Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I miss you.
I love you.

Stacey
Step sister

February 3, 2008

Hey bro.... today we just lost two deputies trying to stop a stolen vehicle. It's like living everthing that happened again. I know that it wont take you long enough to know who they are knowing how kind you were to everyone. Not a day goes by that I dont think about you brother not a moment goes by that my son dont ask for you. We miss you so much,but I can be sure that one day we will see you again.

Marco
Brother

November 28, 2007

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

November 1, 2007

Hey, Its been already five years and there isn't a day in our lives that we don't remember your smile, laugh and your ways. Grandma and I miss you very much. Ruby had a baby girl and is expecting her second child at the end of this year. We wish you be here to share her joys but I know that from heaven you are looking after your brothers: Javier, Marco, Luis, William and you sister/cousin Ruby. Your little girl is beautiful just like you. We miss you and love you.

Your Mom Iris still crys for you. Watch over her. Her pain is still there. Her love for you is more then you will ever know.

Till we see you again.......
Titi Jasmin and Abuela Beatriz

Jasmin Lema
Aunt

June 9, 2007

It's been five years and it seems that it was yersterday when Marely told me what happened to you. Everyone is doing fine I guess. Grandma is getting old and not doing well. Javier is at warrant officer school and doing fine. Luisito I have'nt heard from him in a couple a months and William Joseph well you know. I just wanted you to know that you have never left our hearts, and your memory will always be with us. I miss you bro, I miss talking to you on the phone on those boring days when you were working in Marion. Love always Marco

Marco Y Flores
Brother

March 6, 2007

PATROLMAN GOMEZ, THANK YOU FOR YOUR UTMOST SACRIFICE. AS I READ YOUR REFLECTIONS IT IS VERY OBVIOUS HOW MUCH YOU ARE MISSED BY YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THEM. I LOST MY FATHER 16 YRS AGO UNDER VERY SIMILIAR CIRCUMSTANCES. I AM VERY PROUD OF MY FATHER, WHO HE WAS, WHAT HE STOOD FOR. I SEE THAT THE GOMEZ FAMILY FEELS THE SAME WAY ABOUT YOUR LOVED ONE. USE THIS TO DRAW YOU CLOSER. GOD HAS A REASON FOR EVERYTHING. OUR HEROS ARE STILL WATCHING OVER US. THEY ARE WITH US EVERYDAY. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY. STAY STRONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

KIMBERLY KIDWELL
DAUGHTER OF FALLEN STANFORD KY OFFICER GARY KIDWELL

March 5, 2007

Five years have passed and you have not been forgotten by those that love you dearly. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and protect them from harm. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

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

March 5, 2007

Officer Gomez on this the anniversary of your untimely death, I just wanted to let you and your family know, you sir are not forgotten. Thank you for your dedicated service. My prayers are with you and your family. You are a HERO.

Officer B. Boyd
Winston-Salem NC Police

March 5, 2007

May you rest safe in the hollow of His Hand and may He bless your loved ones.

March 5, 2007

It's been 4 years I still can't believe it. I think about you every singal day. You would be proud of me. You know my husband are having a baby soon and I only hope you where here to share it with us, but I know you are up there looking over us in peace. I'll see you soon. I will always love you and miss you....

RUBY
COUSIN/SISTER

September 2, 2006

To the family and friends of Patrolman Hector Gomez, and most especially to Hector himself:

On this the fourth anniversary week of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered. Rest in Peace, Officer Herbert.

May his loved ones continue to be comforted and supported by your law enforcement family, and by other police survivors who share this painful journey with them.

In reading the reflections about Hector, it it obvious that he was well-respected and cared for by many people.
His valor and dedication will never be forgotten, and his memory will be forever revered.

I cried as I read the memorial page as my son was murdered under almost identical cirucmstances ten months ago.
He too was pursuing teen age bank robbers who crashed their car and then bailed out. He too left an expectant wife and never got to hold his precious child. He too left brothers, both in blood and heart who will always miss him.

My heart breaks for this family.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

March 6, 2006

Hector......... another year without you. Another year that we are missing you. I pray that you'll watch over me every time I go to work and leave my family asleep. I know that when my time is up down here you'll be waiting for me with open arms. Love, Marco

D/S Marco Y Flores
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

March 6, 2006

Thank you for your dedicated service to your community and your department. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May they never forget your faithful service to your community and department and the brave HERO that you were. To the family, friends and co-workers, our heartfelt prayers and sympathies are with you. May God be with you all during this very sorrowful time. Words will never compensate the loss you have suffered. We pray that He now gives you all strength in your time of need. May you find peace in the thought, that we as friends in law enforcement, take this time to lift you up in prayer.

For your act of unselfish bravery and courage Officer Gomez, we salute you. Blessed are the peacemakers.

Denise & Erin Hunter, Widow and Daughter
Sgt. Gregory L. Hunter, Grand Prairie, TX Police Dept., EOW 6-18-04

March 5, 2006

Chino,
It has been nearly 4 years now that you have been gone,And it seems like only yesterday day that we where working a crash scene together. I travel alot with my work now, But I still come to Marion every chance I get and visit.May God bless you and your family.

Training Officer Justin Smalling
Spencer/West Sterlington Fire Dept.

December 19, 2005

Hector.... why would anyone take you away from your love ones the way they did. I remember ones when we were younger in Puerto Rico, you told me by the pier in Naguabo that you missed not knowing " abuelo" the way that Javier and I did. Well I miss our long conversations and I miss you so much. I wonder if we would have chosen a different career this would have never happened and we would have been preparing for this year thanksgiving dinner all of us together as a family. Love always, Marco

Deputy Marco Y Flores
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

November 11, 2005

I give my deepest condolences to Chinos wife and children. I went to the Monroe Police Academy with Chino. He was a very kind and giving person. I am honored to say that I had the privelege of knowing him. Chino , brother, you will never be forgotten.

Ofc. Angie Willhite
Shreveport Police Dept.

October 23, 2005

CHINO, IT SEEMS ONLY YESTERDAY THAT YOU WERE SO TRAGICALLY TAKEN FROM US. YOU WERE TRULY A FINE YOUNG MAN AND OFFICER. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE TIMES YOU CAME TO VISIT MY GRANDSON, JAY, WHO AT THE TIME WAS BATTLING A BRAIN TUMOR. HE LOOKED UP TO YOU SO MUCH AND LOVED YOU. WHEN WE HEARD OF YOUR DEATH, HE ASKED, "WHY WOULD SOMEONE KILL MY FRIEND?" NOW, JAY WALKS THOSE GOLDEN STREETS WITH YOU WHERE THERE IS NO WORRY OF VIOLENCE OR PAIN. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU.

JEAN DODD
A FRIEND
MARION, LA.

JEAN DODD
A FRIEND

August 8, 2005

It makes me smile to see people describe Hector as their brother because that's exactly how I feel about him. He was my one and only big brother and I will never foget him. I remember the first time we played a game of basketball in my driveway, he was over a foot taller than me but I still managed to get a couple of shots in! If I could call him up I'd tell him that I'm married now and I have a daughter too...you'd be really proud of me, Hector. God Bless your family. Pete, Louie, and Will I miss and love you guys...Hector is watching over you.

Amber Toro "Tabler"

July 6, 2005

To My little brother who i miss very much and wish he was here with me, little bro i am sorry i was not there to protect you like a big brother does, but i know you are watching over me here in iraq, this place is dangerous and i watch my back everyday, but i know you are my guardian angel. I think about your daugther everyday and wish her the best of health, well little bro till we see each other again Keep it real man, i want to say thanks to every person who has written about my brother, we come from a family of hero it are duty in life to take care of the less fortune, love you bro

SSG PEDRO J. FLORES
2d Battalion 3rd Aviation Regtiment Station in Taji Iraq

July 5, 2005

Hector, how I miss you so much. I look at your picture on my mantle everyday. Wondering why you were taken from this family so tragically. I remember the look on your face the day you left from visiting us, it was like you wanted to be with your brothers and Stacey and Stephanie so bad you didnt want to say goodbye. I told you to come back and live with us. When I got the call from you from the bus station the next week I knew you were where you belonged. You became my son and I always spoke about you as my son and still do. Just as I do the other boys.You always told everyone I was your mom and that made me feel great.I remember your phone calls every Saturday morning as we were miles away but so close in heart. You helped me through some trying times in my life and I will never forget that. I will alway hold you close in my heart. I know you are in a better place and looking over everyone you held so dear.
Love,
Marie (mom)

Marie Torres

July 1, 2005

This past Sunday was Father's day and it felt different from all others, I guess it was because you were not with us sharing that day. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of you, I miss you so much. I wish I could go back in time and tell you how much, I really felt and always kept to myself, maybe even express my feelings even more. I wish I could go back in time and relived that summer at Windsor locks with mom,William, Javier, and Lusito. That was probalbly the best summer we ever spend together, all of us under the same roof. I wish I could've been a better brother and a better friend to you that I ever was. Another special occasion without you, I just hope that jodie remembered, at least for all of us here in Florida who will always remebered. Love always your brother, Marco

Ofc. Marco Y Flores
Lake Clarke Shores Police Department

June 21, 2005

The other night i was having a conversation with my brother who is a police officer in palm spring fl. and he mentioned that you was a brother of flores who works in a nearby county.It was sad to hear this news of how your life was taken from you by three low lives that are getting what they deserve.I spoke to your brother once and he sounded like a nice person.We all know that you are watching over all of us and taking care of all your family and friends,specially flores and your baby.God bless you and Your family.

Officer Mario Montesino
PUERTO RICO STATE POLICE

March 8, 2005

I never met Officer Hector Gomez, but I feel as though I know him. I have the distinct privledge of working with his brother, Officer Marco Flores. Marco talks about his brother often, how he misses him, how close they were. The sadness in his eyes speak louder than the words. On 3/5/05, we dedicated our shift to Officer Hector Gomez. I share my heartfelt sympathies with Officer Gomez's family, his friends, and the residents of Marion.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13

Sgt. Christopher J. Schmidt
Lake Clarke Shores, Florida

March 7, 2005

Hector, my prayers are with you and your family. Althought I never met you, I salute your bravery and dedication to the job! Your brother marco, whom I have the honor of knowing and working with on a daily basis explained to me how special you are, and I can see it in his eyes that he misses you very much and is very proud of you. I too have a brother who is a Police officer and from us we thank you hector, for watching over your fellow brothers and sisters in blue.

PO Sergio Montesino, Sr.
Palm Springs PD

March 4, 2005

Chino I know you are walking the path of our Lord. We all miss you so much and we pray everyday for Jodie and you baby girl. Thanks for protecting our country and the citizens of Marion during the time you spend in the world of the living. They and us your family will never forget you....
Titi Jasmin

Jasmin L. Gomez
Chino's aunt

December 23, 2004