Montgomery County Constable's Office - Precinct 5, Texas
End of Watch Thursday, July 17, 2003
Reflections for Deputy Constable John David Garcia
Heavenly Father, You are Compassionate and Merciful. None of America’s Peace Officers leave home without the fear of not returning at the end of their watch. It is a fear that is lived daily. Unfortunately, the worst does sometimes come to pass, and lives are left shattered. Lord God, bless and keep the hearts and souls of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. Soothe their pain and bind up their emotional wounds through the wounds of Your beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In His name, I pray. Amen.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Merrimack, NH 03054
Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department
July 22, 2023
Dear David,
How has it been 20 years? I remember this like it was yesterday and not a day goes by that I don't think about you and remember all the fun times we had together and all the memories we made. At your funeral someone said to look up to the sky and find the brightest star and that it would be you. I live in the country and see so many stars at night and never forget to look for you. I can't even begin to tell you how much you're missed. I miss your middle of the night phone calls and all the laughing til we cried! There's so much I wish I could tell you now. Keep watching over us and know that you are never forgotten. Love and miss you so much!
Love,
Your big sister Pat
Dear Amber (Oridinary citizen)
Thank you for sharing your story. It hurts my heart to know that you've had to live with the loss of my little brother as we have but happy to know that he was there to save you. Please feel free to reach out as we would all love to meet you. ([email protected])
Pat
Big sister
July 20, 2023
Deputy Constable Garcia,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Montgomery County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
July 17, 2023
Dear Deputy Constable Garcia, and Your Loving Family,
It will be 20 years this year since you saved my life. I still remember that day in vivid detail. I have only spoken of this to a few people, as the event that took your life that day had a profound effect upon mine. I have thought about that day, and the loving family you left behind, and I can't help but wonder why?...but as they say, God works in mysterious ways. All the rest of my days, I will give thanks to you. I ask God to bless your family, until they are all reunited with you once again.
I remember that day so well. I had left my vehicle in Tomball overnight at my office where it was vandalized by some kids. So the next morning, July 17, 2003, I took the vehicle to some body shops in Tomball to get estimates for repairs. I had to drive to Conroe that day to apply for building permits (I worked for a homebuilder) and on the way back, traveling down FM 149 from Montgomery, I knew I could probably get one more estimate in Magnolia before I returned to my office. I was traveling along the narrow road behind a truck with a trailer. You were in your squad car behind me. I was struggling with the decision to return to Tomball immediately or turn right onto FM 1488 and go into Magnolia for one more estimate. All 3 of us approached the traffic light at 1488 and 149- the truck and trailer was first at the light, then me, then you in your squad car. As I was sitting there at the light you honked your horn behind me. I looked in my rearview mirror, but you didn't wave or signal to me in any way, and I thought this a curious thing. Now the light turned green, the truck with trailer continued on 149 and as I advanced to the intersection I made a split-second decision and turned right onto FM 1488. I observed you in my rearview mirror, cross over 1488 and continue on 149. Mere moments later I arrived at a body shop in Magnolia where the entire place was in silence listening to a police scanner. I whispered, "what happened?" and I was told a deputy constable was just killed on FM 149. I couldn't breathe, or speak. I was literally trembling, and I went out to my vehicle and broke down in tears. You see, for 3 years, every single time I went to get building permits, I traveled the exact same route without deviation, even once...until that day. I recognized the truth, that it would have been me. I was behind that truck and trailer, until you took my place. You lived your life helping people, and your final act was to save the life of a complete stranger. Was that what you said to me when you honked your horn only a moment or two before you made your great sacrifice? We were all surrounded by angels that day and they took us all into their arms...and some of them took you home.
Dear Mr. Garcia, it is almost 20 years later, and I have never forgotten you. I promise, I never shall. To your loving family, I have never been able to speak to you about this before now...but I truly hope you read these words, and know without a doubt, that just as Mr. Garcia lived an honorable life helping ordinary people, he died doing exactly that...he was an Earth Angel until the very end. God Bless your loving family. God Bless you Mr. Garcia, and I truly ask God, that all the remainder of my days be worthy of your great sacrifice.
Amber
ordinary citizen
March 27, 2023
Still here… all of these years later, thinking of you!
Love you always!
Your niece,
- A.D.
Adrianna
Niece
September 17, 2022
Rest In Peace
I remember that day like it was yesterday. Back then, I was on-duty with the Magnolia Police Department.
Godspeed to your family, friends and the Montgomery County Precinct 5 Constables Office.
Kelly Brooks
Houston PD
July 17, 2022
Rest in peace Deputy Constable Garcia.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 19, 2021
Sorry that I’m late.
I still remember your voice to this day, calling and saying HEEYYYY Mamaaaassssss!!!!
I still miss you and think of you so much to this day Uncle David!
I love you!
-A.D.
Adrianna Woods
Neice
July 21, 2021
Rest easy
Mark Mottola
July 17, 2020
I don't write on here often enough. Mainly cause I can't find the words to type. I miss you like crazy. I have a 4 year old now, I named him after you and he has your personality. How I wish he could meet his grandpa. I can't believe it's been 17 years. Each year I try to be tough and it all hits at once no matter how much I try not to cry.
I love you and I miss you so much dad. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. Until I see you again, I'll miss you until then.
Patricia Garcia-Stout
Daughter
July 17, 2020
Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your LE brethren. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
July 17, 2020
Rest in Peace Deputy Constable John David Garcia. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice Protecting the citizens of Montgomery County, 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
July 17, 2016
Never Forgotten
K.Brooks
Houston Police Dept.
June 16, 2016
It's been a while and I thought I would take a minute to say hello.
K. Brooks
Houston PD
January 31, 2016
John David, saw your memorial page again on Facebook the other day posted by The 100 Club. I am glad to see that they are keeping your memory alive for those who never had the chance to meet you and work with you. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten here in Montgomery County. Rest in Peace my brother...
Detective Charlie Sullivent
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
October 29, 2014
I just wanted to say hello bro......j
K Brooks
Houston police
October 9, 2013
Heroes live forever, Deputy Garcia, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of Montgomery County and the great State of Texas.
Greater Houston C.O.P.S.
July 17, 2013
Deputy Constable Garcia,
YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN! As I learn my way around the Law Enforcement community, I meet or read about other survivors. I saw a reflection from your sister on my brother's memorial page.
I want to thank you for choosing to be a Peace Officer. I admire and respect you for the work you do. You are a true HERO and one I will never forget.
To your sister. Your name fits your heart. I appreciate the reflection you left for my brother. Thank you for taking the time to honor him and his service.
Please know that my heart and my thoughts are with you every day. As I try to heal, I hope you heal as well.
Rebecca Y. Davis, Sister, Orlando, FL
Constable Brian Bachmann; EOW: 8/13/2012
Brazos County Constable Precinct 1, TX
April 17, 2013
It's been five years since my last post, and I still think about John David and my Uncle Rick. I have 14 years in as a Law Enforcement Officer now, and I still hold to the values that these men taught me. You will never be forgotten. Thanks for everything you taught me as a "Rookie."
Dewayne Crabb Senior Patrolman
Pearland P.D.
January 6, 2013
John,your spirit has joined GOD,but your presence is still felt by us.Simply-GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.
Chief Michael C.Wethington
Stagecoach Police Department
December 7, 2012
David, my sweet love,
You have no idea how much I miss you daily. It has officially been 9 years since the day you were taken from us and it is still as painful as it was then. I truly miss you with all of my heart but know that you are in a much more peaceful place than we are. Every time Blake sees your picture I refer to you as "Daddy David" and he knows exactly who you are, then he proceeds to tell me in his own way (by signing) that you were a cop. He may have not had the opportunity to meet you but I have let him know what it was like having you in our lives...many laughs and smikes, many jokes, and tears but most of all happiness. I love you John David and wish everyday that you were here with us but that is me being selfish. You are at peace and enjoying Gods glory.
Forever in my heart, you will be. I just wish I could hold you, kiss you,and tell you I love you one last time...but until we meet again my love.
Shannon Garcia
Wife
July 17, 2012
Rest in peace, Deputy Garcia. Your service and sacrifice to the citizens of Montgomery County and the great State of Texas are not forgotten.
Greater Houston C.O.P.S.
July 17, 2012
John David,
I miss you as much today as I did 8 years ago and it never gets easier. It sure doesn't seem like it has been that long because I still remember the day we lost you like it was yesterday. It still hurts my heart because you were such a great friend to me. I know that you are in heaven watching over all of us down here and I will see you when I get there one of these days but until then I will miss you my friend!
Tracy
Deputy Tracy Traylor
Montgomery County Constable's Office Pct 1
July 17, 2011
My Goodness David. I cannot believe it been almost 8 years since you were called home. We sure miss and Love you brother. I often wonder what you would be doing now. I know you are still with us and keeping us safe from above. You are always in my thoughts and topic of many funny stories.
Your friend and Brother in law.
Craig
Senior patrolman, Craig Darlow
Harris County Sheriffs Office
July 11, 2011
Wow, before i had my baby i said to myself "i'm going to leave a reflection on uncle david's page THE DAY my baby is born", and ... lets just say after being in the hospital since 3am that morning, and finally delivering at 1:16pm the afternoon, i was not in the mood for the internet. Well what a coincidence as i was sitting here looking at my beautiful Joi Harmoni Woods, she started gazing up at the wall and grinning... i've always heard that babies can see angels when they are so little, so of course, who else would i think of but you (my favorite angel of them all)... I felt SO convicted, and thought to myself "man, i forgot to write to my uncle david when Joi was born!" well, what do you know, I looked at the clock and it was 2:07am, she was born 02/07/2011, funny, but maybe your way of showing me that you are still watching over us. Look down from heaven and see how beautiful your little niece is... I will never forget you, and think of you all the time. Love you always & forever.... ; )
adrianna "a.d."
your niece
February 21, 2011
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