Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"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

Fil, I will never forget meeting you and Sylvia for the first time at the academy, now what 13 years ago? You were John's favorite partner, and our hearts were broken when you died. Know that my prayers are often for Sylvia and the girls. Mary Cundiff B.

Mary Cundiff Boyer
Wife of officer John Cundiff, eow 12/13/98

August 25, 2007

To The Family Of Officer Cuesta,
It deeply pains me to see such a young, special life taken away from those that he loved more than his own life. Please never forget the sacrifice that this child of God made to serve and protect us. Officer Cuesta served with a good friend of ours and he knows who he is, his old partner. May God always bless Officer Cuesta's WIfe and Daughters. Officer Cuesta was the Officer that responded when I was assaulted by some gang members, I could not stop thinking even through the condition in, how young this officer was and the risks he was taking being in his current position. May God please Bless all of You and please always remember that you will be in My Prayers.

Felipe Molina

August 23, 2007

Fil,

Just wanted to say hello. 9 yrs just passed a couple of days ago. It totally feels so starnge coming to this web site and seeing your picture. Still doesnt seem real. Miss the times we got to spend together & the stories you had to tell. It is the little things that keep you living on in all of us that still work at SOW and worked there when you passed. Thank you for looking out for Kristina and keeping her with us. Miss you brother.

P-2
LAPD / 3CR45

August 22, 2007

Fil:

I can still remember Metro coppers asking, "Whose kids?," as my two children were hanging onto "Uncle Daryl F. Gates." Meanwhile, a local newspaper was interviewing me, and I was cringing at the idea of being misquoted. At Your funeral, I lost it (as my children said I would), as the formation with a missing helicopter, flew overhead.

Today, a BBQ was held. The Eighth Annual Filberto “Fil” Cuesta Memorial Blood Drive will be held at Southwest Station on Thursday, August 09, 2007, from 0700 to 1900 hours. For those who “don’t have enough blood,” all monetary donations will go the American Red Cross in Fil’s name......

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

August 1, 2007

My brother and cousins knew officer cuesta and i remember attending the funeral. manys years gone by but he is still remembered in my heart, god bless his family, and he will alwasy be remember for what he loved to do, help people.

JESSE ORTIZ, 2nd Class Petty Officer
United states navy

June 17, 2007

All I have to say is that Fil was a CLASS ACT! We were in the academy together though Fil was a few months ahead of me. We both got assigned to 77th division and this is where we became friends. He always took time to make people feel good and I always enjoyed being around him. We shared many laughs and good times together. Everytime I think of my friend I get that sad sick feeling in my stomach. Fil will always be part of the great memories I had while serving with the department from 6/94 - 97.
Take care buddy and you are greatly missed.

Taylor

February 24, 2007

I went to High School with Fil, and remember his old truck, HOTEL CALIFORNIA and the long bus ride home. Fil was more than a friend. He was a leader beyond his years. My prayers go to his wife,daughters and all that faced this loss. The peace that we can take from this is that Fil lived a good life. A special thanks to his parents for raising such a good man.
God Bless all,
Gina

Gina

November 14, 2006

Fil:For years, I have had your name posted on one of my Screen Names (SN). Because the SN refers to LAPD, I rarely answer E-Mails from anyone who is not a fellow LAPD/Marine. One day, I received an E-Mail, asking if I was truly LAPD. Imagine my surprise, when we (both being cautiously suspicious), finally let our guards down. I was finally able to share some of my memories with the mother of your little angels! RIP Bro Semper Fi, M. B. P.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

August 14, 2006

Has it been eight years already. I remember attending a fundraiser for your family, with a co-worker who knew you. A few recognized her and told other officers, who were surprised that staff from the Inspector General would be there. They should not have been.

When Officer Steven Gadja was murdered on New Years Eve, my wife could not understand my rage. When you were killed months later, she could not understand my sadness. She now understands what most citizens take for granted. That there are dedicated men and women who put their lives on the line for us every day. I pledge to you and all who came before and all who came after, never shall I forget.

Jim Grant, Civilian Employee
Formerly Police Commission, Office of the Inspector General

August 9, 2006

I worked with Fil long before he became a Police officer when we were both working in Artesia for a telephone survey company. Fil worked in my unit and was a very respectful, friendly and down to earth guy. He just went about his business, very professional and very respectful. I knew he would amount to something in this world. It was with great sadness that I heard of his death on TV. My heart still goes out to his wife and kids and everyone in his family. This guy was taken from us way too soon. God bless you Fil.

Robert Guerrero
Maritz Market Research

August 4, 2006

Thank you sir, we will not forget you.

Deputy Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

July 21, 2006

Hello Fil, I was just thinking of you today and wanted to say hello. Continue to watch over us. Gone but not forgotton.

Police Officer Garcia
Los Angeles Police Dept

May 30, 2006

Fil, It seems like yesterday that we worked at Southwest Division. You always had a smile on your face. You are missed everyday. Take care of us, and keep us safe. God bless your family.

Police Officer
LAPD

December 23, 2005

Fil, I miss you very much and think of you often. I think back to our academy days and how you were the "baby" in the class. You always had a way of making me laugh and I miss your smile. I remember the last time I saw you and I thank God I got one last hug. I will never forget you. I know you are in heaven watching over us. I know you are at peace and in a better place. We will meet again.

Sergeant Jerretta Sandoz
Los Angeles Police Department

November 29, 2005

Fil -

I met your wife, daughters, mom, dad, and partners that day. I have learned your story through them. I still see your dad and mom from time to time at different memorial ceremonies. They are still proud of you, as we all are.

Sleep well, Fil, we will continue the tasks that have been set for us. We will think of you often and know that what we are doing is worth doing in your memory.

Sgt. K. Moreland
LAPD

November 28, 2005

Two years ago, I donated blood at the annual blood drive that Southwest Station holds in your honor. Your mother approached me and thanked me for my donation. She was wearing a badge with your picture on it. I could feel myself starting to cry. She asked if I knew you and I told her I did not. She told me a lot about you and your girls. She was still hurting, yet she was so proud of you. This year at your blood drive she remembered me. We had a nice chat. She showed off pictures of your daughters and she was doing much better, thanks to your wife. Your mom met my husband and son, and told them about you too! I just thought it should be known that your memory lives on.

Sergeant J. Quinones
LAPD

November 15, 2005

I heard about Officer Cuestas death a long time ago. I was watching a documentary on the LAPD. His death occured while they were filming the series. I was very sorry to hear about it. Although I did not know the officer, his death effected me.

Fidelis ad Mortem.

Reserve Police Officer Andrew Vishnevsky
New York City Police Department

October 7, 2005

Police Officer’s Final Roll Call

Police Officer Filbert Henry Cuesta Jr. stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, Officer Cuesta.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"
Officer Cuesta squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne,
where the saints had often trod.
As Officer Cuesta waited quietly,
for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer Cuesta;
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

August 28, 2005

Fil, I first met you in the academy. You were a couple of classes ahead of me. You always went out of your way to make sure I was doing well, even though you didn't know me very well. But as I found out over time, that was just your personality.
After you graduated, I saw you a few months later, just prior to my graduation.
I told you you that I had just found out that I was going to 77th Division as you had done. Although you were at the academy on other business, you took the time to tell me what to expect and details I should attend to so that I was a squared away boot. Once I got to 77th, you took me under your wing and watched over me during my entire year of probation. We both wheeled to separate divisions. I would see you at court occasionally. And even after you became a big shot CRASH officer, no matter who you were talking to, you would come over to see how I was doing. You were always kind to me, and I never forgot that. I will never forget when I heard about your tragic passing on the news when I had gone to BIG Bear for the weekend. I couldn't believe it.
I am a training officer with another department now, and I wanted you and your family to know that I pass on the compassion and education that you gave me when I was brand new. Although you are gone physically, there are many officers, including myself and all my boots, that carry on your spirit, integrity, and caring for your brother and sister officer.
To the family of Fil, please know that as long as there is a breath in me, I will never forget him nor the sacrifice he made being a Warrior trying to make Los Angeles a safer place to live.

Chris Eyrich Police Officer
Phoenix PD

August 24, 2005

My dearest Fil, I miss you soo much. Life will never be the same without you. 7 years have gone by and we are still empty without you. The girls wonder so much about you. I try to remember the slightest detail about you. They draw you pictures and have learned to deal with what happened. They are great students and have a passion for reading and music. I play all of your music for them and they laugh. I remember for your viewing that the lady asked me to give her some of your music and i thought to myself...it might not be appropriate. Fil you changed my life when i met you. Thankyou for our 2 beautiful daughters. They are just like you. I think hmmmmm i am raising them alone and they are just like you. ( Laughing) They play silly jokes on me as you would. Sam wrinkles her nose like you did. Sierra is your twin. I just had to talk to you today. I miss you Filly.
Love You Forever Your Girls.
Sylvia Samantha and Sierra Cuesta

sylvia cuesta

April 26, 2005

I WAS WORKING SOUTHWEST CRASH THE NIGHT YOU WERE KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY. I REMEMBER THAT NIGHT CLEARLY, I WAS THERE WHEN YOU PASSED AT CEDARS. WE WERE TOLD BY CHIEF PARKS AND THE MAYOR IN A PRIVATE ROOM THAT YOU HAD PASSED ON. YOU WERE A GOOD FRIEND AND YOU ARE ALWAYS MISSED. I TRY AND THINK OF THE GOOD TIMES WE ALL HAD TOGETHER AND THE LAUGHS WE ALL HAD AT OVERLAND CAFE. WE LOVE YOU BROTHER.

P-2
LAPD

April 11, 2005

MAY GOD BLESS YOU

February 25, 2005

Officer Cuesta & Family,

I am touched to read your Bio, I had a friend who was also taken from us 4 months ago, he was a SFPD officer and also had a small child. I will pray for you and your family. Rest in peace and Thank you for your courage.

SF Friend

August 9, 2004

Officer Cuesta,
The trial for your sad death is going on right now, today. The guy on trial for your death is pleaing Not Guilty. :( From all I have heard from your widow, you seem like a great guy, father, son, nephew, grandson, and husband. The loss of an officer is hard on fellow officers. It is also hard for Explorers in Law Enforcement. I wish your family the best of luck and you do have two beautiful daughters at home. Take care Cuesta's family and relatives. Be Safe out there. God Bless.

Elise Ostby

Explorer Elise Ostby
Ventura County Sheriff's Department, Explorer Post