Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It has been 6 years since your tour of duty ended. You have not been forgotten nor will that ever be the case as you are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep watch over that big family of yours, stay close to them and protect them.

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

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

September 21, 2006

P/O Ortiz, you are not forgotten.

P/O #5434
Philadelphia PD

May 30, 2006

I'm currently going through the process of trying to become a Philadelphia Police Officer. One day I came across this website and I've made it my goal to read the names and stories of every Philadelphia Police Officer killed while on duty, as a way to honor their memories. Officer Ortiz's story stuck out to me because he reminds me of the type of officer I would like to be. As I read the stories of how each officer was killed I'm saddened but also filled with a sense of pride, because I know that I've chosen one of the noblest professions one can chose. Being a polce officer isn't a job its a commitment to a new family. To those officers that have lost that feeling of enthusiam and pride, I hope by reading my reflection you realize how much respect and admiration I and everyone have for the job you do. To all the members of the Philadelphia Police Department who have lost their lives and especially Officer Ortiz I hope to honor your memory by one day patrolling the same streets you all once did. Honor, Integrity, Service.

S/O Neftali Ramos
University of Pennsylvania

March 4, 2006

It can never be truly said how many lives you saved just doing your job. When you were taken from this life, you continued to save lives with the donation of your organs. Truly an amazing man, in life and death.

Your organs went on to keep others alive so your body never really died. Your spirit is still amongst your friends, loved ones and co-workers as you watch over them.

God Bless and Rest in Peace.

Ptl. Jim Leahy Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

November 21, 2005

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Ortiz. May your memmory be eternal!

September 21, 2005

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, September 21, 2003 we dedicated the shift to the memory of P.O. Jose Ortiz who died on this date three years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Officer Ortiz' sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

September 21, 2003

This is a sad day for the Philadelphia Police Dept,family and friends of officer Ortiz ,but it shows the type of person officer Ortiz was,even with this tragedy he continues to save the lives of people he gave up his life trying  to protect,by donating his organs.To his family my prayers and thoughts are with you.His life will live on, inside each and everyone of his brother and sister officers.Job well done,you will never be forgotten

Anthony Britton
Philadelphia police dept

I'm not sure if or how many officers will read this but I wanted to leave my words of concolence for Officer Ortiz' family, co-workers and friends.  What a tragedy.  To the Officer that struck him, my heart and prayers are with you as well.  DO NOT BE ASHAMED TO SEEK OUT PROFESSIONAL HELP FOR WHAT I'M SURE YOU ARE GOING THROUGH.  For Mrs. Ortiz and his little girl, what can I say.  There is no way I can know what you are going through and my words may or may not comfort you but know that my prayers as well as the prayers of others is with you today.  It's ironic how often these days officers are criticized for what some feel are injustices and even in death Officer Ortiz protects others and gives life by donating his organs.  God, I'm sure, has taken you into his arms and rewards you with the greatest gift of all, eternal life with him.  Rest well my brother, you have more than done your tour.

Leigh Persky
Montgomery County Sheriff, Alabama

Words cannot describe the desolation for the family of Officer Ortiz.  His wife Theresa and Nicole are still in shock and grief stricken.

Our heartfelt thanks to all of the city officials, police departments, many of which came from surrounding communities and to the public for their outpouring of compassion and love for my daughter and grandaughter.

The police oficers of the twenty-fifth police district were also devistated by this tragedy.
They repeatedly try to do anything they can to ease the grief for our family.  They are hurting as much as his immediate family.

Give your children an extra hug tonight and please remember to fill out your organ card and to tell your family members of your wishes.

Arlene C Mc Mahon

Served well in life, serves on in death.  P/O Ortiz continues to be a hero, as he had the courage in life to choose to be an Organ Donor.  He designated it on his driver's license, and discussed his wishes with his family.  His kidneys, corneas and heart valves are now aiding others in the Philadelphia area.  While his tragic death is our loss, his choice to give so others can live better lives shows the compassion and heroism that will be his legacy.

He will be sorely missed by his family, friends & colleagues.

Jeremiah Daley
Philadelphia Police Department

It is now 10:35pm on the 25th of September, 2000 as I write this post.  10-35 is, most likely, the call that Officer Ortiz put out on his radio as he was chasing a suspected car-jacker on Cambria Street.  10-35.  "Assist the Officer".  That call has again been put out for every available officer to assist at Officer Ortiz's funeral.  As a citizen, I too will be there.  I will be standing behind those police officers, standing for Officer Ortiz's family.  I am so sorry that I have to be on Old Buselton Pike tomorrow, mourning for this brave officer, but I am thankful for the opportunity to show my gratitude, and to pay my respects.  Thank you, Officer Ortiz, for your service, for your courage, and for your life.  It will never be forgotten.

Gabriel L. Nathan

This tragedy can have  some positive benefits if it helps us all to use care and vigilance when responding to calls for assistance.  The agony that the officer driving the cruiser involved must be going through!! My sympathies to the family and co-workers of Officer Ortiz--and also, my sympathy and support for the officer driving the cruiser that struck him.

Anonymous

September 21 is my birtyday.
Usually a happy day untill i learned that such an unfortunate accident occured. I send my condolences to the family of P/O Jose M. Ortiz.

Anonymous

Only those who are willing to sacrafice all, like you, are true hero's. This is why I will continue to fight for justice. Thank you and God bless.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)