Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you Officer Cuesta, for your dedicated service. May God continue to bless and show favor to your family.

CIVILIAN
LAPD

December 5, 2011

I knew Fil from Sierra education school, he was my tutor around 1993. Great person with a big heart willing to help others at any cost and have good memories about him when I attended Sierra, matter of fact he is one of the reason I earn my GED just by him caring and pushing me to earn that diploma. I know Fil is in Heaven helping other Angels become better citizens. :)

IVAN B. SIERRA EDUCATION SCHOOL 1994

November 27, 2011

Hello Sylvia. You may not remember me but I left a note of reflection for Officer Cuesta. A friend of Fil was Robert Estrada from Knotts Berry Farm who uploaded an older photo on Facebook when he worked there. I think you may like it. Please email me and I can send you the file of Fil or you can "friend" Robert Estarda who works as Knotts Berry Farm. VR, Miny Wilkes

LTC
Retired US Army Officer

November 16, 2011

Hello my sweet Fil. 13 years without you. Geez!!!
Can you believe Sam will be starting Highschool in a few weeks? She loves waterpolo! Little Sierra will begin cheer and jui-jitsu. Fil, the girls schedule is getting so crazy. Sam has to be at school at 5:45 am and Sierra has to be at her middle school at 8:40. Their school is 12 miles away. I know you are taking care of us. The day I was thinking about you and telling you how worried I was about being laid off from work. I began to realize how it was a blessing in disguise. I realized the girls schedule is so chaotic....my new job offer was the perfect solution to the girls schedule. I will be able to start work at 9:00 am and be there for the girls. God has continously shown us his mercy. Its not easy keeping things in perspective. Sierra is so happy with her new bed. She looks like a little ratoncito all cuddled up in it. We went to southwest yesterday for your annual blood drive. Tim was teasing me how he was not going to donate blood and I said...let the young ones donate. The new gang unit is so young. Just like you all were back in the day. lol. I was given a bracelet with your name on it and a challenge coin that was designed in your honor. It is so beautiful. The girls were happy to see your station. It makes me sad to go there without you. I remember when we went there when I was pregnant of Samantha to go to a police football game. On our way home we stopped by the cemetary and Nepo left some comic books for you and Gary left flowers for you. The girls picked out the most beautiful rainbow flowers and sunflowers for you. I love you forever my dear Fil. You know I thinking how I wish we had texting back then. I could have texted you so many beautiful things throughout the day so you could know I was thinking about you. Then I started thinking about all of the silly things you would have texted me. lol I feel you already know what I am going to type before I type it. Nevertheless... I miss you buddy and I hope you hear me.
Love Syl

Sylvia Cuesta
Wife

August 11, 2011

GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN....

IT HAS BEEN 13 YEARS SINCE YOUR END OF WATCH. YET TILL THIS DAY I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN ABOUT YOU. YOU USE TO TELL ME TO STAY OUT OF TROUBLE. I WAS A EXPLORER AT THE TIME FOR SOUTHWEST DIVISION.

WHILE I WENT THRU RIO HONDO POLICE ACADEMY AND ON MY WAY HOME I USE TO STOP BY AND SEE YOU I ALWAYS COMPLAINED OR TOLD YOU I AM GOING TO QUIT BUT I NEVER DID. I COMPLETED THE ACADEMY AND I THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME KEEP FOCUS.

YESTERDAY AS I LAYED FLOWERS AT YOUR SITE DUE TO ME WORKING TODAY I ALWAYS THANK YOU FOR THAT LITTLE SPEECH 13 YEARS AGO. KEEPING ME FOCUS. THANK YOU SIR..

POLICE OFFICER
FRIEND

August 9, 2011

August 9, 2011, is a sad anniversary. It marks thirteen years since we lost Officer Filberto “Fil” Cuesta to a miserable coward.
We never met Fil, but I’ve come to know and respect you. In May 2011, I had the privilege of meeting your lovely wife and daughters during Police Week in Washington DC. Your absence has left an empty space in their lives. They think of you constantly and every day without you is a challenge. They are your legacy, a legacy that any man would be proud of.

God bless you and your family and thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Captain Paul Philipps
Parsippany Police Parsippany NJ

August 9, 2011

Today marks 13 years you were taken from us. Cousin...you were the "light' to so many. Our family has had so many trials and tribulations since..but I know that you and my Dad are the angels watching over our family. I miss your shining smile and I'm so proud to be your cousin. It still angers me the way you were taken..the painful memories of being at Cedar Sinai with the family on that fateful day...It still leaves a hole in my heart. However, I know you are a true Hero. I love you with all my heart...and please tell my Dad I love him. Your cousin Debbie

Debbie Marquez
Cousin

August 9, 2011

RIP.

I extend my thoughts & prayers to your family.

I can not believe it has been 13 years.

I remember being called into that conference room of Cedars when we were told the news 13 years ago today.

I will always remember your smile and the good times.

You are thought of daily and live on in the hearts of all that knew you.

P2
LAPD

August 9, 2011

hi uncle,i know we never met but im sure you know who i am. i love you and i wish none of this ever happened so i could of met you in person
love you with all my heart,
annika faith aguirre

annika faith aguirre
niece

July 21, 2011

My Dearest Fil,

I'm missing you today and wondering if you saw our baby graduate from 8th grade today. I can't believe our little Sammy is going to Highschool in the fall. It was so difficult to be there without you. You would have been so proud of her. She received the Presidential Award for academic excellence! I miss you my sweet Filly. Thank you for our beautiful daughters.

Buddies to the end....Sylvia

Sylvia Cuesta
wife

June 18, 2011

Rest in Peace, Officer Cuesta. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

May 22, 2011

During Police Week 2011, my wife and I had the honor and privilege to meet your lovely wife and children. Your wife related the details of your assassination at the hands of a young thug whose life you had saved only months before he killed you. We also learned of your selfless heroism and compassion. Your story is moving and powerful, but difficult and painful to hear. One can only imagine how difficult and painful it is for your family. Although stoic and dignified your wifes daily struggle to deal with her grief and loss is clear.

God bless you. Rest in peace and rest assured that your service and sacrifice are remembered and honored.

Captain Paul Philipps
Parsippany Police Parsippany NJ

May 20, 2011

Missing you today. I felt sad today when the girls told me...Mom you've told me that story already. I wish I didn't have to keep you alive in their hearts through stories. I wish you were here Fil. It's so tough without you. I don’t feel very strong today. Watching their softball games really kill me without you. The other little girls have their daddy's giving them softball tips and I just say do your best Sammy ! Raising the girls withou you totally sucks!

sylvia cuesta wife

April 19, 2011

Wow it has been many years, Fil. You worked for me at KBF and I was your supervisor. You told me about your ambition to become a police officer. I was a military police officer in the Army Reserve at the time and you asked a lot of questions about police operations. I had a few friends in LAPD which I referred you to for answers. You asked me to write you a letter of reference to support your application to the LAPD. In the letter, I explained how you would be right for the job becasue of your courage to always do the right thing. You were so excited to get accepted and you called and thanked me for the support. You had been gone from KBF a few years when I received the news you were gone but I know you were a good person who did all he could to live an honorable life in support of your family. A true selfless and dedicated citizen who wanted to make a difference in the world, and you did. You are among those in my life who I have not forgotten, who have made the ultimate sacrifice in their honorable professions. Peace be with you and your family always.

LTC (Ret.) Miny Wilkes
Friend

April 16, 2011

My dearest Fil,

I can't believe I finally met someone who I felt comfortable with and his life was brutally taken from him. I have so many questions.I'm so confused. I know you will be waiting for Don in heaven with open arms. He was such a beautiful man. He brought so much joy into my life. He made me laugh again. It had been so long since I had felt those feelings. Don made me want to live again. Now you and Don have to send me a super great guy. I don't want to live alone forever. You two are now our guardian angels. I know you sent him to me. I was so happy. He was amazing. I could not have asked for a kinder,sweeter man in my life. I am blessed that I was able to share a short time with him. Please watch over us, Don's children and his family. You are forever in my heart...Love Sylvia " Buddies to the end."

Sylvia Cuesta wife

February 11, 2011

Hey Cuesta I was just thinking about you today and wanted to leave a reflection. I miss you but I know you are in GOD's loving arms.

Your classmate and friend

Sergeant Jerretta Sandoz
LAPD

November 22, 2010

Happy Birthday My Dearest FillY! Today you would have been 39 years old! I hope you are celebrating in heaven!!.

sylvia cuesta

November 8, 2010

I met your wife this past weekend at spouses and I have to say she left such an impression on me. You must be so proud of her and all the stories I heard about you I feel like I know you as well. You two were incredible people and I know you all are smiling down on us today.
Laura Gibson-Szerokman, Surviving Spouse of
Ofc. Allen W. Gibson, Jr. EOW 04/25/98

Laura Gibson-Szerokman

September 22, 2010

My Dearest Filly,
Today marks 12 years without you. I woke up at 330 am today with sharp pain in myy stomach. Lety met the girls and I for dinner today and we realized that this happens every year. I realized that is the time Gary Copeland came to the door to let me know you had been hurt. Lety and I were laughing at how you would call us Hot Wheels ( because we were always out and about). I shared with the girls today how you dedicated the song" Not enough time for the two of us " by : Radio Head to me after we left our wedding. I now think back and agree there was not enough time for us. We had a very short time together. Im glad you stuck it through 5 years of dating and not being able to go out anywhere alone without a chaperone. You were always so understanding and patient. This year we would have celebrated 15 years of marriage. I wonder what you would like in your late 30's. You were more and more handsome as time passed to me. My favorite time together was watching you be a Daddy. Especially when you were on your way to court in a suit and wearing your gun...It was like tough guy with gentle sweet side! Take care of us buddy...love sylvia

sylvia cuesta
wife

August 10, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 12th 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. To your wife, your love for your Fil Shines through your refections and I hold you and your children ans Fi;'s other loved ones in my heart's embrace on this anniversary day.
Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

August 8, 2010

3CR45. Hard to believe 12 have passed since your passing. You are so missed, so loved and you so live on in each of our hearts everyday. I miss ya buddy.

P-2
LAPD

August 8, 2010

12 Years have come and gone but yet you are still in our hearts and memories. I continue to pray that Sylvia and the girls are blessed with the strength to get them through all the difficult times. Continue to watch over all of us. We miss you.

Police Officer Garcia
LAPD

August 7, 2010

My Dearest Fil;

Can you believe our baby is 13 now? We had a wonderful party at the house. Sam invited 30 of her friends over the house and her softball coach was our DJ. Can you believe we had 30 girls over the house and 8 boys...Whaaat???? boys???? lol. Yep we had boys there. They were all boys that you would approve of. They greeted me saying, " Hello Mrs. Cuesta I'm so and so. I loved how polite they were. Sam has chosen great friends. Just like you. I love all of your friends. They are all such wonderful people. Sierra just graduated from 6th grade. She is following in your footsteps. They are as bright as you. Sierra earned the Presidential Award! Just Like Sam last year. They had to have earned Honor Roll all through Grade school and they did it!!!! Sierra looked so cute. She wore a pretty 50's style dress and hi-top converse...lol your little flower child is so unique. She has now decided that she is going to be a vegetarian. I hope it's just a stage. Her and I negotiated a compromise. I will support her deciscion to be a vegetarian, however she must have fish. She eats salmon and Mahi Mahi...can you believe this girl??? I am trying to be as supportive as I can. I want to encourage their creativity and help them reach their full potential! The girls will be attending a science camp at Cal State Long Beach ( your Alma Mater ) What a great campus! Now I now why you would think your Cal State Long Beach was better than my Cal State Fullerton. Cathy and I are planning a weekend at the beach and we are going to rent an RV. Can you believe I'm actually doing camping stuff. Our first camping trip started off with plans to do all out. Tents, sleeping bags the whole sha-bang. As the day drew closer I asked the girls...Can we just stay in an RV?...then that turned to...Can we just stay in a cabin? Well we ended up at the Embassey Suites in Santa Barbara! lol the girls said..." Mom this is not our idea of camping." I said ok girls if you want to camp sleep on the floor...hahhaha. Well this year I am going to do the real thing. Watch over us. I hate mosquitos! :) We talk about you every day...Aaron and Jacob talk about what a wonderful Uncle you were. Annika wishes she would have known you. I miss you so much my Filly, but you know what I'm happy! I have a lot to be thankful for. You left me with so much love and our two little queens! What more can I ask for?? Sam is an Angel fan and Sierra is a Yankee fan. What is that all about? I guess she takes after your puertorican side with the Yankess. I tell them you were a Dodger fan..but they stick to their teams. lol. I want to take them to every baseball field in the country in your memory. I tell them what a sports nut you were. Your girls are your legacy! I miss you my loving husband!

Sylvia, Samantha and Sierra Cuesta

Wife

June 28, 2010

Dear Fil,
I had the privledge to care for Sylvia when she was in labor with Sierra. I actually delivered her because she was in a hurry to meet her wonderful family. I only spent 2 days with you and Sylvia and the girls but you all left such an impression on me. It was so obvious what a great dad you were. You guys told me Sierra was not planned just yet but you both accepted her with great joy and I remember when Sam came in and sat on the bed with Sylvia and reached out to touch her sister and your parents were there to meet her. There was a lot of love in that room. You called your sargent and announced the news of her arrival and shared how happy you were to be able to spend her first month at home with her. The next day I got to discharge Sylvia and the baby home and you were all such a happy family unit. It is not fair that it was so short lived. But life isn't fair and you left a wonderful legacy. I am sure your girls are well on their way to fulfilling your dreams for their future. Guided by Sylvia they will do you proud and you will live on through them. Rest in Gods Grace.

Meredith Fresquez

June 21, 2010

Dear Fil,

I never got the chance to meet you, and yet I know so much about you, and your family. I thank you for watching over the guys and thank you everyday for the impact which you have had on all of their lives.

There isn't a single time when a Rush song comes on the radio that he doesn't mention you, and the best Rush concert EVER. He says it's a sign that you are watching over us and that you are giving us the thumbs up; I sure hope so. I know that you will be there on that special day, just as you have been there for him for all these years, keeping his head up and watching over him.

Thank you for the friendship, strength, faith and guidance which you have given to everyone you touched. I can only hope that he has made you as proud as he has made me these last two years. Thank you for helping us to keep the faith.

Anonymous

January 21, 2010