Orlando Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Thursday, February 3, 2000
Reflections for Police Officer George Stefan DeSalvia
Well it has been over a year now. In fact we are preparing to go to the trial of your killer. I can say that not a day has gone by that I haven't thought of you. I remember how you walked into our lineup your first day of FTO. I remember how friendly you were and how eager you were to learn from each of us on the squad. I am sure you remember how I pawned off my off duty to you as soon as you completed your training. I remember working the downtown detail the weekend before you were taken from us. We talked about our relationships and how I hoped to be engaged soon. Especially because valentines day was near, we discussed what we would get our spouses. How sad it is for me to think you never saw valentines day that year. You gave me good advice. I was very saddened to hear the "43" radiate from my radio on my way home on that fateful night. I went right to the Hospital as I had a horrible feeling in my heart. I went to your home that night to get your wife. I will never forget how hard it was for us to knock on your door. As I sat in ICU with Cynthia as she held your hand I felt the love between you. She is doing well now and we keep in touch the best we can. I miss you.
I did get married George in fact February 3 of this year one year after your tragic death. When I was making my arrangements that was the first date available at the church, I felt awkward having a celebration that day, however I knew you would be upset if I put off my wedding. I know you were there. I miss you so much, everyday I pray that you are at peace.
Jen (Roark) Williamson
Officer Jen (Roark) Williamson
Orlando Police
George, So many days have gone by since you left us, but not one that I don't think of you. I finally met Leonard Hills at the service that was held in February in Venice. We have helped each other through this. Today is another chapter is this tragedy, jury selection begins. I know that you will watch over your family and friends and keep them safe. I pray that the Lord will wrap his arms around them and comfort them during this very difficult time as they have to once again hear the horrific details of Feb. 3, 2000. And, then next weekend, we, your family from Orlando Police Dept., will meet them in Washington, DC, along with Tanja's family, where we pay tribute to the two of you as your names are dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Memorial Wall. The 2 of you are very special, they are putting your names side by side on the same panel. That has never been done before, but then they have never had such special names to add like George Stefan DeSalvia and Tanja Brigette King. We will be there to light our candles and shed our tears as we remember the love and dedication you both had for your familes and for the Department. You will never be forgotten, we will always hold you dear to our hearts.
Dora Stremble, Communications
Orlando Police Department
GEORGE, GOD BLESS YOU, AND YOUR FAMILY.
IT'S A NIGHTMARE TO RELIVE WHAT HAPPENED THAT NIGHT. I WILL NEVER FORGET IT.
PLEASE WATCH OVER US AND KEEP US SAFE......
D/S TONY BRISINTE
ORNAGE CO. SHERIFFS OFFICE, ORLANDO FL
3 years have gone by since your death. I still remember writing a reflection while in the Valencia Police Academy. We have lost one member of our own academy class and its not an easy thing. However, I know all of you fallen heros are up there watching over us... going to our calls with us... and keeping us safe. I will never forget.
Anonymous
On behalf of the men and women of the Virginia State University Police Department, our thoughts and prayers to the Mundo family and the LaGrange Police Department.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13
"Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9
"God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them."
Hebrews 6:10
Officer Don W. Reichhardt
Virginia State University Police Department
You were obviously a tru warrior and friend from reading these moving remembrances. You served with valor and distinction. Your family and friends continue to honor and remember you. As a patrol sergeant I use the remembrance of you to always ask my troops to "be careful out there" God Bless you and those who love you!
Anonymous
George, its been three years since that senseless tragic night. I clearly remember the signal 43 “shoots fired” before 2 am. Our entire squad was coming in for the night at the SE office. We did now whom the signal 43 was for, but we knew it was one of our own in the South West. We all ran to our cars and got there as fast as our cars could go. I didn’t know which fellow officer had been murdered by that spineless coward, but we knew two of our guys were down and the killer was on the loose. I was proud to see over 200 officers, wearing all sorts of patches looking for the killer. We finally found the coward in an abandoned house hiding in a closet, dripping wet from the canal he swam through. I eventually learned that you were the unfortunate soul that was taken from us. I was in shock and saddened. I had just talked to you a few days earlier. Three years later, I see your picture and I get a lump in my throat. I’ll always remember the first time I met you during the hiring process and orientation. A gentle giant with a good heart, courage, dedication, and above all Honor. George, we truly miss you. God Bless you, Ofc. T. King, and your family.
MV #11548
Anonymous
Thank You for your bravery and performing this most difficult job. You obviously were and are still well admired and respected. Job well done brother. Rest in peace and look after us as we continue this job which you believed in.
Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department
I still see you laughing and I feel you with me everywhere I go. Thank you for watching over me. Its been three years but your memory will last forever. MissYa'! xoxo
Anonymous
OFC DeSalvia , I knew him as prvt DeSalvia when I served with him in the US Army at Ft Myer Va. As somtimes happens I lost touch with him and many other army buddys. But as it happens years later in 1999 I was at fort gordon Ga and ran into George. I found out he had made SGT and I told him what it was like Policing in Atlanta for the past 2 years. I left Ft gordon thinking what a chance to run into an old friend that I hadnt seen in 4 years, but now I am grateful to have been able to visit with him again. We lost touch again unfortunately. The next time I saw him was on the officer down site, it was a huge shock to me. As i have been policing here in Atlanta for now over five years, and have been in a shooting. You are thought of often here in Atlanta Georgia.
OFC Darrell Smith
Fulton County Police Dept (Atlanta,GA)
Officer DeSalvia..although I did not know you, I feel like I knew you forever. I went to the same academy as you, and I sat by a very good friend of yours. I am new to this career, I'm still a rookie. My heart and prayers go out to your family and your brothers and sisters of your department. Every night I put on my uniform to patrol the streets, I look down at the mercy band on my arm with your name on it. Alot of people ask me what that band on my arm means, I can only answer them one way, IT IS REMINDER OF THE WARRIORS BEFORE ME.I wear the band everyday,on and off duty, I wear the band with respect and honor sir, and I only hope I can touch as many peoples lives as you have. You are a true hero. God Bless You Officer DeSalvia.
D/S B. ROBINSON
OSCEOLA CO. SHERIFFS OFFICE
Sweet Baby... Though I miss and love you so much, reality is you are ALWAYS with me! You are MY ANGEL! I could write so much but will not because you know what I am thinking. I just want the world to know that you will NEVER be forgotten! XOXO
Anonymous
George this is Ray. You are missed dearly. I know that the good Lord has been taking care of you and some day we will see each other again.Lans, Ron and I were there for you when we found out.I remember talking to you a few months before hand and we were trying to arange a date to get together.I just wish that I wouldn't have takin so long to get a hold of you. When we meet we have so much to catch up on.
Talk to ya soon George,
Your freind,
Ray Brown
George, All of us are thinking of you on the 2nd anniversary of your "Passing". You are truly and lovingly remembered. Continue to be a very good officer and watch over us as we perform our daily and dangerous tasks.
Anonymous
Two years, Baby... I still Love and Miss you as much as I did two years ago! You will ALWAYS be special to me and will FOREVER hold a place in my heart! XOXOXO
Anonymous
There is never a day that goes by without thoughts of you, baby! I wear your picture above my heart so you are with me wherever I go. Tonight, I shed another tear for you. I miss you so much! But the love I have for you will never disappear! Thank you for protecting me and the rest of the family who wears the badge so proud! XOXO
Anonymous
Hey Baby! I am in tears now after reading all the reflections for you. There are moments when I still cannot believe it is true. However, I know you are in a place of peace. My inner strength comes from many different obstacles I have had to overcome throughout my young life, one of which includes you tragically being taken from us. I will ALWAYS love you! And I thank you! The last time I looked into your eyes, they sparkled. The memory of you laughing... I will cherish that. Nobody will ever replace you or the place in my heart for you! God Bless!
Anonymous
Officer DeSalvia, I cannot thank you enough.You have been a great influence in my life,having three children myself,I do not know the feeling of being 10-8 out there yet.Helping people that NEED OUR HELP AND PROTECTING OUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS.I have the biggest respect for you and all of our protecting heros. As I sat at the academy for those long eight months and knowing you attended that same academy gives me great pride in being a future leo. In that room still sits you picture and forever in our hearts. May the LORD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND THANKS FOR PROTECTING OURS. THANK YOU LORD FOR GIVING US A SPECIAL OFFICER.AMEN
Recruit Hernandez
Deland PD
I will never forget "Sal". We actually became friends because I was assigned to be his field training officer. I worked the midnight shift and when George was released to solo status he was also assigned to midnight shift. Even though we worked different parts of the city I would see George regularly. I will never forget the night George was shot. I can remember every word I said, every thing that I saw, and every thing that I did. I constantly think of George and the things that I could have taught him that may have made a difference. I will always wear his badge number on my vest to remind me of George. Brother I miss you!
Anonymous
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