Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Come Walk A Beat on Heaven's Streets
for you have spent your time in Hell

Gone but never Forgotten...

Sergeant Sherman W Lee, Retired
Bayview Station Third Watch

January 10, 2024

November 14, 1994: My girlfriend (now wife) and I were driving home from Tahoe that Sunday evening. We had just enjoyed an early season weekend of skiing with a recent snowfall in the mountains. We were 25 years old: glowing from a day of skiing and from life in general. We lived in lower Pacific Heights: the fastest way to get from Highway 80 through the city at that time was Pine Street. It was three lanes wide, and a one way street. The green lights were lined up and there was very little traffic. As we crossed Van Ness, I saw a police car on the right with its lights on at the base of the hill between Franklin and Gough. I instinctively slowed down and moved to the left hand lane. As I kept going up Pine Street, I saw a police officer get out of his car and start running up the hill while pulling out his gun. Near the top of the hill at the intersection of Pine and Gough, was a parked car with a large bag on the ground behind it. Also behind the car was a man with a mask and a drawn gun. I heard several rapid fire gun shots. At the top of the hill, I was able to take a left onto Gough street and get out of harm's way. Had I arrived a minute earlier before the officer, would we have been carjacked? Who knows. What I do know is that this officer is a hero. Fearless and he put himself in harm's way to prevent a lunatic from carrying out whatever he was attempting to carry out. I ended up marrying the girl and we now have three grown children. I am eternally thankful for what this officer did.

A
Citizen

December 6, 2023

Hey Jim,
It's me again. I'm sorry but I won't make it to see you this year but I will be there for sure next year on your 30th anniversary. I think of all the fun days we all had. Till I see you next year.

Bryan Woo
retired SFPD

November 9, 2023

Rest in peace Officer Guelff.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 28, 2022

Hi James, and James's friends and family,

I was 13 the day your watch ended - and I was the first person to call the cops, in Mountain View, having witnessed (in profound disbelief) the first event leading to it. I remember dashing across a street, banging into an office, and dialing 911. Of course, I also remember the sickening feeling when officers visited me later to share how things had ended.

I think about you often, and of course, like many I am sure, wonder what I or anyone could have done better, done differently, to change the course of the day. But of course, these thoughts are useless for us. I can only turn them thoughts into thoughts of gratitude for your sacrifice.

I noticed you have children, my age. Like them, I lost a parent too soon, under circumstances I wish could have been different. I know they probably have ups and downs. I hope they, and your wife, always know how proud you would surely be of them today, for following in your strength.

Thank you and rest well. You are not forgotten; And the positive footprint you have left on the world, happily, goes far beyond a single day.

Mike W.

Civilian
Mountain View

November 14, 2020

I remember the first time I met you at Northern Station. I was brand new and was afraid to talk to anyone. You came up to me and introduced yourself and welcomed me with a big ole smile. You made me feel at ease and welcomed. You always checked in on me to make sure everything was going ok. You were so very kind and such a great officer. When I got detailed to dispatch for 7 months you continued to check on me even then. I was so grateful for that. That is who you were. You cared about everyone.

That night we lost you forever changed me. I was off that day and remember getting the call from one of our coworkers and she told me it was you. I sat there and just cried. I turned on the news and couldn't believe what I was seeing. I remember praying that you would pull through.

I had a hard time after that going on any calls at Pine/Franklin. It was my car sector too so that made it even worse.

Thank you for being so nice to me when I was a newbie. You don't know how much that meant to me. Thank you for being a role model for me as a police officer.

In a time where the word hero is tossed around so casually, you are a real example of what a hero is. That night you saved many lives of not only police officers but of San Francisco citizens. You are a true hero.

As I am sitting here writing this, it is raining. I can't help but think that the angels in heaven are crying tonight because on this day, 26 years ago, you were taken way to soon.

Continue to watch over all of us Jim. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Officer Michele Aschero
SFPD

November 13, 2020

Loved working with you Jim. I will never forget you and your wonderful family .

Officer Lorraine Lombardo
Retired SFPD

November 13, 2020

Hi Jim, I'll see you tonight. Never forgotten my brother.

Bryan Woo
San Francisco Police Department (Retired)

November 13, 2019

Hey Jim,
Miss you ❤️ You’re still showing up in my dreams and taking me to places I’ve never been, beautiful and fun... It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since you were taken from us. I hope your doing well in “ hero heaven”
Love you. Diane

Wife and mother
Wife

November 3, 2019

So that those that never knew
Will never forget
Gone but never forgotten...

Sergeant Sherman Lee (retired)
SFPD

November 1, 2019

It’s an honor and privilege to serve the people of San Francisco

Sergeant Parker
SFPD

November 14, 2018

The years go by and the faithful return to celebrate your life and to honor your memory.
So that those who never knew
Will never forget...

Sergeant Sherman W. Lee
SFPD

October 31, 2018

Officer James Louis Guelff and Family are honored and remembered on this 23rd anniversary!
With love, respect and sorrow from our hearts and souls to you all ways.
God bless

B
citizen

November 18, 2017

Rest In Peace Brother. Thank you and your family for your service and sacrifice. You are honored and remembered on the 23rd anniversary of your E.O.W.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

November 14, 2017

Hi Jimbo, miss you every day my dear brother. So thankful for all of the support and goodwill over the years . Love to all of you .

Nan Klecka Sister of Jim
Sister

November 7, 2016

We will gather at Pine and Franklin as we have for the last 22 years. To celebrate your life and so that those who never knew you will never forget.
A true American Hero...
Gone but never forgotten

Sergeant Sherman w. Lee (retired)
Northern station member for life

November 5, 2016

Hey Jim,
Saw you last year but I can't make it this year. Been awhile since I wrote you. I've been retired now for 2 years, the department is not the same any more nor law enforcement for that matter. Miss you my brother, see you next year for sure.

Bryan Woo
Retired Brother in Arms

October 28, 2016

I had just over two year on the job. I work for an allied agency and just transferred in from los Aneles. I grew up in the Bay Area and was happy to be back home. While working in SF I found the SFPD was the most hospitable agency I ever encountered. One evening I happen to be driving in the area of the shooting when the call went out. Upon my arrival I was surrounded by mourning SFPD officers. Words can't describe the emotions I felt and saw. It was clear they had just lost an officer. I felt an immediate bond and a deep sadness. I didn't know what to say. Til this day almost 22 years later I wish there was something i could have said or done. After being an officer for more than 24 years now i still hold a special place in my heart for the San Francisco Police Dept.

Officer13561

May 19, 2016

That night, 21 years ago today changed my life. I was in my second month of FTO and on a quit Sunday we heard that a car jacking had occurred on Hwy 237 of VW and another vehicle. Hwy 237 runs into Grant Rd, which we were on at the time of the call. We headed down Grant Rd and observed a Lexus parked next to a Ford Bronco with the doors open stopped at an intersection, which had a green light. We made a U-turn a stayed a safe distance back. We began to get out of our patrol vehicle and the driver in the Lexus got out from the driver seat, pulled an "Uzi" and pulled the trigger. I thought crap we are done after ducking behind the dash expecting rounds to hit the car. I didn't hear anything, looked up and saw him trying to fix the gun.

He then got back in the Lexus and drove off. We pulled up next to the Bronco and asked if they were ok and the two told us the guy pointed a gun at them demanding their truck. The two were hunters coming back from hunting and had two shotguns in the back locked up. They were a bit pissed at us they couldn't shoot the guy. We chased after the Lexus and lost him in Los Altos. The entire County of Police Officers were headed to help with the search. A short time later while writing the report I heard and watched on the news what was occurring and seeing the same guy attempting to do what we interrupted.

I have always had survivors guilt and visit James Guellf inscribed name on the wall in Washington D.C. For the loss of your life numerous agencies have gone to Semi-Automatic rifles in patrol cars, Felons can not have body armor and your actions have saved many lives. You will never be forgotten and always honored.

Police Officer Brent Butler
Los Altos Police Department

November 13, 2015

Dear Jim,

I never had the chance to meet you, but I've spent countless hours and years working with your brother Lee on Body Armor legislation that honors your sacrifice to us all. I had the honor of speaking at your 20th Annual Memorial in SF. I spoke with your son Landon and daughter Laura. You can be very proud of them now as mature adults. Rest assured that your family and your SFPD family will watch over them as long as they live. Till we all meet above.

Officer Kurt Skarjune (retired)
Oak Park (Mich.)PD

November 17, 2014

To every man upon this earth death cometh,
And how can man die better than Facing fearful odds, for the ashes of his fathers, and the temples of his gods.
(Thomas B. Macaulay)

There were fearful odds that day. Your bravery and actions saved countless lives.
Today marks twenty years since that tragic day. We gather to celebrate your life and honor your memory. So that those who never knew you will never forget.
Gone but never forgotten...

Sgt. Sherman W. Lee (Retired)
Northern Station Member for Life

November 13, 2014

OFFICER JAMES LOUIS GUELFF
Gone but will never be forgotten!

I wish to honor this courageous officer and express my heart to all who suffer from that night. His family, friends, coworkers, officers on duty, and three others who were injured and many people that were so frightened. 20 years this Nov. and will forever be remembered.

God bless all of you

B
citizen

August 11, 2014

Jim, I was there for you that night, as were so many of your brother and sister officers. We were all at such a loss as there was nothing that we could do for you. This by far was the saddest night of my career. I remember that you always had a smile on your face and kind words for all. RIP Brother...

Off.Bob Glembot
SFPD Retired

April 7, 2014

My housemate of ten years Scott Krasnuik was there when officer James Gueeiff was shot and states ( this cop was thee best cop San Francisco has ever had .He would never arrest the street kids in the Polk neighborhood )He is truly a respectable cop in a force headed for total corruption as it is now .And he is missed!!

Frank Newton for Scott Krasnuik
Shop owner and Friend

March 28, 2014

I still miss you so much Jim. You will always be a part of my heart and soul. You taught me how to laugh and be silly. You taught me how to love and be loved. I miss you every day.

Diane
Wife

March 12, 2014