Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It is always difficult saying goodbye to a Brother or Sister in Law Enforcement, and as a Department Chaplain, I am constantly looking for the right words to say or the right thing to do, which might provide comfort during these difficult times.

The best way to truly honor our fallen brothers & sisters is by carrying on in their names. This reminds me of a wonderful true story which was shared with me by Father Frank, during the funeral for Officer Hector Corral this past November.

A world famous and renowned Italian composer and conductor was working on what he felt would be his finest classical piece, when he was told that he was dying. He tried passionately to finish this masterpiece before death called his name, but unfortunately, he passed away before finishing the work.
He had left instructions, however, for his friends to finish the music for him after he died. His friends honored his request and finished the piece.
When the selection was being presented for the first time, his friend conducted to a full hall. When he reached the portion of the music where his friend had died, he abruptly stopped the orchestra and told the audience," It was at this point that our friend and Master composer lay down his pen. From this point on is where his friends picked up the Master's pen and finished his work for him." The conductor completed the classical piece and ended with loud applause from the audience and not a dry eye in the crowd.

It is for all of us to pick up our fallen Brother's pen and carry on his good work, strive for his high goals and lofty achievements. In this way we honor the life which was laid down and celebrate the life of this man. A man of integrity and courage, who set the bar high for each of us.
God Bless all the family and each brother & sister in Law Enforcement who is touched by Ricardo's story.
In His Name,
Chaplain Ron Carter

Senior Lead Officer & Chaplain Ron Carte
LAPD-Van Nuys Division

December 3, 2005

Officer Lizarraga
I happened to be at Holy Cross the day of your funeral and was overcome with emotion by the support of all your brothers and sisters from all the other police agencies. You were laid to rest close to a relative of mine and everytime I visit her I always make it a point to stop at your grave site,take a knee and say a quick prayer for you. Thank you for doing your best to protect us and my God watch over you.

Anonymous

December 3, 2005

Liz, I think about you often bro; you left a lasting impression on me; I am greatful for the time I got to know you, and the memories.

Sha
Class 09/01

December 3, 2005

Ricky we all miss you and will never forget you. I think about you often and am proud that I knew you. Continue to watch over your family at home and your LAPD family. You touched a lot of our lives and taught us not to take each other for granted. Continue to rest in peace...

Lt. G
LAPD/Central via NEWTON

November 29, 2005

I din't know you, but from listening to your classmates reflections, as well as your co-workers stories from Newton, I feel as though I have known you. I feel proud to have worn the same uniform as you. Go easy brother. Rest in peace.

P.O. II J.M.
LAPD

November 29, 2005

Dear Liz,
I only knew you briefly. I nagged you into playing basketball for the Newton basketball team. I visit this website almost on a daily basis and read the reflections others have left. I've never known what to write that would do you justice. I guess I just wanted to let you know that the Department, and especially your Newton family has not forgotten about you and your sacrifice. As I leave you this reflection on Thanksgiving, I have your picture, shirt and pin displayed in my office. I wish I had the opportunity to get to know you better. As you can tell by my scatter-brained writing, there are so many things to say. I'll just tell you that you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace brother.

13V2

Sgt. F. Banuelos
LAPD SW

November 24, 2005

Remembering you and your family. God bless.

D-1
LAPD

November 23, 2005

Bro, how are you man? Please do your best to help the family through our second holiday season without you. We know you're with us in another form but of course its not the same nor will it ever be the same.

I just read the last 2 reflections and must say Captain Lizarraga and Officer Saafir said it best; you've indeed set the standard for us all and everyone should definitely use your personality & character as a model to strive for and live by.

Missing you.

JORGE LIZARRAGA

November 22, 2005

From one "Liz" to another:
I just found this website today. I'll make sure I pass it on to everyone. I read everyone else's reflections and tried to decide whether to address this to you or Joyce, or your family or to eveyone else. I decided to address it to you.
Not a day goes by that I don't think about that day. Not a day goes by that I don't worry about losing another one of "my charges". Believe me, it's not fun. I said at the funeral that I was very proud to have my name linked to yours, and that pride grows every time some one approaches me and I have a chance to tell them about you. What kind of officer you were, but more importantly, what kind of man you were. You set the standard for all of us. And I for one, try and live up to that, and to your name.
All of us at Newton and the rest of the Department miss you and will never forget you.
Joyce and your brother, sisters and parents are doing okay, all things considered. And we will continue to check in on them.

Miss you Bro, continue to look over all of us from that OP in the sky.

Captain Fabian Lizarraga
Los Angeles Police Department

November 18, 2005

Officer Lizarraga I always will remember you hepling me while I was on probation at 77th. You listened to me when I needed someone to hear my voice. Honestly, I was happy when I saw you in the locker room because I knew I could vent and you would listen. You were one of the nicest people on the department. We did not just lose an officer we lost a community member, a caring person, and a friend. It is extremely hard to explain your character, or personalty in words. Trying to do so is doing you an injustice, but I felt obligated to tell the nation the kind of person you were. I truly believe that you touched many peoples lives and I was one of them. Thank you for being such a great person. I hope that everyone can learn to use your personality and the character you portrayed as a model.

Police Officer II Rasheed Saafir
LAPD

November 17, 2005

You fought the good fight, God bless you and your family

Phil

November 16, 2005

Little Brother, it's been almost two years now. I still remeber you at St. Augustine's and how proud Father Tony was of you. He married my wife and I as well. You were the best and always will be.

Sgt. Brown
LAPD Foothill

November 16, 2005

Thank you for being willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect me, and the rest of the citizens of our great city. You are still in our thoughts, and your family is in our prayers.

PSR III J. M.
LAPD

November 16, 2005

Hello Lizzy, well I can see why you got along so well w/ B.G. I remember the funny stories that you would tell me about him. We have become friends and we talk about you often. Stay up Bro! Love you and miss you.

13Z11
LAPD

October 25, 2005

Hey Liz - I saw that no one has written to you in a while. I've been thinking of you a lot lately. I wish you were here so that we could have lunch and catch up on everything that has been happening - I have so much to tell you. We were talking about you today and remembering the academy days. Everybody misses you Liz - take care of yourself up there and keep watching our backs.

Class 09/01
LAPD

October 5, 2005

Rest in peace brother.

Police Officer
Denver Police Department

August 21, 2005

I have known your family for over a decade. I know how close you all were, I see your mom often she smiles but there is emptiness in her eyes. She is an incredible woman, but you already know that. She dreams of you often and tells me about it. I love her dreams they are beautiful. Your brother loves you so much and never stops thinking about you, I hope you know that you have always been his role model and his hero. He tells me stories about you two when you were just kids, you know the things that only you and him know about, those were the good old days right? You are the one thing he is most proud of; proud of having you as a brother and best friend. Believe me he is still trying to impress you and make you proud. He's silly right? I tell him you ARE proud; so will you please tell him that? We all miss you, you are our hero.

August 18, 2005

No se ha ido del todo
Si aun podemos su risa evocar
Su carácter y su bondad

Si algo bueno ha dejado al pasar
Aunque hoy ya no esté más aquí...
No se ha ido del todo.

Dios lo ha recibido,
a sus brazos llegó
Hoy está descansando.
En la casa del Padre ha sido recibido,
Nada qué temer pues ya está en el cielo.

Ricardo nos ha dejado una luz,
Si su esfuerzo da frutos aún
No se ha ido del todo

Si al pensarlo nos hace vivir
Si una meta nos hace seguir
No se ha ido del todo.

Todo hombre se puede morir!!!
Quien ha sabido vivir,
No le teme a la muerte.

see you around...

Your older cousin
Jesus Sanchez

Jesus Sanchez

August 13, 2005

Liz - we had dinner the other night at the spot we all used to meet at. It was the first time we have been able to go back. No one wanted to mention your name, but believe me, you were all we were thinking about. Sometimes when I am at work I see your picture up, at property division, at Parker Center, and I want to scream - "You didn't know him, you didn't know what an amazing person he was!" I can't believe it still hurts this much a year and a half later. I saw Joyce recently - she looks beautiful! You can see the sadness in her eyes though, I guess maybe we all have that, everyone that knew you and loved you. I haven't taken your memorial bracelet off in months - I look at it and think about you everytime my partner and I pull out of the station. I know you are laughing and joking with everyone up in heaven, and giving everyone tips on good places to eat - that was your specialty. I miss you LIZ.

Class 9/01
LAPD

August 9, 2005

hey liz.. I JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW I DONT STOP THINKING ABOUT YOU! EVERY DAY ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD AND ON THE STREETS. YOU WILL ALWAYS LIVE ON ..IN MY LIFE AND IN MY KIDS LIVES . I HAVE YOUR PIC ON MY FRIG AND MY KIDS KNOW WHAT YOU DID FOR ALL OF US. I KNOW YOU HAVE MY BACK. YOUR MY BROTHER AND TEAMMATE..

p-2 mikee MC
lapd

July 31, 2005

Just wanted to thank you for the ultimate sacrafice you have made not only for your State and City, but for all of America and law enforcement. Your work impacts the safety throughout our nation, and you will never be forgotten! Thank you...

Trooper Dubinsky
Florida Highway Patrol

June 29, 2005

Hello Lizzy, You brought us all together again during Police Memorial Week. I know that you had a special plan and it all came together. You know what I'm talking about and I thank you for that. We will all be closer beacause of it. Stay up Bro!!

13Z11
LAPD

May 17, 2005

I would just like that you will always be apart of us Rick and you showed everyone that you loved what you did and would never have changed it for the world. you alays made me laugh and always helped me when i needed it. thanks Bro I will misss you and I will see you someday in heaven!

Former LAPD OFFICER now sheriffs deputy

April 20, 2005

thank you for all your service and all of us in the trenches will miss you dearly

P-2
lapd

April 12, 2005

You will not be forgotten, my brother in blue.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
I ride in honor of you.

"We ride for those who died"
Police Unity Tour 2005
Chapter IV - Virginia

Police Officer D.F. Paniza
Virginia Beach Police Department

April 5, 2005