Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

R.I.P. Deputy Bush you are always in my prayers your calmness and sense of humor when we played together on the 1972 Coast Conference football Champs. It was a real shock when I got the news of your passing,
You are one of the Good Humans. I did eight years as a reserve deputy sheriff for Santa Cruz Co. Every car stop we made you were always there with me Thank You. My wife asked me one time why do I do it I said some people go deer hunting on weekends I help hunt Bad guys and help protect and serve. I will see you in Heaven Brother!

#64 Smith
Santa Cruz Co. Sheriff office reserve.

September 28, 2024

I talked to you, Paul, when I was working the operations desk at the S/O. You were always so kind and friendly to all of us. You would come in from swing shift and sit at the desk with everyone and just hang around laughing at jokes and bs’ing with us all. I asked you about the religious medal around your neck just a few days before the incident. You told me your lovely wife gave it to you for protection. I know your watching your family and keeping an eye on all of us who were privileged enough to know you.
Rest In Peace, Brother,

LP retired Deputy Sheriff
Santa Clara SO

June 12, 2022

Rest in peace Deputy Bush.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 7, 2022

Today, you would be 68. We have missed all these years of you not being here. I think about you often. I think about how Colleen and your son have faired without you. Forever love.

Civilian
First love

September 8, 2021

Deputy Bush,
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 Santa Clara County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 13, 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)

September 13, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You are honored and remembered on the 28th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

September 13, 2018

I think about you every day. Who you were as a sweet boy carried through in your manhood even while wearing the badge. I still do the three stooges routine you made so many of us laugh at in front of the gym. Do people know you had a joke book? Someone took it. Did you ever get it back? I also think about your wife and son and know you never get used to losing the love of your life. I haven't.

None
Old friend

March 31, 2016

Paul and I went through the academy together. He had such a great sense of humor and a positive outlook on life. I never heard him talk ill of anyone, and he treated everyone with kindness and respect. I think of him often, he was working my beat the day he was shot, I was on vacation. I often think that if I hadn't taken that particular vacation slot he'd still be alive. Paul always worked hard and was always there for his beat partners. I miss him, he was a good friend. I pray that he is able to look down and see his son grow into a strong young man.

Sgt. David Notari (RET)
Santa Clara County Sheriff

August 2, 2015

I had contact with Deputy Bush in 1984 at Mt. Umunhum. I was a teenager and doing stupid things at the time. Deputy Bush was very respectful and really walked me through the arrest process at the county jail... yes, I was scared and I will never forget the kindness Bush offered. I learned a great deal from that situation in the mountains and I have the greatest amount of respect for all law enforcement. You are still in my thoughts Deputy Bush... I hope you are resting in peace. Thank you for your service to our community.

Greg Call

March 25, 2015

I was thinking about you the other day.
I still cry when I think of your services. Your family. Your loss was a loss to all.
The training you gave us saved most of our lives at one time or another.
Rest in Peace Deputy. We have your watch sir.

Vance S Bonds
U.S. Federal Police WW 14 Dist

March 23, 2015

So respect you and your life as a Deputy. Example setter and one to follow. I SALUTE you Dep. Bush and heaven is the place for all Peace Officers, which is where I know you are.

Dep. Salter
Once Santa Clara now El Paso Co.

February 20, 2015

Paul-you were a good cop, with a merry heart; all the more reason we mourned your loss. But if heaven has a freezer, the ice cream is not safe from you and Steve Dennis. You two will never be forgotten by those who were lucky enough to have served with you.

Rest in peace deputies...you've earned it.

Lieutenant Art Kirts, Ret.
Santa Clara Co. Sheriff's Office

August 16, 2012

Paul Bush you were a great man and Deputy Sheriff. You did your job right up to the end of your watch! This week your partner and friend, retired Deputy/Sergeant Steve Dennis passed away. You both will be missed and always respected! RIP Paul and Steve, you both made me proud to be a Retired Santa Clara County Deputy Sheriff!

Retired Deputy Jeff Pidcock 1488
Santa Clara County Sheriff Office

July 22, 2012

Rest in Peace, Deputy Bush. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 22, 2012

It was good working with you that long ago. I just think you would still be alive if I had been working that night. Still think of your wife and baby. Sorry.

Paul Guinnane, Deputy Sheriff
ACSD former partner

September 26, 2011

RIP brother. You are not forgotten.

CP

Chris Poteat
Former San Jose Police Officer

August 13, 2011

Deputy Bush, you have not been forgotten.

Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of US Marshal

April 17, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 19th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace.

I hold your family in thought and prayer today and hope to meet them someday at a NORCAL COPS function.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

September 18, 2009

I'm proud of you for taking that scum bag down, even as you were fighting for your life.

Anonymous

September 26, 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

September 20, 2007

Old partners are never forgotten, even if they are Dodger fans! We kicked a lot of doors, worked some long nights but always had fun. MIss you Paul.

Leonard Clements/Retired Deputy Sheriff
Santa Clara S/O

April 18, 2007

Paul, Remembering you often, mostly with smiles for the good times. I think of you often as I see your brother, nieces and family in Santa Cruz--all are well but saddened by your absence in their lives. Rest in peace brother...we shall all meet again. Bob H.

Bob Hedgpeth S/O (Ret.)
Santa Clara Co. Sheriff

March 12, 2006

Rest in peace Deputy Bush. You have not been forgotten.

Officer
Maryland

January 23, 2006

Uncommon valor was a common virtue for you Deputy Bush.
Rest in peace, you got the bad guy.

Retired police officer.

August 11, 2004