Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was lucky to have know Jim when we both attended the California Department of Justice Training Academy in 1991.
From day one, I could tell Jim was a class act and fun to be around during those 9 weeks. After he came to the LA office, I knew he wanted to get back closer to home because his family came first above all.
We'll always remember you Jim!!!

John Kenney
Ca Dept of Justice Retired

July 25, 2007

Daddy...It's been over nine years and I can still remember our routine for when you would leave and go to work. We would say our goodbyes and how much we love each other and me and Mom would stand in the driveway while you blared your lights and sirens for us. It's been over nine years, and I still miss you just as much as I did the day you gotten taken away from me. Fathers Day gets harder each year, and I don't know how I will explain to my little sister how I have another Daddy I won't see again for a long time. Some days I sit here and think of all the things that you will miss in my life- my first day of high school, my first dance, eventually my graduation and my wedding. I keep telling myself that you will be there watching even though I can't see you and I know you are proud of me. Sometimes when me and Mom go out to the cemetery to visit you I will stand in front of your headstone and have my own silent conversation with you, tell you about my day, and how much I miss you. Thinking of you still hurts a lot and always will, and no matter how much I tell myself I won't cry at the memorials, every time I hear your name and E.O.W., I can't help it and start crying thinking how I won't ever feel your hug, see your smile, or hear your voice again, except for watching old family videos, and that is never enough. I just want to say that I love you forever, miss you for always, and as long as I'm living, your little girl I will always be. Thanks for being my guardian angel and keeping me safe. I love you lots.

Megan
Surviving Daughter

May 18, 2007

Nine years, four months, six days.........I read this page and have to smile. Your picture burns straight through to my heart. Today, national law enforcement memorial day, I am thinking of you more than usual. So many people say how much the children look like you and that comment reminds me that you live on in us. There is no doubt that you are with us everyday because we will never forget, therefore you will never die. The saddest things are those I have forgotten, the sound of your voice, your laugh, the way you smelled, your touch. I can recall so many great memories, ride-a-longs with you, sitting on the patrol car in the driveway looking at the stars, dinner at our friends house in Lemoore, watching you play airplane with a very special little girl before we were married,making room for your uniforms, just being together as much as we could. It certainly wasn't long enough. Sitting here missing you and yet appreciating where my life is now. I am in a good place because of your brothers in blue, our friends that continue to honor you, our children, and the blessings of my continued life here. Stay close. My heart hurts and yet it is full. A wise man still says to us, No retreat, No surrender.

Merrily surviving spouse

May 15, 2007

HERO! Thank you for your service and dedication. May you rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

January 24, 2007

May you rest in peace and may Our Lord bless your loved ones.

January 9, 2007

Fallen nine years ago, but NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEOs

January 2, 2007

As a Tulare native, I heard about Officer Rapozo's death from my parents. The day after his sensless killing, my shift sergeant at Edwards AFB was also killed. To all the men and women of the Visalia PD and to Officer Rapozo's family, my prayers are with you. Even though it happened 5 years ago, I'm sure ya'll still think about it as I do.....ie., what could have been done differently, what went wrong, etc. Just know this, he has gone on to protect the streets of gold in Heaven and is waiting for the day we see him again. God Bless.

SSgt David P. Carlson, USAF
Flight Security Controller/Squad Leader
341st Missile Security Forces Squadron
Malmstrom AFB, Montana

SSgt David P. Carlson, USAF
341st Missile Security Forces Squadron

December 31, 2004

It's been sometime since you have gone on to patrol a greater beat. Those of us that worked with you think of you often and always laugh and smile. We reflect on the good times and remember the smile that you always had placed upon your face. I was working as an EMT at the time of your death. I can remember going into some of the most unstable places in the city and my partner and I picking up some of the most ungratful people. You stood by and watched our backs always making our scene Code 4. Sometimes we wouldn't even have to look up from our patient. The scene was so Code 4 it "creeked" of leather and there you stood representing Visalia's finest.

PSD II L.C. Adamson
California Highway Patrol

December 22, 2003

Your husband is gone but not forgotten, out of sight but not out of mind. I think of him often, unfortunately his death is a reminder of the dangers of this profession, the ultimate sacrafice in Law Enforcement. I saw him one day before his death. I was working at the Main Jail in booking when he and his trainee (I forget trainee's name) arrived to book a prisoner. Jim was always a joy and inspiration to work with and be around. One thing that has always stuck out in my head about Jim, he always had a smile on his face. Working in the jails was bad enough, but when I saw him, it was a chance to "leave the troubles behind" and talk with a friend. Jim knew how to lift spirits, he lifted mine on several occasions. I can only imagine the pain you and the family went through with his untimely death. I was filed among the ranks of the Sheriff's Office at the funeral. I was crushed when I saw you and your two children at the funeral, knowing what this criminal thug had taken away from you and the family. It really makes a Law Enforcement Man think. I also know that it's people like Jim, me, and the rest of the Law Enforcement family that keeps our communities safe. Gone but not forgotten, your husband Jim, forever a hereo of mine. You and the family are in our prayers forever. Matt Doherty and family.

Deputy Sheriff Matt Doherty
Tulare Co Sheriff' s Office

I was employed as a dispatcher with Visalia PD at the time of the incident. I'll never forget the 1st time I met Jim, he asked me what his name was, and said it rhymes with Kim so I shouldn't forget it. He also use to always come into the center and ask me for Red Vines. Great Officer who would help anyone. Also encouraged me to become a Peace Officer.

Officer Kimberlee Dicks
CA Dept. of Corrections

I had the priviledge and honor to serve with Jim approximately 4 years at The Visalia Police Dept. and on the day he was killed. I was the one to help him put on the ballistic vest that I wish would have gone up an inch higher under his arms that day because it would have saved Jim's life. I sat next to him during the briefing of the operation. After his death, the next time I sat in the briefing room, the only available seat was the one Jim last sat at. At first, I remembered how we were laughing and preparing only minutes before his death, I then sat on the chair and I continue to sit in the same seat, when possible, as reminder of how dangerous our chosen profession is and how I will never forget James Rapozo. He was a sharp officer, he is missed, and I will always remember his sacrifice, In honor there is Valor, No surrender no retreat....

Officer Candido Alvarez
Visalia Police Dept.

As a patrol deputy in Bakersfield, my family and I get away from life's realities and head to the mountains...usually Lodgepole or King's canyon. We drive through Visalia and for sometime I have seen the James Rapozo Memorial sign on Hwy 198.
It wasn't until a few days ago that I heard about this website. I just now found Jim Rapozo's information.
I will have a special feeling for he and his loved ones when we pass that way each and every time...what a fitting tribute by naming the newly constructed freeway in his honor.

deputy steve urner
kern county sheriff's dept.