Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Special Agent in Charge John T. "Sonny" King, III

Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia

End of Watch Friday, September 13, 1985

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Special Agent in Charge John T. "Sonny" King, III

Too Soon Gone From Us.

Sergeant (Retired) Andrew Wood
Milledgeville P.D.

September 13, 2023

I did not know John King but I know his brother in law who was affected from his murder. I am getting up in age now, and I believe we should show more respect for our enforcement officers. I am totally against recent movements who try to get Police Officers convicted of murder while in the line of duty. I believe we should have laws which should make it almost impossible to try a policeman for a crime allegedly committed in the line of duty. Almost impossible are the key words in this statement. I am sure there is an occasional case where it is apparent to all involved that he has abused his Authority. I think showing respect for the officer at the start of a confrontation can be done in such a way that a peaceful outcome would almost be guaranteed.

Jim McLeod

April 28, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 13, 2020

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 28th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. 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 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
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 11, 2013

Rest in Peace, Special Agent in Charge King. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 30, 2012

Sonny King was like a second father to me, I grew up with his daughters and my family spent many weekends camping with his family. He was well loved by his wife, and 3 daughters and I know they miss him every second of each day. He will always be in our hearts and memory. You were the best second father anyone could ever have, thanks for being you...

Belinda Prather
Second Father

October 2, 2011

I worked for the Morgan County S.O. when this tragic event happened. I had known Sonny for about 4-months and thought of him not just as a mountain of a man but a man that was a mountain. He was gentle and strong and a loss to all.
Bless his family.
Bob Gilbert

Inv Bob Gilbert
Loganville Police Dept

September 6, 2011

See you on the other side.

Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen Retired
Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee, WI

October 13, 2007

"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

October 8, 2007

SAC John T. "Sonny" King -- a giant of a man among men and women of Georgia law enforcement. I never worked directly for Sonny King but worked with many GBI Agents over 30+ years who worked with him and for him. He was a great law enforcement officer whose life was cut too short by a Signal 16. Thanks Bert for taking care of the perp. Lots of us have missed Sonny over the years. I learned something from him each time I was Range Master for bi-annual firearms qualification for GBI Milledgeville personnel. God Bless you Sonny. Col. Wally

SAC Walton G. Brooks GBI 28
Georgia Bureau of Investigation

March 19, 2006

The GBI family remembers, God Bless

Director of Legal Services, Mark Jackson
Georgia Bureau of Investigation

November 12, 2003

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