Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Patrolman Araiza.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 29, 2019

Officer Araiza is still honored today in the City. We have a memorial for him at the City's new justice Center. I never got meet him but I have talked to his wife on several occasions. I can only imagine the loss she must feel. I believe that he died doing what he loved. He paid the ultimate sacrifice. He was and always will be a "Brother In Blue". His wife still lives in Live Oak and she still attends almost all the ceremonies that the City has. She is one of our biggest supporters. We can only hope that she knows that we watch over her, and that he watches over us.

Officer David Wall
Live Oak Police Dept.

June 25, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd 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.

Your memory will always be honored and revered for time never diminishes respect. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 17, 2012

I remember Alfredo as a quiet man, who seemed comfortable being a Police Officer. I had applied to join the Live Oak Police Department as a Reserve although I was still in the Air Force At Brooks AFB. I lived in Live oak and wanted to transition to civilian life ater retirment. I remember patrolling by his house as often as I could as a sign of respect to him and his family. His wife was a strong woman who loved her husband.
All of the officers locally seemed to want to provide that sense of "we are with you still" to the
Arraiza family. I was glad when they moved his memorial from the park to the new Police Facility. In those days it was not unusual for each of the four cities (Live Oak, Converse, Selma, Universal City) to only have one officer on patrol, we backed each other up and any loss or injury was taken very seriously by all of us. The area has changed quite a bit, the pay is better, more officers on patrol and hopefully that sense of caring for each other still exists. The Arraiza family eventually moved out of Live Oak, wherever you are, God Bless you.

Constable Duke A. Shariff-Bey
Waller County, Pct 3
(Live Oak P.D. 1980-1987)

Constable
Waller County, Pct 3, Texas

December 27, 2011

I had lunch with Alfredo about 30 minutes before the incident that took his life. Patrolling north on IH 35, I heard Alfredo call for assistance. Approaching the scene, I saw a tremendous fireball from the collision that took his life. Units from every surrounding department assisted, even San Antonio officers left their jurisdiction to assist. We caught the Graham brothers later that afternoon.

Both Robert & Richard Graham were charged with Capital Murder & Felony Possession of Methamphetamine, contrary to the report listed here. They bailed out & within two weeks were involved in a high speed motorcycle chase with San Antonio PD. Captured, they were also implicated in the deaths of an elderly couple in Schertz, TX, where they shot them & burned down the house after robbing the couple. They were convicted on that charge. They got 20 to life, and as far as I know are back in society.

I decided to leave law enforcement within 2 years of his death, my wife couldn't take it anymore.

Whenever I am back in the San Antonio area, my travels usually take me down 1604 past the site where Alfredo died.
Time has changed the area in 31 years, memories fade, good men retire, other officers take up the patrol that we once did.

Time will soften the memories of those who loved Alfredo, remembering him as an altruistic man who enjoyed his work and simply wanted to do the right thing.

Every Best Wish to all of you,
Patrick Dunn

Officer Patrick Dunn
Selma Police Department 1974-1982

October 9, 2011

05/12/10-Today my family and I attended a memorial in Live Oak for my uncle, Alfredo F Araiza. It was so beautiful and the powerpoint presentation was something I will never forget. The Live Oak Police Department really out did themselves. My family and I are grateful that they took the time to remember him and keep us in their hearts and prayers. Thank you- on behalf of my grandma and the Araiza Family.

Crystal Garcia
Niece

May 12, 2010

"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 14, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 6, 2008

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 12, 2007

I grew up in Live Oak and remember Officer Araiza as the officer who would stop his car and talk to us kids and throw a football with us. He had just bought a house near mine when he was killed. His wife, Maria, still lives there. Please know that Officer Araiza made a huge contribution to the Live Oak Police Department and that is evident by the memorial that still stands in front of the department 26 years after his death. You were an inspiration to me, Alfredo, and I think of you often even though I knew you for such a short time. I feel you "riding" with me at times. God bless.

Anonymous
Central Texas

January 25, 2006

I had just eaten lunch with Alfredo that day & went north on IH 10 @ 1604 on patrol when I heard his call. Units from multiple agencies spread out to find the two men that had caused his death, some left their own jurisdiction to help a brother.

It should also be noted that the two perpetrators were involved in numerous other home invasions & two murders & were out on bail when captured that day. Alfredo did his job with dignity and care for the people of Live Oak & the State of Texas.

Patrolman Patrick Dunn
Selma Police Department

December 12, 2005

I never knew Officer Araiza but I serve in the same department. There is a monument to him in front of our PD and his photo hangs in our lobby.
I consider him a lost brother that I never knew.
We wear the same badge.
I honor his memory.
I pray that none of us join him in this memorial.
God bless him and his family.

Officer Kevin McGuire
Live Oak Police Dept.

October 16, 2005

Officer Araiza will never be forgotten. I did not know him, nor did I ever meet him, but know that he was a fine officer, person, and father.

Reserve Officer J. Plano
Live Oak

December 18, 2004