

You will be missed brother.

Detective Eric Peachman
Avon Police/Former Cleveland PD

September 4, 2006

Following the Second Battle of Ypres in 1915, Lt. Colonel John McCrae, a doctor with the Canadian Army, wrote the following poem to commemorate the loss of so many brave souls who had fallen to protect their commrades and their nation. I cannot improve on such beautiful words Jon, but I attest that I too will "hold the torch" as best I can.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)

Lieutenant Thom Dillon
Cleveland Division of Police

September 4, 2006

You made the ultimate sacrifice Brother...Your courage and dedication to duty is an example for each of us to follow. Take care of us from above...you will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Daniel Armstrong 2553
Austin, texas P.D.

September 4, 2006

Jon,
The day I met you at our dorm at Kent I knew you would be a guy I would get to know. There are so many memories I have from those years. There is one thing that I can truly say and that is you were an all around good guy. You were one that people wanted to have around no matter what. You would walk into a room and the whole place brightened up. Even though we had lost touch over the years, there was always something that would remind me of you and all the happiness and courage you gave me. You died a hero to many, especially to me and I will miss you!
Danielle

Danielle Todd (Rutti)
Friend from Kent State

September 3, 2006

A BROTHER lost is always a cause for sadness & reflection. May God hold you in his arms and offer you all of the glory that the Kindom of Heaven has to offer. May God give your family the strength to celebrate your life and know that you will always love and look over them.

God bless your soul

Master Patrol Officer J. M. Kaull
Bradenton P.D. Bradenton, Fl.

September 3, 2006

You will never be forgotten, ever. We know that you are with Hillary, Bob and Wayne, and all the rest who passed before them, watching over us and protecting us the best you can.

Sgt. Stephen Beitel
Cleveland Police

September 3, 2006

AJ you are truly one of clevelands finest. the people in your area called you gentleman john. May god bless the schroeder family. AJ's smile will always live on in the department.

dolly malbasa police dispatcher
cleveland police

September 3, 2006

I SEND MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND CLEVELAND POLICE DEPARTMENT REGARDING THE DEMISE OF OFFICER JONATHAN (AJ) SCHROEDER. I HOPE EVERYONE THAT KNEW THIS HONORABLE MAN WILL CONTINUE TO REMEMBER HIS BRAVERY, COURAGE, AND THE LEGACY IN WHICH HE LEFT.

OFFICER SCHROEDER YOUR SHIFT IS OVER NOW, WE WILL TAKE IT FROM HERE. REST IN PEACE, BROTHER...

DEPUTY JAMES E. BRADFORD JR.
BRADLEY COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT

September 3, 2006

Rest in Peace, Officer Schroeder. God speed your journey home.

Officer 11169

September 3, 2006

Jon, thank you for the many laughs you leave with us. The bright intoxicating smile, that leaves us smiling when we turn away. The friendship you gave and wanted nothing back for it. The jokes, the stories, the driveway sitting memories that no one can take away. Thank you for keeping our streets safer each night for us. Thanks Jon for just being our friend. We will miss you.

Rob, Liz, Christine, Brittany, Erika, JR
Friends from Flamingo Avenue

September 3, 2006

My most sincere condolences to family, friends and co-workers.
Go with God now Brother warrior. Be at peace mate

Senior Constable of Police
South Australia Police

September 3, 2006

I never worked with you, I never even met you, but I still hurt because of what happened to you. I'm proud of you for the impact you made on people's lives while you were here. You won't be forgotten. God bless you, your wife and your young child.

Fellow policeman

September 3, 2006