Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I remember responding to the scene of this crash, it was a day that I cannot put out of my mind. I think of it often and say a prayer. It is hard to deal with this type of call but when the officer involved is someone you know it makes it even harder. RIP, your life mattered.

Sgt. Ken Erhard (Retired)
Las Cruces Police Dept. NM

August 20, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 20, 2020

Deputy Carbajal,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Dona Ana County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 20, 2020

Hey coach you'll never be forgotten. U had a great impact on my life and I thank you so much

Officer Daniel Lopez
Las Cruces Police Department

August 20, 2012

I had the pleasure of riding with Ruben when I was a reserve officer for DASO. He was really looked up to by his peers and the reserves alike. He was very cautious and taught us tactics that I still use today. I have often thought about the impact that Ruben has had on my life, Thank you my friend!

Detective Tuttle
SLCPD

January 6, 2012

I walked with the family this year at the Police Officer Memorial. In a short time I learned a lot about the Life and the Family that surrounded Ruben. It was an honor.

Deputy J. Signore
DASO

Depty J. Signore
Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office

June 27, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 20th 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 the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

August 20, 2010

Ruben,
We grew up together as friends, some of my best memories are hanging out as teens and cruising around in your Nova, listing to Seals and Crofts and The Guess Who. Fun times indeed.
You are dearly missed and you will always remain in my prayers. My deepest condolences to your family, May you always remain in God's blessed Grace.

Detective Sonia Cabrera
Los Angeles Police Department - Retired/ Friend

October 18, 2009

The department has not forgotten your sacrifice. You and your fallen brothers are always in our hearts.

Dona Ana Sheriff's Department

October 1, 2008

"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

December 13, 2007

Deputy Carbajal,
On today, the 17th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Dona Ana County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. I am a Border Patrol Agent assigned to El Paso, Texas and from time to time have have come into contact with DASO officers and they have always been professional and have treated us good.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

August 20, 2007

Hey Coach!! Its been 15 yrs since you've been gone. I have not and will not ever forget you. I've been with the city police for 5yrs now and have been part of the SWAT team for 1 1/2yrs. I come visit you twice a month and want to thank you for the impact in my life to become a police officer. I've had dreams of you and want to thank you for looking down on me when I've been in those unknown calls for service and call outs.

Officer Daniel Lopez
Las Cruces Police Department

May 2, 2006

Ruben I am a long time friend of Lauren's mother JoAnn. It has been truly my honor to know Lauren and see her grow up over the past several years. Know that she is well taken care of and that I for one will continue to watch over her. I only wish to have known you, Rest easy Deputy and God Bless you.

Correctional Officer Noah Guzman
NM. Dept. Of Corrections

November 2, 2005

I knew Ruben and his family for several years. I still communicate with members of his family from time to time. Never was there a more caring individual on this earth! My heart goes out to his family..they are very good people. As for Ruben, I know you are in a wonderful place, just don't forget that are thoughts are always with you.

Anonymous