Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My cousin Frank Cantu, Jr. god bless your precious soul. There's not a day that goes by I do not think of you and your sister. Us growing up here in boring Sacramento now putting a smile on my face. I have so many fond memories of us. Those memories wake me up every day and keeps me moving. Continue to rest in peace and look over us, your community in Houston, and more importantly your family.

Karri Velasquez
Karri Velasquez, 1st Cousin

May 30, 2024

Officer Cantu,
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 Houston. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

March 25, 2024

I went to high school in Sacramento California with Officer Cantu. I met with him during a Sacramento Kings basketball game in the 90s. He invited to move to Houston to become an officer with the department. My condolences to his family. I am a Forensic Counselor having worked with the Virginia Departments of Juvenile Justice & Corrections. I am now working as a psychologist with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services working with court-ordered patients for Restoration. Rest in peace Frank.

Counselor Frank Carrillo
Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services

July 13, 2023

Rest in peace Officer Cantu.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 16, 2020

Sleep in heavenly peace

Mark Mottola

March 25, 2020

I find myself thinking of you on this anniversary, and praying that your family is at peace.

With appreciation for your service and sacrifice.

Cheryl Murray
Houston Police Department

March 25, 2019

Rest in Peace Frank. I pray for Peace for your Family, Friends & Co-Workers. I also Pray that the hounds of hell forever pursue the drunk that took your life! Amen.

Sr. Special Agent B.L. Sherwood
Port Terminal Railroad Police

March 25, 2016

Frank was may partner for several years during the 80's. Never a dull moment when he was around. I still miss his humor.

Sr. Police Officer
Houston Police Department

January 21, 2014

Heroes live forever, Officer Cantu, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of Houston and the great State of Texas.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

March 25, 2013

R. I. P. Sir.........godspeed to your family and friends....you will always be remembered......

K Brooks
Houston police

April 20, 2012

Rest in peace Officer Cantu. Your service and sacrifice to the citizens of Houston and the great State of Texas is not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

March 25, 2012

Holiday season is almost here. I've been in the desert since July 2004, I look up at the stars and think of you, especially when I'm sad and lonely. I always talk about you really miss you.
Love you,
Sonya

Sonya Porras
Camp Arifjan, Kuwait

November 22, 2011

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 25, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the fifth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

In reading the loving reflections, especially from Philip, I felt like I got to know the amazing person you were. You are loved and missed by so many, and had a profound impact on many lives. Death ends a life, not a relationship and it is obvious you are in the hearts and souls of those who call you beloved.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 25, 2009

Frank,
I see your face everyday when I walk into the station..I know you are there keeping us safe and watching over us...I will see ya again my friend..but until then I miss ya alot...Take care ANGEL..

SPO JF Smith
HPD

May 18, 2008

It's been a little over four years already. I miss you so much. I haven't seen you since I was a little girl but I'm sure you've watched as I've grown up. Always in my thoughts & prayers.

Megan Hernandez

April 17, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 25, 2008

"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

February 13, 2008

I miss you buddy. Thanks for the fun times when you visited me here in Costa Rica. I will never forget you. My love goes to your soul and to your family and friends whom I never met but feel honored to share your happy memories with. Thanks for always being yourself.

Jason Ugalde
friend

February 26, 2007

Ofc. Cantu Jr. I did not know you and I was still griefing over my brother's death, but what are the chances of me working with your cousin after this tragic accident had happen to you. Silence fell between both of us as we reflected on both of you and my brother. There are no words that I can say to lessen the pain felt by all. May your family,friends,co-workers and others that know this hurt and void in our lifes everyday be as a reminder to us all that we will be able to be together again one day with each other in heaven. I know you probably are coaching a football team in heaven Called the "Blue Line Angels" against the ones that are Called "Gate Climbers" and we all know that team "Gate Climbers" and it's players have no where to run or hide now. R.I.P Rejoicing In Paradise!

Deeply Sadden,
Charlie's sis, Lora
Ofc. Charles Clark
E.O.W 4-03-03

January 29, 2007

Frankie, I miss you bro. I miss fishing with you, I miss going to the movies, I miss the high school football games, I miss trying to out cook each other, I miss messing about with plants, I miss getting drunk and going out to eat really shitty food, I miss hanging out and playing video games, I miss hockey games, baseball games, playing pool. Damn, you were my best friend; I miss you bro.

Philip Cantu

December 9, 2006

Its been almost 3 years since u have been gone.I still remember u very clear.U always made me laugh.I miss seeing your smiling happy face when u used to work security at my job.Iwill always keep u in my thoughts and prayers.I know u r resting in peace in heaven.I know that is where u r because u were always an angel.Shelly misses u 2.

DALIA CASTRO
FRIEND

November 17, 2006

As the second anniversary of your senseless death nears, please know that your dedication and sacrifice have not been forrotten. Heroes live forever...

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

March 24, 2006

As the second anniversary of your death approaches, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Another senseless act by a drunk driver has left your family to live with the pain of losing you for the rest of their lives. I am sorry that they must walk this journey.
You will not be forgotten, Officer Cantu. Heroes live forever.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04

March 20, 2006

Almost 2 years ago you were called away from duty. Your loss did not have to happen. It took one individual with no regard for others to bring all this pain and suffering onto your family and others close to you. I hope that your department supports your family through this ordeal and is there for them. Keep watch over your family and wrap your wings around them to help ease some of their grief. They will never forget you, nor will the Blue Family ever forget you.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

February 5, 2006