Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was at the cemetery today to visit the grave of a fellow officer I got to know and work with when to my surprise I came upon your grave. I reflect often on my time working at SNMCF, knowing that I survived a career that many can't do and got to retire. Thank you for your service, I got to work with a few officers that were around during your employment and told me about your tragic story, rest in peace brother!

Officer J Pedraza
NM Dept. Of Corrections, SNMCF

May 13, 2024

Rest in heavenly peace

Mark Mottola

April 3, 2020

Your Honorable And Courageous Service To Those You Served Will Not Be Forgotten. Rest Peacefully Lieutenant. God Bless.

Retired Officer G. S. Siegrist
Bucks Co. PA Corrections

April 3, 2019

I didn't have the pleasure of meeting you, or working with you. . . But I did have the pleasure of escorting your wife across the stage of the New Mexico Fallen Officers Ceremony in 2014 as she placed a rose on the Fallen Officer's Bade in your memory. . . I have been with Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility (SNMCF) for almost 7 1/2 years. . . And every time we walk in to the JSU Facility, which was named after you in your memory. . . You are remembered and NEVER forgotten. . . Thank you for your service

Sergeant Joshua Abeyta
SNMCF

September 9, 2017

Lt. Silva,
Sir, it has been 28 years since your End of Watch but you are still honored and remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of New Mexico. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Corrections Officer.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 8, 2015

We were going to go through Riot baton training coming up soon and had just gotten to know Joe a little. He was a great guy. I wasn't at work when it happened but it affected all of us working at Southern at the time. It affected me profoundly.

Officer Michael L Chapman
Co-worker from '86 to '87 when he was killed.

July 5, 2013

I find myself thinking of you often this time of year....you are not forgotten.....

Bill O'Connor
SNMCF 85-90

March 12, 2013

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 9, 2008

RIP Brother. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Sergeant Chris DiToro
NYPD

April 3, 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 17, 2007

What you did in service to your community meant more than you'd ever guess - Thank you so much for your service

Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen Retired
Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee, WI

May 19, 2007

It has been 20 years since your death. I hope that time has helped your family, friends and co-workers come to terms with your loss in some small way. I know the wounds will never go away, but I hope they can see beyond the pain to the wonderful memories they have of your life.

It is apparent from your vocation that you cared for others before your own needs and this is why the gates of Heaven are safer today. Be vigilant for your fellow brothers and sisters still here working today. Say hello to the three officers lost in the past 7 days and show them the ropes up there.

God bless and rest well warrior, your brothers and sisters in blue will carry on in your honor.

APD LEO wife

April 3, 2007

To Lt. Joseph Ralph Silva and his loved ones:

On this the nineteenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.


This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Lt. Silva. I am humbled by your valor, courage, and dedication.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Lt. Silva gave to his community and the citizens of New Mexico, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 3, 1987.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 3, 2006

Your memory and friendship to my father, Manuel Rodriguez Sr. and our family has always remained in our hearts. God Bless.

SPA Manuel Rodriguez Jr.
United States Border Patrol

January 4, 2006

Hey Cousin, it's been over 18 years since we lost you but I haven't forgot you. Over my 9 1/2 years of service I have heard numerous stories from the veteran officers who were here with you in those days and I have to say I am very proud to have people know our relation. We all miss you and I think about you all the time.

Correctional Officer Noah Guzman
New Mexico Corrections Department

October 24, 2005

A moment in time, that is not to be shared. But an impression that will last my lifetime. Your family are my friends and for that I am blessed. But oh, the price we pay. I wish I could have known you, heard your voice and your laugh. But for now I will learn about you from those who loved you. Rest in peace.
Until we meet,
Donna

Donna Richmond