Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Almanza,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army in Vietnam. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

July 27, 2024

Fourty years later and the little girl I heard crying for her daddy that day is now a grown woman searching to close the wound that never goes away. I am helping her and those of us still left who remember that terrible day.
God bless you Rueben. I know you watch over her but also give a sign to brother Eric that you are at peace..

Sam Granato
retired CCPD and former partner if his.

June 5, 2024

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

July 27, 2020

I saw everything that happened that day from across the street. I have never been the same since. My deepest condolences to his family.

Anonymous
Witness

June 21, 2019

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

October 1, 2018

I was there that day and saw Officer Almanza get killed. It still haunts me. I hope he is resting in peace. God Bless his family.

Ann Chappell
No relation

July 12, 2017

Rest in Peace Sergeant Ruben Almanza. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice protecting the citizens of Corpus Christi, Texas.

I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends, Co-Workers and those brave souls who have chosen to follow in your foot steps protecting the public. I also Pray that the thug who murdered you is rotting in hell.

Amen.

Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood (Ret)
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, TX

August 4, 2016

I remember when this happened. At the time i was going to school with his daughter, Jennifer. It was so sad.

Anna Martinez
Corpus Christi Resident

April 28, 2016

As the 27th rolls around, I continue to reflect on the positive impact you had on brother officers. I will never forget you and the ultimate sacrifice you made.

Retired DPS,
Terry Lankford

Retired Asst Commander
Tex Dept of Public Safety

July 21, 2015

Not a day goes by that i dont think of you uncle Ruben. I know you look after me from heaven. Please hold me in your hands as i continue to do the job i know you wanted me to.

K9 Deputy Diego Solis
Nuece County Sheriffs Office

April 14, 2015

CCPD hasnt forgotten you Sgt. Almanza. I went to HS with Tina. She is a great person. Your family is still awesome and they represent every year at the police memorial. I always make it a point to say hi to Mrs. Almanza every year. God be with you, sir.....

Detective E. Alvarado
Corpus Christi Police Dept

July 28, 2013

Heroes live forever, Sergeant Almanza, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of Corpus Christi and the great State of Texas.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

July 27, 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 29th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged 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.

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections

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

January 20, 2013

Rest in peace, Sergeant Almanza. Your service and sacrifice to the citizens of Corpus Christi and the great State of Texas are not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

July 27, 2012

Rest in peace, Sergent Almanza - you'e not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

July 27, 2011

Here I sit just thinking how much time has passed us, and it still seems like just yesterday. I dont think that the pain ever goes away, it just gets a little easier to except.I wish you were here to see me graduate from nursing school,Im sure you and mom will be there in spirit! Thanks for being such a great influence to all of us left behind, <3 Maria A Perales

Anonymous

June 12, 2010

Hey good looking, those are words that stayed in my head every time I think of you! You would always say that to me when I ran into you, we miss you dearly. You left a good example to all of left behind. We will never forget you "tio", We offen think about all the bar-be-ques that we had as a family, you left that tratition behind with us. I always remember you were the one with the rag on the back pocket to wipe your hands after turing the meat or just gettig a taste, you would always ask your fellow officers to stop by to pick up a plate to eat, that was so cool.I remember how much you loved your girls!! Gosh that was a love that I will never forget, they were your world.Our hearts were broken to see you leave us, but I know we will see each other again . Missing you always and forever--"Tonia"-Maria A. Perales

Anonymous

March 22, 2009

It's 2008, and I can still here the sirens that day as me and my family drove down that street. I can still hear my Fathers vocie when he told us what had happened. I had never seen my father in that manner, that's when I knew what he did for a living, I'm now 37 years old,and my father has retired after 30 years of service.Every day I pray for our officers and what they do, Mr. Almanza, thankyou for your service, THANKYOU for defending us, THANKYOU for watching out for my dad when you patroled together. Mr. Almanza THANKYOU. God Bless you and your family. My all Respect and Honor by given.

rivera, aaron
civilian

October 11, 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

February 5, 2008

Sgt. Almanza, thank you for your service.

Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

January 12, 2007

Brother, I am sorry I have never been able to leave a message to your memory. Today, I salute you and the others who have gone too. That terrible day, God "Promoted" another Angel to his Army and it was you sir. On the wings of a dove you soared and today you and your fellow comrades ridealong with those of us still here in battle.

Patrolman Scott Parker
Itasca Police Department, Texas

September 13, 2005

To my uncle who guided me as a child. I was only 5 when you left. Now I am a police officer myself. I look up to you everyday as a light to lead me. Currently I am in Iraq I remember hearing about you in Vietnam. Although I will never compare to you I will try to be as great as you following in every footstep. Love, Diego Solis

Senior Airman
US Air Force

March 11, 2004

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer. Today, July 27, 2003 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Sgt. Ruben Almanza who died on this date 19 years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Sgt. Almanza's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

You did not die in vain, nor will you be forgotten. Thank you.

Anonymous