Will you remember me?

DRL is most grateful to Officer John A. Pasko for sharing his story with us to complete our Police Memorial Week Tribute to: "Those Who Wear The Shield."

So much to learn, so little time. We must ask ourselves, "what’s so special about my life that others will wish to remember me?"

 When I was young, the dreams of becoming rich and famous were in every thought. As I grew older and seeking to identify, I found myself asking others, “ What shall I be? I want to be something that very few can achieve. I want to be something unique and different, so that others will remember me.” Although there are many, many professions that we could take on, there was only one calling, that was patiently waiting for me.  As I read the instructions on life how to be this or that, the calling that we gravitated too, was the farthest from our thoughts. It was finally realized later in life, it is a policeman that we shall be. They say, life is like a train ride and is filled with many stops along the way. We get on. We ride. We get off. We get back on and ride some more. There are some accidents and there are delays. At certain stops there are surprises. Some of these will unequivocally translate into great moments of joy; some will result in profound sorrow, leaving us to say, there’s nothing else we can do. 

Some people on the train will leave an everlasting impression when they leave your side.  Some will get on and get off the train so quickly, that they will scarcely leave a sign that they ever traveled along with you or ever crossed your path. Some people on the train will leave an everlasting impression when they get off.  As time went on and we grew of age, I wished to follow my beloved fathers path. With his shiny star pinned to his chest, with his uniform neatly tailored and freshly pressed, a shadow of a hero was the image that was projected as he stood in the shining rays of the God given sun.  

I never understood why my mother would worry so much, as he stepped out the door after he readied himself for work, or when he called home and said he’d would be late for the family event, because he was still at work, dealing with some drunken jerk.

Holidays, Birthdays and Anniversaries, are just some of the few to name. These special occasions were missed while serving others and placing their families first.  I often wondered why my father spent so much time away, until one day I asked him and he said he was doing God’s work.

It was from that day forward I knew this was the man I wanted to be.  Later in life, March 2^nd, would become a date that I shall never forget. It is my anniversary date to remember, a date and a lifetime legacy of good will to all, in greats hopes that some would remember me. It was during the early years of our crime shattering ways, that we found this was the life that was best suited for me. Off I went into the police academy not really knowing what to expect. We later found out this law enforcement job that we wanted so badly, was no easy task, and would quickly put us in check.

It was upon graduation and the acceptance of our first job, we quickly realized how little we really knew.  It was a fast paced furry, to catch on really quick. You were the new guy, the rookie, the boot and a half dozen other names.  Every Field Training Officer (FTO) reminded you, this is no childhood game. Passed from one FTO to the other, making progress as we go. We were pulled into a thousand different directions, making decisions and to close one call, only to accept another.  Whether it was to give a speeder a ticket or give those more serious violators who wouldn’t listen, a free night stay at the county jail. Over the last two decades as a law enforcement officer, we have seen our fair share of pain. As in every position in life, there are the good and bad times, times of immeasurable difficulties, triumphs’ and glories and times for great lessons to be learned.  This time, was our time and the lessons taught, shall eternally move our soul and lift our heart.

As a police officer, we hear many, many things and see more than our fair share of the cruel and nasty world in which we all must live. We absorb the physical and mental pain of the communities we serve, quick to become the mediator for domestic disputes, a medic at the scene of a horrific vehicle crash and the councelor for a variety of other reasons, when things go astray. Every agency, department and community, has their favorite hometown heroes and a million reasons as to why people remember and frequently speak their name. For the City of Melbourne, Melbourne Florida, Officer Joseph S. Pellicano, (Joe) Melbourne’s Finest, has become an iconic household name.

 Although Joe’s career was short lived, with our agency for approximately three (3) years, he leaves behind a lifetime of wisdom, empathy, and sympathy and is the very epitome of a True American Hero and what being a police officer is all about. If one would Google Joe’s  name, there would be a picture of him and a huge smile he always wore. Although, Joe’s life was taken before our time, make no mistake about it, he did not die in vain.  Joe’s mindset was: “If you see a friend without a smile; give him one of yours.”

It was on October 17^th, 1986, Officer Joseph S. Pellicano, ID #174 was killed while directing traffic at a house fire that was set by an arsonist.  Yes, our brother Joe is gone, but the legacy he leaves behind, is one that shall never perish. We thought so much of Joe, we started a scholarship under his name, The Joseph S. Pellicano Memorial Scholarship and hold an annual golf event, The Joseph S. Pellicano Memorial Golf Classic, to help fund the program.  This program offers those less fortunate a chance to become one of Melbourne’s Finest.  Although, our organization birthed the idea (Families of the Shield, Inc.), the success is brought forth by the collaborative efforts with the Melbourne Police Foundation, Inc., Families of the Shield, Inc., the Citizens of Our Communities, but Most Importantly, the Pellicano/Ambrose Family. 

Through our joint endeavors, and being blessed with the ability to honor Joe and his family, is among the highest accolades one could receive. Their family is now our family and we are blessed to have so many wonderful, gracious and compassionate people in our lives; as the Pellicano/Ambrose Family.  The remembrance of our fallen heroes is officially conducted during May 15^th- 21^st of every year.  Although, this story comes to you at the end of the week dedicated for all police officers nationwide, there’s a reason for the timing of this story. Will you remember or forget the sacrifices made for you, placing the keepers of peace in harms way for you and giving up our quality family time for you, so that you may enjoy yours with your beloved families…..or…        

~ Will You Remember Me? ~ 

~Life is Like a Train Ride and I shall see you in the end~ 

This is page dedicated with great admiration, loyalty and devotion to:

JOSEPH S. PELLICANO

Police Officer #174

Melbourne Police Department 

Melbourne, Florida

~ In Loving Memory ~ 

Authored by:

John A. Pasko

Police Officer #264

Founder-Chairman-CEO

Families of the Shield, Inc.

Vice President

American Police Hall of Fame and Museum