Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Reading the story of your cruel and senseless murder breaks my heart. I will never forget, nor will we let anyone else forget. I'm saddened, but sadly not shocked, by the "justice" handed down to your killer. I hope your daughters know those of us across this country who will forever remember what you gave.

December 5, 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

October 17, 2007

32 years have passed and you have not been forgotten nor will that ever occur for you are a true hero. Your name now appears with dignity and honor on the Lake front of Chicago at the new CPD Memorial. Forever, your name will stand with other heroes. I know the pain your loved ones feel and how they have only memories rather than you being here. Continue to watch over them and protect them and also those still on patrol. You will never be forgotten.

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

May 20, 2007

I am disgusted at how our "justice" systems treats cop killers. No matter what the age of Officer Cali's killer was, he should never have seen the light of day again!

Officer Cali, thank you for your service to our country and the citizen's of Illinois. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

February 27, 2007

Warrior and Hero!...thank you!...We will fight on!

November 2, 2006

Rest in Peace Officer Cali and may Our Lord Bless your family.

May 20, 2006

Over 30 long years have passed and their is still pain and loss for the family of this former soldier and warrior officer. I am so sorry his killer was treated so kindly by the justice system for such a cowardly and senseless act. To the daughters who have been fatherless these many years-I am so sorry for you and I pray Gods richest blessings be bestowed to you. God Bless you all!

Anonymous

June 11, 2005

STILL CAN'T TALK ABOUT YOU WITHOUT CRYING. THIRTY YEARS HAVE PASSED AND IT FEELS LIKE YESTERDAY. SO MANY PEOPLE ARE THINKING AND PRAYING FOR YOU. I LOVE YOU

MARY ANN

MARY ANN MADARY

May 22, 2005

"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 funeral is tommorrow at noon.
It will all be over very soon.

By next week they will have forgot.
That a policeman was killed last night.

Anonymous

May 3, 2005

On May 19, 1975, at 8:30 p.m., Chicago Police Officer Joseph P. Cali , Star # 3271, was performing his duty at 2111 W. Lake Street. Thirty one year old Officer Cali was in the process of writing a citation on a 1966 Chevrolet for being illegally parked at a bus stop when he was suddenly struck in the head by a bullet. Officer Cali had been shot by a sniper from a window at the public housing project building at 2111 W. Lake Street. Cali was transported to Cook County Hospital, where he never regained consciousness and expired from his wound the next day. Officer Cali left behind a young widow Neva, and two little daughters, ages 3 and 1. His funeral mass was held at St. Juliana’s Church on Chicago’s Northwest side and interment was at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

Thirty years have passed and the tragedy of Joe Cali is but a faint memory. Chicago has witnessed the loss of many officers since 1975, and each loss is another heartbreak to our City and it’s citizens, but to the men and women of the Chicago Police Department, both active & retired, such tragedies just reopen old wounds. Some of us cannot forget the pain and anguish felt then, nor will we ever forget the memories of our fallen brothers and sisters. Hero is a word used often when describing someone who is lost performing a public service or selfless act, but it is more important to remember the humanity of that person and reflect on the fullness of their life. Cali’s two daughters are now 33 & 31 and have never truly known their father. It is up to those of us touched by his life and scarred by his death to inform them, remind ourselves & each other that he mattered and was worth remembering.

On Friday, May 20, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. there will be a memorial mass in memory of Officer Joseph P. Cali at St. Juliana’s Catholic Church, 7200 N. Osceola Ave. in Chicago. The mass will commemorate the 30th anniversary of Joe Cali’s death. I am asking that you help me forward this information so that anyone who wishes to, can attend and say a prayer not only for the soul of Joseph Cali, but also for safety of the men and women of the Chicago Police Department who still currently serve & protect us.

retired
Chicago Police Dept

April 10, 2005

YOU ARE ALWAYS WITH ME.

YOUR LOVING SISTER,
MARYANN

March 10, 2005

Joe and I went through grammar school together. We were assigned one district apart from each other. Every chance that I have to talk with new police recruits, I pay homage to my friend Joe. Rest in peace my friend, rest in peace...

Cmdr. Wayne A. Wiberg
Chicago Police Department

June 29, 2004

THIS OFFICERS LIFE WAS CUT SHORT BY A KILLER WHO WAS SLAPPED ON THE WRIST BY OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM.
REST IN PEACE OFFICER,YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.

Anonymous