Napa Valley College

Criminal Justice Training Center

Students fondly remember Jake for his sense of humor, for the realism he brought to his classes and for his absolute loyalty to promoting the safety of law enforcement officers. It was not at all uncommon for Jake to spend his own time after class to work with a student who was having difficulty. He took a personal interest in each of them and in their future. Jake's most famous bit of advice for students learning the rigors of a baton kata was, "Don't... fight... the... flow..." He would say this while snapping his fingers once in between each word and, almost magically, students would begin to move with balance and correct style.

Captain Stasko was a distinguished member of the San Francisco Police Department since March of 1977. While returning to his home after a very long day that included responding to a bank robbery and officer involved shooting, Jake's car left the roadway and hit a tree taking his life. Jake left behind his wife and three children.

The hundreds of graduates and staff of the Criminal Justice Training Center salute Jake for his dedication and commitment to keeping law enforcement safe.

Personal Tribute

What a gift Jake Stasko was to students. This was my first thought after hearing of Jake's accident. I first met Jake as a student in a firearms instructor course. I recall his enthusiasm, his energy and his ability to communicate. I could tell immediately that he was an experienced instructor who taught from his heart willing to give all that he could to each student in his class. Later, I worked with Jake when he taught weaponless defense and baton classes in the Basic Police Academy. The students loved him for his sense of humor and for his ability to teach them how to perform accurately and safely. He brought them realism and experience. He treated everyone fairly and consistently while balancing the ability to provide each individual a special bit of encouragement or counsel at just the right time. As an instructor, Jake's work ethic was second to none. His research and information was cutting edge and always on the mark.

Following the news of his death, I received dozens of telephone calls from former students who were saddened by this loss. Jake touched so many lives in the law enforcement community throughout California. As a "cops-cop," Jake's legacy will live on in the thousands of students he taught who are now carrying on his mission as peace officers on the street. As a fellow instructor, I will miss Jake. But I will remember his smile, his humor and his skill in the classroom. What a gift Jake Stasko was to his students.

Greg Miraglia, Training Center Director