Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"My Brother"

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was idealistic and believed he could make a difference.
He was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and what they represent.
He felt privileged to be of service to his department, his community and to his country.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm.
He laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary.
He was competent, trained, and professional.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong and became
frustrated when true justice became sidetracked.
He felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but he
never wavered.
He stood by and for his fellow officers.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He longed for his family during the long hours.
He worried about them during his shifts and the lonely
weekends, holidays and midnights when they were apart.
He felt guilty about the lost time, but knew his calling
and prayed they would understand.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was a good son, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
He was dedicated to the profession and cared about the
people he served.
He wanted to do the best job that he could and strived to
be the best he could be.
He was a good citizen and a good neighbor.

He was a cop.

Yes, I did know him.
He was a cop, he was my Brother.

Rest easy Brother Airhart, we have the watch...



”I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
---Isaiah 6:8

You answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice. Rest easy in God's kingdom and watch over us as we continue the battle here on earth!!!

Officer
Metropolitan police Department Washington DC

November 30, 2008

The members at Arresting Hearts wish to offer their deepest heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Detective Joseph Airhart Jr. Because of Detective Airhart‘s ultimate sacrifice we live in a safer place. We thank you for your service and your dedication.


The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.” Mary Stevenson 1936



With love and respect,

The members and staff of Arresting Hearts

Anonymous

November 26, 2008

For the family and friends, he is at peace now. I had a brother officer, a friend that was in a coma for 10 years before God took him home. I used to go sit with him and talk to him and watch them feed him through the tube. I understand what its like watching a good man go through that and the strain it puts on family and friends. You are not alone. When Donnie went to be with the Lord it was a relief. He was not suffering anymore and there was no more wondering. To the family and friends, his police family loved him and will always be here for you. Detective Airhart Jr. is watching over all of us now.

Sr. Corp. Alexander
Dallas PD, Tx

November 21, 2008

"for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer" Romans 13:4 ESV

Rest In Peace, Servant of God.

Former SA "CG-14604"

SA "DE-14604"
FBI-Detroit Division

November 20, 2008

R.I.P. BROTHER.A CHICAGO SISTER

PO CHICAGO
CPD

November 19, 2008

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones. I know your parents cared for you for a long time and they will forever carry their love for you in their hearts for as long as they walk this earth. Watch over them, protect them and also those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and will not be forgotten.

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

November 18, 2008

God is sure to have a home waiting for you, your good deed were not in vain.

Murphy

November 18, 2008

To the family and friends of Detective Joseph Airhart Jr. and the members of the Chicago Police Dept.

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Detective Airhart tragically died as a result of the injuries inflicted seven years earlier.

To Joseph's family, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in the Bay Area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I hope you will receive the same support, and maybe even more importantly, have received that support during the last seven years. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace. I am humbled by the valor and courage of Joseph and his family.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Joseph gave to his community and the citizens of Illinois, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on November 4, 2008.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD (CA), eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

November 17, 2008

REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF E.J. MORRIS
RANDOLPH MO P.D.

November 16, 2008

Thank you for your service
You will NEVER be forgotten

Civilian
Columbus, Ohio

November 15, 2008

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO.

Deputy Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriffs Office

November 15, 2008

Det. Airhart: God Bless you and your family. I review this website everyday hoping there are no new names added. I am sorry to see yours. Rest in Peace.

SSA Ellen Pierson
US

November 14, 2008

REST IN PEACE, BROTHER
PROVINCIAL CONSTABLE MARTY LALONDE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE

PROVINCIAL CONSTABLE MARTY LALONDE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE

November 13, 2008

My thoughts and prayers
go out to your family, Joseph.

You are missed.

N. DeCook
Chicago Police

November 12, 2008

det. airhart thank you for your service and answering the call .....thank you for sharing the thin blue with me and may your families of both blood and blue find strength through God.............rest gently dear brother , we have the watch from here.......

officer val pickens
b'ham p.d./b'ham , al

November 12, 2008

He has gone home to be with his Father and where else could be better? He has suffered and died, but did so much good during all his years of service. My prayers are with his family, friends, co-workers and children. His suffering is over and we can rejoice for that. You all will be in my prayers and thoughts. God bless, Rusty Cox

Rusty Cox, CID Secretary
Asheville Police Department

November 12, 2008

RIP

Ofc. Eric Chiang
San Francisco Police Department

November 11, 2008

Thank you, Detective Airhart, for your service to the people of Illinois and the United States. Your dedication and efforts are appreciated and will not be forgotten. Rest in peace, HERO!

Janice Brown
Conway, Arkansas
civilian

Janice Brown
civilian

November 10, 2008

As time goes by without you, And days turn into years, We'll have a million memories, A million secret tears. Missing you is easy, We'll do it every day, Losing you is the heart ache, That will never go away.

This is very sad. Vengence belongs to the Lord. May God comfort those
who need it.

Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

November 10, 2008

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Detective Airhart Jr. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless Detective Airhart for his dedicated service to the Chicago Police Department. Rest in Peace sir, you will not be forgotten.

Sgt. Jim May (ret)
CMPD Charlotte, NC

November 10, 2008

Officer Airhart "my Joe" I will forever miss you!!! I love you more than words can say. I will never forget the you. You believed in me when no one else did, you stood by my side at all times. I know you will always be by my side. "I LOVE YOU" until we meet again.

Rose

Rose Padilla
Friend

November 10, 2008

Thank you for your service. Rest in Peace.

Prosecutor
Virginia

November 10, 2008

On behalf of the 5,229 members of the American Association of State Troopers (AAST), we extend our sincere condolences to Detective Airhart’s family as well as the members of the Chicago Police Department. AAST members throughout the United States know first hand what all of you are going through right now. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Ken Howes, Executive Director
American Association of State Troopers

November 10, 2008

God Bless you.

Rick F.
Ret. Co

November 10, 2008

Detective Airhart,
Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. You and your family are in our prayers. Rest Easy Brother!

Dep. Paul Sperandeo, Ofc. Amy Sperandeo
Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office, Gretna Police Dept. LA

November 9, 2008