Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Ronald James Mahony

Clearwater Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Wednesday, July 13, 1977

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Ronald James Mahony

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered. Rest in peace always.

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

July 13, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Mahony.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 12, 2019

To all of you who've left words of love for Ron, I sincerely thank-you. There isn't enough space to honor my brother Ron on here except to say that the hole in my heart from his unspeakable death will never be filled. Many years later in hindsight I only wished that as a family we would have been given privacy and more time to try to understand and grieve his death without media coverage, before his body was placed in the ground as two and one-half days just was not enough time.
I too look forward to the day when my soul reunites with Ron's...

Judy Mahony-Price

Judy Mahony-Price
Little sister

October 3, 2012

I had the privilege of being Ron's girlfriend 35 years ago. What a great guy he was! Ron's training officer, Jim Little, was a close family friend. I had teased Jim occassionally to set me up a date with a cute officer. The answer was always "no way" until He became Ron's training officer. He gave Ron my phone number in January 1977.

Even though loosing Ron was difficult beyond comprehension, I wouldn't change a day of knowing him. Thank you Joanne for your friendship over the years!

I am fortunate to have been married to a wonderful man for 28 years now. We have a beautiful 25 year old daughter. However, those of you who knew and loved Ron, will understand when i say Ron will always occupy space in my heart.

With love and many many fond memories,

Donna

August 30, 2012

I had the privilege of being Ron's girlfriend 35 years ago. What a great guy he was! Ron's training officer, Jim Little, was a close family friend. I had teased Jim occassionally to set me up a date with a cute officer. The answer was always "no way" until He became Ron's training officer. He gave Ron my phone number in January 1977.

Even though loosing Ron was difficult beyond comprehension, I wouldn't change a day of knowing him. Thank you Joanne for your friendship over the years!

I am fortunate to have been married to a wonderful man for 28 years now. We have a beautiful 25 year old daughter. However, those of you who knew and loved Ron, will understand when i say Ron will always occupy space in my heart.

With love and many many fond memories,

Donna

August 30, 2012

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all for us, and you sir are a hero. May you continue to rest in peace Officer Mahony.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

July 13, 2012

I too think about Ron from time to time. Hard to believe it's coming up on 35 years since you were taken from us.
I remember when Ron came into the lives of us Newport "rejects". He was instantly accepted into our humble graces. Over a very short period of time he became so respected and so loved by everyone who had the pleasure to know him.
I remember clearly the first time i met him. A bunch of us Newporters piled into Mark Arendals car and went to the Thunderbird drive-in to see Dirty Harry. I bought a pizza, sat down on the ground next to Ron and offered half my pizza to him. Not knowing then that Pizza was Ron's main food staple, I had made a friend for life.
He was truly like a brother to all of us. And yes, we did break into the Largo High gym one Sunday afternoon to play basketball. Jeff, Dave edmo and few of us. Half the Largo PD showed up. Must have been 6 or seven cars and 8 or 10 cops. They just ended up calling our parents. And Ron was the only the only one who ended up in a cell. Mouthing off to the cops. How ironic. Too many great times to count. The world was blessed to have such awesome person, if only for a short time. I often wonder how things would have been had God chose to keep him here. The people he would have touched, his children. I bet he would have made Captain. Just...WHAT A GUY. I miss you Ron.I look forward to seeing you again someday my friend.

Bob from the old neighborhood.

May 14, 2012

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

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

I think about you everyday.

Someone you once knew

December 28, 2011

Hope your day is full of superlative desire
Aspiring dreams, hope to forefeel your day
Precious moments throughout this day
Plus memories from loved ones you desire
You deserve Happiness on this special day!

Believe in yourself worthiness dear friend
In years to come your dreams will come true
Righteously deserving to you dear friend
Tough times to endure over the years ahead
Hold on to the unique in past days gone by

Anonymous

February 4, 2011

(To those visiting this site, It is my way of talking to my Unlce now that I can not visit his grave site whenever I want to, please bare with me:))
It has been over a year since I last visited this site. I now live over 1000 miles from my family. I have a new home with my fiance Elliot, I graduated from Saint Petersburg College and I am continuing my education here at the University of Wisconsin. It is hard being here without my family and friends. When I need the reassurance and the strength I think of you Uncle Ron and I think of Grandpa Mahony; he is with you now and you are both always in my heart. You would be so proud to know that your nephew and my brother, Ron,is finally going back to college. He says he would be so incredibly honored to follow in your foot steps and hopefully have a spot with the CPD. I still think of you everyday and now that I am so far away, my mom and dad need you more than ever. The girl you wanted to marry,Donna, contacted mom and I after more than 25 years. She wanted to give me a gift. A pair of earrings and a necklace you gave to her shortly before you died. She has had them all these years. I keep them in a safe place in the original box and I plan to wear them on the day of my wedding, which is rapidlly approaching. You will be there in the shape of a heart drapped around my neck. I am so proud to be your niece. I have not always been perfect but I know you wouldnt have wanted me to be. Your guidence has always been felt and I love you very much.
-LoLo

Lauren Christine Howell
Niece of Ronald James Mahony

October 20, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the thirty-third 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 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

July 13, 2010

I wish I could have known you Ron.
Mom and Dad talk about you as if you were still here.
I was born 9 years after you were killed.
You were my Mom's Hero (every older brother should be)
and you were my dad's best friend.
My brother was named after you.
And your name is spoken of everyday.
Your pictures are through out the house.
Your flag is in the living room, proudly displayed in a strong wooden box with a glass window.
Your trophies sit on moms piano.
My brother Ron and I grew up being taught your good ethic, your couragousness, your ability to stand your ground. You were a part of molding us into who we are.
Mom always talks about what a caring person you are, and dad always remebers the good times... like when you broke into a church to play besketball to escape the sumemr heat. he likes to tell your jokes.. and talk about what made you laugh. Mom misses your hugs and has your face is etched into her eyes. They still cry sometimes. and so do I. Its been 32 years. and mom talks to you all the time.
She always says your watching over me and my brother Ron. I come to Sylvan Abbey a lot to talk to you myself. Its always peaceful. My brother looks just like you and his favortie sandwich is toasted peanut butter and raisens too. Your Name is immortal throught those who love you. You will never be forgotten. I even see you in my dreams.
I love you Uncle Ron.

Lauren Christine Howell
Ron's Niece

September 12, 2009

Through all my memories, I have grown up knowing the stories of what a truly honorable man my uncle was. I am 23 Years old. He was My mothers Hero, and her only older brother and He was my fathers best friend ... My older and only brother was named after him: Ronald Michael Howell. I only wish I could have been blessed with knowing My uncle. My mother has spoken so much of him since I was a little girl.She and my Father speak as if he was still alive. Almost everyday. My father looks at his picture in a daze on the computer and in old albums from the 70's. His flag is displayed in our living room along with his trophies and other accomplishments. My mother and father will never forget they can only cope. Its been 32 years. He did what he always wanted to do and with pride and honor. He has been my example to follow growing up. I sometimes wish I could have been more like him. He is watching over my family.. I tell myself I can feel him around me sometimes. esspecially when I visit Sylvan Abbey. To all Law enforcement officers , fire fighters and others alike. God Bless you and may he watch over you and keep you safe. And Thank You.

Lauren Christine Howell
Niece of Ronald James Mahony

September 12, 2009

You are not forgotten...........RIP.

Anonymous

November 16, 2008

RONALD JAMES MAHONY
(September 10, 1955 - July 13, 1977)

Patrolman Ronald J. Mahony, the last Clearwater Police Officer to be killed in the line of duty, was born September 10, 1955, in Oceanside, New York. He moved to Pinellas County from Freeport, New York, in 1970, and graduated from Largo High School in 1973.

Ron Mahony joined CPD in 1976 on his 21st birthday; he completed his recruit training and was released for solo patrol duty on February 7, 1977.

Less than a month later, Patrolman Mahony was singled out by Police Chief Frank Daniels for his "prompt and courageous response" to a call for assistance from a detective who had been threatened by an armed suspect.

At 10:30 p.m. on July 13, 1977, Patrolman Mahony stopped a stolen truck on Memorial Causeway. While being questioned, the teen-age driver attempted to flee in the truck, and Patrolman Mahony was critically injured when the truck overturned.

Officer Mahony, your brothers and sisters at CPD will never forget - RIP

Officer
Clearwater PD

July 13, 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

December 10, 2007

The death of yet another Tampa Bay area officer brings me to this web site for the first time ever. Thanks to all for the kind words, especially the posting recalling what a funny guy Ron was, its good to recall the many laughs we had.

Dwayne Mahony
officer's brother

August 16, 2007

It sickens me that after almost 30 years people are throwing dirt on your good name. You died being a cop and you will forever be known for you sacrifice to the job.

Tampa Dep

November 30, 2006

Officer Mahony, thank you for your service to the citizens of Florida.

You have not been forgotten.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

October 5, 2006

Just thinking of you today, many years later. You have not been forgotten my brother. RIP 12/27/2004

Officer
Clearwater PD

December 27, 2004

Rest in peace .

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

Ron and his family were very close to mine. Ron was a great kind person! I still remember the day we heard of this from his sister Judy. He is truly missed by those who knew him! He always tried to treat everyone good and equal! Blessings to him and his family from Renee,Earlene,Carolyn and James Pyatt Jr.

James Pyatt Jr. Comm Opr
Clearwater Police Dept

Ron was a very special person to me and a good officer with a great sense of humor. I was a Clearwater Police Explorer at the time of his death, however anytime I asked him a question or when I needed help he would stop whatever he was doing and take the time to assist.

Ron will always have a special place in my heart.

Cathy Slack
Clearwater P.D.

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.