Saturday, April 25, 2009

Happy Retirement Capt. Farrell

Good Luck.

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120 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Look up "the real police" and "prince" in the encyclopedia and you will find a picture of Captain Farrell. CPD is losing one of the last great bosses. Enjoyed learning from you boss. Enjoy a well deserved retirement.

4/25/2009 08:34:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We really will miss ya. One of the best bosses and one of the "old captains" that had respect

4/25/2009 08:46:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Somebody please tell me:

St. Judes is being moved back to Michigan Avenue where it belongs, right?

Please tell me it is so?

Yeah, it was nice to be near the memorial, not diminishing the value or the purpose of the memorial park; but Michigan is the crown jewel of the city. We belong on Michigan on that bright sunny morning, not just the yuppies and poochie walkers! I felt the other path we took was obscured from public view. That was wrong. They need to stop traffic so we can honor our dead.

Nevertheless, I will still be there whether it is on Michigan or not. My whole watch will be there too. (We are on midnights). Then I am RDO on Monday/Tuesday. CCSPD lost three officers; I knew two of them. John Rusnyak was before my time. Michael Ridges was my contemporary as was Jim Knapp. I tell my crew to think of the sacrifice that they made, and give up a few hours on a Sunday for them as well as your departed.

I couldn't think of a better way to start my RDO'S.

Signed,

Concerned County Police Sergeant.
AFSCME Local 3958

4/25/2009 08:53:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A fine showing for a class act. Your knowledge and kindness will be missed. Have a long and healthy retirement. God Bless.

4/25/2009 08:57:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

All the best Sir!! You've done your duty well, with honor and bravery. ENjoy life, live long, and have fun!!

4/25/2009 09:02:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

sung to the cadence of old:

Ain't no use in lookin back
Jody's got your Cadillac,

Ain't no use in goin home
Jody's got your girl and gone,

Ain't no use in feelin blue
Jody's got your momma too...

Godspeed, live long

4/25/2009 09:11:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Don't play fave's SCC... isn't this supposed to be a forum for ALL cops? If you're going to wish one retiree well, then wish them all well!

4/25/2009 09:12:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Don't know him personally but he was notorious in Area 4. He is one of the few that has led by example. Even when he made rank he was out there agressively working unlike the rest of these white-collar pretenders stealing pensions.
Good Luck and thanks for setting a rarely seen example.

4/25/2009 09:17:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The absolute best boss that I ever had the pleasure of working for while we had him in Area 1. A gentleman, probably the smartest copper on this job, and no matter if you were a hard charger, a goof or a complete ass, he treated you the same. This job will miss him, unfortunatley there are less than five like him left on this job.

Jody should have taken a page out of Farrell's lesson plan on how to lead men. Good Luck in your retirement John!

4/25/2009 09:18:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You will be missed by the working police more than any boss in along time. The funny thing is you will help just as much when your retired as you did when you were on the job, and that will be more than you can say for some of your fellow bosses....

4/25/2009 09:46:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Best boss I ever worked for, God Bless Capt. enjoy greener pastures

4/25/2009 10:11:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

REAL POLICE, should have been made a bigger boss than what he was!

4/25/2009 10:11:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

CAPT FARRELL FOR SUPT.

4/25/2009 10:15:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

He will be sorely missed. He's forgotten more than most coppers will ever learn. He is a modest gentleman admired and respected by all.

And to quote Northside's ultimate compliment, Capt. Farrell is definitely "da REAL mutherfuckin' PO-leece."

4/25/2009 10:31:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congrats on the Retirement, sad to see you go. FARREL for Superintendent!

4/25/2009 10:34:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Any relation to "foot in mouth" nutzy?

4/25/2009 10:47:00 AM  
Anonymous the dicks said...

Why can't Shortshanks dump this loser J-Fraud and replace him with John Farrell. He's still at the top of his game.

He's been there-done that. Even the scum that he's put in prison has to admire and respect the man.
Just the fact that Capt. Farrell was never made an exempt boss tells you a lot about this FUBAR dept.

A long and happy retirement to you, sir.

4/25/2009 10:50:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I heard about the retirement party for Capt. Farrell at Plumbers Hall on 19 June. Where do we get tickets?

4/25/2009 10:57:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

JF...THANK YOU.....still in the area AKA LIFM

4/25/2009 11:07:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A true rarity, an extremely qualified person without an ego like Georgas or Kennedy. Good luck with the Reid group!

4/25/2009 11:13:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

One of the greatest bosses to ever put on the button!! Wish half of the so called leaders now would take a look how that man did it. Congrats you will be sorely missed.

4/25/2009 11:27:00 AM  
Anonymous Mike Lappe said...

John, last time we talked you mentioned that this day would soon be here and you were not looking forward to it. The fact is John nobody wanted to see this come for you. I'll speak for the masses who know you and those who wish they did; you have been a true, trusted, respected leader of men and the best role model that I can recall in my 29+ years.

John, good luck to you in any new adventures you seek and God be with you and your loved ones.

4/25/2009 11:47:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A class act. Congratulations on your retirement Capt.. Enjoy!!!

4/25/2009 11:50:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

One of the best bosses on the department.

4/25/2009 11:50:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have a feeling that a lot of high ranking officers will be joining the good Capt. over the next few months. I think the insanity coming from the 5th floor is beginning to show on many levels of supervision throughout the CPD. God help us all!

4/25/2009 11:52:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The best Policeman on the Chicago Police Department retired today. Good Luck Boss! May God Bless you and your family.

4/25/2009 12:23:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dart to succeed Daley in 2011? Orderly transition of power already planned out?

Jacksons' in deep shit, other blacks bought off already. Next generation of $outh$ide Irish poised to grab the Pot-o'-Gold?

4/25/2009 12:26:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

He will be missed. It's the end of an era.

4/25/2009 12:37:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your the best boss! "old school" all the way have a great retirement,you earned it and deserve it! The last boss with "balls"!

4/25/2009 12:39:00 PM  
Anonymous 007 midnites said...

Thanks for everything you did for us and thank you for always showing up when the shit hit the fan. One of the best bosses ever. It's a shame that the CPD lets a mind like this leave. Enjoy retirement boss, you will be missed.

4/25/2009 01:06:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Enjoy the "permanent" furlo ! It'll be great to be away from most of the nonsense of the job.

4/25/2009 01:20:00 PM  
Blogger John Northen said...

A FARRELL STORY - THE EARLY YEARSI met John after we made the first class of dicks from the Oct. 1969 LEGIT dicks' exam. Both of us came to the old Area 6 (3801 N. Damen), John to Burglary from the old 020, me to Homicide from the old 011.

While Area 6 was paradisal with beautiful women everywhere, we craved the PO-leece action.

Those were the bloody days when Cabrini-Green was non-stop rock 'n' roll. CPD homicide victims included Sgt. Jim Severin, Tony Rizzato and Det. Clayton Robinson.

Now, mind you, we had a great crew of dicks at Area 6. However, I spent a lot of my free time prowling that hellhole that was "the Green". Aside from 018 and Area 6 Task Force, my only constant company from the D were 2 other units: Area 6 Robbery dicks (the late) Chuckie Green and Bill Erickson (now a successful Colorado rancher) and without fail, Mike Malone and John Farrell.

John's blood always ran BLUE. Even after he was shot several times (partner Malone killed the shooter), John would come out on his crutches at midnight to Mike's, J-J's and the Hidden Cove for a few beers with his peeps.

A legend and a first-class act and above all, John verily is da REAL mutherfuckin' PO-leece!

4/25/2009 01:24:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Too bad they never made you a Commander of a detective division, your talents as a leader would have been best served there. Once again politics screws over deserved promotions. Good Luck on your retirement, I hope your talents get recognized in your next career.

4/25/2009 01:28:00 PM  
Anonymous Area 4 HGS said...

John Farrell is living proof that "old school" and a high IQ are NOT mutually exclusive.

Best wishes from Area 4, John!

4/25/2009 01:49:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

last of the mohicans, too bad all bosses can be like this guy and ther commander of 008

4/25/2009 01:50:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

One of the absolute best policeman ever to wear the uniform of the Chicago Police Department ... He is the mold that should never be broken. May God shine on the rest of your life. The Police Dept. should hire him as a civilian and put him in charge of the academy.

4/25/2009 01:54:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

John , enjoy joy life , after 40yrs with cpd you earned it

4/25/2009 01:56:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The best! And the best detective I've ever seen. I know you hated to go but enjoy your retirement.

4/25/2009 02:00:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

WHAT???!!! There goes the only great boss this crappy department has ever seen! I wish you the best Captain Farrell, because you deserve it!

4/25/2009 02:01:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I wish the man a healthy and enjoyable retirement. I was luckily enough to work for him in Area for for several years and I can honestly say he was THE BEST boss i ever worked for. He will be a great loss to the CPD. Good Luck Farrell

4/25/2009 03:06:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The silver fox is gone (SOB)! He ranks up there with Sean Connery! Yowza!

4/25/2009 03:20:00 PM  
Blogger John Northen said...

Any truth to the rumor that Farrell and David Snethen are going to open up a pizzeria near Garfield Park? They'll be making the "deliveries" themselves.

If sticking up pizza delivery men is your thang, they'll even throw in a bonus to the sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms and anchovies:

HOT HOLLOW POINTS!

4/25/2009 03:26:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Simply the best!

4/25/2009 03:33:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Farrell is the absolute best. You will be missed. Enjoy your life off this dept.

4/25/2009 03:46:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Godspeed my friend. I hope you enjoy your retirement because you certainly deserve it! You deserved far more than the city gave you, but I'm glad you were, where you were, when I needed you. See you at your party.

4/25/2009 03:59:00 PM  
Anonymous Charlie Spoon said...

Happy retirement, Capt. John Farrell!

4/25/2009 04:09:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The greatest boss and most knowledgeable boss on the job. He will be greatly missed

4/25/2009 04:49:00 PM  
Blogger SCC said...

Don't play fave's SCC... isn't this supposed to be a forum for ALL cops? This is a forum for ALL cops...ALL cops to wish Capt Farrell a healthy, happy and long retirement.

4/25/2009 05:09:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sad to see a guy like him go. Not many left like him. Was at a roll call in 020 and had the pleasure of being addressed by Juan Rivera of IAD. Have to say I was very impressed. If guys like him have any sway in the future of our department things are not as bad as I had thought.

4/25/2009 05:20:00 PM  
Anonymous Major Blockrounder said...

Some Captains are led by General Orders,

Some Captains are led by what is good for THEIR advancement,

Some Captains are led by the whim of the politician that made them,

Once in awhile you get a Captain that just leads,

HAPPY RETIREMENT CAPT. FARRELL

4/25/2009 05:47:00 PM  
Blogger Too Many Rectums said...

I never met Capt. Farrell. From what I've read, he was a good boss. Unfortunately, with the ever increasing amounts of incompetent supervisors on this job, he will most likely be replaced by a dummie.

Dam dummies are replicating at a faster rate than science can explain.

4/25/2009 06:01:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

God bless you on your retirement Captain Farrell

4/25/2009 06:02:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Can someone please put a bug in Daley's ear or up his ass and tell him he is letting one of the best bosses on this Dept. go.Capt. Farrell should be the new Supt.not that bowl of soup we have now.

4/25/2009 06:31:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Capt, never met u or worked for u. After reading these post i wished i did. Goog luck in all u do.

4/25/2009 06:34:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Captain Farrell, you helped me when I was down and proved the truth of the matter. I will never forget it. Thank you and God Bless you.

4/25/2009 06:46:00 PM  
Blogger David Snethen said...

One of the most knowledgable and humble bosses on this job that I ever had the pleasure of meeting, working for and with. I'm sure his phone will be ringing along with his doorbell for a long time to come with coppers with questions and for advice. There is life after retirement and I hope for the captain it will be a very long one. Captain if you are reading this, I couldnt be there for your last day but sure will try to be healthy enough for your party.

4/25/2009 07:22:00 PM  
Anonymous ex-A4 said...

Congrats and God bless! Come back as Supt. when J-Fed retires.

4/25/2009 07:28:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congrats--Capt. Farrell, my family will always be indebted to you for how you allowed me to be at the bedside of my dying father--telling me not to worry about the job, family comes first--God Bless You!

4/25/2009 07:28:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Another real cops boss retires. May you have a long and happy retirement. I saw many great bosses retire through the years. Bosses that were the first one to kick ass with the blue shirts when someone needed an ass whipping. Bosses that told you to do what you had to do and made it right. That's the sad part of this department now. There are very few and far between bosses, if any left who remember the job and where they came from. To John Farrell, John Pappas, Wayne Thompson, Gerry Keller, Tom Folliard and the many others who covered cops asses through the years, you are all missed. Maybe these guys should come back and teach at the promotional classes of every rank. Hell maybe J-Fed should call them and get some guidance on how to have the troops go to war for you.

4/25/2009 07:29:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My father worked with LT.Barney Farrell for many years in 013. It looks like "THE APPLE DIDN'T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE". I never heard my DAD speak more highly of a 'GENTLEMAN' in my life. I often think of all those "GOOD BOSSES" that are looking down from above that are wondering??? WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO OUR BELOVED CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT???? SAD.

4/25/2009 07:41:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If the people that ran this circus had two brain cells to rub together they would rehire him as civilian chief of dics. Then again lets quash that idea because it makes sense and would build morale.

4/25/2009 08:42:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Don't know Cpt. Farrell, but judging from the comments I would have liked to work for him (southsider). And I agree that there are only about 5 out of 10,500 that are the salt of the earth left on this job.

4/25/2009 08:45:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

39 years ago I was a rookie patrolman in a one man car. I took a lot of gunfire from a project building. I was screaming for help in the radio in the car and the first car to arrive on the scene was John Farrell. We have been friends ever since. We made Sgt. together and I had the priviledge to work for his father. I know where John gets his classiness from. We worked together several times over the years. I was once with John Hinchey and he asked, "Who's the best Policeman you know?" Without hesitation, I answered Farrell. Thank you my friend for every Copper you have helped. Congratulations. There
really is life in the other side.
Mike

4/25/2009 08:50:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Don't play fave's SCC... isn't this supposed to be a forum for ALL cops?

Obviously a recent retiree who prob wasn't even noticed heading out the door on his last day.

4/25/2009 09:03:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

did'nt know the good capt.but from what everyone has said about him,i damn sure wish i did.job well done sir.god bless you and your family.signed:the s/side po-po.

4/25/2009 09:05:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

who is this guy?

4/25/2009 09:21:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

John Farrell was a true professional in every sense of the word. The CPD will definitely not be the same without you,John.

Best of wishes in your retirement and all the very best that life has to offer!!!

4/25/2009 09:26:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree, one of the best bosses, but not an "old captain."

4/25/2009 09:45:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

He would be a GREAT superintendant!

4/25/2009 09:50:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow, reading these comments really makes me wish that I had worked the guy. Whatever he did, J-FED should be taking notes.

4/25/2009 09:51:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Give the WEISel jagoff the hook and put in Farrell as supe.

4/25/2009 09:56:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Comparing Juan Rivera to John Farrell- give me a break. HDO guy to the real police.

4/25/2009 10:22:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Deputy Sheriff Warren (Skip) York
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office
Florida
End of Watch: Saturday, April 25, 2009

Biographical Info
Age: 44
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: 260

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Saturday, April 25, 2009
Incident Location: Georgia
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Shot and killed

Deputy Skip York and Deputy Burt Lopez were shot and killed while attempting to locate a domestic dispute suspect at sporty clays and shooting center.

The suspect fled the scene and was later shot and killed by other deputies in Walton County when he opened fire on them during a pursuit.

Deputy York had served with the agency for two years. He is survived by his wife and children.

Related Line of Duty Deaths
Patch image: Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, Florida Deputy Sheriff Burton (Burt) Lopez
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: Saturday, April 25, 2009
Cause of Death: Gunfire

Agency Contact Information
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office
1250 Eglin Parkway
Shalimar, FL 32579

4/25/2009 10:25:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

observations re: Farrell's retirement.....it can be said that he was one of the best, it's too bad he has to leave...but what does that say about the present management?....where are the leaders, the ones who have served in the field, and who also have the courage to speak up for the truth, and against city hall? (do they even exist?).....seems like there are are some captains and lieutenants who fit that definition, but they surely don't get promoted if they offer an opinion that opposes either 35th st or city hall...

4/25/2009 10:37:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

THE 009TH DISTRICT HAS ONE OF THE BEST CAPTAINS LEFT AND HIS NAME IS BOB JOHNSON. GOOD LUCK ON YOUR RETIREMENT CAPT FARRELL.

4/25/2009 10:50:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Don't play fave's SCC... isn't this supposed to be a forum for ALL cops? If you're going to wish one retiree well, then wish them all well!

I must say, not all of the retiree's stand with Capt Farrell. One of the best bosses in the universe who'd never forgotten he came from blue!!!

Genuine man, prince of a boss, I wish the dept could clone this guy!!!

HERE IS A MAN WHO SHOULD TEACH A BOSS HOW TO BE A BOSS!!!!!

4/25/2009 11:07:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Worked with the Capt. briefly after being assigned to A/1 - OUTSTANDING BOSS!

4/25/2009 11:08:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

John Farrell wasn't one of the best, he is the BEST--hands down!! I only had the privilege and honor to work for him for a short period of time as I came on in 97'. HE is a living legend and truly a gentleman. Incredibly gifted policeMAN and "deadly" accurate. Never too busy or arrogant to teach or help a fellow officer. Thanks for helping my partner through a tough period, I will never forget you.

4/25/2009 11:49:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The thing about Farrell was I never felt I worked for him, I felt he was always working for us

4/25/2009 11:51:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We really will miss ya. One of the best bosses and one of the "old captains" that had respect

NO..he was a new style Captain actually...but a treasure no doubt

4/26/2009 12:02:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Have a great retirement, Captain! You are one of the best bosses that I ever had the privilege of working for in my 31+ years. I was sure glad to see you come to Area One from Area Four!

You will definitely be missed!

Good luck!

4/26/2009 12:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

In a perfect world, he'd have been Cline's successor, if not Hilliard's!

Civilian Supes will NEVER have the respect of the men and women of this Department. NEVER.

Maybe we'll be lucky enough to see Ernie Brown make Supe. (pukes)

4/26/2009 12:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Never worked for him, nor met him but based on everything that's been written here, sounds like he's someone you would want to work for. Congratulations BOSS and enjoy your retirement!

4/26/2009 12:55:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I worked in 011 for a few years and people talked about this guy in the hallways. You know someone leaves a huge footprint on this job when they are respected like Capt. Farrell was. He is the real police because he didnt seek out attention like some of our bosses now. He leads by example and without saying much. That is the sign of a true leader. Good luck in retirement sir. You will be missed.

4/26/2009 01:16:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Don't play fave's SCC... isn't this supposed to be a forum for ALL cops? If you're going to wish one retiree well, then wish them all well!

4/25/2009 09:12:00 AM

NO, I think just the one's that deserve it.

4/26/2009 01:47:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

observations re: Farrell's retirement.....it can be said that he was one of the best, it's too bad he has to leave...but what does that say about the present management?....where are the leaders, the ones who have served in the field, and who also have the courage to speak up for the truth, and against city hall? (do they even exist?).....seems like there are are some captains and lieutenants who fit that definition, but they surely don't get promoted if they offer an opinion that opposes either 35th st or city hall...

4/25/2009 10:37:00 PM


Agreed, except for "one of the best"..... he was the best!

4/26/2009 02:52:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just the overwelming positive comments on this often times negative blog say what a great police officer and boss Farrell has been.

For me he's an inspiration and someone I think about every time I have a tough situation to handle. And I know I am not alone in this. He has set a great example for many.

4/26/2009 03:06:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Farrell story-Several years back in A/1, we were working a kidnapping case. After a brief pursuit and foot chase, John ran the offender down and apprehendedhim. There were a dozen of us and he had atleast ten years on the nearest dick and this was before his hip replacement. True story.

4/26/2009 04:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

When John Farrell made Captain 4 years ago, he could have gone anywhere. He chose to go to midnights in 2. He knew he only had a few years left and chose to go where he could do the most good. While working a watch with one of the busiest lockups in the city, he took time to help everyone. There was a steady stream of detectives discussing investigations. He trained several new sgts and lts. He encouraged nervous rookies and took care of wiley veteran's problems.He still found time to go out on the street while doing all this. Thanks for all your help John and I know you will answer that 3am call if I need more advice. All the best and enjoy a long retirement!!

4/26/2009 06:06:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Retirement! You will be missed!

4/26/2009 06:23:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

25,30,40 YEARS FROM NOW, WILL COPPERS BE TALKING ABOUT THEIR BOSSES LIKE THIS WHEN THEY RETIRE??????

4/26/2009 07:05:00 AM  
Blogger John Northen said...

Hey, Jody Boy:

Remember our phone conversation in early December, 2007 while you were still SAC-FBI Philly?

I gave you the name of the best possible guy you could pick as your right-hand man.

Remember his name? One guess, asshole!

Knowing Farrell, he would have declined anyway.

4/26/2009 07:42:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

JF,HT,LF,JB,MM SAVE US NUMEROUS TIMES IN THE LATE 60S AND 70S GREAT TACT GUYS IN SUMMERDALE. ALONG WITH HT,BF,FG,BS,CL,GREAT WAGONMENS MOST OF US ALL FOLLOWED IN THEREFOOTSTEPS OUR HEROES BEING THE CHICAGOS FINEST GOOD LUCK TO ALL.

4/26/2009 07:53:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mark Vail (another great recent retiree) has summed Farrell up best for years. If Farrell asked me to go with him into hell and lock up satan I'd ask what time did he want me there and feel priviledged to have been asked.

The affection shown by the reponses here are tremendous. Let me just add that aside from being the last boss who would always take suspensions before he would allow his men too, John Farrell is just a great, GREAT man.

I'll quote Steve Mcqueen and add this. How great a boss was John Farrell? I'd need a tall, tall ladder just to kiss his ass.

All the best John. The thought of going to work Monday without you on the job is heartbreaking

4/26/2009 09:51:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How many coppers have gone to a domestic call and had to hold the door open for your Capt.? (Who, by the way, let you handle the job)
How many coppers have gone to a burglary in progress call, only to find your Capt. making entry?
How many coppers have been told by their Capt. to high-tail it two districts away because "They need help"?(he was monitoring that zone as well)
Well, I have...because I had the priviledge of working for Captain John Farrell. 3 years wasn't enough.

4/26/2009 10:09:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

?....where are the leaders, the ones who have served in the field, and who also have the courage to speak up for the truth, and against city hall? (do they even exist?).....seems like there are are some captains and lieutenants who fit that definition, but they surely don't get promoted if they offer an opinion that opposes either 35th st or city hall...

You're right about that! Most of what could be considered leaders here today on CPD are either stuck in the Lt. or Capt. ranks, or have either been forced out or demoted.
It is truly a sad, sad time to be a member of what used to be a great police dept. The Mayor and Weis have almost totally crushed morale and initiative here.

4/26/2009 10:59:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The department made a huge mistake when they promoted John Farrell to Captain. They should have bypassed that rank entirely and made him an exempt. I was one of his Sergeants and can tell you what's been said of him is true. He always handled his roll call, responded to scenes, led by example, made himself available for advice, and treated his people well. He was never the type of boss to delegate all of his responsibilities away like so many Lieutenants and Captains do these days. He was short Sergeants on his watch and the few he had were already swamped with CRs. So, did he start dumping more on them because he needed to get the investigations assigned? No, he actually did them himself. He's the real deal!

4/26/2009 11:19:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

who is this guy?

He was the best of us.

4/26/2009 11:27:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Captain Farrell God Bless and enjoy. Who is going to eat all the candy!!! You deserve all the happiness in the world. We will miss you! Good Luck and enjoy you new life. See you on the 19th of June.

4/26/2009 12:09:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

John Farrell, John Pappas, Wayne Thompson, Gerry Keller, Tom Folliard.

Affirmitive to say the least. We have seen the last of the best. In 3 years all the OUTSTANDING dicks' and bosses' will be nil.

John F. was not only a great copper but always had his heart in the right place. He would take a bullet for "ANY" copper.

I remember sometime ago, he told a LAPA female she should just leave the job before she gets a real copper hurt.

May the Good Lord be always with you John.

4/26/2009 12:40:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The bell is tolling for the loss it sustained with the retirement of John Farrell. A class act, a real gentlemen, and a the real police-what more could you ask for. I can honestly say that I learned more working for him one day than what I learned from other bosses for years. I hope that the future has nothing but success, happiness, and 100 years worth of pension checks in store for you.

4/26/2009 01:02:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

RETIREMENT PARTY FOR CAPT. JOHN FARRELL at Plumbers hall 1340 W Washington June 19th, 2009 from 6pm-12am. You can get tickets from Denis Walsh 4-8261 or ticket committee members (look for posters)!

tickets $50.00

Thank you!

4/26/2009 01:46:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

GOOD BLESS YOU CAPT FARRELL
F-CKUOU JODY.

4/26/2009 02:29:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

When, and Where will his retirement party be at. Please post the information. It will probably be the most attended retirement party in the history of this Department.

4/26/2009 06:14:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I will sorta repeat what someone else said, but as John was to be introduced to a family member at a gathering, he stated " I work with Dave".....not I'm Capt. so and so or even an iota of my boss, kind of attitude ..he was like this since I first met him in '92 A5 mission team excelled in closing capers with him in the lead!Out every tour with the guys ...first at the door and first through it!.What an absolute PRINCE!! God Bless John and I'll probably still see ya on the bike trail!

4/26/2009 07:13:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I never met, or worked for John Farrell, but I have never heard of a single boss on this job that was more uniformly praised, and was more respected across the board. I wish I would have had the opportunity to work for him. From everything that I have ever heard about him, it tells you something about this department that he did not rise much much higher throught the ranks. It is a sad statement on this city. Best wishes and good luck.

4/26/2009 08:54:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Barney is proud of his son.

4/26/2009 08:57:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was a ppo when my twins where born premature. I did not have any time on the books, I had just started. Capt Farrell saw that I was down and worried. He told me to go home and take care of my family. He told me not to worry about the time. I am very lucky to have met the REAL POLICE. THANK YOU SIR and good luck with your retirement.

4/26/2009 09:16:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This department is Yearning for something positive to say. Thanks John, your MOM & DAD are proud!!!

4/26/2009 09:29:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'll borrow for Whitman


O Captain my Captain!
our fearful trip is done,
The ship has weathered every rack, the prize we sought is won,
The port is near,
the bells I hear,
the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.

O Captain! my Captain!
rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up--for you the flag is flung for you the bugle trills,
For you bouquets and ribboned wreaths for you the shores a-crowding,
For you they call,
the swaying mass,
their eager faces turning;
Here Captain! dear father!
This arm beneath your head!
It is some dream that on the deck,
You've fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer,
his lips are pale and still;
My father does not feel my arm,
he has no pulse nor will;
The ship is anchored safe and sound,
its voyage closed and done;
From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won;
Exult O shores, and ring O bells!
But I, with mournful tread,
Walk the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.

4/26/2009 10:06:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Daley, you want moral improved--Shit can Jody and Hire John Farrell for Superintendent---Crime in this city will go down tremendously!!!

4/26/2009 10:38:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is something to contemplate:

Did J-Fed know who John Farrell,
1st watch Captain in the Deuce was?

I don't know if J-Fed reads this blog but I am certain he gets briefed on it. Does he think that he missed something in failing to take advantage of such an experienced and respected Captain? Or does he just dismiss the admiration show for Farrell as a relic of the old Department that he was brought in by Shortshanks to change?

From the standpoint of 99% of the working coppers we need more bosses like Farrell and less like some of the ambitious, political
run for cover, take care of themselves first bosses that always seem to get promoted or that the Department seems to change them into.

4/27/2009 12:15:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Has anyone seen Farrell and Mingey together at a scene? MMMMeow...not only do they have brains...pprrr...

4/27/2009 05:04:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

John had several opportunities to be made exempt, but he always said if you do that to me, I'll quit.
That is because he is a policeman of honor and has respect towards the job assignment and those who came on this job to be the police. The higher you go up in rank the further you get from the job and people you love - and he didn't want that - the money wasn't worth trading his dignity.

He was smart enough to take the captain rank for the last 3 years of his career. At least he got them for a better retirement check, even though they should just hand him the exempt rank retirement salary, since he did more work in his career than the whole useless crew of todays' exempt put together!

So congratulations to an old hero who also has to hold the new record for comp time sell back. Although his was truly earned, unlike most exempt theives, John never even put in a slip for comp earned, he always ate it.

A great man.

4/27/2009 05:23:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Read the following words carefully please. I worked for Capt. Farrell in the past. He is the real Police for sure, but HE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE THE LAST. Sometimes though, the lemming mentality on this blog is amazing. It's not over! Each and every one of you is in charge of the future of this Department. If you don't like the direction the Department is going, work to change it. Yes, I am not naive. I know it has changed irreversibly. However, in small ways that you can control, you can still be THE POLICE. Do that and do your job well!

4/27/2009 08:21:00 AM  
Anonymous Riverview II said...

I've got a great idea for John Farrell's party. All monies could go to the wives and children of our fallen heroes.

Have the WEISel sitting in a dunk tank. Toss the ball and hit the bullseye--SPLASH!Pop goes da WEISel!

(For Shortshanks, I'd pay a C-note a toss)

4/27/2009 05:31:00 PM  
Blogger John Northen said...

"Did (Weis) know who John Farrell...was?" - 12:15 AM

An emphatic YES. See my last post (4/26; 7:42 AM) on this thread.

4/27/2009 08:41:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The blood lines of the Farrell tree run thick, His dad was one of the nicest men that I have met in my life, I met him as a young Cadet while I worked in the 13th District. When I came on the job he was assigned to the acedmey and he came looking for me and showed genuine concern that things would be OK. He would walk around and said Hello to all the recruits. Then I met John Farrell, another great Man, This guy knows his stuff about being the policeAnd above that A CLASS ACT. If you saw him on a scene you knew it was going to be OK. and if you were involved in a shooting rest asure, that you were OK. This man should come back and teach at the academy and teach the new SGTS, LTS. and Bossess something about being compassion and concern about the young coppers instead of what we have as leaders now. God Bless You John Farrell and may God protect you and keep you healthy.

4/27/2009 09:58:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Murder in the ghetto on midnites in area one.....
how many dicks assigned? ONE...
dick is alone at scene...who shows up but John Farrell...and HE DOES THE CANVASS FOR WITNESSES!!!!!!
ENOUGH SAID...CLASS PERSON...

4/28/2009 05:58:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Being a black female back in the day and a Detective who made it off the test none the less, was very very rough. Lt. Farrell took the time to train me and he made sure he put me with a veteran Detective rather they liked it or not. I ended up being a damn good Detective thanks to him. Though I ended up leaving the job due to personal reasons, I married a rich guy, I will never forget the support and confidence you gave me. I have 6 victim's families that still write me today.

5/03/2009 06:24:00 PM  

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