Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Fil, I can't believe it's been 20 years today since God called on you to protect the
gates of heaven.
I think often of all the good times we had during the summer months and your mom taking us to Biola to go swimming.
Almost every Friday night staying at each others houses and riding dirt bikes when we got older.

We are forever in your debt for your sacrifice that kept the citizens of Los Angeles safe.

Mike Serrano
Childhood Friend

August 9, 2018

20 years ago, we lost a great light in the lives of everyone at the LAPD family. Today we remember Fil for all the good that was in his heart, and celebrate the joy that lives on in Sylvia and the girls.

Maryjane Cundiff
Wife of late LAPD Officer John K . Cundiff, class 3-94

August 9, 2018

Today marks 20 years since you were called home. So much has happened since , some bad, some good. Such is life. There are still times when I remember the vigil at Cedar Sinai that horrible morning you were ambused. The hallways were full of your LAPD family, immediate family, and friends. I couldn't wrap my mind around what happened. I have finally let go of all the anger, but the sadness remains. Your beautiful daughters are now grown young women. I know you've watched over them and I know you are so proud.

In 2017 I had the honor of meeting our Sherrif of LASD, Sherrif McDonnell, who just happened to make a stop at my current assignment at LASD. As soon as he walked into my office, he noticed a picture of you that I have framed on my bookshelf. He said "You know him"? I proudly said, "Yes sir, that is my Cousin Filbert Cuesta, Jr" . As I was telling him what happened, he stopped me and said, " I knew him well, I was his Commander when this happened." Immediately, I felt a bond, a connection. He spoke of how to this day he still sees your Dad from time to time. He talked about times they've gotten together for breakfast. I shook his hand and thanked him for everything he did during that time in support of our entire family. What a small world this is. All my co-workers were blown away by the fact that no matter how many years have passed, you touched so many. I have met many law enforcement personnel who remember you and still to this day pay their respects for our loss. My Hero, Cousin Fil.. you've touched so many... and you are never ever forgotten.

Give my love to our family members who have joined you in Heaven. I love and miss you all dearly.

Cousin Deb and Family Marquez/Campos

Debbie Marquez
Cousin

August 9, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 20th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson(Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

August 9, 2018

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 21, 2017

Fil, just wanted to let you know I came across some pictures from our 8th grade trip to Disneyland and it was strange that I came across the pictures so close to your untimely EOW.
I saw your dad and of course he talked about going to Catalina and paying full price for my boat ticket because I told the girl at the window, I was 11years old.
You are missed by many and my dad always talked about you and how crazy we were when you'd stay over on Friday nights.
I think of you often and wish you were still here.

Keep heaven safe my friend.

Mike Serrano

M. Serrano
Friend

September 1, 2017

Rest In Peace Brother, you are not forgotten

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
City of Upland, CA

August 25, 2017

NEVER FORGOTTEN!

On Sunday, August 9, 1998, when Officer Filberto (Fil) Henry Cuesta, Jr, of the LAPD left for work, he had a bright promising future ahead of him. He never made it home. Fil’s life was taken in a cowardly ambush by a worthless weakling, whose name is not worth mentioning. Fil was a dedicated, hard working police officer, a husband, father and a fine young man.
Fil, you, your family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers. Your charming daughters are a gift that any father would be proud of. Your lovely wife, Sylvia, is a delightful woman who has done an extraordinary job as Mom and “Dad” since you were taken. Thank you for your service and sacrifice Fil.

"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 Department

August 8, 2017

I am so sorry. I submitted a previous comment about Henry Questa Sr. bur I neglected to say how sorry I am for your loss. If you received my previous comment I was so wrapped up in my memories about Henry Sr. I am terribly sorry. I intended to express my condolences but forgot. I wish you & your girls well.

Mrs. Janet Caulfeild
A fan

August 6, 2017

My first date with my late husband was hearing Henry play at the Skyline hotel in Toronto. That was in 1971. We managed to see him several times after that when ever he came to Toronto. We also watched him on the Lawrence Welk show. I have very special memories of those times. My late husband knew of him but I didn't until we started dating.What a great talent. I still like hearing the sound of the clarinet & am reminded of Henry and those days years ago.Now they mean so much more since my Husband died in 2001.
All the best to you & your family.

Mrs. Janet Caulfeild
A fan

August 6, 2017

Dear Filly girls and I attended the blood drive at your station. All of your buddies were there it was beautiful. Your old partner Elaina made a beautiful thin blue line plaque and gave it to us. She said so many beautiful things about you. You were loved by so many. We miss you . Can you believe our babies are going into 2 &3 year of college? Please watch over us. Love your girls

Wife Sylvia Cuesta
LAPD

August 2, 2017

RIP Fil. You will never be forgotten by your family and the public you served.

Deputy Sheriff LASD
Class 295

August 10, 2016

Wow today marks 18 years. You will never be forgotten Fil. I got to hang out for a bit with Samatha and Sierra at your blood drive. They are awesome and beautiful young women. RIP

Sergeant Jerretta Sandoz
LAPD

August 10, 2016

Oh Cuz... I can't believe it's been 18 years since that senseless
Night that you were lost to us. I work for the Sheriff's Department and keep a picture of you in my office. It's amazing all the people (sworn/civillian) that remember you. To this day... You continue mto touch the lives of so many. I've heard wonderful stories from people that met you and the admiration for you its amazing. So much has happened These past 18 years. So many loved ones we have lost. The comfort I take with me is that you are reunited with my parents, your Mom and others. We miss you all so much. As I've said before here, not a day goes by that I don't think of you, of your smile, and all the wonderful holidays we all spent together. The fun picnics etc. it touched my heart to see Sylvia and the girls on TV the day your youngest graduated H.S. and seeing your friends keeping their promise to always be there for them and how they supported Them on that day. It brought tears to my eyes. Your beautiful daughters are something to be proud of. We miss you so much. Thank you for watching over us ..... You will always be my Hero. Love you Cousin

Debbie Marquez
Cousin

August 9, 2016

Fil,
It had been 18 years...
I still remember the night prior as a ride-along PO with you and Gabaldon, and code 7 at that Dragon Palace in K-town with the whole team including Fredy Arroyo and others. Although I was not present during the tragic last day due to a schedule glitch from my department boss, it was an eye opener shock to both me and my department as an unarmed gang PO routinely riding with sisters and brothers of LAPD at the time. Maybe that had been the reason that I was afraid to post any comment until this date.
Our department had moved on and started to arm specialized PO and made a good change.
What I still miss is your ready broad smiles that put me at ease as your unarmed ride-along partner in your backseat!

Deputy Probation Officer II Theodore Cha
Los Angeles County Probation Department, ride-along partner

August 8, 2016

NEVER FORGOTTEN!

"Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13

We lost Officer Filberto (Fil) Henry Cuesta, Jr. of the LAPD, on August 9, 1998. His life was stolen by a worthless coward, leaving his lovely young wife and daughters devastated and alone. Thank you for your service and sacrifice Fil. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Chief Paul Philipps
Parsippany Police Department

August 8, 2016

Rest in peace, brother.

Officer R. Law #257
Rocklin PD

June 18, 2016

My dear Filly , Today our baby girl turns 19!!!! Where did time go???? Poor baby has a huge chemistry test today...wish you were here to help her. I miss you and want to thank you for giving me two beautiful daughters. You are being honored in Sacramento police week ...Gina is there and topanga crash (gang) unit will be there in your honor . I'm grateful that your brothers in blue still remember you.

Wife Sylvia Cuesta

May 2, 2016

Happy Easter my beloved....Girls and I went to church and I was thinking how you get to celebrate alongside with Jesus and you now know who moved the stone ...you probably have met the Angels that appeared too. We then went to have breaky at Mimis , Parker joined us. I was thinking of the golden egg and when you hid it and left to work and no one was able to find it. lol we had to call you at work to let us know where you hid it. Haha Sam went to parkers family for late lunch and they will be coming over for dinner later. I always share stories about you with the girls and Jaime always keeps your memory alive. Everyone in my family always tries to share with the girls something they remember about you. We didn't go to the cemetery to decorate your grave this year. I dropped the ball this easter. Sorry. Missing you my dear . Buddies to the end.

Wife Sylvia Cuesta

March 27, 2016

Fil just thinking about you. Yesterday our class celebrated 22 years on the LAPD wish you were still here. Miss you.

Sergeant II Jerretta Sandoz
Lapd

March 22, 2016

Fil Cuesta,
Just wanted to let you know that it has almost been 22 years since we went through the LAPD academy. As a detective here in Tampa, Florida, I have a picture of you with the LAPD badge along with my family pictures on my desk. When officers asked me about you, I always tell them that you were my brother from the LAPD. Just wanted to let you know that we are always thinking of you brother, que dios te bendiga para siempre.

Detective Wilberto "Wil" Torres
Tampa PD-LAPD

February 16, 2016

Missing you today. Spent the day in Laguna watching Sierra surf ..you would be so proud of her. She is in love with her new board she designed herself . I wish you could have been there with me taking photos of her. Please watch over her. Those waves give me panic attacks lol. Sam made it through her first semester of college. It's been so nice having her home ...spring session is starting soon so I'm enjoying spending as much time as baby manta can with me. You are always in my heart.

Wife Sylvia Cuesta

January 17, 2016

Happy 44th Birthday my sweet Filly. We all celebrated your birthday today. Forever young ...forever 26 years old. We love and miss you so much

Wife Sylvia Cuesta

November 8, 2015

Hi Cousin Fil. It's been along time, but I was thinking of you lately. Just reflecting on things. Family reunions, meeting Sylvia and the girls. It's been too long. I havent seen Cousin Filbert and Rosie either. You'll always be remembered for you heroism. You are missed and loved by so many. This month is the aniversary of your passing. 17 years. I remember Sam was 2 yrs. old and Sierra was just born. Time flew. Cousin, say hi to my mom, dad and my sister, Maya for me okay. Wish we would have spent more family time together. Love Evie

Evie Deleon, Secretary BOI
Cousin

August 27, 2015

Yo, Brah;

Okay, that was a bit “eerie.”;

Tonight (August 22, 2015), I was thinking about You. Then I decided to visit this ODMP Site and saw the date of Your senseless murder. Then it dawned upon me that (without realizing it), less than twenty-four hours before this year‘s anniversary (sic), I had posted a photograph of Your Memorial located at Southwest Station, on several of my Facebook sites.

Later (still not realizing the anniversary date), I ended-up communicating (via the internet), with one of Your Fellow LAPD Recruit Class Classmates, and we discussed You. She told me how She actually thought about “Quitting LAPD,” and how seeing You right before they removed You from Life Support “will be embedded in Her mind and heart forever.” She told me how She has long worn A Memorial Bracelet In-Your-Honor. She also told me how She makes it a point to tell ALL of Her LAPD Recruit Classes about You.

I must be “getting-old.”-----My former LAPD Recruits are now doing what I used to do, when I taught Your Class, and You have A Daughter who graduated from high school this year. It is a bit difficult to believe that it has been seventeen years since Chief Daryl F. Gates (RIP) had to “play babysitter” for my two Cowpokes, so that I could tell the Long Beach Press-Telegram reporter how Proud I was to have been one of Your Instructors…

(May You Rest - In - Peace, Brah, knowing that You are most-certainly NOT forgotten…..)

Semper Fi,
“Major Pain”

Michael B. Parlor

August 23, 2015