Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

From the Associated Press wire service, October 31, 1926: "Three Men Die in Rescuing Woman From Surf at Florida Beach. Four men are known to have been drowned off the Palm Beach coast today, victims of strong undertow along an unpatrolled beach and one or two others are though to have perished. Three of the men were drowned while going to the rescue of Miss Jessie Coons, the daughter of one of the victims. John Cash, 40, of the Palm Beach police force, was drowned trying to rescue Coons after helping his daughter to her safety, and Alex Decker, 50, perished in the attempt to aid Coons." Palm Beach had an all volunteer, informal lifeguard service at the time known as Cowboys of the Sea, led by Gus Jordahn, who attempted to resuscitate Captain Cash. Captain Cash's death and the others led to the formation of the Palm Beach Beach Patrol, a professional lifeguard service, now known as Palm Beach Ocean Rescue. I did not know Captain John Cash but I was fortunate to look through a box of old records held by the Historical Society of Palm Beach County and find an newspaper story about his death. Captain Cash's sacrifice was a lost memory in Palm Beach and has since been recognized in all of the appropriate places including a bronze plaque in front of the Palm Beach Police Department headquarters with a list of Palm Beach Police officers who gave their lives in heroic acts, a list that we all hope and pray does not have any additional names added.

Michael Reiter, Chief of Police (Ret.)
Palm Beach Police Department

March 14, 2024

Captain Cash rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 31, 2019

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 88th anniversary year 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 8, 2014

We will never forget, continue to rest in peace Captain Cash.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

October 31, 2012

Rest in Peace, Captain Cash. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 16, 2012

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all for us, and you sir are a hero. Continue to rest in peace Captain Cash.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Deb

October 31, 2011

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your heroic service.

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 29, 2007

Sir, you died selflessly while saving and attempting others. That was truly the supreme sacrifice -- thank you.

PSO CW Edwards
North Augusta Dept. of Public Safety (SC)

July 14, 2007

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Palm Beach Police Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Captain Cash deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Captain Cash is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, NC

May 24, 2006

Another true hero. Rest in peace.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.

October 28, 2003