Friona Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Monday, April 14, 2003
Reflections for Sergeant Jose Arturo "Joe" Herrera
The ultimate sacrifice was made in service to your community. I have heard much about you over the past few weeks, all of which paint you as a hero. A badge doesn't make a man, but to exemplify the qualities of what the badge should represent is a goal all of us should strive to achieve. Your legacy lives on through a beautiful soul you would be proud of. Thank you for your service, and your sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Police Officer, SPD
September 14, 2024
Hey Dad,
Your granddaughter just turned 4 months old on the 24th. She looks a lot like her daddy but has a few features from me that I got from you. She has that dimple on our chin that we both have and also the same nose. I know she is too young to remember anything or understand but I told her about you the other week on our drive to my dad's house one morning after work. I promise she is going to know who you are. I recently saw online a company that can take two different pictures of people and sort of merch them together in a painting and I want to do that for her. I honestly want to do that for us too. We have only 2 photos together that I've ever seen. I think I'm going to hang one up in Rosie's room. I'm just now realizing that I never told you about her when she was born. Rosalia Marie Del Real was born April 24, 2024 at 02:22 pm. She weighed 6lbs 9 oz and was 19 1/4 ins long. She didn't cry really until she was about 3 months old. You know, if she had ended up being a boy we would call him Cesar Arturo after you. Javier agreed that we could have his middle name Arturo if we ever had a boy. Rosie is now 15 lbs 2 oz as of August 26. She is such a happy baby and is starting to babble. She can laugh and roll over and is starting the beginnings of crawling. When she is older I think I'm going to get her a bracelet with your name on it from this website if she wants one. I also told Javier when Rosie got older and could appreciate it more I would take them both to Washington DC to see your name engraved on the wall. I would like to go see it again too. There's someone else I would've wanted you to meet but that's another story for a different time. Just know that I think they would've liked to meet you too one day. I think you would've liked them. This is it for now papa. I'll be better about updating you.
I love you and I miss you, watch over Rosie for me
Victoria Del Real
youngest daughter
September 5, 2024
Hey Dad,
I just wanted to update you on recent life changes. In Feb I went through the correctional officer academy and work at Robertson Unit until August. I just wasn't liking it there but now I work at Jones County Sheriff's Office as a 911 dispatcher! I like to think you would be proud of me. I also found out I'm pregnant! I'm currently 10 week and 2 days. I'm due in April 2024. Mom is helping me plan my gender reveal for Dec 2. Javier and I are over the moon! I just wish you were here to share the happiness with us. I will raise my child to know you would've loved them.
I miss you and I love you
Victoria
October 7, 2023
Dad,
I took Leah to on a trip to DC last week. We traveled to your memorial and sat with you for a little while. She is so perfect. In all the ways. You would love her, your only granddaughter.
I miss you every day. I carry you with me, always.
Kelcey
June 27, 2023
Hey Arturo saw ur sister's post today on fb for Police Officer's week, brought back memories of our elementary and Jr high school days. Dude the good old days. I came across this, by googling ur name. Yea I became interested in what happened. Ur a true hero to everyone, not because of the final outcome of the day, but because I have read all the comments on this post. Dude ur kids LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!! I read every detailed comment ur children left u through the yrs as they grew and learned life. I know u have been with them every step of the way!!! They have done great from the readings and I know u would have been proud!! I read the comments from ur peers and just people who were honored to have met you!!! Missed, never forgotten, proud and blessed to have known u!!
Patrick "old friend"
May 16, 2023
Hi Victoria, I am yomi you probably don’t remember me but I am Yolis daughter , she worked with your dad at the Friona PD for many years , me and my brother Isaac were remembering your Dad today , he was a good friend, I’m so glad to hear of your recent accomplishments. I am sure your dad would be very proud of you . Be blessed .
Yomaira Arzola
May 14, 2023
Hey Dad!
Today is 20 years since you left us. I wanted to let you know that I graduate the correctional officer academy today!!
I miss you, and I love you
Victoria
Victoria Cummings
Youngest daughter
April 14, 2023
Hey Dad,
I miss you. Sometimes I wish you were here to give me guidance on what to do when I feel lost. I wanted to tell you that I got my own place back in October with Javier and now we have two cats! We live in Odessa with mom but we are going to move to Abilene soon. I wish you were here to see how much I’ve grown.
I love you
Victoria Cummings
Daughter
July 3, 2022
18 years later and some days it still feels like yesterday. I miss you.
Kelcey
November 7, 2021
Hey Dad,
Hey, sorry I haven’t been here in a while. I’ve been crazy with everything in the past year. I wanted to tell you that I enlisted in the Army National Guard as a Combat Medic. I’ll go to basic training in South Carolina this summer and then on to job training. I wish you were here for my graduation in a few months. And I turned 18 in February!! I’m finally somewhat an adult.
I miss you, I love you
PVT Victoria Cummings
Youngest Daughter
March 18, 2021
Hey Dad,
Hey, sorry I haven’t been here in a while. I’ve been crazy with everything in the past year. I wanted to tell you that I enlisted in the Army National Guard as a Combat Medic. I’ll go to basic training in South Carolina this summer and then on to job training. I wish you were here for my graduation in a few months.
I miss you, I love you
PVT Victoria Cummings
Youngest Daughter
March 18, 2021
Rest in peace Sergeant Herrera. This day was my 44th birthday.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 15, 2020
Rest in heavenly peace on this your 17 anniversary in heaven
Mark Mottola
April 14, 2020
Hi Mr.Herrera,
You don't know me but I'm a friend of your daughter's. She always talks highly of you and always talks about how great you where. I'm glad that you are here to help her and i want you to know that i will always help her to.
BLR
March 4, 2020
Hey Dad,
I got some bad news today. I didn't do well in Chemistry and that disqualified me from the rest of the competitions and Concert and Sight Reading. I don't know what to do. I'm just not good at science. It's always been my lowest grade. Chemistry grade is probably struggling because she has these online assignments and I need constant help. I can't ask for her help on every single problem. I don't know if I'll ever get it up high enough. Anyways, I'm really upset and thought I should talk to you about it. I love you.
Te Quiero papa,
Victoria Danielle
Victoria Cummings
Youngest Daughter
February 21, 2020
Hey Dad,
It just after midnight and I forgot to tell you Happy Birthday!!! Javier and I looked through the book Jess mad me. It had pictures of you and mom and us together as a family. I wish I could’ve spent today with you. I miss you and love you ❤️
Te Quiero papá,
Victoria Danielle
Victoria Cummings
Youngest Daughter
February 17, 2020
Hey Dad,
Happy Valentine's Day!!! I have had the most wonderful day today. It's been a fairly easy day in school. I bought my sisters Valentine's gifts to give them to school. Morgan got her just now but I have to give the little girls theirs after school when I pick them up. It's nothing much, just a tiny bag of hershey kisses. I'll get to see mom tomorrow. She's coming to see the younger girls basketball games and then she'll take us back to her house until Monday. I've really been missing you today. I wish I could've spent a valentine's day with you and mom. I hope that you're doing well and haven't forgotten about me. I can't wait to see you again!
Te Quiero papa,
Victoria Danielle
Victoria Cummings
Youngest Daughter
February 14, 2020
Hey Dad,
Our birthdays are coming up! You would've been 48 I believe and I'll be 17. I'm growing up a little too fast for my parents liking. This morning was a really hard morning for me. The autistic boy i babysit every night was in one of his moods and it was really a struggle. I'm not sure if I can keep doing this. Mom says that I need to put myself first and quit if he continues to get worse. She says that I can't focus in school if I'm waking up at 4 AM every morning and fighting this kid to get him to school. I wish you were here to offer me some advice. I could really use some guidance right now. Maybe even a hug. I don't get much parental affection these days. Mm... I have even resorted to getting a hug from one of our youth leaders, Mrs. Burson, every time I can because she just has that maternal vibe to her. She has talks with me about things that mom never would have. She is very sweet and i wish that you were still around to meet her. She takes good care of me. Mom has been doing well. She's in Austin today to receive an award for Saving Lives. I'll see her this Saturday. I haven't actually gotten to spend any quality time with her but she was done for a few hours last Monday. My best friend, Lanie, has her birthday next Friday. We will both be in Fort Worth for Winter Guard but it'll be good to celebrate with her. She has been there for me more time than I can count. You would've liked her. Valentine's day is also this Friday. I wish you were here so we cold go watch a movie or go eat somewhere but I can't wait until i'm up there with you and we could spend everyday together. Anyways, I really miss you and I love you so much
Te Quiero Muchisimo Papa,
Victoria Danielle
Victoria Cummings
Youngest Daughter
February 12, 2020
Hey Dad,
We had our first Winterguard competition on Saturday. We got 6th out of 8th which is pretty good considering it was our first time and the other schools have been doing this for years. We could've done better but I think that we were all just kind of nervous. We'll get better. My mom is also coming to eat with me today! I haven't seen her in a little while. She is coming to watch Morgan's game. Anyways, I really miss you and I hope I'm making you proud.
Te Quiero papa,
Victoria Danielle
Victoria Cummings
Youngest Daughter
February 3, 2020
Hey Dad,
Tomorrow is our first winterguard comp. It's at Alvarado HS in Fort Worth. Tio Antonio might go with Libby. I haven't seen them in a while. They live in Temple which isn't far. My dad won't be able to go but he'll go to the next one. I really wish you could go tomorrow.
Te Quiero,
Victoria Danielle
Victoria Cummings
Youngest Daughter
January 31, 2020
Hey Dad,
Recently in English we've been researching careers that we are interested in. I have always shown interest in Law Enforcement. Yesterday I got a formal invitation to George Mason Uni. to go to the National Youth Leadership Forum! They said that I was a "High-Achieving student worthy of selection." I don't think I'll go but it was nice to be selected. I wish you were here to celebrate with me, but I know you're proud. Te extrano muchisimo papa.
Te Quiero,
Victoria Danielle
Victoria Cummings
Youngest Daughter
January 24, 2020
Hey Dad,
I really miss you. Your birthday is coming up soon, I think i'll be with my mom that weekend. My birthday is coming up soon too! I'll be 17. You're little baby girl has grown up that last 17 years you've been gone. But I know that you're looking down on me from heaven spending each and every moment with me. When I go back to mom's house, she is going to give me the scrapbook that Jess made for me many years ago. Jess said that it would answer any questions I would have about you. I am beyond grateful that she thought ahead so I wouldn't have to wonder about you. She and Jeremy are also going to write down some stories about you on paper and give them to me so I can look back at them later. I can't wait to learn more about you. OH! and I forgot to tell you that when I was looking for your signature, I found an old tape recorder and a couple tapes. I guess that the FPD had recorded your old traffic stops from 2000 and gave them to mom. Anyways, they have your voice in them, obviously. I one of them, you're even speaking Spanish, which is something my dad tells me that you didn't know. Which is crazy but it's whatever. Another thing, Kelc and I are gonna go tour ASU. I kind of want to go to college there so it'll be good to go tour it.
te quiero papa,
Victoria Danielle
Victoria Cummings
Youngest Daughter
January 23, 2020
Hi Lori, thank you. I like to think he would've been proud of me. If you would like to talk, email me. [email protected]
Victoria Cummings
Youngest Daughter
January 23, 2020
Hello Victoria. Your dad and I went to high school together. I came across this and felt like I should reach out to you. Your reflections are beautiful. I just know Turo is looking down and smiling. God Bless
Lori
Friend
January 22, 2020
Hey Dad,
It's one of those days. I'm really missing you today. I often wonder what things would be like if you hadn't helped that night. If you would've come home like you were supposed too. But I know that wasn't like you.. You went to help because you were an amazing friend and officer. You never let anyone down. I know that you are constantly watching me from above and helping me through the hard days. I love you dad, and I miss you so much. I can't wait to see you again. You're always with me.
Te Quiero Papa,
Victoria Danielle
Victoria Cummings
Youngest Daughter
January 15, 2020
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