 | Deputy Sheriff Albert Ochoa Garza
Harris County Sheriff's Department
Texas
Monday, July 30, 1979 |
I can't believe it's been 30 years since that awful day. I remember it like it was yesterday - J.R. was still so little. Just another senseless waste of life and for what? Thank you Deputy for leading by example and never hesitating. You are missed. Laura Yanez
2009-08-13
Happ Birthday Dad, we love you and miss you..... J.R. Garza
Son
2009-07-30
Al,
I have often thought of you and the irony of your demise. I had asked you if you wanted to work an extra job the Friday before your death and you had declined because you did not want the extra exposure at that point in your career. When God calls you home it doesn't matter where you are at. You answered the call to duty and God called you home. God bless and rest in peace brother. Detective John R. Hill (Retired)
2008-12-02
You will never be forgoten brother E309
2008-07-30
"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
2008-02-07
Officer Garza, thank you for your service to Harris County, and To The Great State Of Texas. RIP brother you did your job well.
Pecos Police Department
Pecos, Texas.
2007-07-31
Deputy Sheriff Garza,
On today, the 26th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Harris County.
R.I.P.
Anonymous
2005-07-30
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