Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Corporal John J. Novabilski

Prince George's County Police Department, Maryland

End of Watch Wednesday, April 26, 1995

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Reflections for Corporal John J. Novabilski

John,
You watched over my partner and I when we ran EMS calls in your zone, and likewise, we watched over you whenever we could when you were on a traffic stop, etc until your zone partners arrived.
As fate would have it, I was one of the first to be at your side on that tragic evening 28 years ago. I want everyone to know that me and my colleagues cared for you by doing everything within our power and skill level to help fight for you while you were in our care. To this very day I regret that we couldn't do more for you.
Thank you for your service. You are missed now and always. You come to mind often, very often and will never be forgotten as long as I walk this earth..... Rest peacefully brother.

Paramedic/Firefighter Retired #9502
PGFD

April 26, 2023

Hi Uncle John,
I'm your niece, Sierra Novabilski. I attend the University of Scranton and I am pre-med major. Funny how things come full circle, your from Old Forge, PA and I go to school 15 minutes from your home town. I had the chance to visit your favorite, that happens to my favorite city as well, CHI-TOWN. I wish you were still living so you and I can raz my dad about the blackhawks. My dad says that you were a class act and I just wish I had the chance to experience it. Everytime I hear the song "Everybody wants to rule the world" I think of you and I am imagine you looking down at me and laughing at my holding my hairbrush pretending that I am a popstar. I will see you soon.
Can you see me?

Sierra M Novabilski
Niece

April 12, 2023

Hey John It's Brandon... I know we havent ment but to me weve met in different ways. I wish I could of meet you. My dad always talks about you and tells me how strong you were and how you could walk through the valley of shadow and death, and that you will fear no evil. He also says your were a funny perso. Im pretty funny myself, hopefully someday I can crack jokes with you in heaven. We recenlty lost Grandpa and I hope he is with you guys. I miss him and think of him everyday.

My birthday is tomorrow Uncle John, Im turning 17 years old! Im still a goalie.
I have many citism thrown at me and adversity but I will not give up.

Ill speak to you again Uncle,

I love you

Brandon Novabilski

Brandon N
Nephew

December 1, 2021

Hey John It's Brandon... I know we havent ment but to me weve met in different ways. I wish I could of meet you. My dad always talks about you and tells me how strong you were and how you could walk through the valley of shadow and death, and that you will fear no evil. He also says your were a funny perso. Im pretty funny myself, hopefully someday I can crack jokes with you in heaven. We recenlty lost Grandpa and I hope he is with you guys. I miss him and think of him everyday.

My birthday is tomorrow Uncle John, Im turning 17 years old! Im still a goalie.
I have many citism thrown at me and adversity but I will not give up.

Ill speak to you again Uncle,

I love you

Brandon Novabilski

Brandon N
Nephew

December 1, 2021

Hey John It's Brandon... I know we havent ment but to me weve met in different ways. I wish I could of meet you. My dad always talks about you and tells me how strong you were and how you could walk through the valley of shadow and death, and that you will fear no evil. He also says your were a funny perso. Im pretty funny myself, hopefully someday I can crack jokes with you in heaven. We recenlty lost Grandpa and I hope he is with you guys. I miss him and think of him everyday.

My birthday is tomorrow Uncle John, Im turning 17 years old! Im still a goalie.
I have many citism thrown at me and adversity but I will not give up.

Ill speak to you again Uncle,

I love you

Brandon Novabilski

Brandon N
Nephew

December 1, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

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

May 29, 2021

Rest in peace Corporal Novabilski.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 29, 2019

I did not work with John. I knew him while he was in high school and afterwards. He was my friend Larry’s best friend. I remember getting a call that you were killed. I was devastated. Several of us from your hometown Old Forge Police Department came down for your funeral. I will never forget it or you.

Sgt James Bossi Retired
Old Forge Police Department

November 29, 2018

Corporal John Novabilski will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in Heaven, and may God always bless his family.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police

March 24, 2018

I heard an announcement that it is Police Week this week and you immediately came to mind as you always do whenever I hear of fallen officer or see a PG County patrol car and contemplate your life cut short. It's now been more than 21 years since you were senselessly taken from this world but you will never be forgotten. RIP old friend.

Rob Benish, SCPO(Ret), USN
childhood classmate, SJB Pittston, PA

May 12, 2016

RIP BROTHER

Michael Tarczan
Polish American Police Association of Illinois

March 15, 2016

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

March 14, 2016

Cpl. Novabilski,
I was watching FBI Files on tv the other night and learned of your End Of Watch. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Prince George's County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 29, 2015

A Hero in Heaven, always remembered and never forgotten.

Kim Weigand Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand
PA C.O.P.S.

April 26, 2015

Corporal Novabilski, your sacrifice is not forgotten. May you R.I.P.

Ron Skeeters
Surviving Son Trooper Bernie Skeeters
Illinois State Police
EOW 5-20-1982

April 26, 2015

I remember getting the call the next morning, on my birthday and right after Nova's. They kept trying to notify me that night but I had turned off my phone to relax. One of the worst mornings/days of my life. Nova was a friend and comrade and definitely one of a kind. Warren, you guys certainly were the three amigos! I was running the squad the night we hunted that coward down and you guys avenged our brother and ended that asses reign of terror. Standing guard with Chris at Nova's casket during the services, was one of the toughest things I ever did but his wife Karen had requested it. RIP Nova, we love and miss you brother and you will NEVER be forgotten! Until we meet again in heaven.

CPL Patti (Young) Shimp #937 (retired)
PGPD

April 26, 2015

Brother John, I remember when we first met, and I thought, wow, this guy is nuts! But, as I got to know you, we developed a friendship that would never end. It was you, Mitch, and myself at Dist II, who would be know as the 3 amigos! Well my friend its been some years now and I still think of you often and the friendship we had. I remember the night I got the call and learned of your incident and I rush down to be by your side, but I was to late for you were gone. As I was I at the scene, I was consold by other fellow brothers that had rush to be by your side also. We reflected on the times we had with you and wondered how someone could have been such a coward to ambush you, and not give you a fair fight. Well my friend, I want you to know that it was me and a few other of your fellow brothers that were the ones who hunted that coward down like the mad dog that he was, and put an end to his reign of terror; and let him know he will not take another brother, friend, or soul away from us again! My brother, may you continue to rest in peace. For one day I will join you and we will patrol the streets of heaven together having the same fun that we did in Dist II.

CPL Warren Gary #1491 (retired)
PGPD

June 15, 2014

Listening to Miranda Lambert - Over You
I will never get over you. My dreams, hopes and wishes are gone. We really had short time together. I have moved on. You brought someone into my life when I really needed it at the FOP. Thank you John. I know u are watching over me. I miss you so much. But my heart is still partially empty. You are w/ Steve, Tony, your mum, grandma, Poppie, and my mom and dad. I can't say I can't wait to see you but life sucks to a point hear but, like u always said deal w/ it and pray. I f'd up working for attorneys, I can imagine what u would say. I couldn't b a cop, don't like guns. Just keep watching over the rest of us. Kirk misses u. Thank God he was such great friend to you. He made it so far. He is at PG Sheriff, probably getting the a holes not paying child support (I hope) Anyways, I MISS U, BERNIE MISSES U, UR NEPHEW & NIECE R BEAUTIFUL.

Karen
PG Police

December 31, 2013

I'll never forget you, and think about you often,not only about the times we worked together in Baltimore's Western District, but all the good times we had together as friends which luckily continued after you joined the Prince George's County PD. We had some really humorous times together, which will never be forgotten. Hard to believe that you have been gone 18 years. I'll always miss you!

Sgt. (Ret.) Alan Yeater
Baltimore Police Dept

October 10, 2013

The years have passed. I think of you often. I often think of the days we spent working together in Baltimore City. I remember your laugh on your first day in the Southern District Station. One of the best rookies I ever trained. I will never forget you brother.

Retired Detective Brian D Schwaab
Baltimore Police Dpartment

May 8, 2013

John,
I miss you still. It's been 18 yrs. I'm still thinking about you everyday, missing you and wishing I could talk to you. I wish I had your advice now, since this week has been horrible. I have been working for attorneys and I'm miserable & I can imagine you bitching at me doing this. But I met you because I wanted to be a police officer like you & then you made me realize I don't like guns. I wish you were here to show me where I need to be. But, good has come, your brother Bernie & I have reconnected thanks to FOP89. It has been a blessing. I know you are watching over us. We miss you horribly. Please watch over Jason and all the police officers & firefighters too. I hope u are at peace. Love you.

K. Novabilski
Prince George's Co. MD polilce

April 26, 2013

As the years have gone by I have never forgotten the night you were taken. I remember where I was and what I was doing when the radio call went out. I will never forget the aftermath and the bravery of all those that worked to catch your killer. Your death affected me in many ways. I worked on your case. I also lived in the same apartments as you and your wife.(Before you moved) I remember seeing you and her roller blading together. It was extremely saddening to me. You had a reputation as a great policeman and husband. Rest in Peach.

Cpl. C. Richardson #1617(Retired)
Prince George's County Police

April 26, 2013

I did not know you in life but had the privilege of participating in your funeral services in an official capacity, witnessing personally and emotionally the suffering of your family at church. I've never been more saddened by a senseless loss, and the resulting pain your family suffered. I have remembered you ever since, and followed the progress of officials who served you very proud, ultimately at terrible expense, removing the "blank" who took you from the world too early. You will always be my hero, Sir. Rest well.

Paul R. Newell, CPO, Ret.
USCG

April 20, 2013

Thank you Officer John Novabilski for your services to the people of the State Of Maryland. May God bless your brother, your mother and father and your wife.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police

April 15, 2013

John, you are soooo missed. I hope and pray and believe you are watching over us, who love you and miss you. One day we will meet again, like I have know now that love can't keep apart what is real.

Karen
Prince George's Co.-MD

February 20, 2013

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