Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hugo,

Not a day goes by that I don't reflect on that early morning phone call I received from the Shift Watch Sgt telling me the horrible news about what had just happened. I remember not knowing what to say exactly over the phone, except that I needed to get there immediately. Those words over the phone still haunt me to this day. I will never forget all of us sitting on the step outside of the club, not sure what to say to one another, but just trying to figure it all out. I remember speaking and horse-playing around with you just two days prior in my office. I remember alot about that day, about all the emotions everyone displayed in absolute disbelief and HOW that could have happened. I remember that everyday during shift following that tradic morning, I made it a point to stop by that very scene and give out a prayer to you, and still continue to this day whenever I am even near that area. I remember many things Hugo, but most of all, I remember that you were my friend........and we shall see each other again someday, and pick up in the laughter where we originally had left off. Take care and God bless you brother. BATO LOCO FOREVER!

Duke
A dear friend

June 11, 2006

It has been 6 years since you were called away. I know during that time your loved ones have mourned for you every day and have thought about you constantly. You have not been forgotten nor will you ever be. You are a true hero. Keep watch over your loved ones, help them with their grief and protect them.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

May 19, 2006

Bato, There's not a day that goes by when I'm on the road that I don't think about the times that we had. We shared a lot of good and not so good times together. You always wanted to know that you were making a difference. Well, my brother, you definitely did, and will continue to for as long as I wear a badge. I use you to train by on a daily basis. Not just the events of May 13, but the way you conducted yourself as a person. I'm not quite sure if it's for the reality of an actual event for the recruits, or simply self theraputic. But then I don't guess it really matters. I will remember your laughter and your practical jokes above all else. You would be proud of the legacy that you left behind. I know I damn sure am.

Benjie

March 30, 2006

To the family and friends, you are and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

He is Gone
You can shed tears that he is gone,
Or you can smile because he lived,
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared,
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on,
You can cry and close your mind be empty and turn your
back,
Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes,
live,love,and go on with life.

Retired Deputy Sheriff
Georgia

February 9, 2006

Again we mourn as another hero is taken from us. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Investigator Arango. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.
Rest in peace for your watch here is over; walk in heavens beat and guide us all to protect and serve others safely.

US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service Kennesaw GA

September 4, 2004

I love and miss you still to this day. I think about you everyday. My new son, who will never know you in this life, will grow up knowing why he was named after you. Please continue to watch over him as he goes through his next surgery, I know it has been you that has gotten him through the others. Thank you for watching over him and keeping him safe.

JIll

August 11, 2004

It's hard to believe it has been 4 years! It still feels like only yesterday. My husband & boys remember you constantly, in thoughts, prayers & stories. You were a great example to our boys and a good friend to them. You are sorely missed and never forgotten. As we see your family from time to time, it is still hard to know how to comfort them. Our thoughts & prayers are with them always! We miss you. Bato Loco Forever!

Wife of a friend & co-worker

July 1, 2004

You died so young and way too soon. Thank you for your sacrifice and
a life well lived. May God comfort all those who are still grieving your
passing. Life is difficult at times and the Lord Jesus wants to help carry
our burdens. He gives us many beautiful promises in His Word to help us
through our valleys. I pray you will feel His presence and know His
peace. God bless!

Lynn Kole
Washington State

October 26, 2003

I met Hugo's parents this week during Police Week in Washington DC, they are two of the most sweet people I have ever met, so I can imagine the way Hugo was because of the way his parents are. My prayers go out to his family and all the brothers and sisters in blue.

God Bless you

Terry Miyares
Officer Emilio Miyares, widow
Hialeah Police Dept. Florida
Killed inline of duty 11/6/86

Terry Miyares
Hialeah Police Dept.

HUGO WAS THE BEST UNCLE ANYONE COULD HAVE. I FEEL JOY IN MY HEART BECAUSE UNCLE HUGO IS IN HEAVEN WITH JESUS, BUT I MISS HIM WITH ALL OF MY HEART. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER MY UNCLE!

Jacqueline Yarbro

You will not be forgotten. You were a dear friend to me.

Love Always, Meg

Margaret Wallace
friend

Hugo was always one to push his way to the top....often making others jealous of his upward mobility. He knew what he wanted, and he obtained it with hard work and determination. Though his death was unneccessary and tragic, he wouldn't have wanted to go any other way. His life was dedicated to his job as a law enforcement officer. He lived police work. He embodied the lifestyle. He was what every department needs.....a hard working, dedicated, and down-to-earth officer. I miss him -we all do! However, not a moment goes by that we haven't thought of him, said a prayer for his family, and remembered to take his death as a reminder that officers aren't out there for the pay. They're out there for the people - for the law!

We miss you, Bato!! You'll always be ONE OF A KIND!!!!

Anonymous

My Prayers go out to the family of Hugo. This was a sad thing and I am glad that the suspect was caught. . He will be missed But never forgotten.

Anonymous

I was priviledged enough to be included on the initial search for Bautista Ramirez, who was linked initially to an address in my jurisdiction.

I am only sad that we didn't find him right away. I knew that with the diligence with which the investigators and the Chief of Doraville were pursuing Bautista Ramirez, that it was only a matter of time before we caught him.

My heart aches for the Arango family, and for my family of brothers- and sisters-in-blue who still mourn the loss of yet another family member fallen in the line of duty. This is happening far too often lately. Lord, I pray this insanity will abate... stand over those of us who are out there to serve and protect, regardless of the odds against us, and guide us through our every move on patrol.

Hugo's friend and sister-in-blue,

Officer Ruth M. Eppison
Roswell Police Department

Hugo was a fine, dedicated officer and a great brother-in-law.  I will miss him dearly. 

C. Yarbro
DeKalb PD

I am sad and angry to learn of how Detective Arango was killed.  My prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends. 

Anonymous

God bless you my young friend.  You did not die in vain.  Be with God, you're in his arms now.

Anonymous

This is a sick and obvious attack on the law enforcement community. My thoughts and prayers are with Det Arango and his family. God Bless

Anonymous

May 13, 2000 was a day that shocked our law enforcement family in the City of Doraville. I awoke to a phone call from my husband, crying, telling me that we had lost a wonderful friend. That is a call I will never forget. Hugo was a wonderful friend to my husband and to myself, a friend who was kind, and generous, funny and good-hearted. He was a wonderful police officer, just like he was a wonderful person. Because of Bautista Ramirez's hatred and anger, many of us have forever lost a friend, a family member, and a loved one.

As we stood outside at his funeral, I watched grown men, dressed in the uniforms, their badges covered in black, cry uncontrollably for their fallen brother. The guns were fired, saluting our beloved Hugo one last time. And as the helicopters flew overhead in the missing man formation, we knew that just as we lost Hugo, a little piece of all of us was lost that day.

But Hugo, I want to thank you. The sacrifice that was made by you has made the officers aware that tragedy really can strike, even in little old Doraville. These officers are a little more careful now, and take the time to realize just how precious life is. We know you are up above, watching over us, like a guardian angel. You are always in our hearts, and in our prayers, and will never be forgotten.

A Doraville Wife

rest in peace.
i miss you.

Meg Wallace
friend

He used to come into the restaurant where I work, the day after, my son and I layed flowers and a card at the site. My son wants to be a police officer one day. I continually pray for the family now that the trial is in session.

a friend in Doraville

Your bravery will be remembered. Rest in peace.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

still miss you!

Margaret Wallace
friend

"Never shall I forget the time I spent with you. Please continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours."
Ludwig Von Beethoven

"I suppose there is one friend in the life of each of us who seems not a separate person, however dear and beloved, but an expansion, an interpretation of one's self, the very meaning of one's soul."
Edith Wharton

Anonymous