Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Lerma,
On today, the 26th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Garland and all of north Texas, It has been a privilege to not only know but work alongside your wife, Gena , JoGail and I both extend our love and prayers to you on this difficult day. Gone but never forgotten, thank you officer Lerma Rest in Peace

Jared & JoGail Fosse
Kaufman ISD & Kemp ISD

September 21, 2024

Officer Lerma,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Garland. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 21, 2023

I miss you brother. It's been over 24 years since you were put out of service. "Animal 1711"

Assist. Chief T. Sleavin
Golden Valley, MN PD, former Garland PD Officer #195

February 19, 2023

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 21, 2020

It only takes a moment to make a difference in someone's life and you changed mine forever. Thank you for being there that day. You couldn't have known the impact you were going to have on me. Thank you for your service and dedication.

Julie

June 8, 2020

Really wish i could have met you taken just under 2 months before i was born, just know that your memory has persuaded me to be a police officer ever since i was a little kid and was told about you. I will always honor your memory in the line of duty. Thank you for your service.

Mason Galvan
Cousin

September 17, 2018

It’s been many years but your memory lives strong with your family I’m glad I was able to meet you may you forever Rest In Peace and enjoy the company of your old man !! Till we meet again cuz!!

Julian Compian
Cousin

August 21, 2018

Ronnie...we just celebrated our 40 year Lanier High School Reunion. Sure wish that curly haired boy with the twinkle in his eye and always a smile on his face could have been there with us. You wouldn't know any of us, we've all aged...LOL You were always so kind and such a good person. Thank you for always keeping watch and for a job well done.
We Raise Hell, But We'll go to Heaven - Cuz We're the Class of 77" You already are there see you on the other side.

Nancy Wilkins
High School Friend Class of 77

September 27, 2017

17 years ago today we lost a Hero. Thank you Officer Lerma for your service. You are truly missed by so many. You are still an American Hero.

Former Patrol Sergeant
Johnny Allison
Wylie TX Police Dept

September 21, 2015

Reflections on one of the honored Hero's of the Garland Police Department who was killed in the line of duty. Render Honor to who Honor is due....and in this case, it is due. Condolences to his family for such a loss to them also. He will be remember through the ages for his contributions to the Garland Police Department.

J.W. Mayfield, Assistant Chief (Ret)
Garland, TX Police Department

May 14, 2014

Ronnie, its been been 13 years. Seems like yesterday you were a rookie and working dope. I remember helping you put your wig and disguise on in the locker room so you could go out and do what you loved to to best. I laugh every time I think about you getting "ghetto." You did a fine job my friend. We will never forget you. I know that you Gerald, and Mad Dog are sitting up there and watching over all of us....and all of us officers, former and present, from Garland and nationwide remember your sacrifice for us and others. We wont forget. Thank you for being a friend to all of us who worked with you. Thanks for the laughs you gave us and the smiles we all shared. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You were "family" then and are now...We dont forget....We all miss you my friend, but we know you are safe and you and Gerald and Mad Dog are keeping watch....Thank you.

Jay DeSisto
Former Garland P.D. (#215)

September 10, 2011

Daddy,

It's been awhile since I've posted on here. Life has been changing.. Your two grandsons keep me busy and laughing just like I did so often with you. I wish you were here for the little memories.. Those are what seem to be the hardest for me...Not meeting the boys, no birthday parties, showing them big ole' boots or even simply hugging them! I must say between you and God y'all sent me an amazing husband and children. Fathers Day is Sunday. It's been alot harder this year, I seem to have more time to understand the whole grieving process better now that I'm older. I see how it affected mother more now as a wife and mother. I know Gods plan is bigger than my own but I sure can't wait to see you again! We will go visit you on Sunday.. I know you will be there watching over us.. Take care of the streets of heaven! Sleep with Angels Dad! 

-I love you! 

Natalie Lerma Stewart
Daughter

June 18, 2011

Thought about you today and came to "see" you again. I have a hard time reading your daughter's reflections. I have kids, too, and I cannot imagine something taking me from them and how much they need me.

I hope you are sitting well there and get to "sneak" on by to look in on the Family from time to time.

We had some good times. I remember them well.

GPD-245
Former Officer, Garland PD

July 29, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 11th 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 tthe line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

You are loved and missed by so many, especially your daughters. Your family is in my heart's embrace.
Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

September 22, 2009

Daddy,
Its very weird to look back at all the post that i have done and see how much i do truely miss you. There is not a day that goes by that i dont think about you and know that your watching over me. This school year will be hard because you wont be able to see me leave for prom or even see natalies wedding. I want you to know that i always think about you and always strive to make you proud of the young woman that i am and will continue to be. I love you daddy.
Sleep with angels,
Em

Emalie
Daughter

August 3, 2009

daddy....

10 years and you still are not with us anymore...
it still feels like yesterday when i last saw you...
i cant believe that i was 5 and now im 15....
i was in kindergarden and now im a sophmore in High School
ill be 16 really soon and it is so hard knowing that you are not here with me...
i just want you to know that i love you and you will always be missed by me...


Sleep with angels!!!


i love you so much!

em

Emalie
daughter

September 22, 2008

A decade has passed since you were called away but you have not been forgotten nor will that ever happen for you are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones and protect them from harm. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

September 21, 2008

Today I was looking through the "Today In History" section of the ODMP and came across the memorial for Ronnie Lerma. I did not know Ronnie but I knew a few of the Garland PD jockeys. I retired from Irving PD and spent roughly half my career on scooters. Garland had some exceptional riders that would compete in the police motorcycle rodeo competitions.
I attended the funeral service for Officer Lerma and as always, when a motor officer is taken away, his fellow motor jocks come out of the woodwork in a show of support. Ronnie's service and motorcade was no exception. Motor officers are a tight knit bunch and I was proud of being able to ride.
It is my prayer that the family, friends and co-workers of Ronnis Lerma experience the eternal love and endless blessings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May God richly bless them and keep safe from harm the men and women of the Garland Police Department.

Special Ranger Doug Hutchison
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

September 21, 2008

Well its Mothers day...and also your Birthday...
its really hard not being able to tell you to your face "daddy happy birthday"
but i know that your watching over me!
We are gunna go see you later and then we are gunna take care of momma so that she has a good day as well!
i love you very much daddy!!

Emalie

P.S Sleep with angels daddy!

Emalie Lerma
Daughter

May 11, 2008

"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

February 7, 2008

My deepest sympathies to you in your loss. While words are never enough, know that your family will remain in my prayers, and that I am praying specifically for God to comfort you and give you peace during these days. Officers and their families across the nation are holding you up - remember the happy days, honor his life and service to his community, and determine for YOUR life to make a difference, as well.

Deputy Shane Williams
Dallas Co. Constable's Office Pct.2

February 1, 2008

Hey daddy...
We are coming up on anouther Christmas without you and as always you are still very much apart of my life. I will miss not being able to run and get your to see what Santa left me and Nat. Its really kind of odd that i aually got my permit and i mean thats wierd because when you left us i was only 5...i do miss you daddy! I will be thinking of you like always!
~*i love you*~
Em

Emalie Lerma
Daughter

December 22, 2007

It has been 9 years tomorrow! Rest assured brother I will be at your graveside at the precise moment you were taken 9 years ago. You have left your mark on all of us and you shall never be forgotten. I will reflect on your life and the impact you made on mine. There has been no finer man, Father, friend or brother than you Ronnie.

Your daughters, wow. They have grown into wonderful and fine young ladies. I know your chest is swelling as you watch over them. You know that they strive to please you to this very day and miss you more than ever. Rest brother until we are all together again.

Steven W. Jones
Dallas SO

September 20, 2007

Today a plano Motor officer was killed. It made me think of the first motor funeral I went to when I was on motors. Your name always sticks with me thru the 10 years that I have been on motors, though I never knew you. God bless your family. It sounds like you have two wonderful daughters, I know you must be proud. Ride On brother.

Ofc. Gregory
FMPD

July 7, 2007

To a Brother in Blue, gone but not forgotten - it was always a pleasure to work with you! Thank you for serving the " GREAT STATE OF TEXAS" (as you would say). I know God can not bring all of us home safe at the end of our shift , so I count my blessings and cherish life. You are a great man & have a beautiful family that you were so very proud of... May God continue to give your family strength. Watch over all of us & may God grant us the wisdom, strength,skills & courage to do our job safely. we miss you-
previous dispatcher for you-
B.Werner

Officer Brandi Werner (Arredondo)
Frisco Police Department

April 28, 2007