Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy, it was a sad day when we all stood to say goodbye to you. There was a moment, when a little boy was on the steps of the chapel, and he looked right at me. For some reason, I thought of JFK's son, having to waive to his father's casket. At that instant, I stood a little straighter, sir. I dont know if that little boy was part of your family, but I hope he somehow knows that we all stood there, together that morning, for you.

Rest in Peace

former Austin Police

December 2, 2007

You sir, Keith Ruiz, were mentioned in one of my classes recently by a professor who had you in one of his CJ classes many years ago. Then tonight I attended the annual Bobcat Pause, a campus memorial of sorts for those who walked these halls before us. I couldn't help but have that odd reminiscent smile, although I never knew you personally.

I had the pleasure of meeting Berna and the kids this time a few years back at another memorial event. But the one I struck it up the most with was Matt. Within a few years of each other agewise, we were also the same age as each other when we lost a parent LOD.

Now in college, we ran into each other again through a mutual friend we never knew we had. It's been great to get to know him yet again, and although we never speak about our sad commonality, I know he tries every day to walk and talk like you did.

He's a strong young man and a guardian to all of us, friends and family alike, around him, just as I imagine you were. He wears your badge around his neck every moment of every day, as do I of mine. Looking at your picture above is like looking at him. I can only imagine who he will become, as it is more than obvious he looks up to everything you and Berna have done to make him and the boys who they are.

M

March 28, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones today. Six years have passed and you have not been forgotten nor will your loved ones ever let that occur. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over all your loved ones and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

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

February 15, 2007

Kieth,
You & Kenneth are like brothers to me. Your parents even joked that is was their "adopted son" we hung out so much. We sure had some good times. Stories still come up from time to time. Many of them were Broken Spoke stories. I know your in a better place right now but I just wanted you to know that Anne and I think of you all the time. Every year on our wedding anniversery we brouse through our wedding album and with our fail, Anne comments about about how handsome you looked in those pictures. Rest well my friend and we'll think of you again and again.

Civilian, Steve Sifuentez
Good Friend

February 14, 2007

Keith,
The years have passed and you are still being though of by friends and family. The world was a better place with you around. I pray for God to comfort your childrens hearts.

Sgt Scott Moore
White Oak PD

May 22, 2006

It's been 5 years and some days.....yet, no amount of time will erase the pain of your family. Your family in brown continues to honor you and your memory. Though we never met, I know that you and my husband worked together that day. Your family is always in our prayers.
You brought joy to so many. You are not forgotten. Continue watching over all of your brothers and sisters in brown (and blue). Help them to fight when they are in need and offer an added measure of protection. For you are an angel in the command of St. Michael.

February 27, 2006

Keith it has been 5 years since you have passed. I will always miss your laugh and the way you and John would make all of us laugh. You always did the best Forest Gump ever. I pray for Berna and the boys......I will never forget you.......xo Melissa

Melissa Vrba Walker
Former TCSO Employee

February 16, 2006

Deputy Ruiz,
I salute you on the anniversary of your death. Now you are free as you patrol the gates of Heaven. Rest in peace and sleep with the Angels.

Belia Fessenden
Retired, Pinal Co. SO-AZ

February 15, 2006

In Valor there is Hope. I hope that prayer has sustained your family. Rest in Peace my brother.
Policeman's 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want,
His comforting hand reduces fear to naught;
He makes me walk through streets of crime,
But He gives me courage and peace of mind.

He leads me by still waters in the path I trod,
And He says in Romans I'm a "minister of God,"
He leads me in righteousness as He restores my soul,
For His name's sake He keeps me whole.

When I walk through death's valley, right up to the door,
I will fear no evil, for He comforts me more;
For Thou art with me every step of the way,
As thy rod and thy staff protect me each day.

He prepares a table, especially for me,
As I work daily among life's enemies;
He gives me authority to uphold the law,
And He anoints my position in the midst of it all.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me,
Each day of my life through eternity;
As I long to hear Him say, "Well done...,"
When I lay down my life, my badge, and my gun.

Author Unknown

P.O. Chris Welby
Bridgeton, Mo.

February 15, 2006

May St. Michael Archangel accompany the loved one in heaven and may his soul rest in peace and perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.

LOM Catholic Ministry
Austin, TX

December 22, 2005

We think of you often....there are many brothers and sisters in brown that I know you watch over. I pray that you continue to watch over them and keep them safe. So much has happened in almost 5 years....we think of you and your family often. You will never be forgotten. We never met, but the stories I hear from your brothers in brown are always a reminder of how deep the loss truly is at home and at work. Thanks for watching over your brothers and sisters at the SO. Your family is in our prayers. Peace....

November 7, 2005

Keith,
Years have passed since that night on Feb. 15th when we sat in Del Valle, ate Subway and laughed while the rain passed, but it feels like yesterday. Your courage is passed by me to others as we fight this war and I will never let your death be in vain when I return to law enforcement. Thank you for serving your community and for the ultimate sacrifice. I am proud to have fought with you that night and every other time. You are a true hero!

SrA Missy (Rogers) Kessler
U.S. Air Force (on military leave from Travis County SO)

July 14, 2005

Your memory has not faded. The
reflections are heart felt and you are
dearly missed. Thanks for your dedicated service and your supreme
sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

June 27, 2005

You will never be forgotten by your friends and fellow officers.

ED GUERRA DEPUTY SHERIFF
TRAVIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

December 15, 2004

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.

Tonight, February 15, 2004 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Deputy Sheriff Keith G. Ruiz who died in the line of duty on this date three years ago.

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

Deputy Ruiz' sacrifice will never be forgotten.

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

February 15, 2004

Keith,

Another anniversary to honor your life is upcoming. Even those of us who met you only once or twice but knew you through work with a family member were touched forever. Daily I pray for your family. You are remembered and missed.

Anonymous

February 9, 2004

Even though it has been 3months, Travis County is still morning Keith's death. He was a good cop and a great friend.

Anonymous

It hits hard when a member of any department is taken away from us. There is just not enough of us in the law enforcement family. My sincerest sympathy goes to you and your family.

Capt. Mark Greenfield
Gary Police Dept. Reserves

Keith,

Your sacriface has changed many lives and you will never be forgotten.

Lieutenant Rick Whitehead
Travis County Sheriff's Office

Keith, your courage and professionalism will not be forgotten, nor will your sense of humor.

Deputy Russell Marburger
Travis County Sheriff's Office

Keith, it has been almost two months since your passing and we still think of you daily and miss you even more. We know you are looking down on us, hope you aren't laughing too hard.

Miss You!

Anonymous

Keith, you are truly a hero! You are an exceptional person and great officer. We will all miss you and may you finally rest in peace. Our Prayers go out to you and your family.

Austin, TX PD Officer
Austin Police Department

Rest in peace Brother Keith, you have served with honor and courage you will never be forgotten.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham
Sand Springs Police Dept. Okla

Rest easy, brother. You are not forgotten. May God comfort those you leave behind and show no mercy towards your killer.

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

Two years has passed since Keith has left us. I still find myself reading articles and still wondering why it had to be this way.
It has been a major loss to all of us. I want to let the Ruiz family to know that Keith is not forgotten. I always remember and hold Keith on the highest level of respect. He is a hero......I just wish he was here to enjoy it with us.

marc taub/senior deputy
travis county sheriffs office