Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My uncle Frank was a wonderful husband, father and uncle. He loved his family so much! His laugh, his smile, his patience and his giving heart will forever be remembered. One of my last sweet memories was the day his daughter, my cousin Selena made her First Communion. He was just beaming and his smile was bigger than ever. You will forever be in our hearts Uncle Frank.

Laura Saldivar Paredez
Niece

May 31, 2021

Hard to believe it is 22 years today. Love you so much and miss you so much daddy. I wish you were here with us but happy to know you’re looking out for us. Xoxo

Selena Garza
Daughter

May 31, 2021

Dear Cousin,

I never knew you well since I was really young back then, but family is family. I can attest to the fact of your memory living on in the hearts of all your loved ones.

Your earthly life may have been cut short, but your life lives on in your loved ones hearts and minds.

I too ended up in law enforcement and I would have loved the opportunity to get to know you during my time as a deputy. That would have been awesome.

May your memory live on forever. Cousins by family, brothers in blue.

Med Ret. Deputy Mark Garrison
Bexar County Sheriff’s Office

September 2, 2020

Hi daddy,

I’ve never written to you here because I didn’t know it existed but I talk to you all the time. Its almost 21 years so you’ve been gone. Of course all the things you thought would happen for me have happened. Geraldo taught me how to drive. Gilbert met and scared my boyfriend. I graduated college. All the stuff I know you were right there with me when they happened. and now, I’m engaged! Getting married next Year in May! He’s a great guy and his dad is law enforcement as well. You’d love them all! I can’t wait to feel you there on my wedding day and incorporate your memory into our celebration. Geraldo will walk me down the aisle. :) I know you’ll be smiling that big smile of yours.

We have more babies in the family that I know you are aware Of. Frankie is 6 ozzie is 2 and Gracie is 6 months. Of course baby Daniel who would be 4 is up in heaven with you.

I love you daddy. Thank you for always being my side and being there for me when I needed you. I will never forget you and your memory will always live on in my heart.

Your princess
Selena

selena garza
Daughter

May 7, 2020

Officer Garza,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served served with the the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

May 31, 2019

Rest in Peace Officer Correctional Officer III Francisco F> Garza. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice protecting the citizens of The Great State of Texas.

I Pray for Peace for your Family,Friends and Co-Workers.

Amen.

Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood (Ret)
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, TX

June 4, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 31, 2015

Honito!, that's what I would call you when I wasn't mad at you,haha. You would call me Honita! ;). What can I say, I miss you so much and sometimes it seems like yesterday we were all together, a family! I so wish we could have spent forever, together. So much time has passed. Our sons are both married, you would so love Sarah and Erin. They fit right in and both their parents are awesome and know you'd love them too, as I know they'd love you. I so wish you were here so we could all get together. At times I feel like such an outcast, and yet they welcome me with open arms. Your princessa, is all grown up and is dating a young man, I'm sure you'd approve of, although I know it would be hard to accept. He's a nice a guy ;). Next month I'll be going to Washington State, for the arrival of our first grandbaby, a BOY!!! Geraldo is going to be a daddy, how proud you would be. They are naming him after you, to carry on your name and legacy. Know, my darling that you and all those who swore to protect and serve will never be forgotten. I love you forever and forever you'll be in our hearts.

Surviving Spouse

May 24, 2013

Officer Garza,
On today, the 12th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as an LEO but also for our Country when you served in the U.S. Army. And to your family and loved one, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

May 31, 2012

11years my love, since you've been gone. We still miss you very much and wish you were here. We carry your love in our hearts forever and beyond. God... is holding you now in the palm of his hands.

Anonymous

May 31, 2010

Hon, well it's been awhile since I've visited this site. It's Sunday morning and thinking of you, as I do always. There's not a day that goes by that I don't. This morning Geraldo will be flying back to Laughlin. He's doing his first "Cross Country Flight", and doing good. He wasn't suppose to come this way, but bad weather in LA detoured him this way. I'm happy I was able to see him this weekend. You would be so proud of him. He's come a long way, had some struggles, got himself back up and doing good. Wish you were here to share in his and all our childrens accomplishments. It hurts so bad not having you by my side. Your princessa finished her first semester in college and Gilbert doing good as well. Still seeing the world with his job, he's with Jazz Blues Artist Buddy Guy, you'd love him. Did his first HBO special of "The 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Conert" in New York, you would have loved it. Thank you for your love and for our beautiful children. Love you and miss you terribly.

Surviving spouse

December 13, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 10th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I hold your family in my heart's embrace today for I can see that you are so loved and so missed.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

May 31, 2009

Hon, I just talked to Gilbert. He's was in Washington and went to the Memorial Wall. Said it was very peaceful (around midnight) thinking of you. Said he went to the book found your name and traced it, and was thinking it would be something if he walked to the other book and the page would be on your name, and it was!!! WOW..He could feel the wind and your presence. He misses you so much. He's doing good, on tour for six weeks, doing a tribute to Jimmy Hendrix. They will be doing the David Letterman show tomorrow night. I'm so happy for him, as he's doing what he wants to do and enjoying it. I know you would be so proud of him also. Till later, love you and miss you so very much.

Juanita Garza
Wife of COIII Francisco F. Garza-TDCJ/E.O.W. 5-31-99(Memorial Day)

October 7, 2008

Hon, went to Spouses Retreat. It was nice seeing friends from the past and catching up on what's going on, but more so in meeting new survivors like my roommate Dorado. Meeting Irma and Melissa. Irma's from Calif but has family here in Boerne and comes to visit, so we're looking forward to getting together soon. I really miss you and wish you were here, but know that in time (God's timing) we will all be together again. Selena is driving, can't believe it. Taking Drivers Ed and doing really well. Me, well I'm a basket case. Get nervous, but that's me. She's doing really good. The boys are also doing good, Gilbert still touring and see him when he can come down. Geraldo getting ready to leave in Nov for his Pilots Training in the AirForce. May our Heavenly Father keep them in His Care and hold them in the Palm of His hands. May He give you eternal rest and let the Perpeptual Light shine on you. Love and miss you so much, your wife.

Juanita Garza
Wife of COIII Francisco F. Garza-TDCJ/Dominguez Unit/E.O.W. 5-31-99

October 4, 2008

Dear Juanita-
I am thinking of you and your family today as you mark the passing of your beloved Frank. His service and dedication are never forgotten! God bless all of you on this day and always.

Michelle Walker
Surviving Spouse, CHP Lt. Mike Walker EOW 12-31-05

June 1, 2008

Hon, I sit her reflecting on our lives together, this 9 years that you were so tragically taken from us. I do give thanks to Our Heavenly Father for bringing us and giving us the years we had together. Blessing us with three beautiful children, who have grown up to become good responsible adults. I think about you, how proud you would be of them and how happy you'd be to just be with us, enjoying our times together. I remember hearing this song "Wish You Were Here", and like the lady who has this site went and is going through the loss of her husband. I like her, googled it when I got home after hearing it on the radio and to my amazement was feeling the exact way she was feeling. She has given me so much inspiration and strength and can hear you talking to me, like she hears her husband talk to her. Here are a couple of comments she's expressed and feel like she was talking about us.

Words by Shelly

"The song does a couple of things for me....it puts into perspective life and death....and eternity....and I never considered that maybe Brian would just say to me...."I wish you were here"....."I wish you were here"....

And....then...he would probably say.....but you aren't here....so keep living....keep loving...keep trusting....I can see what's ahead for you and God is good.....follow your heart and chase some big dreams.....take some risks....have some fun.....and soon you will be here.....soon you will be here.....and then you will see....and then you will see.....

I think the reason he would say "I wish you were here" is not because he needs me there....or that he is missing me or waiting for me to get there....maybe the point of him saying "I wish you were here" is that he would know how frustrated I am with trying to "understand" how this happened and how it fits into God's plan for my life....he, of all people, would know that the mystery of God's hand in my life can only be revealed fully when I have all of eternity as my perspective....in other words, "Shelly, I wish you were here because I know you how badly you have been hurting and I just wish you could see what I see and experience what I have experienced....because it is all true...God is faithful and will be faithful to you for all eternity....I wish you were here because I know how confused and conflicted you have been...and there is no way for me to describe it, you just have to be here to truly understand it...."

I don't think he would feel compelled to address the past or try to explain God and His plans for my life.....I think he would just keep pointing me towards the future.....pointing me to trust God with the big picture.....I think he would want me to let go of what I needed to let go of in order to rebuild my life.....and I think he would find a way to communicate his love for me and the kids in a way that would give us enough closure to move forward....he loved us with all of his heart...he would remind me of that....

So.......really, the only thing he could say....that would be helpful at all....would be "I wish you were here".....

I guess I hoped that maybe there would be something I could dream up that he could say to me that would make all of this ok....and that would give me what I needed to make peace with his abrupt departure.....

But....that is impossible....this side of heaven.....


Until I am there....I can't understand it....

Until I am there...."

Here's what I hear you telling me through this beautiful song by Mark Harris, and until I am there with you, may you have eternal rest and may the perpeptual light shine upon you.

Wish You Were Here.....

I wanted to tell you how closely I've kept
The memories of you in my heart
And all of the lifetimes that we've had to share
Live even though we're apart

But don't cry for me
'Cause I'm finally free

To run with the angels
On streets made of gold
To listen to stories of saints new and old
To worship our Maker
That's where I'll be
When you finally find me

No don't you be weary cause waiting for you
Are wonders that you've never known
Just hold on to Jesus, reach out for His hands
And one day they'll welcome you home

And that's when you'll be
Finally free
Finally free

I wish you were here
I wish you were here

And all of the dreams that you treasure
Will soon come together
And that's when your sorrow will find tomorrow
And you will rise again


I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here

Love you, miss you and you'll remain "Forever in Our Hearts"

Wife of COIII Francisco F. Garza
TDCJ/Dominguez Unit/E.O.W. 5-31-99(Memorial Day)

May 31, 2008

Hon, well it's hard to believe it's been 9 years since that knock on the door on Memorial Day (05-31-99)telling us that you'd been killed in a tragic car crash. It's like I can still see you, your smiling face, you just being happy to be with us...your family. Waiting for your days off to spend with us. We will never forget the times we had together. We went to Canyon Lake this past memorial weekend. It was difficult, but I did it. Esther and Alex go out there alot, take the kids like we all used to. I coudln't go in the past, but I did this year. I just kept remembering the fun we had out there the weekend before. Even, Gilbert came down, so it was just like the last time, excpet you weren't with us. I know you would want me to go and be there with the family, it just gets difficult not having you around and I have to stay strong. So, I try. "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me...Phil 4:13" Here is a song that Selena gave me for Christmas. She made a collage of pictures of you and all of us with the lyrics to this song "Miss You" It was so beautiful and of course I cried when I read it, and will treasure it forever.

Miss You
You used to call me your angel
Said I was sent straight down from heaven
You'd hold me close in your arms
I love the way you felt so strong

I never wanted you to leave
I wanted you to stay here holding me

I miss you
I miss your smile
And I still shed a tear
Every once in a while

And even though it's different now
You're still here somehow
My heart won't let you go
And I need you to know

I miss you, I miss you

You used to call me your dreamer
And now I'm living out my dream
Oh, how I wish you could see
Everything that's happening to me

I'm thinking back on the past
It's true that time is flying by too fast

I miss you, I miss your smile
And I still shed a tear
Every once in a while

And even though it's different now
You;re still here somehow
My heart won't let you go
And I need you to know

I miss you, I miss you

I know you're in a better place,
But I wish that I could see your face
I know you're where you need to be
Even though it's not here with me

I miss you
I miss your smile
And I still shed a tear
Every once in a while

And even though it's different now
You're still here somehow
My heart won't let you go
And I need you to know

I miss you
I miss your smile
And I still shed a tear
Every once in a while


Did you ever know that your're my hero?
You're everything I wish I could be
I could fly higher than an eagle,
for you are the wind beneath my wings

I love and miss you, you're "Forever in Our Hearts"

Wife of COIII Francisco F. Garza
TDCJ/Dominguez Unit/E.O.W. 5-31-99(Memorial Day)

May 30, 2008

Hon, well our son Geraldo graduated from UTSA this past weekend with a BA in Mathematics and right after his graduation he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. He'll be stationed in Laughlin where he'll be going for his Pilots training. (You would be so proud!) He also, got the "Distinguished Graduate Award" from the Air Force ROTC. It was a beautiful ceremony and yet bittersweet, because you weren't by my side sharing this milestone in our sons life. I wondered what he was thinking, while I saw him sitting there waiting to get his diploma and then during the commissioning ceremony, trying to stop my tears. Was he also, thinking of you wishing you were here. It's times like these that I have to stop myself from getting angry at the fact that you're not hear and mad at the person that caused us this heartache. I don't want to get into that. I want to think about the accomplishment that Geraldo made in his life and he worked really hard for. We're all so proud of him, here and could feel your presence and smile shining down on us. We love and miss you so very much. May you have eternal rest and let the perpeptual light shine upon you.

Juanita Garza
Spouse of COIII Francisco F Garza/EOW 05-31-1999

May 12, 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 27, 2008

My dearest Frank, This past weekend I took part in the COPS Walk 2007. It was my first walk (hopefully won't be my last) in memory of you and all fallen officers. It was a challenge and emotional high. I didn't think it was going to affect me the way it did, but when I crossed that finish line and completed the two day 25 mile walk it made me feel good knowing you were with me all the way. It was a peaceful walk and all I could think of was you and all the memories we had together. Walking along the Potomac River brought back memories of times we used to take the kids camping and vacations. The scenery was just gorgeous and the weather really turned out beautiful. Friday before the walk was rainy, and thought it was going to rain during the walk but Saturday morning it had cleared up and the next two days were just great. It was nice getting together with my surviving friends from spouses and kids camp and meeting new survivors and co-workers, walking for our fallen loved ones. I can't wait till next year and hopefully the kids will be able to walk with me. I love and miss you so much.

Your wife,Juanita

Wife of COIII Francisco F. Garza
TDCJ/Dominguez Unit/E.O.W. 5-31-99

October 23, 2007

I send my love to you brother and the entire law enforcement family.

I send my love and sincerest regards to the wife and children of Corrections Officer III Francisco F. Garza. May God's strength continue to be with them.

All My Love and Respect,
Dep. Mark Garrison
BCSO Warrants

Deputy Mark Garrison
Nephew/Bexar County Sheriff's Office

August 28, 2007

Happy Fathers Day, we miss you. You're Forever in Our Hearts
Your wife, and kids Gilbert,Geraldo and Selena

wife/tdcj e.o.w.05-31-99

June 17, 2007

Hon, Today would've been our 32nd wedding anniversay. It's sad for me not to be spending the day with you. I don't want to dwell on the would of or if's, I want to remember the good times we've shared and thank God for the memories we've had together. Our precious daughter always wants to make sure that I have a good day, although today was a bit difficult. She always remembers our day and wants to go out to dinner, which we did. I give thanks to our God and to you for our children. May you rest in peace and let the prepetual light shine on you always. Love you. your wife.

June 13, 2007

God Bless you and your family on this anniversary of your death.

Wife of Correctional Officer EOCI

May 31, 2007

Eight years have passed and I know the silent tears still flow from the many broken hearts that were left behind. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

Poem by Richard Fife:

No person is ever truly alone.
Those who live no more,
Whom We Loved,
Echo still within our thoughts,
Our words, our hearts.
And what they did,
And who they were,
Becomes a part of all that we are,
Forever.

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

May 31, 2007