Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

JB was a great guy to be around and a very dedicated Police Officer. He was always friendly and welcoming when I worked OT at the DOM or saw him on a training day. I remember speaking with him just a few weeks before he passed when my office was located in the PIV office and he dropped in to chat with me while he waited for an appointment. He is one of those co-workers you may not see often, but when you did it was always a positive experience. May God bless you and give peace to your family.

Lt. Alan LaVigne
U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Police - Tampa, FL

September 20, 2025

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

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service (Retired)

September 9, 2025

JB,
I thank God I got a chance to work with you back in the day; I transferred out (2012). When I heard the news while stationed at the Eglin AFB VA (NW-Florida), I was taken back. I could not help but remember back to the days you came in to relieve our shift (Lumas) and it was such a pleasure catching up and seeing your infectious smile.

Now that I am back at the Tampa VA, it is odd not seeing you however good to see your smile at the clinics when I see your picture about.

I know you are in a better place and I hope your family is doing well; glad you are watching over us all. God's speed to your family and until we meet again fellow Vet.

Officer Jose L. Garcia
James A. Haley Veteran Affairs

September 5, 2025

JB and I lived in the same complex when I first moved to Fl in 2004. He was a very cool guy, husband and father. I saw him working for TSA one day as I was taking a flight and we chatted about the VA Police. I gave him the information and encouraged him to apply. Glad he did! He was a great employee, friend and his smile would light up a room! He will forever be missed! I am glad I was able to know him and work alongside him!

Captain H. Flores Jr.
VA Police Dept.

September 4, 2025

Good times, Great laughs, and Amazing Personality!

I loved working with you and it was an honor to be a friend!

Police Officer #3705 Mark Casey
Department of Veterans Affairs Police

September 4, 2025

I didn't know Jon well, we met a few times in passing, at our Command Staff building. I can tell you he was well liked and known for his willingness to go above and beyond. He will be missed amongst the ranks of the VA Police Service! Rest in peace Jon.

Lieutenant Joe Lamb
James A. Haley VA Police Service

September 4, 2025

Excerpts from my Eulogy at Veterans Memorial Park, January 22, 2021;

Jonathan was one of the most positive people I have ever met and had the pleasure of knowing. I know many of you would agree with me. I was honored to serve in the VA Police with him. My favorite memory of Jonathan is when I first met him in September 2019. I had just arrived in Tampa and after I left NEO and went to the dispatch room, he was one of the first officers I met. I thought to myself, if all my officers are like him, I’m going to have it made here. He was incredibly friendly, welcoming and gracious. I will never forget his friendly warm face. He was a positive influence on his fellow officers. Jonathan had a positive impact on anyone who met him. He would give anyone the shirt off his back. His smile was infectious.

Jonathan truly understood what it meant to take care of those who’ve served, because he served himself. Jonathan was an Army Veteran and was an MP in the Army. He was a Tampa Reserve Police Officer before joining the VA Police in 2008. Jonathan understood what it meant to protect and serve. He served with unabashed dedication and care. The thin blue line got thinner on December 15, 2020.
Jonathan was a devoted husband, father, son, brother and uncle. He leaves behind his beloved wife Melissa “Missy” Hickman and his three children.

To say the world is a sadder place without Jonathan in our lives would be an understatement. Jonathan touched each and every one of us and has left us with memories we will cherish forever. He left a positive impression on anyone who was fortunate to have met them. The world is a much sadder place without him but his bright shining spirit will live on in all of us for the rest of our lives. Thank you.

Chief of Police, Paul E. Fleming
James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa Florida. (US Department of VA)

September 4, 2025

Thank you for your sacrifice for our nation. May you be with the Lord and may he be with your family.

Det. Russ Cain


Pittsburgh PD (Retired)

September 3, 2025

I worked with JB for several years and he was one of those guys that you loved being around. He had an infectious positive attitude and seemed to always be happy. I miss him and his ability light up a room.

Captain (retired) Jeffrey Connors
Tampa VA Police

September 3, 2025

Rest in Peace my Brother. You will Forever be in our Hearts.

Captain Deneen Lumas
James A Haley VA Medical Center, Police Services

September 2, 2025