Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jeff, it's been 29 years since you left us, but you are never forgotten by your 71st Precinct family. We will always remember you, now and forever. We know you are watching over all of us!!

71st Precinct
NYPD

June 1, 2018

Never Forgotten! RIP Brother.

Retired
NYPD

June 1, 2018

Dearest Uncle Jeff,

This week has been one of the best weeks of my life, and also the closest I have ever felt to you. I was sworn into the NYPD Cadet Corps. this Monday and have officially completed my first week of training as of today. Though I can't feel any ounce of my body from physical training, this is the happiest I have ever been. The most "in place" I have ever felt. And I can't help but think that it's because you are there with me. I'm not sure you would have wanted me on this path, but that little voice inside of me knows that following in your footsteps is all I have ever wanted to do. I am not sure what the future holds beyond this point, but I promise to make you, Mommy, and the rest of the family proud no matter what.

With lots and lots of love,
Taylor xo

Cadet Taylor Cannon
Neice

February 23, 2018

Hello in Heaven Jeff. As you know, I always mention you in my prayers ... and as I hope you know, you always live in my heart and mind. I was thinking about you today and searched the Internet for any new articles and found the NYPD Patrol Boat that was named after you in 2015. It made me cry with joyful tears. I see that your mother is still hard at work ensuring that you live on forever (not that it could ever be any other way). I'm THRILLED that your beautiful son Joey, whom I sadly never got to meet once he was no longer a baby, has grown into a wonderful young man, and equally as thrilled that he knows you and holds you within his heart, and life, as though you've been with him for all of his life. Your wife and mother did a wonderful job in ensuring that. <3

I wouldn't even know where to start when reflecting back on you. From your countless hours of basketball in the park, playing drums, getting my first job at Keyfood and finding you working there offering to help show me the ropes (I was 14), the years that you were helping to run the neighborhood Youth Center and so many more, including later in life, in our 20's, going to visit my best friend in her new apartment, to find that you and your wife (not yet married I believe) lived in the apartment below her. You were always there - a bright star in the lives of everyone who knew you.

I guess I can use my very last memory of you as my reflection, because it's one that truly meant the most. It was after you were shot and in the ICU. I was in the Hamptons and getting updates from my mother via phone every few hours. When the call came in that you had gone to Heaven, I packed my bags and told my husband that we had to leave immediately. I wasn't going to miss my last goodbye to you, or paying my respects. As we were driving, more like barreling down the highways home, I was staring out the car window and noticed a very distinct cloud in the sky. It was shaped as a face with a big smile on it, and I felt goosebumps ... within seconds, the song Spirit In The Sky began to play on the radio. I knew then and have always known since, that it was you - and that you were smiling and knew that I was on my way. I treasure that moment and memory and always will.

People come and go in this life, but you're not and never were, just anyone. You were an Earth Angel ... a bright shining light that all who knew you could see and feel, and the impact that you made in such a short life-lived, is a testimony to that and more.

I, along with so many others, still miss very much.

Kimberly Friedson
Friend and Neighbor

November 1, 2017

RIP, never forgotten!

Retired
NYPD

July 16, 2016

Thank you for your service, PO Herman, and may you continue to rest in peace.

Grandson of retired NYPD officer Greg

June 4, 2016

Dear Jeff, I could not wait to tell you all about today. Just a few hours ago the NYC Fire Department graduated a class of 310 Probationary Firefighters and among them was Firefighter Joseph M. Herman, your son, Joey. How proud you must be of him that he will follow yourself by dedicating his career to protecting and serving the people of New York City. Perhaps, Jeff, you would have preferred him to become a member of NYPD (the Finest) but so many people have lately been unjustifyably critical of the police profession that perhaps he made the best choice. Of course, Jeff, the great tragedy was that you were not there after the ceremony to congratulate Joey and give him a "man hug" that so many of the other fathers gave their sons today. It is unbearable that Joey lost you to a senseless crime while you were protecting the citizens of New York City when he was only 3 months old. You never got the chance to hear his first word (perhaps it would have been "Da-da"), see him take his first steps, teach him how to catch a ball, ride a bicycle, take him to his first day of school as he clung to you for reassurance and do all of the other things that fathers do with their sons. As all too often happens in life filled with unfairness you left us way to soon. I just want to let you know, Jeff, that you have a great son who will be an awesome Firefighter and we will NEVER forget what a terrific cop and man you were.

Lt. Mike Fellner
U.S. Park Police, retired

May 3, 2016

I went to the Academy with Jeff in 1984 . He was a class act of a Man and a great Police Officer. RIP. Was in 84-86 and Jeff was in 84-86.

Police Officer John McGuire
New York Police Department

March 24, 2016

Jeff, I am a retired Lieutenant with the U.S. Park Police and I remember very well that terrible night you were shot. I knew your partner for that tour, Billy Lynch, from my Rockaway neighborhood and worked with Billy's brother Jack. We were all told that you were expected to survive but things did not work out. I remember attending your funeral and there were many tears shed on that day as you were so highly respected as a great cop and most decent man who was liked by everyone you met. After I retired from police work I joined the NYC Fire Department as an applicant investigator and had the great honor of greeting your son, Joey, who was sworn in just this morning as a NYC Firefighter. I went over to say a few words and wish him well. What a fine young man! He is a great credit to you and will carry out your legacy in the public safety profession. More than 26 years have passed, Jeff, and we will always remember your sacrifice.

Lt. Mike Fellner
U. S. Park Police

December 28, 2015

Derarst Jeff, friends since childhood ... Not a day has gone by when I don't think of you. You were an angel on earth, always helping others ... and brightening even the darkest days with your beautiful smile and twinkle in your eyes. An icon to our neighborhood whem we were children, and an icon to all as an adult. You will always be remembered, loved and missed.

Kimberly Friedson
Friend

June 17, 2015

RIP, never forgotten

Retired
NYPD

June 3, 2015

RIP Officer Herman. You are not forgotten.

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

June 2, 2015

RIP

Detective Dennis Pothos
Fort Lee, NJ Police Department

June 2, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 2, 2015

Jeff,
I just came back from Detective Wenjian Liu's funeral in Brooklyn. I took my 13 year old son with me. He had never been to a police officer's funeral before. He asked me as we watched the thousands of officers from all over muster up if I ever worked with an officer who was killed in the line of duty. Although I was no longer assigned to the 71 the night you were shot, I, without hesitation mentioned your name to him. He then asked me all about you. Jeff, I spoke to him non stop about you. About how you welcomed me into the command and the 5th squad after NSU 12. How you were a great pool player. How I wished that Justiniano would take a day off or 2 so that I could ride with you in the RMP. How street smart you were, I always learnt from you. I was in HWY 2 and drove your mom back and forth to KCH after the shooting. I cried with her then and I still cry over your loss Jeff. You were the perfect cop to learn from Jeff and I'm glad that I had the chance, thank you.

PO Barry Hamber
NYPD 71/ HWY 2/ MTN

January 6, 2015

Hey there you. I know you know that I speak to you specifically in my prayers, and have for all of these years - and I guess I could have spoken to you through spirit right now as well, but I wanted to put something into words. You are so very missed Jeff - your departure, and the reason for it, affected so many lives. From the time that I was a little girl, through the time of that terrible day, there was never a day when your beautiful heart didn't shine through. A one of a kind, beautiful spirit. I don't have to wish you peace, because I already know that you have it ... and I don't have to let you know I think of you, because I know you already hear me mention you in my prayers - so I'll just end by letting you know that the world is still a little less bright within you in it. Much love. Kimberly

BrooklynHeart / Kimberly
Childhood & Family Friend

June 14, 2014

RIP
Never Forgotten

Retired 71pct
NYPD

June 2, 2014

Today marks 25 years that Jeff has died. I can't believe it has been that long! We miss you just as much today. Jeff was a wonderful person and was so proud of his family. So sorry he didn't get the time to enjoy watching his son Joey grow up! We will always remember you my friend! <3

Jean Fusco
Dear Friend

June 2, 2014

RIP

Court Officer
MA Trial Court

June 2, 2013

24 Years-not forgotten.

RIP Jeff

TPF/SCU
NYPD

June 2, 2013

Dear Jeff,

You were six months ahead of me in the 71pct. I just graduated from the Academy in July 85. You being senoir to me, you offered to share you locker with me on the first day. We got a chance to play pool in the precinct downstairs. Also, my first patrol was on Franklin Avenue with you on foot patrol. I knew you were a special officer, who exuded great confidence. When I was on patrol with you for the first time and knew I could be a good cop like you. I did not get a chance to prove my mettle as I stayed for a short period on the force, but want to say that when I heard what had happpend to you, I lost someone special. I wish I had the opportunity to stay on the job, to prove myself, and for someone to stand up for me, as you did early on in my first days. I would have been a good cop, like you.

Former NYPD Officer-Dan
NSU 12

December 26, 2012

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 23rd anniversary year 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 15, 2012

Jeff,
I first met you when you and Anthony addressed us, the new NSU-12 rookies. You and Anthony were characters. with just 6 months more "on the job" than we did. I liked you from that point on.

I remember getting up to Anti-crime and working on the same team with you. We would start each day off the same. In the anti-crime office looking and comparing the other teams arrests to ours, counting the amount of guns we took off the streets, of course we always came out on top. We'd goof around and plan our day. We would go down to the gym, workout then head for breakfast. After breakfast we would try to dodge Sgt. L. and the hunt was on.

I still regret taking off work the day you were shot. I remember being undecided if I wanted to take off or not because of the holiday weekend. You being married and I was single, you told me "take off and ride the HOG to the shore" and that you and Billy would work together. I really didn't want to take off and miss an oportunity to ride together. It turned out I didn't go. I was hanging at home when I got that horrible phone call. I went to KCH and learned you were alive, what a relief. I along with most of the 71 camped out at the hospital.

You run through my thoughts all the time, You will always be remembered.

Det. Steven Wilner (retired NYPD)
Active Det. Raleigh PD, Raleigh NC

June 3, 2012

Still miss you Bro. Still seems like yesterday.

Detective Kameron Brown
NYPD/Friend

May 30, 2012

Jeff you are never forgotten and are forever in our Hearts .

Detective Sam Ortiz
NYPD/Friend

May 30, 2012