Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Cantave,
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 New York City. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 22, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 22, 2020

And here We are years later and Hospital Police are still not armed and very under paid ! Rest In Peace My brother !

Lieutenant Jorge Mojica
Nyhp Division # 11 Cih

August 11, 2019

Harry, on this day I haven't forgot about you. I remember you as my classmate in the HHC Police Academy. Later on we ran into each other when filing was open for the Sergeants exam. Harry I pray everyday that no one from HHC Police never ever gets seriously hurt or G-d forbid killed in the line of duty. I am still keeping up the fight for MOSs to finally get out of Teamsters Local 237, centralize our department, arm all members, and lastly bring about diversity in the department. Harry, your sacrifice and your service will never ever be forgotten.

Retired Police Officer I. Howard Friedm
NYC Health & Hospitals Corporation

August 29, 2018

I had been of the job as an NYC H+H Police Officer for only two years when PO Cantave was killed. I attended the funeral in Class A's. It was my first police funeral (sadly, since then I've attended countless). I remember thinking how dangerous our job is, and that each day we go forth into the field, may be our last. I also remember the NYS Police Officer who saluted the caskets as it past, tears running down his cheek. It still chokes me up recalling it.

Yes, we are all brothers and sisters in law enforcement, whether it be in New Mexico or Puerto Rico, Alaska or Hawaii or Los Angeles or New York City...or whether your called Deputy, Peace Officer, Constable, Police, Trooper, Park Police, Municipal Police, Metro, Military Police, etc., etc. we are ALL brothers and sisters. We are all law enforcement officers.

And what happens to one, can happen to any of us, at any time. Because of what we do, which is place our personal safety and life on the line each and every day.

And as this Officer Down Memorial Page demonstrates, sometimes we make the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the public.

Let's be careful out there. Officer Safety at all times (on or off-duty). NO CALL FOR SERVICE IS ROUTINE.

God bless.

Vincent G. Fraser Sr.
Captain/Commanding Officer, 6th Division,New York City H+H Police/

May 20, 2017

Officer Cantave, today marks the 26th anniversary of your murder.

I leave a second reflection not only to acknowledge your sacrifice again, but to cite something I find touching.

Every agency that loses an Officer, regardless of rank or title, has plenty of folks from that agency leave Reflections, but I have noticed over the years that, the most consistent and frequent are from and for Hospital Corporation Police personnel. It shows beyond a shadow of a doubt that, regardless of the size of your agency (and it's safe to say there are a lot of you) you are a tight knit group and there is a lot of love and respect amongst you. That is a beautiful thing and worthy of praise.

Officer Cantave, God Bless you, Brother and all of your colleagues, both working and retired, living and deceased.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

August 22, 2016

Harry, it's been 25 years since you were taken from us. I never ever gave up the fight to upgrade the HHC Police and get us out of Teamsters. We are finally closer than ever. I hope in the future I will tell your story in the HHC Police Academy after the HHCPBA takes over. Be rest assured that I will never ever give up the fight. Rest in peace my Brother.

Retired P.O. I. Howard Friedman
NYC HHC Police

August 23, 2015

Harry today is 24 years that you were taken from us. On the night that you were killed I was off duty and heard about your murder on Eyewitness News at 11. I drove to Kings County Hospital and met up with Rev. Robert Forster who was our Chief Chaplain at that time and we prayed together at your side in the Medical Examiners office. I made this promise to Rev. Forster and I will reiterate again: As long as G-d allows me to breathe, and still fight I will continue to fight the injustices that still plague the HHC Police Department by both the Health & Hospitals Corporation and Teamsters Local #237. I will continue to tell your storyand make sure that everyone knows what a great man you were and how proud I am that we were Academy classmates.

Retired I. Howard Friedman
Health & Hospitals Corporation Police Department

August 22, 2014

My deepest condolences to the family, members of the department, and those served, at the loss of this officer, your convictions and moral character, as well as your devotion to duty. May you now rest in peace, knowing your fellow brothers and sisters will watch over your family, this officer chose to protect his fellow man, and for this we give everlasting thanks. As the Good Lord hath said, “Blessed are the Peacemakers.”

Sergeant
ACS Police DYFJ

June 1, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 23rd anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. 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 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. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

April 11, 2013

Thank you for your Heroism Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

August 22, 2012

Rest In Peace..Officer Cantave.

David Ocasio Retired H.H.C & NYC DJJ SGT
H.H.C & DJJ

August 17, 2012

To the family, friends and co-workers may you take comfort in knowing that an angel is watching over you.

P.O. Lynn Grier (Retired)
NYC Hospital Police

February 17, 2012

Harry today it is twenty years that you left us. I have never forgotten you asnd I never ever will. I still remember the last time I saw you we were both applying for the Sergeant's exam at NYC Office of Personnel. I hope that others do not forget about you and also teach the newer officewrs on the job about your dedication and professionalism and that they become inspired to carry it on. On this date twenty years ago I stood with Rev. Robert Forster who was our Chaplain at that time and I promised that with every once of my strength and with every breath that one day HHC Police Officers will never be placed on duty without the necessary tools to do the job properly and that good officers will prevail.

P.O. I. Howard Friedman
NYC HHC Police (Retired)

August 22, 2011

It's been over twenty years since you were taken away my brother. The night that you were killed I responded to KCHC Mortuary with Insp. Robert Forster HHC Police Chaplain. When I saw you there I made a solemn promise that I would do whatever it took to get positive changes in the HHC Police nd to keep your memory and good deeds alive. I had to retire in 1993 due to cancer but I am still proud that we went to the Academy together. Harry please remember that your brothers Jimmy Rodriguez and James Low are with you and that when it is my time I know that I have my brothers waiting for me.

HHC Police Officer (retired)
NYC HHC Police Department

September 29, 2010

I said a little prayer today for Officer Cantave and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

August 19, 2009

Where you did the job and who paid you isn't the issue, it's that you did the job right up until the bitter end and while off duty. You are a hero and those cowards who took you life are nothing. The NYC H&H Police have every reason to be very proud of you for the work you did and what you stood for.

On this 18th anniversary of your brutal murder I just wish to say, God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

August 22, 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 19, 2007

MANY YEARS HAVE PASSED US BY YET THE MEMORIES OF YOU CONTINUE TO LIVE ON IN OUR HEARTS , FOREVER WE WILL REMEMBER YOUR DEDICATION TO OUR DEPARTMENT. I WAS AT YOUR MEMORIAL SERVICES ,AND 18 YEARS LATER I CAN STILL REMEMBER YOU AND YOUR FUN WAYS . FOREVER YOU WILL LIVE IN OUR HEARTS.

SERGEANT J. RAMOS
NEW YORK CITY HEALTH AND HOSP. CORP

August 1, 2007

Dear Officer Cantave,

I want to let you know that you will always be remembered for the ultimate sacrifice you made. I was at your memorial service as well as the sentencing trial. Many of the rank and file were there which was a testament to the officer that you were. Your bravery is an inspiration to those of us who serve in the ranks of the HHC PD. I made a promise to myself that you, Capt Rodriguez and Sgt. Low will always be rememebered especially on National Peace Officers Memorial Day.
One of your former colleagues Edwin Castro is now a Captain in my division and he often mentions your name. Please know that you are not forgotten.

God Bless,
Jaime Gonzalez
Police Director
Division 17
NYC HHC PD

Police Director Jaime Gonzalez
New York City Hospital Police-Division 17

May 18, 2005

I had the special privledge of starting in the NYC Health & Hospitals Corporation Police Department with Harry. Harry was a nice guy and he was a great cop. The last time I saw Harry was the day we both filed for the Sergeant's exam for HHC Police. Harry had the potential to of been a great leader in the department.

PSO I. Howard Friedman
Town of Hempstead Department of Public Safety

October 4, 2003