Calling all police poets! Police1’s poetry column highlights some of the inspirational, moving and funny poems authored by our readers.
This poem is by retired Police Captain John Jaros, who served with the Mentor (Ohio) Police Department for more than 36 years. Now an active member of both the Lake County Blue Coats and the Greater Cleveland Peace Officer Memorial Society, John continues to honor the law enforcement profession through service and song.
What began as a deeply personal project became something much bigger. Inspired by Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” John rewrote the verses to reflect the sorrow, strength and sacrifice of police officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. After many rewrites, the poem was submitted to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and selected to be performed as a prelude to the National Candlelight Vigil in 2022 during Police Week.
Performed by John’s friend and fellow Mentor resident Andy DiLiello (see video below)
, the piece has resonated with survivors and officers alike, and has also featured at the Greater Cleveland Peace Officer Memorial Service and other solemn occasions. Though originally set to music, it stands alone as a poem with quiet power and reverence.
We share John’s words here to honor those who’ve fallen, and to comfort those who carry their memory forward.
Email your original poem for consideration to editor@police1.com.
A Police Memorial Alleluia
Our heroes rest in many places
We know their deeds, We’ve seen their faces
We pray Lord Jesus keep them in your grace ya
We’ve done this now too any times
The thin blue line avenges crimes
An end to this would be an Alleluia.
The sound of bagpipes in the air
The rifle volley makes us aware
The bugler’s somber song of Taps goes through you
A sea of blue is gathered round
a casket laid upon the ground
The Chaplain shouted out an Alleluia
Brother and sisters stand in pain
and hope you did not die in vain
and to your oath you always stayed true,ya
you know that when you answer the call
you just may be the next to fall
Praying for courage your heart beats Alleluia
Survivor families now abound
Beloved ones no longer around
To do the things that other families do, ya
They’re looking toward their family in blue
who vow to always help them through
for that support they holler Alleluia.
We promise them we won’t forget
and once in May, be it dry or wet
we march, salute, and give the honors due you
We’ll read the names etched on that wall
The fallen who have answered the call
Remembering them by singing Alleluia.
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