Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey Joe,
Just remembering back a year ago today (since it is Victoria's first birthday). Remember the long hours we stayed up with you guys waiting on the little bundle of joy to get here! That was the best experience of my life so far! How precious those moments were and Jeremy and I will never ever forget that day, we have talked about it quite a bit today. It is really weird because the weather is exactly how it was the day she was born, dark and rainy. We actually had fun and cut up in the delivery room, even Rach and she was in some mega pain. Memories are what we have left and there is no man/woman on this earth strong enough to take the "memories" away from us. Remember when I yelled switch in the delivery room, cuz Rach had been warned not to eat anything, but she demanded something, so they gave her some Dollar Store graham crackers cuz she was soooooooooo hungry, well she started blowing chunks, and I sure couldnt handle that so I had to yell "switch" cuz I know you could handle it, and you did perfectly :). Remember us watching Jeremy and making fun of him for falling asleep upright on the doctor's stool because we had been up so long, I guess he couldn't take it no more. :) Today is a little sad and her birthday party this weekend will be too because you are not physically here, but it helps us to cope knowing you are watching over us today as you are every day, and that one day in the future we will all be together again laughing like old times. Also, it is a happy day because, not only has Victoria brought joy to Rach, but to everyone she is around. We honestly have truly enjoyed your daughter, she was the best gift you could have given. Rach is doing an excellent job raising her, she is raising her as you would want her raised. Her looks have not changed much, she still looks just like you, and Rach says acts like you too! Wonder what that means, maybe because she is a bit stubborn and strong willed :). We miss you so much Joe and think about you all of the time. Just wanted to write on your website remembering today one year ago since Jeremy and I have talked about it today. What fond memories! Miss ya bunches.

Jess and Jeremy
Friend

February 23, 2004

Babe,
Happy Birthday! Sorry I haven't written since today, but it has been a tough week. I have spent the last six birthdays with you and this year without you has been rough. I think of you constantly. My heart aches for you constantly. Monday your little girl will turn 1. It will be rough knowing you are not there to spend it with us. The first week of May, I will face the thug that caused our lives to be turned upside down. Knowing you are watching over us, will help keep me strong. I love you and miss you so much. I love you!!

Rachael

February 21, 2004

Just wishing you a Happy Birthday Joe! We miss ya TONS.

Jeremy and Jess

February 16, 2004

Racheal,
I read this and remember that night as Brendon & I listened to the sirens running through Bovina .We turned the radio on suddenly and heard your husband say hes coming right at me...and I looked at Brendon and said God please help him...I remember Brendon calling me after he left to assist with Life stars landing and saying hes not going to make it.....and I will never forget crying so hard I couldnt breath that night thinking of you and your family and thinking how it was not fair..for you .I remember how it felt that night to go to sleep and how you must have not slept at all.Please know that we still think of your family and I will never forget how you walked into the church at his funeral with that precious new baby in your arms trying to be strong.Good for you that you are serving in his honor!!I pray for you everyday that God will grant you strength and peace.I know that the hurt will never go away especially during the upcoming anniversary...but please remember that there are so many people praying for you and your family and hes watching over all of our men & women in BLUE!! I think about your husband everytime mine walks out the door to a call.....In his Hands,Brandi Banner & Officer Banner of Panhandle,TX

Brandi Banner
Officer Banners Wife

January 29, 2004

TO THE FAMILY OF SGT. HERRERA,
AS A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I PRAY THAT GOD WILL WATCH OVER YOU AND KEEP YOU SAFE. I DOES TAKE A VERY SPECIAL PERSON TO DO THIS JOB AND JOE IS ONE OF THEM. HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AND HIS SPIRIT WILL LIVE IN US FOREVER. GOD BLESS!
OFFICER FRED GONZALES 212
PERRYTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

POLICE OFFICER FRED GONZALES
PERRYTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

January 9, 2004

Arturo,

Christmas has come and gone. Timothy and I made sure the kids had a special Christmas. Even though it was good they really missed you. It was hard because a year ago they were with you opening presents. The wedding was nice. Matthew looked so handsome standing in your place as best man. He would have made you proud. Kelcey looked so beautiful and so grown up. Many of our old friends were there and so many gave me their condolences again. Just wanted to let you know that the children miss you and so do I.
Matthew is really crazy about Victoria. He was the only one she really would go to. He loves that baby girl. I showed Kelcey this website and I am encourging her to write. Maybe then she will be able to express her pain. She was always such a daddy's girl. Timothy and I will do our best to raise them, but I wish you were here to help with that Kelcey's attitude. She may look like me but man she acts just like you. We miss you

Beth

December 31, 2003

We sure missed you this Christmas Joe. It didnt really feel like Christmas, seemed like just another day. We got to see Rach and lil Victoria for a little bit, oh my is she walking everywhere and growing up so fast and she loves
Dr. Pepper. She is very independent! We know you were looking down on all of us on Christmas day as you do every day, but we sure did miss you being there. Miss you so much and still think about you daily. Help Rach be strong for the upcoming trial, justice will prevail. Jeremy and I try to talk to her as much as we can, we both know it is tough on her, but you made her strong and she has done so well. Just thought I would write and tell you how much you are missed. Keep us all strong! Miss ya BUNCHES.

J&J

Friend

December 27, 2003

Sweetie-

Merry Christmas!! We just got finished opening up presents. I wish you were here to watch Victoria open the gifts from Santa. She was so excited. I miss you so much and especially today. There is an empty feeling inside. I remember last year I went to get Kelcey and Matthew and brought them to Friona. They were so excited because it snowed and yall went out and played in it. I will never forget the memories we had. That was such a perfect time in life and we were so happy. You also gave me my engagement ring too. The feelings I felt that day can never be expressed. I am going to San Angelo Friday. Tony and Libby are finally getting married. I know you were so excited for them. It will be a hard time for all of us because you are not there. But in our hearts you are there and we know you will be looking down on us from up above. I love you, Baby.

Rachael

December 25, 2003

Art-it has taken me 8 mths to be able to sit down and write this. I am not good at it and still can't do it without crying, but here we go...You were such a blessing from God and such a good friend. I remember when you and Charles worked together at the State School in San Angelo-man the stories ya'll had from that experience! The trips to New Braunsfels and down the river-in the rain. That was miserable, but a great memory! I will never forget Charles' college graduation. When I looked up and saw you walking into that gymnasium with your cowboy hat on-my heart melted because I knew how far you had traveled to be there for Charles' accomplishments-you were such an awesome person! You were always putting others needs in front of yours. Especially your childrens. I have never seen a father so proud of their kids as you were of Kelcey and Matthew. I wish we could have seen you with Victoria. I will never forget the day we got the news-total devastation! Charles had gone to San Angelo to play golf and ran into CeeCee at Mejors-go figure :>). A few days later she called and told him she had heard a Jose Hererra was killed in the line duty up around Friona. I immediately got on the phone and started making calls. I got in touch with the correct person, but she was calling you Jose/Joe and I was like "Oh thank God it wasn't Art!" Then she told me your full name and I was filled with complete sorrow! Charles was absolutely crushed! We are so sorry we lost touch with you throughout all the moves! We all had that kind of friendship where we could go months without talking and just pick up like we had seen each other every other day. You know, you think it can't happen to someone you know and love, and you/we take so many things for granted-until they are gone! Loosing you has taught me a hard lesson-life is too short-when I think of someone I haven't seen in a while or talked to, I now pick up the phone or drop them a card or something. I just wish I would have done the same for you! We have met Rachael-what an awesome person she is! And Victoria-beautiful! I have seen pictures, and she does look just like her daddy! We still have the 10x13 picture of you and Kelcey and Matthew. Art-you were a true friend, and you are missed so much! This time of year is suppose to be full of cheer and blessings! It is a time to reflect on all that God has given, and in this case taken away. I don't understand God's plan, no body does. But I know this was part of it, as hard as that is to swallow. I know we will see you again one day and I know until then you are watching over your family and all of your fellow co-workers. My prayer this year is that God be with your family and comfort them. I pray that God gives Rachael the strength to make it through the up coming trial and that justice will prevail. I pray that God gives your family comfort and peace in knowing that you are watching over them. God Bless you Art! We love and miss you dearly! Charles and Jacy

Charles and Jacy Guynes

December 24, 2003

Well Thanksgiving Day has come and gone. It didn't feel like Thanksgiving without you. I have had you five years for Thanksgiving and you always made it complete. To me it was just another lonely day without you. It snowed a little. Your mom reminded me that you would call them first thing in the morning to let them know it snowed. I miss you so much. Does the pain ever go away?? I got the monument placed in front of the p.d. and get lots of compliments on it. It looks sharp. Victoria has learned to dance now, I know you are proud of her and how smart she is and she will always know of her Special Angel watching her from above, her Daddy. I am thinking of you always and you are forever in my heart. I love you!

Rachael Herrera
spouse

November 28, 2003

Sweetie-

I have had a hard couple of days and still think about you constantly. I saw the videos today. It was so awful, Honey!! It was such a waste. It was so hard to hear your voice and to watch Jr. and Andy fight their hearts out to try and get you out. My heart poured out to them. Some classes in school are hard to get through, but I know you are there watching over me to help me get through it. We are looking at going to court in February. Today I wanted to rip that m.'s heart out and literally beat the s**t out of him. What a coward he is. He has no idea what he has done and what he took from me(us). Victoria is getting so big. I know you watch over her everyday. Watching her learn to walk and crawl and get into everything. She looks just like you still and acts just like you :). School is going good and have a A+ average. You taught me a lot about the job!! Everything I learned, I learned from you. You were so smart and intelligent about work. I have landed a job here in March, which I am so thankful for. We got moved into our house. But it doesn't mean much, because you are not here to share it with us. If you were here, it would make it absolutely wonderful. I miss you so much everyday. I love you. I got a nice monument for the p.d. and will get it up next week. It looks so nice and we are proud to have it in front of the p.d. We all miss you so much! Keep watching over us and the guys. You are their guardian angel now. You are still looking over them and protecting them as you always did. Miss and love, baby!

Rachael Herrera
Surviving spouse

November 7, 2003

HI Joe,
I was telling the guys tonight of some of our drug bust we made together. We busted a real bad guy tonight with a good amount of dope. Arno sniffed it right out. You remember what a good nose that dog has! We found Enough to put him away for a long time. You and I kicked some butt out there. We took alot of bad guys down. Some of them even told us we would never get them. HA, we showed them. I will continue to tell the stories with pride. The bad times forgotten the good times remembered. You where like a brother to me and you are missed. Wish we could have talked about somethings before the lord took you home. A song came on the other day and I got to laughing remembering the time we were driving back from Clovis doing the air band thing. I think you were drums and I was guitar. We were always doing stuff like that. Well better go for now. I will continue the fight in your honor. Rest in peace.

Deputy Michael Howard
Randall S.O.

October 20, 2003

YOU ARE MY HERO
I have never been much on words and how to express them. But I know I enjoyied working with you and having you as a friend. I have some great times on some hot calls with you and some good times off duty also. Rachel the person that did this will have his day. Not only here on earth!!! It has been six months and a day doesnt go by that I dont put on the badge and know that Joe is watching out for each and everyone of us. God Bless Joe Rachel and his entire family. It was my pleasure to work and to have Joe as a Friend.

Sgt. Keith Payne
Lake LBJ MUD Police Department

October 16, 2003

Just wanted to let you know we have not forgotten. You are with us every day. I know you are watching and smiling from above. I know you were cheering just as much as I was when Matthhew scored a goal last weekend and when Kelcey made her serve over the net. You are still live because they are part of you. Your spirit lives on through your children. You will not be forgotten, and I will not let them forget. I am always telling them stories of the years long past. I don't want them to forget you, they are so young, but I will keep your memory alive for them so that they will never forget how much you loved them. I will keep those times alive so they will know that they can keep you with them in their hearts. I tell Kelcey not to cry because someday she will see you again and you will be waiting for her with all the love that you had for her here. I remind Matthew how much he looks like you and you had the same personality. I tell them of the days that they were born and how you were so happy. They will not forget and neither will I.

Anonymous

October 5, 2003

Rest In Peace, My Brother Of Blue
Please Take Care Of The Ones Who Live For You

Rachel, be safe in your new career!
Live For His Memory, Don't Work To Be One.

A Sister Of Blue

October 4, 2003

Death ends a life, not a relationship.

Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome.

The coward only threatens when he is safe.

Anonymous

September 2, 2003

Miss Me -- But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little--but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me--but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all a part of the Master's plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss Me--But Let me Go!

Anonymous

September 2, 2003

Hey Joe,

Not a day goes by we don't think of you, especially when I make tea as you would say "Jess, now make sure you put so much sugar in it that the spoon stands straight up." :). Oh and cannot forget about the OOF when you saw a pretty girl, only you would come up with that one. :) Brings a smile to my face every time I hear it or someone says it. You are missed so so much. Got to see Rachael and Victoria the other day, my is that precious lil one getting so big, two teeth and still looks just like daddy. When you look at her, all you see is Joe Herrera. She has your awesome attitude also. I have never seen that child upset or cry to this day, very outgoing. We were at Dairy Queen, I ordered a vanilla ice cream cone, Victoria in one hand and ice cream in the other, well I turned my head for a second to talk to Rach and Victoria buries her whole face in my ice cream while I was not looking, I turned and looked at her and she just grinned. She knew exactly what to do with it. It was the cutest thing, it was in her nostrils and all over her face and she was loving every minute of it. Losing you brought so much pain, but you left us all so much joy "Victoria." Rach seems to be doing better every day, you made us all the strong and proud. Jeremy says he is sure going to miss you this football season! We miss having the whole family coming to visit and staying the whole weekend, you, Rach, Victoria and Angel. We make a point to see Rach and baby Victoria as often as possible. We love watching your daughter grow month by month, she is gorgeous. Can't wait till she starts all the sports you always wanted her to be in. We will always be there for support in all that the two of them do. Some days are harder than others, but when I think of what a hero you truly are it brings a smile to my face. You were very dedicated in all that you did. Rach cannot wait until the court date, it is near. What goes around comes around! Well just wanted to let you know, we have not forgotten about you and never will. We miss you SO much. You made a HUGE impact on all of our lives. One day we will all be together again just like old times. I will try to write as often as possible, but you know how things get, pretty hectic. Watch us and keep us safe from up above. We love you Joe! You are missed dearly.

Love,
Jess and Jeremy

Friend

September 2, 2003

Letter from Heaven:

To my dearest family, something I'd like to say. But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay. I'm writing this from Heaven. Here I dwell with God above. Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just Eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight. Remember that I am with you every morning, noon, and night. That day I had to leave you, when my life on earth was through. God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you. As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on. There's so much we have to do, to help our mortal man." God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you. And when you lie in bed at the night day's chores put to flight, God and I are closest to you...in the middle of the night. When you think of my life on earth and all those loving years. Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain. Remember, there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain. I wished I could tell you all that God has planned. If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over; I am closer to you now, then I ever was before. There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb; but together we can do it by taking it one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too; that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you. If you can help somebody's who's in sorrow and pain; then you can say to God at night..."my day was not in vain." And now I am contended...that my life was worthwhile. Knowing as I passed allong the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low; just lend a hand to pick them up as on your way you go. When your walking down the street and you've got me on your mind; I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. And when it's time for you to go...from the body to be free. Remember your not going...your coming home to me.

Anonymous

August 30, 2003

just remembering....

Anonymous

Honey,

It's been nearly four months since the tragic night that you never came home. Everyday I wake up I still think it was just a nightmare and that you are at work and will eventually come home. I think of you everday. Victoria has gotten so big and has two teeth coming in. She still looks just like you, which keeps me going everyday. I started working at the police department and keep in close contact with everybody. But things just aren't the same without you. I miss you more and more each day. This time last year Jr. and Teresa and Joel and Jaime were expecting and so were we. We were so excited. Well Jr. and Teresa and Joel and Jaime are both expecting again and I wish you were here so we could be expecting also. Everybody still takes it hard. I am fighting daily for a good trial and going for the death sentence on the m.f. that caused my life to be turned upside down and took you away from us. Kelcey and Matthew are doing great and fixing to start school again. If you could only see them now. I ordered you a good looking headstone that you would be proud of and working on a memorial to place in front of the police department. I don't want anybody to ever forget what a great officer you were and what a hero you were. I never thought that our lives would turn out this way. I just want to thank you for everything you have given to me and taught me(to be strong) and especially for Victoria. I have all your pictures hanging in my room. I start the academy soon. You would be so proud. I miss you honey so very much and I still cry praying that you will come home to me soon. Please continue to watch over us and protect us. I love you and miss you much!!

Rachael Herrera
wife

Joe, WE just want you to know that your babies and Rachael will be very well taken care of. They are so blessed to have had you in their lives. I personally had not seen Rachael as happy as she was with you. You gave her everything in life that she asked for. And for that we as family and friends will never forget and forever be greatful. Your dedication to your work and your family will never be forgotten. Our hearts are with your family as they go one with their lives. You will always be missed but never forgotten.

D'Anne Baker

Cousin,
The last time we spoke was at our grandmother's funeral. It had been years since we'd seen eachother. We wore our uniforms proudly, with badge's! We were able to pick up as if not a day had passed because of our love for Law Enforcement. We were able to relate and talk so easily. You're missed by family and friends alike. I will forever be proud of you! Thanks for representing our brotherhood so honorably. R.I.P.
Rocky

SSGT Rocky Hernandez
Military Police, USMC

A friend of mine Jayce Guyanes told me about your husbands determination to aid other officers in need. He will always be remembered as a true Hero. My husband Scott was a hero also. He was killed April 24th 2003. We live outside of Weatherford with my two girls 12 and 8.
The road ahead is not smoothe. It can be traveled at your own pace. Take it slow. Some times you may fall into a pit and have to crawl out. You will get better at traveling that road. I am told that someday far from now, you will take another road. I am currently contemplating the taking of another road, just not able to decide now.

I would be very willing to come and meet with you, or if you would like to get away, come and hide out in my house. I have the space. It would be an honor to have you stay and chat. I feel a need to give back to others, since I was fortunate enough to receive help from others. If I had tried to do this on my own, I would not be here today.

Hang in there- it will be a bumpy road for a while.
Accept Help From Others......

Arturo, my little brother and hero with a big heart. You are so terribly missed. I wait every other week for you to walk in that door with a big hug and kiss. I miss eating pizza and watching movies and cleaning up the mess your always left behind when you came over, but I'd give anything to see you again just to say how much I love you, and how proud I am of my little brother who was the best brother and cop in the whole wide world. I know more now than ever that you'd always went out of your way to help someone in need, especially a fellow officer. God takes only the best and that was my precious little brother and twin sister. Continue to watch over us and care for those loved ones left behind. I'll never forget you and will be sure that your children and my children never forget what a great brother you were. We will soon meet again. Rest in peace! With lots and lots of love!!

Debra Herrera Lombrana
Sister