Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear tio hector
When you pass I never got to meet you because I was just born but I wish you are resting in peace and I wish we can meet someday my grandma tells me all the stories about you and you were such amazing person I’m honored to call you my uncle my mom misses you so much I’m the daughter of Tricia m Ramirez my tio nieces daughter I wanted to come here and said that his story will always live long in our family and he is truly miss love you tio 09/10/2023

Maria Ramirez
Family member

September 10, 2023

I did not know Officer Garza, however, one of his sons, Matt, attends my CrossFit gym. Matt is a strong, silent man. He has a single tattoo, on his left chest, over his heart. It is his father's badge.
I asked Matt about it, and he told me the story.
We created a HERO workout to honor his dad's sacrifice, and we performed it from home while sheltering in place on Sat, 28 March 2020.

HERO WOD: GARZA
FOR TIME
Part A:
Run: 2001 meters [(1.25 miles) for the year he died in the line of duty]

Part B:
6 Rounds (1 round for his wife and each of his children)
48x DB Ground To Overhead [(24/arm) 48 was his age]
25x Burpees (25 years of service)

Part C:
158x Box Ascents (158 was his Badge Number)

Cpl (US Army) Jeff Soileau
Alamo 180 Intelligent Design CrossFit

May 29, 2020

my name is Roger T. Carrillo , I knew hector in high School at Central Catholic , he graduated in 1971 I graduated in 1973 and like Hector I was in the varsity drill team, the Chaminade Guard and Hector has always been an inspiration to excellence and I pray I see him again when I die. Mr. Garza was a devoted family man and hero in San Antonio, I will never ever forget him or his memory.

respectfully,
Roger T. Carrillo '73
TAMU '78, 80

roger Carrillo

January 3, 2020

I am the recipient of the June 2017 Hector Garza Memorial Award from Wayland Baptist University. I was not familiar with Officer Garza’s story of sacrifice until I was given the award. I do, however, have several friends who are honored on this site. I make it a point to tell their stories to people I meet so that they will never be forgotten. The plaque I was honored with will hang in my office and I will now make it a point to tell Officer Garza’s story to everyone that I can. God bless you for your sacrifice and God bless your family.

Chief William Foley
Terrell Hills Police

June 29, 2017

OFFICER H.GARZA,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRAFICE. MAY WE ALWAYS REMEMBER THE HIGH PRICE OF SERVICE.

Detective R. Limon #2521
San Antonio Police Department

April 2, 2016

There is no greater love than to laid down Your life for another.

Luis Pitty, SGT
US Army and Texas resident since 1987.

March 29, 2015

In 2001 I was pulled over by Patrolman Hector Garza because I was speeding in a school zone. When he got next to my car window I asked him why did he stopped me? He said because you are speeding in a school zone. He then asked for my drivers license and car insurance. I told him I don't have a driver license and no car insurance. He asked my why don't you have a driver license? I said to him do you want for me to tell you the truth? Or do you want for me to lie?He said tell me the truth. I said por burra. Then he said well por burra I am going to give you a ticket(he said this laughing) get your license before your court date and the judge will remove your ticket. Now I am going to give you a warning for speeding and I am not going to give you a ticket for no car insurance,because that is a very expensive ticket. Have a nice day...My court date came and the judge wanted to fine me for the ticket but I told him what the officer said about removing my ticket if I got my license. The judge said we need to bring the officer in and when the judge saw the officer name he just said for me to go home. I was like wow!!! A week later I saw a newspaper at a store that only opens on weekends and there I saw last weekend newspaper and his story was on the front page.I couldn't believe my eyes and it was there when it hit me on why the judge just sent me home. He was a very funny and nice man. And because of him I got my driver license....

Leticia Villa
N/A

May 14, 2013

I met Hector once in the 1990s. My ex-wife's cousin knew him and his wife. We spent an evening eating, dancing, and drinking at their house. It was much fun. When I saw this in the news in 2001, I immediately recognized his name. What a shame. Though I only met him once, I was struck by his kindness, and light, happy soul.

CPO Carlos Johnson
USCG (Ret.)

April 10, 2013

Sorry for your loss. I have been to two police funerals and it is the toughest thing I have ever been to!

911 Telecommunicator

May 4, 2012

We have many cops in our family and cringe at the danger they face everyday to help others. Officer Garza, you will be well remembered for your service as you are a true hero! Our thoughts and prayers to your family

Jill

October 28, 2011

I remember that day like it was yesterday. I was not working the radio that day but was sitting behind the dispatcher that was. It was a really tough day for all concerned. I remember Hector as always be very polite and respectful of his dispatchers. He is still missed to this day

Dispatcher
San Antonio PD

October 28, 2011

Sgt. Garza, your killer met his judgment today.

Rest well, sir.

Anonymous
Civilian

October 27, 2011

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge - Proverbs 14:32.

My heart aches for all who love and miss you, especially your children. May they feel your loving presence each day until you can be together again.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

March 29, 2011

As the 2010 Wayland Baptist University "Hector Garza Memorial Award" recipient, words could never express what an honor it was to meet Ms. Garza and accept this award. Officer Garza, your memory lives on not only in the law enforcement family, but the exceptional educational institution that Wayland has offered both during your tenure and after you graduated. To you Ms. Garza and your family, may God bless you. To you Hector, you are an honorable man whom will remain a part of my law enforcement career and personnel life.

Detective Jeffrey A. Lowder
Converse Police Department (TX)

July 7, 2010

It will be 9yrs,but you are not forgotten,you were a friend,a special person who made people laugh & smile, with always a kind heart & expressed lots of love for your children & family. Even after all these yrs remember you still, remember what a great person & Police officer you were. Never got to say Goodbye & don't think ever will cause you are not that type of person only to say "until we meet in each other's path once again." May you continue to watch over all in need & those you loved & those who loved you. Hope your listening to your Beatle music & wearing one of your Hard Rock Cafe T-shirts with a smile down on us.

Anonymous

March 4, 2010

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. Continue to watch over all of them and those still on patrol. You have not been forgotten.

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

March 29, 2009

RIP.Your tour of duty on Earth is over but you will never be forgotten by those who knew and loved you.

Anonymous

February 21, 2009

hey coach i miss u and im still crying inside i miss u so much and ill be loving u till i die well see u later
coach

lorenzo fonseca
my coach

February 6, 2009

To Patrolman Hector Garza and his loved ones:

Please know that your memory is honored and revered today. Rest in Peace, Hector. I am praying for solace for your wife and children and your other family members today, and each day that they are on the survivors' path.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Hector gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 29, 2001.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

October 13, 2008

I also crossed paths with him several times in the early nineties. He always struck me as a professional with a heart.

God Bless

Anonymous

July 16, 2008

Hey Dad,

I can't believe it's been seven years,I miss you alot there's not a day that goes by that i dont think of you. I miss your smile and making me laugh, you were and still a great dad. Mom say's when she look's at me she tell's me i look like you and smiles. I wish i could see you again. I miss you and love you take care of us in heaven.

Ryann Garza
daughter

May 1, 2008

Officer Garza, God's speed, The troops from west have it from here.. and They are "On the Way"

R. Contreras Jr. # 26 (Retired)
Waco Police Department

April 7, 2008

Seven years ago today. These domestic violence cases are the worst! You died at the hands of a sick,
twisted person who robbed you of the fruits of your
retirement and time with your families. You gave it all
and in a moment it was all taken from you! I don't believe you died because God needed you. I think His
best plan was for you to be with your family. You died
because of one man's sinful choices. Fortunately, Jesus has made The Way and we can choose to follow
Him instead. I hope you made that choice, too! Thank
you for your long and faithful service and for what you
meant to all who knew and loved you! Remembered still.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

March 29, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE, GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSE THAT LOVE YOU.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 26, 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 25, 2008