Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer James Joseph Doyle

Ventura County Community College District Police Department, California

End of Watch Sunday, March 23, 1975

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Reflections for Police Officer James Joseph Doyle

I recently found a bracelet with his name on it in my backyard. If anyone knows any living member alive, I would love to give it to them.

Sandy Ahumada

June 29, 2021

46 years ago today you were senselessly taken away. I remember the morning I was told. I was in the company area of the 108th MP Company at Ft Bragg NC. I was stunned. I was to visit in that summer. You were a brother, mentor and friend. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. You are missed and a true hero.

John Rosenthal Ssg
US Army Military Police Corps

March 23, 2021

46 years ago today you were senselessly taken away. I remember the morning I was told. I was in the company area of the 108th MP Company at Ft Bragg NC. I was stunned. I was to visit in that summer. You were a brother, mentor and friend. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. You are missed and a true hero.

John Rosenthal Ssg
US Army Military Police Corps

March 23, 2021

Officer Doyle, I didn't have the privilege of knowing you, but I was the administrative assistant under the Chiefs who got your name put onto the Ventura County Peace Officers Memorial at the Government Center, and who got the scholarship fund started in your name. I was fortunate enough to meet your parents at the presentation of your name and flag. I've attended almost every service since 2001 til the present, when the COVID-19 put a 'closed' sign on the world. I am so thankful for those good people who come here and post messages and remembrances of you here. They make you as real as the young men (and women, now!) who would be your co-workers. I will always remember your service, not only to your community, but as a member of the Armed Forces as well. God bless, sir.

Rita McKinney, Records Supervisor
Ventura County Community College District Police Dept

April 20, 2020

Thank you for your service

Mark Mottola

March 23, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Doyle.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 11, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service to this country.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

March 23, 2018

Wa. St. OSI, Supervising Agent, Ret.
Officer Doyle was my replacement as campus police officer.
May 8, 2006

Read more: http://www.odmp.org/officer/reflections/4280-police-officer-james-joseph-doyle#ixzz2zD4ku6mr

The post made by the above individual was made in 2006. I'm sure I've seen it before as I tend to visit the pages of those who have fallen while protecting colleges and universities on a fairly regular basis, if for no other reason to remind myself (though I know it full well) that being a 'campus cop' does not guarantee you're out of harms way as many naïve folks out there believe.

In reading that post (probably for the umpteenth time, I REALLY read it, closely, with more thought than in the past. It's a rather frightening scenario and told in such a straightforward way that it almost puts the reader there with Officer Doyle. The note that the media had 'demoted' Officer Doyle to a security guard hit home when MIT Police Officer Sean Collier was murdered a year ago today. At first, many in the media, both local and national (how often does the death of a campus cop rate national attention?) called Officer Collier a security officer. I know I called a number of media outlets and heard after that many of my colleagues did as well. Multiply that number by the number of college and university police officers around the country and no doubt, at some point, someone freaked out and everyone started to get it right. No, we weren't outraged because WE felt slighted, it was because a Police Officer was murdered AS a Police Officer. No disrespect meant to any security officer, but, hey, if there wasn't a difference, we'd all go by the same title. We don't.

I know that you are watching over us all, it's what a POLICE OFFICER does. Thanks.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

April 18, 2014

38 Years ago today. You are not forgotten.

David W. Goodman
Former Officer, Ventura College Police Department

March 23, 2013

Rest in Peace, Officer Doyle. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 23, 2012

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge - Proverbs 14:32.

You are not forgotten, brother.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

March 23, 2011

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 23, 2010

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion
Proverbs 28:1

You are not forgotten, especially on the anniversery of your death.

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

March 23, 2009

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 who was murdered in the 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 Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 23, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 27, 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

September 20, 2007

VERY SORRY TO LOSE A FELLOW LAW ENFORCMENT BROTHER. MY THANKS GO TO YOU AND YOU FAMILY, AS DO MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES.

A1C Joseph galone Jr
158th SECURITY FORCE, USAF

May 2, 2007

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Doyle and we honor his distinguished service to the cause of justice and peace. Sadly, our nation has lost one of its finest citizens, a community has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage who they will love and respect forever. Today, because of the sacrifice Officer Doyle has made, the house of freedom is stronger, sturdier, and more secure.

To the family and friends of Officer Doyle, I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to move on. Just as you were always with him when he walked the beat or patrolled the streets, know that he will always be with you - wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Doyle 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.

SA Thomas Doyle
FBI New York

April 19, 2007

Sir, I honor your service and your sacrifice. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9. Your agencies Official patch declares you as a "Police" Officer of the Ventura County Community College "Police" Department. Your killer should have been convicted as such.

Daniel
Brother of A Deceased LEO

September 4, 2006

The week prior to Officer Doyle's death I had taken a job as police officer with LAPD (lateral), officer Doyle had been a Reserve Deputy Sheriff with Ventura County prior to his being hired to replace me at Ventura College for the overtime shift each Sunday.
Unbeknown to anyone his assailant had been Sectioned Eight out of the Army just two days befor the shooting.
On the day of the shooting the suspect collected a .22 cal. rifle from his fathers residence, an instructor at the college, and waited in ambush on the second floor of the Science Building at center campus. When Officer Doyle exited his vehicle we had to walk down hill to check the ground floor of that structure at which time the sniper was in a position directly above the unsuspecting officer. As Officer Doyle rounded the corner of the structure he came into direct line of fire from the sniper above and was shot from above and behind. Despite this would Officer Doyle turned toward the gunman and reached for his duty weapon whereupon the sniper put a second round into Officer Doyle who fell where he stood.
At that time California State Law demanded the death penalty for the killing of a police officer, however, within 24 hours the local media had demoted the crime to that of killing of a 'security guard.' An inglorious end to a brave and conscientious young Peace Officer.
He is still missed to this day.

Wa. St. OSI, Supervising Agent, Ret.
Officer Doyle was my replacement as campus police officer.

May 8, 2006

Officer Doyle, damn there are two Officer Doyles who worked as campus cops on this page, one from Brown University (Off. Joseph Doyle) and yourself. No doubt you both got together up there in the Police Station in Heaven to compare notes. You worked the beat a few years up there before he made it, so you may have even been his FTO.

Just speculation.

Though you were taken from us over 10 years ago, to those who knew you, I'm sure it seems like yesterday and is still painful. However, solace can be taken in knowing you were doing what was right and put yourself second to the job that needed to be done. For that, you are, and will always be, a hero. Though it's safe to say, you were a hero to your family long before becoming a cop.

God bless you, the family at the Ventura County Community College PD and your family at home. Rest in peace brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

September 28, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, hero. God bless.

October 14, 2004

Officer Doyle,

I honor you . . . your name, your memory and mostly for the sacrifice you made protecting your community and nation. You are a hero not only because of how you died, but mostly for how you lived in walking the path of a warrior, a path only the chosen few may take. I honor you. With brotherly love and respect, Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer.)

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

July 16, 2004

No officer should be without reflection. We, the survivors salute you James for making the ultimate sacrifice. Your work will live on through all of us who wear or wore the badge.

Edward F. Beck
Stone Harbor PD Retired

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