Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

As a young teen, officer Dowies went out of his way while on patrol in Yelm and gave me and my buddy a ride home three miles outside of Yelm . Just past where another recently fallen officer resided. I had the opportunity later to work with John's son Ira ,working on a control ed wildfire on werhauser land. I witnessed Ira rush through the flames and rescue a fawn seperated from its mother inside the fire line. He came back running through smoke and flames carrying the Bambi in his arms to safety. Which I believe shows that in the Dowries family the apple did not fall far from the tree. Although some thought it was a little foolish I came to admire the compassion and courage that young man had shown that day.

Noel f Thompson
worked with Nelson's forestry crew at that time

January 17, 2018

Although I never met you, I had heard good things about you. A fellow Tenino Officer who came years after you had passed had accepted a job with Everett PD. His step dad and I worked at a department together and encouraged him. He was also killed in the line of duty. Of course it broke our hearts. The blue line holds though sir, the blue line holds.

Captain Mike McAllister

January 18, 2017

in 1975-1976 i attended centralia college with john. 1976-1977 i was a reserve deputy with thurston county sherrifs office and would frequently get off swing shift and ride with him till the bars closed. i went to montesano police department and finally got my opportunity to attend the police academy along with warren castor from tenino, dennis mcwhinney from bucoda, billy walker from thurston and bjorn bjornstad from olympia. ill be 63 next month and the trajedy of january 18 1978 will never ever leave my mind. john wasnt just a fellow peace officer but he was also a fellow veteran. memorial day i visited my fathers grave by the howitzer at mills and mills in tumwater....but also my buddy john 4 graves apart. i often tell folks that john is there as a retired nco to protect my fathers backside as a retired major.

william richmond jr ex law enforcement a
thurston county sheriffs department

June 5, 2016

I had only been with Thurston County Sheriff's Office for 3 yrs when you died. I was on duty that night. I got off at 2300 and was sitting in my driveway listening to the radio when you were asked to check the Muxon residence by Tumwater Police because of the disturbance/property damage Muxon had caused at the Point Tavern. When you didn't answer I responded from Lacey with other TCSO units. I will always remember how you helped us south end deputies by having your sun-porch and coffee pot always open and on. A base radio there for our convince. You were a public servant and a great one, I will always remember you John.

Rory Gilliland, Chief of Police
Nooksack Tribal Police

October 28, 2015

The police station in Tenino was named in his memory.

Jacob Brooks Law Enforcement supporter

August 28, 2015

never realized that this is the same date that my son was murdered in 1997. Thank you John for your service.

Leo Deatherage
friend

January 18, 2015

he was a good friend of our family. I remember him and his family well. Muxon should have gotten the death penalty. He was a punk asshole. I couldn't believe anyone could have taken John down! Muxon empied his own revolver into his face, couldn't even have an open casket funeral.

Leo Deatherage
friend

January 18, 2015

Never knew John but after being married to the quilty party s sister now divorced can't believe he is out and being treated like a hero got scholarships for college from big businesses why children in need are left without money for higher education I wasn't there but the loss of John s life is truely sad the toll it took on his family hope they find peace.

anynomous

January 29, 2013

Praying for yours and all officers chiildren. Please pray for Gregs.

Margaret Mitchell
Mother-in-law Fallen Officer Greg Richards EOW 11-29-2009.

January 18, 2013

Was 13 when you died, was in school with your son Ira. Will never forget that day! Hope Ira or Veronica will see this, in hopes they will, would like them to know I shed tears tonight thinking about it and feel for them still today! 34 years later! Lost my dad at 71 and can't imagine!

none
knew children

October 26, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 34th 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.

Time never dimishes respect, and your memory will always be honoed and revered.. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 18, 2012

When I worked at TPD I often thought about the sacrifice you made in the line of duty. You are not forgotten, and never will be!

Officer Mike Fiola
Shelton Police Department, WA

November 28, 2011

Miss you, you taught me many things,especially repect and honor, and integrity.

Ralph L Dowies Jr
nephew

November 19, 2011

Thanks for your service to God and the Evergreen State!
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

January 19, 2009

RIP

Anonymous

September 9, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 29, 2008

Today on the 30th anniversary of your death, we pause and say a prayer for your loved ones who still mourn.
May God comfort them on this difficult day and on all days.
Rest in peace Sir you are not forgotten. The pain of the loss never disappears you just try to learn to accept.
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Deborah Roelandts (911 retired)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc

January 18, 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 7, 2008

John Dowies was a fun-loving, energetic, hard-working, very honest, caring dad. It is an honor to be remembering my father where others can read about him and know of his strong character. He will never be forgotton and his kindness and honesty lives on in our hearts and memories forever. May God keep you until we meet again.
Jack Dowies
oldest son

Jack Dowies
son

June 4, 2006

I did not have the opportunity to know John Dowies but I do know that John left a devoted and loving wife behind as well as four children who loved him very much. His legacy does live on through the memories and stories that his family tells about him. He was truly an exceptional man of great character who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Ruth Dowies
daughter in law

June 4, 2006

I agree with a previous writer who wrote “No officer’s death should be without reflection.” You served us well......RIP brother. It is an honor to be the first to leave a reflection in your memory. May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police