John,
My partner, how I miss you. 25 years ago we started our great friendship.
I am so fortunate that the Lord gave you to me. You were big, courageous
and strong then and my inspiration. I was small, weak, and scared. You
protected me. You never lost that courage. 21 years together on the same
department. 76-29 was your car number. The best man in my wedding. You
always told my wife, "Don't worry Rosetta, I won't let anything happen to
him." Always there for me. The greatest listener that I ever met. Through
the years we saw it all. Bad calls, good calls, funny calls, and really
bad calls. Good times, and bad. Through it all, we remained best friends.
I grew stronger and more confident thanks to you. I lent you money when
times were bad. We shared so much. Poor pay, lousy hours, bad working
conditions, love for the badge and far more sunrises than we wanted to. I
taught you to fly fish. You taught yourself to tie flys and provided me
with all I ever needed. You started our K-9 department with
little or no support. You donated so many trained dogs when they paid us
next to nothing. You started the "Hooked on fishing, not on drugs" PAL
club. You did all that because you cared.
Then we got older. I got
stronger, bigger; you got weaker. Our roles changed. You were no longer
primary through the door, I was. Now I am taking care of you. You spent
more and more time fishing in Canada. We wanted to go together, but I had
to work for you when you were off. Then the big promotion came for me and
I was the Chief. Now is "our time". Now is my chance to really take care
of you and the rest of the guys. Time to do things right. I went to
Canada fishing. See you when I get back. Next year we'll finally be able
to go together. You went to work, tired, sick. You told your junior
partner, the one you couldn't stand, "Don't get into anything tonight. I
don't feel well." The call came. Domestic in progress, possible child
hostage, outstanding felony warrants. You didn't hesitate. "Let's go."
you said.
You knew this guy, arrested him before. He beat her before.
You took the front, junior took the back. Yelling, screaming, "You're
under arrest. Get down. Now!" Junior turned the corner. What happened?
You had him at gunpoint. "Cuff him junior. He did, then you died...for
the victim, for junior, for the badge. 76-29, out of service, end of
watch,...gone fishing, without me again. I came home. You were gone.
White gloves, dress blues, bagpipes, medal of honor, flags at half mast,.
I didn't get to say goodbye. I miss you John. I love you.
"No more the bugle calls the weary one.
Rest, noble spirit, all thy work is done.
I will find you and know you among the
good and true.
When a robe of white we're given
for our faded coats of blue."
OfficerName: John Ayello
OfficerDepartment: Hamburg Borough Police Dept.
City: Hamburg, PA
End of Watch: 9/8/2000
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