Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Albert,

I am sorry it has taken me so long to write something. I guess I never really had the words. As a matter of fact I am sure I will struggle with them now.

We were academy classmates and worked patrol together. I have fond memories of you and a few funny stories as well. I can still remember a lot of the calls we backed each other on. We were always a solid officer and we always backed each others play.

I keep your picture on my desk at work. Not a day goes by that I don't look at it. I miss you, bro.

God bless your family.

Det. K.D. Williams
Seattle P.D. / Former HPD Officer

June 28, 2009

Patty,
I found this web site recently and thought I leave a message. I hope this reflection finds you and your family in good health and spirits. I know its been hard on you all these years but it will get better. I can only imagine what you been going through. As you know my brother was in the same academy class as Alberto and they knew each other. We were talking about Alberto not too long ago and he was telling me how he knew him. I wish you and your family the best and god bless. Take care and keep in touch.....

Officer Rafay Rasheed
Pasadena P.D/Friend

August 8, 2008

Dear Patty,
Although I do nt know you, Albert and I were very close friends when we were both students at Texas A&M in the summer of 1988. That friendship grew until we both left A&M and went our separate ways, eventually losing touch.
I was devastated years ago when I heard the news of Albert's death, and went to Houston from my home in Gonzales for thr funeral. I wanted to pay my respects to one of the most dedicated and proud men I have ever known. I am so proud of Albert for all that he accomplished in his short life, because as long as I knew him, he had talked about becoming a police officer so he could defend and protect all that is right. How proud I was to see that he had become just that!
I have no doubt that you are a very special lady with alot of grace and beauty, because Albert wouldn't have anything less. I wish so much that I could give you a hug, and visit with you and assure you that yourhusband is watching over you nad your beautiful sons!
Albert is truly one of the most decent people I ever knew, and I am proud to have been able to have called him my friend!
God BLess you Always,
Cheryl Janak Pavliska

Cheryl Janak Pavliska
college friend

June 19, 2008

Bro! It has been a long time but I think about you often. I am a mountain bike racer and EVERY time I get on that bike I think about you. I miss seeing you and Rick in the store but I know you are not far away. Friends for ever!
Jimmy Boyle

Jimmy Boyle
Sun & Ski Sports

May 30, 2008

Thank you for keeping us safe. You paid the ultimate price. We will never forget. God bless you and bless your family.

Dolores Wasielewski
friend

May 29, 2008

Sweetie, tomorrow will be 7 years since you went to the Lord. The huge void still there. It has been very difficult but now we are survivors. We continue to carry on your legacy. Always thinking of all the beautiful memories that you left us and so many... Our son is so big, I wish so bad could hold him, I know he needs you. Always thinking of you. Te Amo,
Your wife,
Patty

Patty Vasquez
Spouse Survivor

May 21, 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 13, 2008

I met Alberto when we were both stationed @ Howard AFB in Panama. He was without a doubt the sharpest most dedicated Security Policeman that worked for me. I remember him telling me that he was going to get a job with HPD upon returning to the states. I was shocked and felt a deep loss when I discovered his name on the ODMP. Thinking of him brings a smile to my face. I wish his family well.

Detective John Varner
Pittsburgh PD, Pittsburgh, PA

October 1, 2007

I came across your name among the many heroes at this site and wanted to stop at your page and leave a reflection. You have not been forgotten by those that love you dearly and you never will. They think of you each and every day and will continue to do so for as long as they walk this earth. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

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

July 19, 2007

G-d bless you and your loved ones.

May 22, 2007

Sweetie,

Another anniversary it's coming up and it's hard to understand how we had survived 6 years without you; I can only think of the great and amazing memories that I have with you, only God and you know how difficult it has been all this time. I met the other day two of your classmates, I was honored. I miss you and I always will. Te Amo, your wife

Patty Vasquez
Spouse

May 20, 2007

Rest in peace brother. Thanks for your service.

NC Game Warden

April 29, 2007

I miss you Bro, your character was both bold and heartwarming. To this day it is hard to reflect on what happened. I'll never forget the horrible feeling I had that night at the hospital when I was told the unthinkable. Till this day that memory brings tears to my eyes. You will never be forgotten by your friends and family. I have this picture of you at my desk and every now and again, I remember some of the good times we all had. I know you are in a much better place than all of us. God bless you my friend, Love you! Later, Bro!

R. Chapa
Precinct 5

April 7, 2007

Albert, its just a couple months away from the anniversary of your death. In some ways it seems like forever and in some ways it seems like just yesterday. Your brothers and sisters at HPD love and miss you. Im sure you already know this because you are watching over her every day, but you're wife is one of the sweetest and strongest ladies I have ever met. She has endured and perservered with grace and class. You would be proud of her. Love you too, Patty..See you at the Mass!!!

S.L. Gaithe
HPD

March 8, 2007

Hi Sweetie,

A couple of days ago was 9 years since we first met, what a wonderful day. I still remember so vividly your expression when you found out that I was from Colombia, it was so funny and cute!! I miss your laugh so much, your love and that big heart of yours. My eyes got watery the other day when our son was running at school, he run 9 laps baby!! So much that you are missing and same for him, but I know you'll always be looking down for us and your family and friends. I love you and always will.
Your Wife Patty

Patty
Wife

November 5, 2006

Sweetie,

Another year it's about to end and my heart miss you so much, I see our son growing and how much it breaks my heart that you're not here with us. Days pass by but your memories and laughter are always present. I love you.
Your wife - Patty

Patty Vasquez

December 29, 2005

I used to work at Sun & Ski Sports Memorial City. I worked in the bike shop. Albert and Rick used to stop by for bike parts or new accessories if they had time. Each time they came in we would catch up on what was going on in life, family and their new found passion of cycling. They were both the most happy and inspiring customers that I ever had the pleasure of serving. I think about Albert and his family all the time. I think about Rick too. I hope both families are doing well and that Rick has had a full recovery. I will never forget Albert for his friendly support that he gave me just by talking when I was having issues at home or at work. These two men are always my "Bro's".

Jimmy Boyle
Sun & Ski Sports

August 24, 2005

I did not know of this site until just a few days ago. We met working an extra-job together. You were a good friend and allways refered to everyone as "BRO". We often talked about our familes and things we loved doing with them.
I will never forget you, and I miss you.

Colin McHugh
Harris County Sheriff's Office

August 19, 2005

Patty,
I've been thinking about you lately so I decided to look up Albert's page. I can't believe it's been almost 4 years since he has been gone. I hope you're doing okay.
Never forget our trip up to the top of the tower at spouse's retreat. You can do anything you set your mind to! I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers on May 22.

Love, Jennifer

Jennifer Waters
Wife of Mike Waters, West Memphis PD, EOW 9-11-03

May 19, 2005

Dear Sweetie,

It has been 3 years eight months and eleven days, today I took the courage to write because the pain is too fresh. I miss you so much and I can't wait to see you again. So many things that I want to say but it's so overwhelming that I don't know where to begin. Our lives have not been the same since that horrible night. Remember our wedding song, "How do I Live Without you" it plays in my head all the time. I love You.

Wife-Patty

February 2, 2005

Wow, its been 3 years now. I was in management for an apartment complex where we hired you (not the same one) guys to fix up our place. You, Duharte, and Hindu did just that. A lot of kicking ass, proactive work, and commitment made that place change completely. Because of you guys, couples would come outside and take walks at sunset. I called you one day, and you raced over with your young son one day to catch a big time felon wanted for a long time because he was raping children. You were, of the three, without question, the kindest, softest spoken person. It seems impossible to explain that a person always was kind, greeted you with a smile, and brought joy just by stepping into a room, because that's what everyone says. My "bro" Vasquez was just that man. I spent a lot of time with you 3 catching crooks, it was like "Cops" live, and I know it was a hell of a lot of fun for y'all. But you became the sad statistic, a hero emblazoned forever for your sacrifice, but given such a short life. Guess that's how it worked out in the overall plan. Your killer will pay one day, the jury didn't do it, but hopefully some kind of karma will.

I miss you "bro", you're the last guy who could put bro in a sentence 3 times anyway, luv ya man.

Mark P

January 27, 2005

I can't believe those stupid SOB's are gonna let him live. I hope every day in his life sentece is miserable with every horror possible in that place. I wish I had been there with you that night to take care of it. I'm sorry, Bro. The last time I saw you was at Petco getting your dog groomed. I can remember the first night I met you too.....it was an officer down call.

I won't stop hunting them.

Anonymous

September 19, 2003

I was saddened to read that, once again, a hero was slain as he worked an extra job to make ends meet for his family. Rest In Peace Brother.

August 29, 2003

It makes me want to cry every time I come to this web page and see that another HERO has died. To the family of Officer Vasques and his fellow officers may God show you the way through this time of targedy. Also to the members of the HPD remember that Albert is now your angel on duty looking over you. Albert please say hello to my friends JR Ward, Anderson Gordern III and Craig Schultz.

PO Michael A Baker
Kansas City MO PD

I have checked the ODMP page nearly daily for a long time. I've of course seen many heroes from all over the country. However, when I checked it last Tuesday, for the first time, I saw a friend of mine, Albert Vasquez. I was in absolute shock when I saw his photo on the screen. I can't even try to explain how I felt. I am truly sorry for Officer Vasquez's tragic death.

I am now a Deputy Sheriff in Colorado, but I was an Officer with Seabrook PD (Houston area) a couple years ago. During that time, I worked an extra job (off duty) with Albert at a grocery store in the Gulfton/Renwick area (17 District). I have many friends working for HPD, but Albert was by far one of the nicest Officers you'd ever want to meet. We all know the job often takes your compassion and sensitivity away and hardens you, but Albert always seemed to take the time to offer a smile and some nice words, which can be difficult in the fast paced world we work in.
I'll always remember him for that.

I also had the pleasure of knowing and working with Albert's father during that time. Mr. Vasquez, if you read this, I wanted to tell you I am so sorry for your loss. I hope your family recovers the best it can. There's no doubt in my mind that Albert was a great cop, and he died a hero. He died doing the most honorbale thing a man can do, which is serving his fellow man. You and your family will be in my thoughts. God Bless.

Deputy J. Hildebrand
Mesa County, Colorado Sheriff's Office