Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

As I approach the Christmas season, I begin to reflect on all of the friends who I have worked with who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. I worked For Lt Bradshaw at the time of this incident and the memory of that afternoon is still freshly burned into my mind. He gave that others may live. I will never forget. I have survived Law Enforcement for the past 34 years, and hopefully many more, because of lessons learned from John and his very patient attitude. Thank you. Bro. Steve...

S.A.S. Steven Wozniak
Friend/Co-Worker

December 9, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Former Police Officer
Virginia

September 21, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 22nd 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.

I am proud to leave this tribute to such an outstanding officer. From the reflections, I can see that he lived his life with a profound sense of duty and that he was a wonderful father and family man.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

September 22, 2009

Its been 22 years since I last saw you. Just a couple hours prior to your death, we sat in your office, drank coffee and talked about your daughters and family. It has taken years for me to write something on this Memorial Page. You were a good friend and a great cop. You are missed by many and I still think about you a great deal. You started me in Law Enforcement and 27 years later, I still enjoy doing the job in different areas. My heart goes out to your family and you will never be forgotten.

Jeffrey Royer
Royer Investigations
Florence, Arizona

Jeffrey Royer
Friend / Fellow Officer

January 22, 2009

Lt. Bradshaw,
21 years and I have never forgotten the day. Breaking the news to Becky. Cleaning out your desk. I remember the procession at your funeral. I remember Firefighters outside a station on the way to the cemetary standing at attention as we went by. Sitting at your graveside every day for months. No one else knew I did that, but you and I. I'm so sorry your life was cut short. You died like you lived though. A hero to your family and friends. I'll never forget you.

D. Batey

September 20, 2008

Its not what you take when you leave this world behind, its what you leave behind you when you go.
All your children are married. You now have 16 grandchildren, 6 boys (the oldest named after you) and 10 girls. As they grow into adulthood they are reminded of the life you lived and why its important to always remember why you were here. While they would have loved to have had even one day on earth with you, they know that they will be with you again one day.
You gave so much. We all gave so much.
Your legacy lives...........

Anonymous

August 17, 2008

Rest in Peace, Lieutenant Bradshaw. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

May 17, 2008

It's now been 20 years since John was killed. He was my last supervisor before I left Tempe PD and was always a great friend. I feel fortunate to have spent a few hours with John just a week before he was taken. I still vividly recall learning of his tragic death. The attendance at his funeral was overwhelming but was no less than he deserved.

He was a fine man and a good friend. I miss him.

John Layman
Former officer / co-worker

October 20, 2007

"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 1, 2007

John was a wonderful man, as well as a hell of a good cop. I had the honor of working with him for a short while. I know he will be, and is terribly missed by all who knew him. Vaya con dios, mi amigo.

Vicki Peacock-Coffey
friend/co-worker

May 21, 2007

My dad was an amazing man and I thank you for putting this site up to honor all those who gave their lives in the service of their communities. I didn't even know this was here. It's so nice to be able to show my 4 children that he made a difference in so many lives. We now have the saying "Happy to be here, proud to serve" up on our wall. I gave a little talk to my children explaining that this is what "papa John" used to say at work all the time. I went on to tell them that this is the example we should be following everyday in our lives. We should be happy to be doing whatever we are engaged in and proud to be serving each other and our Heavenly Father. I am proud that he was my dad and miss him so much.

Laura Bradshaw Krummenacher

March 1, 2007

Based on the reflections here, Lieutenant Bradshaw was a police officer that loved serving the public and enjoyed the respect of the officers serving under him. His sense of humor no doubt made a tough job easier to do.

It's extremely unfortunate that a criminal who was being treated to medical care repaid the kindness by cutting this officer down in his prime. Thank you, LT, for helping to protect us from those whose only purpose is to harm their fellowman.

Security Officer
Connecticut

May 6, 2006

John was the first patrol lieutenant of my career. He was always laughing and lifting up those who felt down.

One memory I have of John is of him flagging me down in the hallway at the old substation at Kiwanis Park. He told me he had a "special detail" before I returned to my beat. I followed him outside to the parking lot and watched him climb into his faded yellow Datsun. He then instructed me to push him with my patrol car so he could get his car started and go home! Always being one to follow the orders of my supervisor, I gladly complied and got him on his way!

John, you are truly missed and I thank you for the example you set for those you supervised throughout your career. Rest in peace.

Police Officer Scott King (Retired)
Tempe PD; Turlock PD, CA.

May 1, 2006

We spent countless hours working on those "infernal" vehicles of yours just to keep them running. Long hours spent together, a great friendship and plans of future retirement together to share family and travels...I still miss you...A LOT! BOB

Bob Colombe, retired
Tempe PD

December 8, 2005

I met John when we attended the 130 Session of the FBIN. We attended several classes together and enjoyed our time on the PAR Course. The best part of the PAR Course was resting between stations, and discussing every thing from family to our careers. John was a positive guy who wanted to be a small town chief of police. His reasons were in the highest order of service to ones community. I became a chief of police. On the night I was sworn in I made the comment "This is for John." I became what he wanted to be and never for one moment forgot what he taught me about what it ment to be a small town chief of police. I often wonder how his family is doing. I send them my thoughts and prayers. Semper Fi, arnie millsaps

Chief Arnie Millsaps, Retired
Eureka Police Department, Eureka, CA

October 25, 2005

Your memory lives on with your brothers and sisters within the Tempe Police Department. You will never be forgotten as a great man that walked this earth to make our community a better and safer place to live. There is nothing greater than a man that lies his life down for another. Peace be with you and your family.

April 13, 2005

You are very missed by so many. You now have 12 grandchildren, with more on the way. We know that you blessed each one of these children as they were sent to be here with us. While it has been nearly 17 years that you have been gone, you are in our hearts and thoughts every day. We all are truly blessed to have had a wonderful man such as you in our live. You made a difference in the world. Thank you!

A Lovinhg Family Member
None

September 5, 2004

A true hero is one that touches the lives of others and inspires one to do well. That alone makes John Bradshaw a hero.

"HAPPY TO BE HERE, PROUD TO SERVE"
John's reply anytime he was asked, "How ya doing?"

And that is how John lived his daily life, Happy & Proud.

God bless you John Bradshaw

I still want a rematch on our drag race!
GP

Gerry Prendergast
Prendergast Towing

August 30, 2004

You are not forgotten, nor your heroic actions. Rest easy, brother as we have the watch. Thank you for your service.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)

September 21, 2003