Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

John,
It was Friday, 1/22/88, I had just found out I was pregnant. We were talking and laughing and carrying on at Central. You were glowing as you spoke of your recent cruise on your honeymoon. You were married only 3 months! That would be the last time I would see you.

We had a boy in September and named him Chase. He is now 20 years old and a fine young man, I think you would be proud he carries your name. He is going to college and working on a B.A. Upon completion he plans to follow yours, mine and his dad's footsteps and be a police officer.

Your picture hangs in his room, we will never forget you, and miss your contagious smile.

Anonymous

September 20, 2008

I was attending college in a small Texas town during the day and had just started the reserve police academy at night. I remember while waiting for the bus to math class, I noticed the cover of the Dallas morning news had a picture of dead police officer on it. I kept all the clippings from his funeral, until he was laid to rest in Idaho. This was very sobering for a middle-class kid who grew up watching TJ Hooker and Adam 12. This was the first time it began to occur to me what real police work was like. Officer Chase' death made me a better cop and now a better prosecutor. Officer Chase, you are remembered every day.

Anonymous

May 20, 2008

I was reading through the events and recall this one vividly. I was a 16 year-old high school student in Dallas and already knew that law enforcement was my career choice. I remember reading the paper and learning that people were yelling for the suspect to shoot and shoot again! It angered me then, but more so now! However, after 11 plus years of service at HPD, I have learned that there is just plain evil and hatred in this world and we must continue to fight against that evil! Thank you Officer Chase for your sacrifice and for keeping our city (I still consider Dallas home) safe!

Officer G Ortiz
Houston Police Department

May 3, 2008

Like so many of you, I remember the tragic events of January 23rd like it was yesterday. John's spirit lives in all of us that knew him like we did. As his college roommate, I remember so many great times spent with him. He truly lived life to the fullest, loved what he did, and his death was a loss for all of us.

You are truly missed John; but never forgotten. I will see you again in a better place.

TG
friend

April 22, 2008

"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

February 5, 2008

There's a special place for police officers killed in the line of duty...and there's a special place for all those chanters. Its called Hell...and one day, they'll be accompanied by Satan for all eternity.

Deputy W. F. Johnson
Richmond Co. S. O. Augusta, Ga.

February 1, 2008

Over 2000 years ago, the mob was shouting "Crucify Him, Crucify Him!". Apparently, humankind has not changed very much. John, you are now with Someone who knows the suffering that you went through, and the dismay that people can be so uncaring about another person. Be at peace and may you and He guard and guide and comfort your biological family and your law enforcement family.

Officer
California

January 23, 2008

Here we are a year later to honor and remember you as we always will, especially on this day twenty years after your tragic departure. Rest in peace my friend and watch over your law enforcement brethren from above.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

January 23, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former N.H. Police Officer
Fauquier County, VA

January 22, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

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

January 15, 2008

John, What a good person you were and from time to time, I can't help but think of the tradegy that took you away from us. Your brothers in blue would have done anything to prevent that from happening but we were helpless. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. You are not forgotten!

Sgt. Ken Walters (retired)
friend and co worker

December 20, 2007

I hope the cowards that stood by and chanted will someday feel the pain and anguish that Officer Chases family endured. Bad things will come back to haunt those in the very end.

C.W.White
Snohomish County Sheriff Honor Guard

September 4, 2007

I knew John in college at UNI. He was a good friend and gave me support during our residence hall days.

Lisa
friend

June 22, 2007

I am a fellow classmate of John's from his hometown of Moline, IL. It was a total shock to hear of his tragic murder. I remember him as a kind, friendly individual who was respected by his classmates. I am certain he was the same kind of person in his law enforcement role. He is certainly missed by all who knew him.

Todd J
Classmate

June 7, 2007

John---

May you sleep easy with God, Sir, and we thank you for your Service.

Sr. Trooper Trey Pellizzari
Texas Dept of Public Safety/Commercial Vehicle Enforcement---Rockwall

March 9, 2007

May GOD Bless Officer John Chase for his tremendous, yet senseless, sacrifice to serve mankind. There is a beautiful verse in the Bible that says "Greater love has no man than this; that he would lay down his life for his friends." I pray that after all of these years, his wife, parents, and other family members have found peace and strength thru our Lord Jesus Christ.

JRC

February 2, 2007

I missed the actual anniversary date, January 23rd, to leave a reflection for this brother officer, but it matters not for you are always in our hearts and will never be forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

January 28, 2007

19 years ago today. I recall that day like it was yesterday. And what a rough year for the Dallas Police Department. They lost 5 cops that year.
I was working at the Irving PD (suburb west of Dallas) and as a motor jockey it seemed like all our time was spent attending metro area police funerals that year.
I did not know John Chase but it makes no difference. He was a cop and from what his partner told me, a good one.
May God bless and keep safe from harm the men and women of the Dallas Police Department.

Special Ranger Doug Hutchison
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Assn.

January 23, 2007

YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.

Former Police Officer
Warrenton, Virginia

January 23, 2007

Officer Chase,


On this the anniversary of your leaving us in the physical sense we pay tribute to your spirit. Tonight the Evening Watch of the Henry County Georgia Police Department’s North Precinct will hit the street in your honor. Please watch over us as we continue your fine work.

For the entire shift,
Sergeant V.T. Rosen

Sergeant V.T. Rosen
Henry County Police Department

January 23, 2007

John I remember that horrible day like it was yesterday. Teddy and I had just left CID and were looking forward to getting of even though it was late. The news hit us like a bolt of lightening. We gathered later that day all of the first watch guys, to remember the good times. That was such a tough time for those of us left behind. I know you went to better place and hope to see you there one day. God and keep your family. See you on the other side brother

Sergeant Shaun Miller
Port Arthur PD (Former Dallas PD)

December 5, 2006

Thank you for your service, you are not forgotten.

Officer
Texas

August 14, 2006

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was an 18 year old senior in high school watching the news when they flashed Officer Chase's picture on the screen. Even way out here on the East coast in little Delaware this story made top news. I could not believe the evil and insensitivity in people when the news station flashed this story of how people were encouraging the suspect to shoot him again and again. You will never be forgotten brother!! We'll takethe watch from here!

Cpl/1Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

August 9, 2006

I was a 16 year old high school kid 120 miles east of Dallas when Officer Chase was murdered. I too heard the news and I have never forgotten the sacrifice Officer Chase made that day.

John Pittmon, DL Examiner
Texas DPS

June 24, 2006

I was fifteen years old the morning of January 23rd, 1988. A freshman at S. Garland High School. I had told my mother I would sleep at a friends and he said he would be sleeping at my house. We spent all night skateboarding downtown Dallas. We skuttled through the drive through at McDonalds, crossed the street and were sitting on our skateboards eating breakfast when we witnessed this officer pull over a driver. It was near the "gumby building" (so named by us for the green lights that outlined it - I think it was nations bank.). A homeless man approached the officer from behind, shouting incoherently. The officer turned around, but not quickly enough to avoid the sucker punch. A Scuffle ensued and people began to gather from the dark spaces surrounding the scene. We were curious but we were kids, when the man stood up with the officers gun in his hand, I remember my first response: I stood, grabbed my board and took off running toward union station (the opposite direction). I heard shouting, a shot, more shouting and then only foot steps,the hasty foot steps of two kids running for their lives. The following day, I cried and cried when I read about our loss in the newspaper. It was years later that I told my mother about my lie and the tragedy I witnessed that day. I'll never forget.

I honestly don't believe that, at fifteen, weighing a buck 10, I could have stopped what happened. There were more than 10 or 12 witnesses, there were easliy two dozen homeless people around when officer chase was punched, by the time his gun was leveled at him it was over. Insanity had made its mark. Sometimes I wonder if dallas city officials learned anything from the event. We still allow the homeless and mentally unfit to roam the streets unsupervised. I ask you, what would you have done?
helplessness is not guilt.

S.L.W.
witness

May 15, 2006