Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Albert and Rick were known as the "Bro Brothers" around the station and were two of the tightest friends I have known. They were some of the most dedicated and hard charging officers on the streets of this nation and some worthless pile of human refuse shot them both in the dark driveway of an apartment complex that the complex had turned into a halfway house for criminals. As the responding officers attempted CPR on Albert the so called "citizens" of this complex were throwing bottles at them from the balconies. Albert died. Rick may never be able to work the streets again due to his extensive injuries...... but what they stood for is not going to die. NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT (No One Assails Me With Impunity)

Houston PD / Westside Nights

Anonymous

WE AT THE BETHANY POLICE DEPARTMENT WOULD LIKE TO SEND OUR HEARTFELT SYMPATHY TO THE FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF OFFICER VASQUEZ WHO PASSED FROM THIS LIFE ON MAY 22. MAY OUR DYING SAVIOR'S LOVE GIVE ALL OF YOU THE NEEDED STRENGTH AT THIS MOST TRAGIC TIME. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. ALI RAZAVI #509

DISPATCHER
BETHANY, OK POLICE DEPT

The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

Anonymous

Anonymous

We know the terrible feeling that the family feels about their loss. Officer Vasquez will always be a hero. His spirit will remain alive. Now he has joined the others and is in a much bettr place. Kenny

Kenny Hetrick
Ottawa county Sheriffs Dept

I just recently lost my best friend in the line of duty on May 12, 2001, Brian Joe Ramey. He was much more to me than just a partner and friend he was just like my own brother. I know just how Officer Vasquez's family, friends and fellow police offiers are feeling right now and I'll pray for each of you at night. I wrote a poem a week before Brian was killed and he was the first I let read it and he loved it and said that it hits everything right on the head. I read it at his funeral and I would like to leave you a copy of.

"A Special Kind of Sombody"

It takes a special kind of somebody to be a policeman. People fail to realize that as police officer you are only allowed to do so much. A policeman can read them their rights, take them to jail and book them but the job doesn't allow them to sentence them. A police officer in a instant must make decisions that takes months and sometimes for a lawyer to learn. He must be a diplomat so that he can settle differences between family member and friends and people unknown.

Yes, it sure does take a special kind of somebody. Ask a policeman why they chose to take on such a job and they will tell you they are wanting to make a difference. You'll never hear because of the pay.

What is a police officer, he is "sir" to his face and "pig" behind his back and the most needed and the most unwanted. It's easy to make judgments when you don't walk in their shoes.

Officer Vasquez, your job is done here and you did it with honor and pride now it's time for you to serve for another chief but a much bigger chief and I know you'll serve him as well as you did here. Tell Brian that Michael said "Hi"

Det. Michael Adkins
Bladenboro Police Department ,NC

Once more, our Law Enforcement family around the world is saddened by the loss of our brother and hero who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live in peace. My deepest sympathy and prayers go for the Vasquez family.
Jesus once said, "Who ever lives and believes in me shall never die." (john 11;26)
You will always be in our hearts.

Off. J. Viramontes #118
HBU,PD

Times like this, when one of our brothers or sisters lose their lives in the line of duty saddens us all. We are sworn to protect and to serve, but we are never prepared for the hurt when one of us is taken from us and from our loved ones. To the family of Officer Albert Vasquez: May the Lord give you the strength to go one. To Albert's Department and his fellow mates, WE WILL NEVER FORGET OUR BROTHER! I just lost one of my comrades (Jason Lopez, 26 years of age) on May 4th his year! What pain, what hurt... but we will survive and be stronger. Rest in peace brother Albert. May you and all the departed rest in peace. You will not be forgotten, and our prayers to your family, friends and comrades.

Deputy Belia Fessenden
Pinal Co. S.O./Florence, AZ

I am deeply saddened over this tragic loss. May God bless and watch over the familys of this fallen Hero. I beleive that God has a very special place in Heaven for Cops. I will keep the familys and the little ones in prayer.

Inspector Tim Huff
US Customs

I would like to give my brother officer's family my deepest and most sincere condolences. I've been a NYC Police Officer for nearly ten years. It's a damned shame that we have to work second jobs in order to support our families.It's something beyond comprehension that we (Police Officers across the United States) have to work second jobs just to survive. We, the ones who have to place our lives in danger everyday in order for our citizens to live thier lives without fear of some lunatic's criminal intentions ruining thier lives. I truly understand. My department just brought me up on charges because I had a second job without permission. I don't understand why with things the way they are, we continue to do this job. I guess it's a matter of honor, pride and some distorted delusion that we can make a difference. But as distorted as it is, God forgive the day we wake up.

PO Hector Serrano
NYC Police Dept.

I and my family extend are deepest sympathies to the family of Officer Vasquez and the Houston police department. You are in are hearts and prayers.

sgt thomas scott
leesville police department

MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE VASQUEZ FAMILY MAY GOD BE WITH YOU DURING THIS TIME OF LOSS.

DEPUTY R. STANLEY, UNIT #4437
HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, DISTRICT 4

DEPUTY R. STANLEY
HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Vasquez family and the Houston Police Department. May god bless you Officer Vasquez.

Police Officer. Walter Duran
U.S Postal Police

To the family and friends of Officer Vasquez, our prayers are with you today and always.

DIOS LOS BENDIGA

Terry Miyares,widow
Officer Emilio Miyares
Hialeah Police Dept. Florida
killed in line of duty 11/6/86

Terry Miyares,
Hialeah Police Dept.

May the Lord grant Police Officer Vasquez eternal rest. God bless his family, friends, and fellow officers.

"I Am The Officer"

I have been where you fear to be,
I have seen what you fear to see,
I have done what you fear to do -
All these things I have done for you.

I am the person you lean upon,
The one you cast your scorn upon,
The one you bring your troubles to -
All these people I've been for you.

The one you ask to stand apart,
The one you feel should have no heart,
The one you call "The Officer in Blue,"
But I'm just a person, just like you.

And through the years I've come to see,
That I am not always what you ask of me;
So, take this badge ... take this gun ...
Will you take it ... will anyone?

And when you watch a person die
And hear a battered baby cry,
Then do you think that you can be
All these things you ask of me?

~Author unknown~

Explorer Patrick Siemon
Baltimore County Police Explorers

To the Family,Relatives, Friends, and Work Colleagues of Officer Albert Vasquez,

Our heartfelt condolences go out to you in the earthly loss of Officer Vasquez. We pray the Lord's comfort upon you to give you strength and courage. Our tribute to Officer Vasquez should be one of devotion to duty in carrying out the mission he left for us to carry out... "To Protect and to Serve."

May the grace of our Lord Jesus abide with you all.


Chaplain Jack H. Lanier, Jr.
Longview Police Department

Chaplain
Longview Police Department (TX)

May god be with this officer, his family and friends.
We should pray for all officers safety on a daily basis.
That would be the best back-up any officer could have.

Constable Bill Cunningham
Polk County Constable #2

Yesterday I and hunderds of other officers from across the state buried HSCO Deputy Dennis. Today in four hours we will bury Officer Vasquez. Both officers leave a family with children. Both officers shot in the head due to drugs. God Bless these Officers and their families and let's always take care of them.

Sgt Charlie Allbright
Houston PD

Another brother is lost...sleep well brother, you fought the good fight. You will not be forgotten!

Ofc. Brian Gillaspie
Pacific (MO) Police Department

It is a tragedy that time and again brave innocent lives have to be taken from the families, friends and communities that need them so much, no words can express our sympathies all that we can say is you did make a difference and that they have not gone unnoticed , may you forever rest peacefully

Heroes In Life Not Death

Toronto Police Service Ontario Canada

I went to your killers trail today, and I know it's weird, but I could feel you still by Rick's side. I swear I could almost see you holding him in the courtroom as you did in life. Your best friend still loves and misses you, just like the rest of us do. And when he took the stand, we could all see the pain from the bottom of his heart in his eyes, and hear it in his voice. But he was strong, and told it true, what that killer did to you. You were in the courtroom today, and I know you'll be there when the sentence is passed and true Texas justice is passed. But most of all, I know you'll always be by your partners side, watching him from above. I don't pretend to know why you had to die, the Lord rarely tells us so. But I know a part of you is with Rick and yours children, and that part will never go. We all miss you "Bro..."

Officer J.A.
Houston P.D.

Dear Patty:

I know that sentence was not what it was expected, I am very sorry, keep your head up, there is a God in Heaven and he is always looking after us and Albert is also looking after you and his children; maybe to us justice was not done today but I can tell you that God has his plans and JUSTICE WILL BE DONE.....If there is anything I can do please call me.

Love and God Bless you.

Terry Miyares, surviving spouse
Officer Emilio F. Miyares, Hialeah PD, FL, EOW 11/6/86

Guilty! The coward couldnt even look at us as we sat in the audience. The first day of sentencing he would only look at his hands. Last year a new angel went to heaven ... and soon the Great State of Texas will send another demon back to hell.

Anonymous

Dear Albert:

I had the Honor of meeting your family during Police Week in DC, your son is beautiful(he looks just like you) and Patty your wife is going through a hard time missing you, but don't worry her family and your family is there for them, and so are we as the family we are because of that "thin blue line"

God Bless you and take care of your family from Heaven.

Terry Miyares
surviving spouse
Officer Emilio Miyares
Hialeah PD, Fl
1959-1986

terry miyares
Hialeah Police Dept. (SOUTH FLORIDA COPS, CHAPTER)

To the Vasquez family:
I Wish that I could help ease all of your pain.I think that I do understand your families pain ,I lost my brother deputy Joseph Dennis on that same tragic day.May god be with your family during these unbearable times.I just wanted to let you know that you are in my prayers.I know that he is resting in heaven.

bless you;
Mike Dennis.

MIKE DENNIS

TO THE VELASQUEZ FAMILY
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND WRAP YOU IN HIS LOVING ARMS AND GIVE YOU THE COMFORT AND PEACE YOU SO DESERVE. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. AGAIN, GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU.
SINCERELY,
BARBARA JOHNSON

barbara johnson