San Antonio Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Saturday, December 24, 1983
Reflections for Patrolman Gilbert E. Ramirez
I think of you always , we grew up together you were my brother even though we were cousin. This is now 2020 an you are forever in my heart.
Rosie Benavides
Cousin
April 24, 2020
RIP Officer. I hope the public remembers you the next tine they complain that the officer should have tried to talk first.
Deputy Constable Anonymous Anonymous
31 years of service
April 13, 2018
Uncle Gilbert I wish i would have gotten the chance to meet you. Thank you for serving and protecting San Antonio. Love your niece Iris Nicole and your two other little niece and nephew (My children) Isaiah & Izalin wish they would have had the chance to meet you as well. ♡ rest well tio.
Iris Nicole
Niece
April 12, 2018
Dear Cousin,
I remember you when you were young and before you had a family of your own. I remember going with our families (your dad Gilbert, step-mom Connie and your step-brothers, your step-sister and your younger sister) to the coast for the weekend or you all coming over to the house and vise versa. Sometimes I see your sister Birdie at the store. I remember so clearly when my dad, your tio Carlos, told me what had happened and how my heart hurt so much to hear of your tragic passing. I remember how your dad, tio Beto was so devastated and broken hearted he was never the same. I don't live on the South Side anymore but I still think of you when I pass by the park that was named after you and if I am with someone in the car I tell them that park was named for my cousin and I tell them what a good man you were and how you were taken so early. I was so proud of you when you became a police officer and even now after all these years I am still proud of you for doing something you held dear to your heart. My dear handsome cousin I will always remember you the way you were when we were young.
Aurora Cortinas
Cousin
March 26, 2015
You will never be forgotten sir.
Patrolman
San Antonio PD
December 23, 2014
Dear grandpa,
I know you didn't know me when you passed ha well you didnt even think of me i wasnt a thought when you passed, but now i know you can see me from heaven.
Grandpa i hear a lot of nice stories about you all the time that grandma always tells me. She tells me these things because she can never stop thinking about you and neither can uncle Adrian and my mom Chrissie.
I just wish i had that chance to meet you and be with you but soon i will be when my time comes grandpa i miss you and i love you rest in piece.
~you're granddaughter Jordan
12-18-14
Jordan
granddaughter
December 18, 2014
Officer Ramirez,
You were well known to the Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department (Southside Division). You would consistently check up on us and warn us of certain areas or particular gangs. Each time, you would offer your assistance on any "home visit" or any situation that may escalate to an extreme. We felt reassured and grateful that we had your support and protection. We were devastated when we heard the news.
May God always keep you close to Him.
Juanita M. Gonzalez, former Juvenile Probation Officer
N/A
Juanita M. Gonzalez/Former Juvenile Probation Officer
January 25, 2014
Dear Gilbert - On this, the 30th anniversary of your passing, you should know your family misses you, thinks of you often and continues to be proud that you served this city as a SA Police Officer.
I vividly remember the phone call informing us that you had been shot and eventually succumbed to your injuries.
In the few years that we were together you showed me what a strong and caring individual you were. I only got to know you for seven years before your passing but it was a memorable time.
I'm proud to say your family has remained strong thru the years - your son has grown to be a mature and responsible man who eventually bore a son of his own (your grandson) who in his own right also is a responsible and handsome man.
Your precious daughter has evolved into a beautiful and caring young woman who also bore you a beautiful granddaughter, who I am proud and blessed to say is my God daughter.
Brother, please continue to Rest in Peace and with God's will, the day will come when we will share each other's company once again. In Loving Memory, your brother-in-law
Go with God.
J Portela
Retired State of Texas employee
December 24, 2013
I grew up near and still live near the park named after you. I think of you everytime I visit the park, and pray to have your courage in the course of my duties.
Deputy Jose "Joe" Ortiz
Bexar County Sheriff's Office
December 11, 2012
Gilbert,
It has been a long 28 yrs. I remember that night like it was yesteday. It was bitter cold and windy I recall you and Rick Sanchez getting the call for a disturbance with a gun. And then three different times the dispatcher stated he was getting more calls and for you to be careful about a man with a shotgun.
You and Rick checked out then Rick came on the radio that you were shot. Everyone it seemed responded. The dispatcher John Lyons did a good job keeping things under control. I was working near loop/410 and roosevelt and drove like crazy to get to you. By the time I arrived with in 15 mins about ten officers had arrived with more on the way.
It was dark, cold and windy. I briefly stopped to check on you. EMS was treating you but I think we all knew that you had expired.
The anger I felt as we searched for your killer in a three block area all hoping for a chance to encounter him. With now more than thirty officers on the scene we sealed off the 3 block area and started the search. Swat units had also arrived and were getting there gear when they located your killer. The coward gave up in front of a group of citizens.
Your killer and his atty played the system and drug out this case for several yrs and 3 retrials by the time he was sentenced he was released for time served after only a short time
retired cop
san antonio P.D
December 25, 2011
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 28th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.
I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
December 25, 2011
"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
February 25, 2008
I am honored to leave a reflection for you, you are remembered today Sir and thank you for your service
VanDenBerghe
Manchester, NH
December 17, 2007
Rest in peace, hero. God will keep you safe for eternity.
Wisconsin L.E.O.
October 3, 2006
Rest in peace Officer Ramirez, while your watch over, ours continues in your memory and the memory of those who went before you.
Senior Trooper
Virginia State Police
December 24, 2004
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