RIP Risley
Details sketchy but John Risley appears to have died of a heart attack in his sleep. We will update as possible.
UPDATE: Prayers and condolences only. Rants and raves about the deceased will be flushed.
UPDATE: Prayers and condolences only. Rants and raves about the deceased will be flushed.
Labels: officer down
posted by SCC at 1:43 PM
76 Comments:
This is what I heard:
This past Friday, he was having chest pains and went to the hospital. When he was there he voluntarily checked himself out before they could run tests on him and probably extend his life. Apparently he just got the gig at the Merchandise Mart that was formerly held by Grau (Grau now works as an investigator at the ASA’s office) and didn’t want to miss work since he just started.
So sad.
J-Fed Broke his heart when he dump him. John lived and died for CPD and did not deserved to be treated like he was and pushed out the door. Whether you liked him or not he was old school and knew what he was doing compared to these idiots, Our new line of Bosses are lucky they can find there way to work must less run the Department. Rest in peace Old Friend, I will miss you. J-fed please stay away from the wake don't be a Hypocrite, you are not wanted.
My heart goes out to the Risley Family. He was a great man and Police Officer. I did not know him for that many years, but from the first time I met him, he was very kind and courteous. He will be deeply missed.
Nice man, worked for him while he ran narcotics.
GREAT BOSS GREAT HUMAN BEING. Rest in Peace for you are in a better place.
How old was the gentleman?
HE DIED ON 02feb09 A YEAR AGO J-FED TOOK THE REINS AND PUT ALL THE GOOD BOSSES OUT! God Speed John to a great boss last of the true bosses!
John arrived to work early and left late. I new him as a man that was overtly concerned every day about the city and it's citizens. He was one of the most genuine, thoughtful individuals I ever met. He deserved better, but then maybe God wanted the best with him.
It's a sad day in Chicago.
I only know him from working the Taste of Chicago detail. A real gentleman. When I went to the command trailer for a briefing, one of the things he stressed was that he wanted our Officers taken care of.
i was in a bookstore in florida some years back and had on a retired cpd shirt a gent came over and staed he was on the job also during course of conversation turned out to be RISLEY no ego know who i am etc etc just a nice guy that introduced me to his lovely wife a real gentlman rip John you were a greaT GUY AND BOSS
fantastic man. it is truly a shame that he died. he was very nice and my deepest condolences to his family.
John Risley : Revolver police, read that as: The Real Police !
Almost died in an on-duty traffic accident while a Lt in 011. Fought his way back to rise to the rank of Deputy Supt.
It literally killed him to be tossed out like old garbage by Jfed Peterson and Masters.
RIP John, You are a highly respected REAL copper
John will truly be missed. God Bless you John you were a stand up guy and you had many friends.
My condolences to the family.
when he was on midnites in 011 he was nothing but top notch and always had our back too bad all the good police keep fading away. God bless u and your family rest in peace. Nothing but respect for you RISLEY.
Goodbye John You were and always will be one of Chicago's Finest and Bravest. R.I.P
Great boss when he was in 011 and survived that horrible traffic crash. Rest in peace my fellow brother in blue.
J-fed, do us all a favor and stay away.
RIP, didnt know him but he was still a Chicago Police Officer and i will always respect that.
2:13pm said it best.
John lived and breathed this job. He was one of the hardest workers I have ever been around. More importantly, John was a good person and had a big heart. He loved his family and he LOVED this job. J-Fed was very critical of John once he kicked him out the door. John had more police work in the tip of his pinky finger that J-Fed will ever have. John came up the ranks through hard work. John you will be truly missed. You deserved better than you got at the end of your career. Rest in peace Homey!!!
RIP John. My condolences to the Risley family.
I believe John was only 56 years old. When I was 21 that was OLD but now that I'm 41 that is far to young.
Please say a prayer for John's family and friends. They must be suffering terribly.
God Bless John. Please keep an eye on us down here. God knows we need it.
worked with JR in 021, great copper, great guy. I am proud to call him my friend. You will be missed. Rest in peace John
I met John Risley when I was in TRU, he was always stopping to help us on street stops, he cried the day he addressed us about his retirement. He was a fabulous man and a great boss. Heaven needs some great men, now they have the best. RIP John
Last saw John Risley on 13 SEP 08 at the 35th & Lowe gathering for a group picture of any and all having previously worked or currently working in 009. I didn't see where he ended up standing for the picture, but it seemed like most of the gold star white shirts were at the south end of the front of the building and spanning across Lowe. I said hello, but did not see him to say goodbye. Wish I had. RIP JR.
I rookies i knew. broke JR in on the job when he first started in 021 .He was by far one of the most ambitious rookies i knew.Also worked on the tac team and john was a real go getter in the middle of winter he would go hunting for crime in the very cold projects. He was always a friend and a true cop in my opinion.jfed you are the biggest dumbass for pushing out a true chicago cop.John my friend rest in peace
An honest man. A gentleman. A smart and effective leader. Kind and loyal. Dedicated to his profession, to his officers and to this city. It was a heartbreak when the CPD lost him. Now this. God bless you and your family, Boss. You were one of the 'greats'. I won't even waste the space to express the disgust I feel towards Weis for his treatment of him.
Had the pleasure of being assigned to G.C.S.in the mid 80's til the end and I can honestly say John and MITCH always came to work and did the job the way it was supposed to be done.Thanks John you will not be forgotten R.I.P.
God Bless the Risley Family...so very sorry to her this. RIP
He was the type of boss that was not recognized by Weiss. A real leader with knowledge and experience. Now we seriously lack leadership. So sad at a early age.
RIP John. You were one of Chicago's finest
Met John when he first made Sgt and came to 009 about 17-20 years ago. A perfect gentleman and someone who I agree would be a MUCH better fit to run this department than the current administration. It's a shame that weis cut all the people with a great knowledge of this department and this job. That I believe is why this ship is sinking....
R.I.P. John, and my condolences to the Risley family.
John Risley, despite what people may think, cared deeply for the safety of the working police. He told me once of a gang disturbaance that was happening in the 7th District when he was out one Friday night and there were only 2 policeman there attempting to control the crowd. He got out and stood up for the blue uniform and made sure other cars got to the scene. I do not work in 7, this was a story he told me when we were having a conversation telling me what the blue shirts were up against every time they got into the squad cars. John did not care what color your shirt was, he spoke with each and everyone of us. I could go on and on about John Risley but it would take up too much space. He was a true family man who had his wife at his side for every occasion. My heart goes out to her and his sons and daughter and his new grandchild. I only wish this was one time that he was not so stubborn and wouldve stayed to have more tests done. Why, because too many people are going to miss this man and I am one of them. Rest in Peace John Risley, hold your head up high and watch over the CPD.
He looked at me,shook my hand & said, " WELOME ABOARD KID".
Nice man. His "retirement" was a loss to our department. His death is a loss to all of us. RIP brother.
My condolences to the Risley family. John, was a gentleman and Real Police. God rest his soul.
Definitely the real police, always was stopping by TRU to talk with the troops, always stressed to us Sgts. to take care of the troops, he gave a very passionate speech when he was dumped, and also when Eli was dumped, he was a consumate professional and a great man...
The Real Police !
2/03/2009 04:28:00 PM
not really...but will leave it alone in this post...god belss you John
I first met John in 21 in the mid 80's, then had the pleasure to work with him, then for him in various spots in Gangs and Narcotics. Always treated people the same. He could be the boss, and he was a good one. It was a lot of fun to work with him on different cases, and he loved working coppers. Also a great family man, adored his wife and kids.
What's up Homie? I'm going to miss that.
God bless John and his family.
Worked with John in GCS. Great guy and great laugh!!!
What a great boss and what a great loss to the CPD family. He always made sure the blue was taken care of. My deepest sympathy to the Risley family.
We heard that on Superbowl Sunday the family thought he was having a heart attack as he had chest pains and was grabbing at his chest they rushed him to Loyola, Dr's wanted him to stay for tests and he refused and wanted to go home. You know the rest, please people don't be stubborn and listen to your Dr. How many wish John would have.
I met John when I was a Detective at A/4Violent Crimes and he was in Gangs South. We worked on an A/4 Homicide where the offenders were from the south side.
John knew everyone involved and without his help and expertise I doubt the crime would have been solved.
He was tireless in his efforts and a real credit to the Police Department. Guys like him sure made my job easier.
I've been retired for some time now, but people like him you do not forget.
Great Boss, absolute gentleman and perfect neighbor. I have had the honor of being a neighbor of John and Pam for several years. I and my family have also had the pleasure of being introduced to and interacting with his extended family through various children's events, block parties, etcetera. More genuine people do not exist.
John will be sorely missed by many. Keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.
God speed, Homey!!
- Glen Popiela /011
John was in a horrific traffic accident in 011 right after he made Lt. Some drunk driver slammed into his marked car on midnights. He almost didn't make it through that one, and suffered a torn aorta. At only 56 years of age and not at all overweight, or a smoker, I wonder if this was related to his heart injury from the crash. RIP John.
John Risley was a graduate of Robert Healy grammar school and Tilden Tech high. Although John never achieved a college degree he never needed one.John was a class act who always had a smile on his face and a kind word for each "Homey" he knew.Too bad other bosses from bridgeport didn't learn from him.John was true blue and still attended grammar school reunions with his wife Pam. Have a cold Heineken John we will see you soon. We"re fed up like you are! Gods peace be with you....
This man was a cops cop! He and his son have helped me and my son more times than I can remember.
Jim O'Donnell a/6 robb ret.
God speed John!!!!!!!
Do they still have the old dodge manaco squad car with the round mars lights ? It should be brought out for johns funeral. A proper send off for the real police.
Glen you said it best!! This is a great loss to our community but even a greater loss to our close knit block. He's the face of our block cutting grass, snowblowing, washing his car, and out with his family all the time. You would always be greeted with the INFAMOUS "Whats up HOMIE"!!
To his family you will continue to be in our prayers!!!!
Godspeed John. My condolences to his family. He was a gentleman and a great boss. As many of the fantastic bosses we had, Weis tossed him out. You will be missed and remembered by many. RIP.
I worked for Voulgaris in TRU, he and Risley were very close. D/S Risley would regularly stop by and always have genuine heartfelt comments/advice to offer. He was a true leader never losing site of the officer in the Bt Car. Many are still stricken with grief for the way he and voulgaris were treated. He would regulary show up on your calls, and would put his heart sole out there for anyone in need, and had many times. He had quiet dignity and more class than anyone should be allowed. This is a great loss to all. His family was always the topic of conversation; he was very proud of them, and was w/his wife at every function. Godspeed.
John always had the working police as a priority! A nice guy that really cared about us! Say what you want about Cline but he helped bring up John! The days of the "real police" bosses taking care of the working coppers are over thanks to the new shit police dept! Godspeed John we miss you! God bless your family and friends!
"JR"
"Ris"
"Risley"
"Boss"
Or however he was addressed, he was a...
Leader
Mentor
Confidant
Cop
But most of all...
A Friend
You will be missed...
Semper Fi, JR!
189
John and I made sergeatn and lieutenant together, and while we have had our professional differences, we alsways kept it on a professional level, and never let it become personal. John's death is a loss to the CPD family, and to the city. God speed John; may God grant you rest, and your loved ones peace.
RIP Deputy, and make sure they give you eight for eight up there : - )
Bill O.
RIP BOSS!
YOUR FAMILY WILL BE IN OUR PRAYERS.
John was truly outstanding with his work and his family. He meant the world to my husband, and he has been nothing but generous and kind to me. His family is wonderful too, and they have memories of a beautiful person to not only guide them, but to live up to. I know they will keep him alive through their actions.
We all should.
God bless you, John, and your lovely family. We will be thinking of you and are glad you are at peace.
Thanks for the post SCC !!!! To the jerkoff that posted NOT REALLY....to someone stating he was a good boss??? You must be one of the dog asses that complained about working 8 hrs or a full tour of duty in narcotics! What, no early skate you FN'ing POS! Is that the measure of a good boss? That's the only negative... I EVERRRR heard about D/S Risley. Actually that's called a strong work ethic and one that WEIS should have recoginized. Tobias gets promoted (think about that) John and ELI get demoted or kicked to the curb. John you will be sorely missed. CONTINUE to keep an eye out for us up there boss! GODSPEED BROTHER!
JR was a good boss, and I was privileged to assist him in any way possible when he was Cmdr, and later Deputy Chief of Narcotics.
We didn't always agree, but he always listened to what you thought about a particular task or operation.
In my 9 yrs as a Sgt., I can't think of a finer Exempt I ever worked for. Sad to see him being the first to be tossed out by Weis; I bet Weis regrets throwing away so many talented bosses, and demoting others.
God bless you and keep you Sir, and bless your family during this difficult time.
Worked with John in Gangs South in the 80"s, good man great copper. Did not deserve what happen to him.
"Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets, you've done your time in hell." RIP John.
John Zotto
A few years back my PO husband was involved in a shooting on the job. The next day, John Risley (my husband's commander at the time) called my home to see how my family was doing. I proceeded to tell him that my husband was OK and he then said, "No, I want to know how you are doing." Being a young mom with a newborn baby, that phone call meant alot to me. He was a class act!!
God Bless John Risley and his family.
A P.O. wife
Anonymous said...
A few years back my PO husband was involved in a shooting on the job. The next day, John Risley (my husband's commander at the time) called my home to see how my family was doing. I proceeded to tell him that my husband was OK and he then said, "No, I want to know how you are doing." Being a young mom with a newborn baby, that phone call meant alot to me. He was a class act!!
God Bless John Risley and his family.
A P.O. wife
2/04/2009 02:29:00 PM
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What a great testimonial. You brought tears to my eyes. Officer Risley sounded like a great man and a wonderful human being. I am sure he will be sorely missed. God Bless He and His Family. May He Rest In Peace.
As the ghost of revolver police drives slowly through the streets of 023, he stops the box caprice at the light, irving and the b way.
The side door opens, and in steps a man wearing a white shirt with a gold star on the front. The ghost of revolver police shakes his hand, and says " Welcome home, Mr. Deputy Superintendent !
not really...but will leave it alone in this post
*******************************
you should be ashamed.
God bless John Risley. A class act, a good commander and a real copper. 001 sgt retired
I met John shortly before his retirement. I was introduced to him by a mutual friend on the job like most of us are. After his retirement our paths crossed again and the man actually remembered my name. This is a man that must have been introduced to fifty people a day. The things he did and said showed his concern for people and not just the job. I never worked for the man and in a way I'm glad because I can say I respected this man as a person. I knew him very little but his passing saddens me.
My condolences to the Risley family. RIP!!!!
Just got a text from john jr --------The arrangements are as follows:Wake:Friday, February 6, 20091:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.Dalcamo Funeral Home470 W. 26th StreetChicago, IL 60616Funeral:Saturday, February 7, 20099:30 a.m.All Saints St. Anthony Church518 W. 28th PlaceChicago, IL 60616Internment:Resurrection CemeteryLuncheon to follow In lieu of flowers donations are being accepted to the Chicago PoliceMemorial Fund.
I worked with John when he was a rookie in 021. God Bless you John. R.I.P to a good friend. My condolences to his family, and to all of his friends and fellow Cops.
The good ones die way too young!
Its heartbreaking. An old style copper who knew his stuff and loved the job and then to be dumped the way he was ending his career. After going through what he went through with the accident he should have been taken care of for the rest of his career instead of being treated like dirt. Something J-Fed will never understand. And now this. HEARTBREAKING.
Over the last two days, I have heard many conversations about JR...not one bad. Although I realize that no one loves everything about an individual leader, it seems to me that everyone respected this one. For the most part, the troops speaking of JR referred to him as "boss" - a somewhat reverent title that is generally reserved (but must be earned) for a precious few of our Department's leaders.
I worked for JR for a short time, but I saw everything I needed to see. JR recognized that rank does not make a person a leader...the atributes of the individual and the consequent respect obtained from one's troops allows a person to lead. He never forgot where he came from. He never forgot that, despite his rank, his original vow remained: To "serve and protect."
And he did to the best of his ability.
He BELIEVED in what he was doing to serve this City. He made you BELIEVE, when you worked for him, that there really was a purpose behind the daily frustrations we face as officers in serving. His efforts, in word and deed, reinforced the all-important belief that we first experienced in the academy (and we should continue to believe in) when we donned our CPD uniforms for the first time and took our oaths: That our efforts can and do make a difference.
Godspeed JR. You made a difference. And I, for my part, will remember the example you set and do my best to live up to it.
- Just a P.O.
I had the pleasure of working with J.R.on the same Tact team in 021 many years ago. I also had the pleasure of having J.R. and Pam attend New Years Eve parties at my home. What a fun and loving couple they were.
Our team never worried about stats as long as J.R. was on the team. He would be on the street every available moment of the tour doing what he loved best, being the POLICE.
J-Fed could've have learned so much about being the Police from J.R., instead he choose to treat J.R. the way he did and break J.R.s heart.
To Pam and the kids I send my condolences and remind them that J.R.s extended family is here and willing to help in any way possible.
God Speed
GREAT MAN!!!
Good for morale and well respected.
Wish there were more like him now....
017
I never knew him personally but I've heard great things about him. Coming from a police family there isn't a doubt in my mind that what killed him was being forced out of the job he loved by a fed. This job needs more bosses that bleed blue. It's a shame.
John was a great boss and friend always there if you needed him no matter what time it was. Pam our prayers are with you and your family, thanx for sharing your husband with us.
God comfort the Risley family in their loss, our loss. He loved this Dept. and officers, every single one. He always came across as a policemans-policeman. I hope he forgives all of us in our failings on the job, from up in Heaven. And I take comfort in knowing he's cheering us on, to make that stop, to grab that pooch, and lock up the wrong-doers. And also to tell us "Family First." God Bless you John, thanks for being here with us.
I know this is late, but I have been out of town and was not keping up with local news. RIP John. You were one of the best.
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