Los Angeles Police Department, California
End of Watch Sunday, December 22, 1996
Reflections for Police Officer II Mario Navidad, Jr.
God bless you and your family Officer Navidad and thank you for your service and sacrifice.
"Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13
Chief Paul Philipps
Parsippany Police Parsipppany New Jersey
June 6, 2014
When my Academy class first hit the streets, this was the
first officer to be killed. It showed us how dangerous and
tricky the job could be. Someone would kill a cop in order
to steal twelve cans of beer and get away.
We should all
remember this when we approach any suspect for any
crime. Civilians should also note that this happens. They
might be more thoughtful when they criticize an officer
if they remember what happened to Ofcr. Navidad, coming
three days before the holiday of good will that bears his
name.
Rest in peace, partner. We remember you.
P-2 ( Retired) Lawrence "Frank" Hickey
LAPD
December 17, 2013
Your heroism and service is honored today, the fifteenth 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 who was murdered in the 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 solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
December 22, 2011
Just wanted to post that me and a friend were talking about you the other day. We both remembered how dedicated to the job you were. You are still missed bro. I havent reached out to you here since 2005. There is no excuse. You are missed.
W. Pulley
LAPD
September 10, 2011
Dearest Meli,
I know your daddy loved you very much. He would be very proud of the young girl that you are. You are intelligent, strong, and kind. I can't take away your pain honey, though I wish I could. Please know you I am here for you always and that I love you very much.
Lots of Love,
Auntie Oli
Auntie Olivia
June 23, 2011
Rest in Peace, Officer Navidad. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
May 22, 2011
A true hero. Rest in Peace Sir.
Trooper
Michigan State Police
April 3, 2011
You are not forgotten. You are still part of the family.
D3
LAPD
December 22, 2010
Gone but not forgotton.
Officer Garcia
LAPD
December 23, 2009
Gone but forgotten.
Officer Garcia
LAPD
December 22, 2009
I remember that day as if it was yesterday. Eventhough you were mortally wounded, you still fought valiantly engaging the suspect.
I met you an hour earlier as you walked through the Watch Commander's Office. You are a hero and live in eternal life with God.
Lt. Jim Gavin
LAPD
December 18, 2009
Mario, I just finished giving roll call at Central PM Watch and brought up the circumstances of your murder. It seems only fitting as the anniversary date and Christmas are coming up soon.
We were transferred to Wilshire the same DP and worked the same hours. Truthfully, I find it hard for me not to break down when I talk about you, because you were the first officer to be killed that I actually worked with and knew.
I will never forget your sacrifice. I have a young son now and I cannot imagine the hurt and loss of your children.
Rest in peace and know that you serve as a hero to many.
Sgt Andy Mathes, Serial No. 30400
Sgt Andy Mathes
LAPD
November 30, 2009
I wish to pass on my sincere respect and wishes for you all. I have been a Police Officer in Sydney Australia for 19 years and have said good bye to several police colleagues as well. I commend you on your level of respect and remembrance towards fallen officers. Gone but never forgotten, loved ones will meet again, time is a companion that will reunite families one day, the passed have only moved to the next stage, they are not forever lost. Take heart and be proud of your strengths and your efforts. Kindest regards, Roland Chrystal, Senior Constable, New South Wales Police - Highway Patrol.
Senior Constable R. Chrystal
New South Wales Police, Australia
June 17, 2009
While getting on to this site Officer Navidad's photo popped up under the "Always Remembered" feature at the bottom of my screen. I was logging on to visit the page that belongs to my buddy, Officer Jason Campbell, EOW 4-14-07, Greenville, NC PD.
I began reading some of the posts and it became evident as to what a special police officer and family man you were. Your family and friends can take comfort in this. Take comfort in knowing what a well liked and respected person Mario was to so many others both on and off the job.
God bless your family officer Navidad. I know they are so very proud of you.
APO Mark Dentel
Greenville NC Police Dept.
January 31, 2009
Yo, Bro:
It is hard to believe that this December will be 13 years. I proudly display Your photograph upon my Facebook Site.
Michael B. Parlor
January 27, 2009
dad you are my hero.
u inspire me to work hard in school.
i miss you.
melissa navidad
January 17, 2009
You have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement. You are a true hero.
Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
December 22, 2008
You are not forgotten, not only today but any day. You served with dignity and paid the ultimate price. May the Lord bless your family through another holiday season without you. God bless.
D3
LAPD
December 21, 2008
I remember when we used to play around. I saw you today on "LAPD- LIFE ON THE BEAT." 6-15-08. It is sad. I miss you.
Your neighbour and friend,
Rafa
Ralph Casillas
neighbour
July 15, 2008
Mario, thinking of you as I usually do on this date. It's hard to believe that 11 years have past since that horrific day. I have told your story to many officers. This time of year must be hard for your family. It was nice to see a reflection left by you daughter.
Rest in Peace!
Sergeant Kevin Royce
LAPD
December 22, 2007
You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service, this writer is pleased that justice was served on your behalf.
VanDenBerghe
Manchester, nh
December 21, 2007
TO THE FAMILY OF OFFICER NAVIDAD, MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU EACH AND EVERYDAY. I CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE HOW IT FEELS TO GO EACH DAY WITHOUT YOUR BELOVED MARIO THERE. PLEASE KNOW THAT MARIO WAS A TRUE HERO. YOU SHOULD BE EXTREMELY PROUD. 11 YEARS HAVE GONE BY BUT I STILL REMEMBER THE DAY YOU DIED. I WAS IN THE POLICE ACADEMY AND AFTER YOUR DEATH OUR D.I. TOLD US WHAT HAPPENED. WE HAD THREE PEOPLE DROP OUT OF THE ACADEMY THAT DAY. PLEASE CONTINUE TO WATCH OVER US AND YOUR FAMILY.
POLICE OFFICER GARCIA
LAPD
December 19, 2007
I miss you dad
Melissa Navidad
daughter
December 4, 2007
"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 17, 2007
My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Navidad. May God continue to comfort you all. Officer Navidad- thank you for your service and dedication. You paid the ultimate sacrifice trying to make this world a better place.
My heart aches for your wife and family.
Another hero that was taken too soon. Rest in peace.
911 Dispatcher
Virginia
June 6, 2007
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