Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hi grandpa, first I want to say happy birthday. My name is Joshua I'm your grandson. I really wish I could have met you.

Joshua Shelton
grandson

October 2, 2015

I've been having a very stressful last couple of days, on the verge of giving up. This morning I go into my email, and see that a kind man who has a Fort Dix memory book has emailed me. He sent me pictures of you from when you were in training back in 1965. I never realized how much Aunt Christine looks like you until I saw that picture. There is not a doubt in my mind that you are looking out for me. Love You Grandpa <3

PFC Whitehead, Dejah
Granddaughter

April 13, 2015

Grandpa its me Dejah again...I'm supposed to be in class working but you popped into my mind. I've always looked up to you and admired you...seeing all these memories makes me strive all the more to be someone you would be proud to call your Granddaughter. I've noticed that we have a lot in common, so I feel a special bond with you even though we've never met ....sounds crazy but I do ....I love you <3

PFC Whitehead, Dejah
Granddaughter

January 15, 2015

There is not a day that goes by that I don't remember P.O. James Dunston, a man, a hero who impacted my life growing up in the Clinton Projects in East Harlem.

For as long as I can remember Jimmy was a permanent fixture at Clinton; he was always around, always visible, and always made sure we were all safe. He had a big heart, and spent so much time with me that the Police Unit situated adjacent to the building lobby, was a second home to me. I spent more time in the Police Unit as a kid, than on the playground, largely in part to the welcoming and fatherly nature of P.O. James Dunston.

I was born in 1962. I was 7 in 1969 at the time I first met James Dunston; and I was a Freshman in College when I got the call from James' Partner Dom that Jimmy was killed. I remember being in my dorm and I froze, moments later the news would be all over the television. I couldn't believe it. For me, it was like losing a family member, a Father, and I couldn't express my sorrow.

Jimmy Dunston was the epitome of New York's Finest. As a kid he was among the first people I saw on my way to school as I left the building, or was among the first I would see upon my return to the building from school. Jimmy ALWAYS made time for me, bringing me into the Police Unit to see how may day went, where my young mind was at, and what I was or wasn't doing in school. Now don't get me wrong, I was far from being a bad kid. My parents were strict and education and church were top priorities. We couldn't run the streets like kids do today.

But Jimmy had a way of making sure that I was doing what I was supposed to do and not going off in some fantastical direction. You can be sure I was getting chewed out by him if I wasn't doing what I was supposed to. Thank God, that didn't happen too often. But even when it did, it was a Fatherly chewing out of sorts.

A couple of memories that still remain with me about Jimmy was his ability to connect with people, and by people I mean me, in particular. Jimmy and I used to race all the time. I must have been 10 years old when we started racing. It was crazy. Picture this, Jimmy in full uniform, baton, gun, hat, etc racing me a kid of 10 or 11 years old, sprinting down an entire city block. I'm laughing now just thinking about it because I could still hear him laugh saying "I beat you. I beat you." There were days of course he let me win, and of course by the time I was 15 or 16 I was clearly the winner. Jimmy didn't like me making him look bad, but he was always a good sport.

I spent so much time hanging out as a kid with Jimmy that I knew his Mom's work number from memory and I when I was hanging out in the Police Unit he would always either have to look it up or ask me for the phone number, it was the funniest thing. He would say, "How is it that you can remember my mother's number and I can't?"

Jimmy was an amazing man! The embodiment of what police community relations should be. I never knew the impact all those encounters with him as a kid would have on my life. But I credit the man I am today in many respects to the discipline, love, and compassion shown to me by P.O. James Dunston. He was more than a public servant, he was indeed a friend, a father, a brother, and a Uncle, I will never forget him. I hope this reflections brings some consolation to his family and those who were robbed the opportunity of knowing this great man!

Rest In Peace Jimmy. You are never far from my thoughts or from those who love you.

Eddie Marrero
Actor, Musician, Recording Artists
New York City

Eddie Marrero
Friend

December 29, 2014

Not only did the police Department suffer the loss of a fine police Officer but his wife lost her husband his kids lost there Father his grandkids lost there Grandfather he also was a uncle, and I lost my brother. Rest well my brother and God bless your soul. Gone all to soon.

Deputy Richard Dunston ret
Evans county sheriff dept

October 3, 2014

Happy Birthday Grandpa , wish you were here , I've heard sooo many wonderful things about you as my younger sister India has mentioned. As you can see I joined the army too & am hoping to go into the criminal justice field ... Me & Grandma talk about you all the time ... She's so strong be able to still live & love after losing you I admire her so much ...I know you are so proud of the way she kept pushing, the way she has held the family together...she wishes you were here and so does everybody else love you grandpa
Love Dej <3

PV2 Déjah Whitehead
Oldest Granddaughter

October 2, 2014

Happy Birthday Dad.

Derrick James Dunston
Your always proud son

October 2, 2014

i have heard all about you and im proud to say your my grand father every night i wonder what it would be like with you here

india jones
grand dauhter

August 13, 2014

I miss you Dad.

Derrick J. Dunston
Son

July 27, 2014

I have never met this amazing person nor have served as a police officer. I am truly touched by his life and the kind words said about him. As an educator, I feel he serves as an inspiration and a role model. You are with God now. God bless his family.

Mike
Educator

April 7, 2013

I know that he has been near his children and grand children and protecting them since he was called away from duty. He is a true hero and heoroes never die. He will never be forgotten

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

November 20, 2012

I woke up this morning thinking of you. I wonder what life would be like if you were here. Every time I look at our six grandchildren, I wish you could be here to spend time with them. I talk about you offen reminding them what a wonderful grandfather you would have been. I miss you. Love always, Karen

Karen
wife

February 25, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the thirty-first 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you.
Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

November 20, 2011

Dad I'm having a hard time. Don't think I will ever get over losing you. When u were killed a part of me died with you. I wonder what my life would be like if things were different. I try to imagine what u would be like today if u were alive. I stare @ pics of u, remembering all the good times. I still remember the last time I saw u. You dropped Cheryl and I off @ school and then u were gone forever. If only you would have stayed home that day... I try to explain to my son what a wonderful father I had but he will never know. I miss you so much dad. I pray what they say is true and I will see u again some day. I love u

Christine Dunston
your daughter

October 14, 2011

James Dunston (Jimmy) as we all fondly knew him was an extraordinary person and family member. He understood the importance of family, honesty and loyalty. He believed in public service and served in the U.S. Military and ultimately the NYPD. The warmth of his character is alive and flourishing in his children. When I spend time with them, and experience how they care and support each other, it is evident that they are Jimmy's children.

My sister, Karen has done an amazing job parenting and supporting her family, in light of Jimmy's tragic and untimely death. As I personally reflect on my relationship with Jimmy, who was my brother-in-law and friend, I can't help but smile. We shared many good times. I am fortunate to have my nieces and nephew as a constant reminder of Jimmy's legacy.

Stephen McGill

Stephen McGill
Brother-in-law

October 3, 2011

MY BROTHER IN LAW MY ONLY BROTHER IN LAW I EVER HAD. YOU WERE MY BROTHER. BEING TAKEN AWAY SO SUDDENLY LIKE YOU WERE WAS THE MOST TRAUMATIC THING TO EVER HAVE HAPPEN. OUR FAMILY HAS PERSEVERED. WE ARE STRONG AND WE ARE HERE WE ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE. THANK YOU FOR SHOWING ME WHAT IT IS TO BE A MAN. THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE IN MY LIFE. THANK YOU.

SERGEANT LLOYD MCGILL
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

October 2, 2011

MY BROTHER IN LAW MY ONLY BROTHER IN LAW I EVER HAD. YOU WERE MY BROTHER. BEING TAKEN AWAY SO SUDDENLY LIKE YOU WERE WAS THE MOST TRAUMATIC THING TO EVER HAVE HAPPEN. OUR FAMILY HAS PERSEVERED. WE ARE STRONG AND WE ARE HERE WE ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE. THANK YOU FOR SHOWING ME WHAT IT IS TO BE A MAN. THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE IN MY LIFE. THANK YOU.

SERGEANT LLOYD MCGILL
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

October 2, 2011

Only 27 minutes before your birthday dad. I miss you now more than ever!!!!

Derrick James Dunston
Son

October 1, 2011

Officer Dunston, I only met you a few times before your untimely transition, however, we are reminded of you every time we see your beautiful children.

Rest my brother!!!

Your cousin - Cherise McGill-Booker

Cherise Booker
cousin

May 11, 2011

In the summer of 1974 I worked with Officer Dunston at Clinton Houses. I remember him training me in various aspects of the job, since I was just a rookie at that time. He was a great compassionate and dedicated officer who cared about the community and his fellow cops. I will always miss him.

Detective Augustine Papay Jr (Ret)
NYC. Housing Authority Police Dept

March 25, 2010

Hey "duck", 29 years since you're gone still miss you. There will never be a friend like you. Working for Housing now and always wonder if maybe I get to see you in the developments. I'll never forget you bro!

Jan. 26, 2010

Dom Dagostino
Friend

January 26, 2010

Well,Jimmy your birthday was yesterday and you would have been 63. You should be spending time with your 6 beautiful granchildren. You would have been proud grandfather. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and time we would have spent together. I will love you always. Happy Birthday

Karen Dunston
wife

October 3, 2009

This officer is a true hero, someone you can be very proud of. God Bless him and his family.

Anonymous

March 9, 2009

Rest in peace, you will never be forgotten.

P.O. Nunez (Ret)
NYPD

February 24, 2009

I feel very grateful for officer Dunston's service. I lived near the locatation where he was shot, thanks to him and the other officers my neighborhood was safer. I was 9 years old back then, thank you for making my childhood happier and safe around the areas of my favorite playground. Could someone tell me the building number on 102st where he was shot? I would like to leave flowers and a thank you card. God bless his family.

Citizen William Castro

October 31, 2008