Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

On this day, 1 year ago, 6/14/2004, they officially ended your watch. You left us that day, but only your body, not your spirit or your soul.

Your spirit lives on in all of us that knew you, either from birth or even recent friendships. You touched all of us in separate and special ways, and your memory is always with us. God is lucky to have you, because we wanted you here beside us, to give us more memories and more of those special moments that people never forget.

You will never leave our hearts, even back here in New Bedford, your pictures are everywhere, all over our homes, on our computers, in our wallets, in our photo albums, every news item and clipping from the papers are saved, because we need to have this, not because we dont remember you, but because we do remember everything.

We love and miss you, Mike

Love Aunt Joan

Joan Felix
Aunt

June 15, 2005

Deputy Arruda,
I remember my heart sinking one year ago today as I read the details of your incident. Your face has become so familiar to me because I visited this site every day for months. Although we never met, I can see the kind and gracious man you were by reading the reflections left by your loved ones. Today I salute you Mike...Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.

To the members of LACS,
Contrary to popular belief, time does not heal these wounds. I am certain that your pain today is immeasurable as the shock has begun to wear off. Stand tall, hold your heads high as you remember and honor your fallen comrade. Your guardian angel will guide you and protect you every step of the way.

God Bless

Friend of Mark Sawyers EOW 6-5-04
Sterling Heights PD (Michigan)

June 15, 2005

One year ago today we lost you when you ceased your valiant fight for life. The station hasn't been the same since. Today everyone's in Class A uniform with tie, flowers have been laid at your memorial picture, and we'll lower the flag in front of the station one last time. Many of us will converge on the cemetery throughout the day.

One year. A very long year. A very short year.

Rest in peace, Mike. We love you, we miss you, we honor you. You remain in our hearts and will forever be hour hero.

Industry Sheriff's Station
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

June 15, 2005

What a terrible tragedy that took place one year ago. May you help your family and loved ones through the day on the Wednesday. Thank you for helping out the community and doing your job by making it a safer place to live.

June 14, 2005

Mikey,
It was on this day one year ago that evil struck at a Motel 6 in Haciendo Heights, California. Even though you died six days later, it was truly this day you were taken from us. I can't understand why God chose to take such a vital, loving and loved person from this earth. There is no answer to this. We love and miss you every single day and our hearts are broken. I really hope there is a heaven and that it is as beautiful as we've been told because I like to think of you up there as a guardian angel to all of us.
Michael is a great kid but you already knew that. I hope to visit him one of these days and spend some time with him and Marisol.
I hope you are at peace Mikey.

Love,
Auntie Carol

Officer Carol O'Shea
New Bedford Massachusetts Police Dept

June 9, 2005

A year ago today you took that bullet that ended your life six days later. We're flying a special American flag here at the station that flew over March AFB and was given to the City of Industry by an Air Force General. The flag will fly at half staff for six days to symbolize your six-day valiant fight for life. Many people are going to the cemetery today - many more will go on the 15th. You would have been proud of your station at the Memorial ceremony at STARS Center. Over 150 of your friends and co-workers from the station alone attended, followed by a memorial luncheon and the hanging of your wonderful portrait in a beautiful encasement in the hall.

It's been a hard year, Mikey. We miss you terribly and remember you fondly.

June 9, 2005

Hi Mike,
Well the time is upon us when we pause to remember and reflect on your dedication and sacrafice in the service to the nation. You will never be forgotten. Your son is a wonderful young man and Marisol will never let him forget you. He is the tie that forever connects you. Also I wanted you to know that his step-father, Alex, is a great guy who will always make sure that Michael remembers the great dad you were. Being a Navy supporter I wanted to make sure that your service in the Navy would not be forgotten. Over the last 8 months I have arranged for Mikey to receive a number of momentos from the USS Belleau Wood to honor your service aboard the ship. He has a US Flag flow in your honor during their last deployment, certificates and other items from the CO and lastly on May 20th Michael was among the special guests of the command master chief during a one day family cruise. Michael will now have the experiance of being on "your" ship to remember you by. God Bless you and may you rest in peace.

Virgil Weber, Sergeant
Glendora Police Department

June 3, 2005

On this Memorial Day weekend, I have thought about you, and how much we all miss you. Even though we lived apart for many years, I have seen your reflection in your dad. And I know, not a day goes by without him thinking about you and wishing he could watch the red sox games with you, or go fishing with you.

Honoring you at this time, you are truly a hero and always will be in my heart........god love you

Aunt Joan

Joan Felix
Aunt

May 31, 2005

On this Memorial Day, I would like to take this time to reflect on this special person. Last year was a very difficult time for my family as we lost Mike. So much time had passed in between as we grew up and had lives of our own. But I will never forget those times spent with my cousin Mikey. Together in our feet pajamas, playing cards, watching hockey, etc. I look at pictures of us growing up and our resemblance was uncanny. From behind nobody could tell us apart. We both grew up. Moved on. Went into the military. Kept in touch while you were on the ship and I stationed in Korea. We lost touch for some years but that will never take away those special memories I have of you. I was extremely honored to be at your bedside, holding your hand, letting you know I was there before you passed on. I was extremely honored to have been a part of and to have witnessed such a wonderful service to you before that day thay lay you down to rest forever. I was extremely honored to be treated with respect by your fellow deputies at Industry Station as they told us about you, reflected upon you and those times with you with tears in their eyes. I AM extremely honored to be your cousin. To know what a wonderful, kind, honest and caring man you became. I miss you. The family misses you. WE LOVE YOU!!

Deanna Medeiros, cousin

Deanna Medeiros

May 27, 2005

Deputy Arruda,

I didn't have the pleasure of knowing you but did get to meet Marisol and your son in Washington DC. We, too, lost a former spouse and father. Although our families didn't know each other before, we have alot in common. We both lost heroes who were doing what they loved, serving others and keeping our communities safe.

I wish your family peace. I know that you loved them and would want what's best. I will pray for you and for the family that you left behind. They are good people and I know that Marisol will do her best to honor you in bringing up your son.

Kelly Gunsell
Former spouse of John Gunsell

May 19, 2005

Mikey,
I saw your day yesterday,,, he was at my mom's house as he usually is every Sunday... just like when we were kids...
We got on the subject of Cassidy's first communion,,, he said that when the children were walking down the aisle,,, all he could see was "you"... It breaks my heart so much to see him hurting the way he is... Your one year anniversary of your passing is coming up and I know it's going to be really tough for him,,, please help to give him the strength to get past it Mikey,,, watch over him and see how much he loved you and how proud he was of you...
BTW,,, I'm sure you are watching the Red Sox kick butt from Heaven,,, I really believe that you had something to do with it,,, : )
Way to go Red Sox!!!

We love and miss you Mikey... Please watch over your dad and your son...

Your cousin,,,

D. Arruda

May 16, 2005

HAPPY EASTER!

Felix
USMS

March 28, 2005

HAPPY EASTER MICHAEL

March 27, 2005

Mike,

It has been over 8 months, and a day does not pass that I/we don't think about you. Just to be able to call and see how you are doing, or to hear those crazy stories you would always tell. I had some of my own, but yours were always more interesting. The kids miss you as well, Jon wants to become Las Vegas Metro Officer, so he can chase people like you did, he is also starting a workout program. You never could get me to workout, but you got Jon, and I know he'll be better for it.
I received a photo of your baby girl she looks just like you, I know you'll look over her.

We all miss you very much,

Rest easy.

Felix, Bette, Jon, Ana

Felix
U.S. Marshals

March 9, 2005

MIkey,
This past January my daughter and I made a special trip to California. We wanted to get to know your beautiful son and spend some time with him at Disney... Well you and Marisol did a wonderful job at raising him. He is an extraordinary young man, pleasant, and always smiling,,, just like you...
We dined at the Rainforest Cafe and Tabitha and Michael took pictures together. We also went to Build-A-Bear Workshop where the two of them spent special time together building their own personalized bears... I made extra copies of pictures of the two of them together for your dad,,, He was so happy that he had yet another thing to add to his collection of memories of you...
I also talked lil Mike into going on the Hollywood Tower of Terror,,, although he has been on it many times before he still had the jitters but was a trooper... We had a blast... I'm sure you were looking down on all of us and smiling,,, it was a memory that will stay with us forever...
Your cousin,
Dionne Arruda

Dionne Arruda

March 1, 2005

Sherriff Arruda,

My heart goes out to your family and your fiancee. I know to well the pain they must be feeling.

I lost my fiancee Scott Stewart August 11 of 2002. I am also an officer for the same department. Lidia I understand all the emotions you must be feeling. Not only did you lose your best-friend and love, but you also lost a brother in Blue. Scott died doing what he loved. Maybe they're in heaven sharing cop stories.

I also wish I could have been able to marry my love. Scott used to say the same thing to me about being Mrs. Stewart. A lot of what you wrote brought tears to my eyes.

I believe that our love one never really leave us....we just cannot see them. They live on in our hearts. Mike will always be with you. Just like I know Scott will always be with me.

If you need to talk contact me. I'm sure mi-cops will put you in touch with me.

Take Care,
Monica Verdusco
Fiancee Scott Stewart EOW 8-11-02 Detroit

February 9, 2005

My Dearest Son Michael
It's been seven months since you've gone and I grieve for you everyday. But I know you are helping cope, because I have the best memories of you and it just makes me happy when I think about them. I know your around watching over us because the Red Sox wouldn't have won the world series and the Patriots wouldn't have won the Super bowl for a third time. The holidays were a very hard time for me, but you helped me get through them. You have two beautiful children. Mike keeps in contact with me. and he calls me Portuguese just like you did. Your daughter is beautiful and she looks like you. I miss you so much Mikey, Please watch over our family. I love you so much. Your loving father Rick Arruda

Rick Arruda Mike's father

February 8, 2005

my heart goes out especially to michael's fiancee. i lost my one and only a little over a year and a half ago. please know that you are not alone in this world. i'm sure that michael is watching over you from above. maybe he has become friends with cole and they are continuing to give us both the strength to make it through just another day. God bless you and your precious baby. hold her tight and don't ever let go! you have been so blessed. if you ever need an ear to listen, please don't hesitate to leave a message for me on my fiancee's reflection page. you will both be in my prayers.

much love,
Jessi Garger
Fiancee of P.O. Cole Martin E.O.W. 4/25/03

Jessi Garger

January 18, 2005

Dear, Mike

It has been 6 1/2 months since you left me. This is the first time I've been able to write to you. The pain I feel in my heart is unbearable. I cry myself to sleep every night thinking of you. Nightmares of the night you were shot keep haunting me. I can't get that initial call from the station out of my mind and I keep hearing the radio traffic from the night of the shooting. I pray to God that he gives me the string to go on every morning.

Honey, what we had was so precious and healthy. From the day we met, we did everything together. We sat in the living room and watched sports, we played softball, we worked out, went on vacation, went out dancing and planned our future together. These were the best times of our lives. In that planning, you told me how much you wanted a little girl. We followed our dream and accomplished it.

We were so excited about having a little girl. When the doctor told us it was a girl, we both cried of joy and could not wait to tell our family. You wanted to name her Savanna Violet Arruda, after your meme. Honey, your wish came true.

Savanna, was born August 24th, 2004 at 0651 hours. She weighed 8lbs and was 19 1/2 inches long. She is a perfect healthy and happy baby. She looks just liker her daddy. She has a full head of jet black hair, has your nose, lips eyebrows and eye color. You should see her feet. They are exactly your feet on her. Her toes are identical to yours. Everyday that I look at her, I see you. Everyone that has met her, says that she looks just like you. When your mom and sister saw her for the first time, they cried so much and your mom expressed to me that you looked exactly like Savanna when you were born. She could not stop holding her and kissing her.

Savanna is now 4 1/2 months and is a great baby. At 3 months she started to sleep through the night. At times I catch her smiling at the ceiling and in her own language talking. I know you are there and she can see you. I tell her about you everyday and I show her your picture. She will know what a wonderful man you were and how excited you were to be her daddy. We watch our family videos and I tell her who you are. She likes to watch them and laughs.

Honey, Thank you for the beautiful memories and most important, for blessing me with OUR BEAUTIFUL SAVANNA. All the plans we had for her, I promise you that I will make them come true. I will raise her the way you would want her to be raised. In a healthy, happy and loving environment just like you and I shared together everyday.

I'm deeply sad that our wish of getting married before the baby was born, did not happen. I know how much you wanted me to be Mrs. Arruda. Honey, I am going to become Mrs. Arruda and your name will be remembered everyday in our hearts and the department will not forget who you were. They will hear your name everyday and this beautiful home we built together will be the "Arruda residence".

Love always, your best friend and the love of your life, your babe.

SERGEANT LIDIA SILVA, THE LOVE OF YOUR L
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT

January 5, 2005

Michael,

You're in our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers this first Christmas without you. We miss you.

Love,
Aunt Carol

Officer Carol O'Shea
New Bedford Massachusetts Police Dept

December 25, 2004

Mike,
You must be SO PROUD of your son. I just read the essay from your son. I can only hope that I am half the father you are. I know that you will never leave your son. I know that your spirit will continue to guide the young man he is and will be.
For more that being a HERO, Thank you for being a Dad. Your son is an exceptional person because of you.

I will pray for you and your family daily.
Thank you.

Fellow LEO

December 18, 2004

Mike, I just read your son's essay and i was overwhelmed. I am sure you are very proud of what he has done, he is a wonderful child. You have left behind a mirror of yourself in this wonderful boy. I know you and Marisol, both contributed to his well behaved and extraordinary ways. Of course, we all know you were loved by many, but your son gave you such a wonderful tribute, any father would be proud of him.

Your love for your son made you the man you became, and we will always remember that about you.

And to young Mikey, I am proud of you also, because I know every word came from within your heart. You are a remarkable boy, and some day I hope to spend some time with you.

Always in my thoughts
Auntie Joan

Joan Felix
Michael's Aunt

December 13, 2004

Hi Mikey,

Just thought you would enjoy your son's 1st place winning essay. There wasn't a dry eye in the house and he did an excellent job of honoring you. I know you're proud and I couldn't be anymore grateful to you for the gift you left me, OUR SON.

A Different Kind of Hero
By: Michael Edward Arruda

I always thought of him as a hero, but now everyone does. He was a great man and he did great things and some not so great, but never the less he was cool to me. We would always go to amusement parks and have lots of fun. When I would go off-track, he and I would stay up real late watching movies. We would go fishing, swimming, hunting and hiking.

It was so much fun to hang out with him. He always knew how to make me laugh and smile. His life was very fascinating to me because of all of his different occupations he had. The very first job he had was the U.S. Navy. There, in the Navy, he went to a variety of places like Japan, Mexico, Panama, Australia and the Philippines.

His second and final job was becoming an LA County Deputy in 1991. There he made lots of friends. Everyday after work he would tell me crazy stories about what had happened at work that day, from crazy car chases to funny arrests. He was a great deputy and the fastest. He could chase anyone anywhere. At his station they put up posters of upcoming events like fairs and marathons. He would usually sign up for the marathons to keep kids off drugs. In many ways that makes him a hero, but that is not what I thought made him a hero.

Earlier this June I had made him a card and bought him a baseball that had his favorite team on it, the BOSTON RED SOX at FENWAY PARK. I just knew he would love it. After I went to bed that night, I woke up around 12:00 midnight to hear nothing but the sound of knocking on the door and the doorbell ringing. I went down my stairs to find out what was wrong. I opened the door to see two Corona Police Sergeants looking for my mom and me. When my mom came downstairs, they tell us that he, my DAD has been involved in an accident. Me and my mom, scared, run upstairs to get dressed. When we had finished, we were taken to a helicopter where they airlifted us to the hospital my dad was at. At the hospital we were taken to a room where they told us my dad has been shot and he had been dead until the doctors brought him back to life. Hearing this immediately made me cry, so my mom held me for a while until I said, I want to go to sleep. The people that wanted to help said they would pay for us to stay at a hotel. There we slept for a couple of hours and went back to the hospital when we awoke. At the hospital, the doctors told us that he had no brain activity so they would put him on life support until he could breathe on his own. We left.

At home, the doctors called and said that he went from 0% activity to 72% brain activity. I was so happy to hear the news that I decided to see him. When I saw him, he was still in a coma and when I started to talk to him, he tried to open his eyes but couldn’t. That’s when I stopped thinking of him as “my dad the greatest guy in the world,” and started thinking of him as “my dad, a hero.”

On June 15th 2004 he died. Everyone who knew him sees him as a hero who died trying to keep us safe and out of danger.

My dad was a “Different Kind of Hero.”

Marisol Rilloraza - Mike's Former Wife
Glendora Police Department

November 30, 2004

Mike,
May you rest in peace knowing you have left behind foot prints in the sand for your loved ones.

Marisol and Mikey,
I hope you can find strength in those footprints left behind. And I pray you are able to feel comfort in leaning on those who are willing and able in the times you are feeling weak.

Friend of Mike

November 8, 2004

Mikey,

Life is good and I know you know it. I'm sure you had a hand in keeping the Old Bambino busy - congratulations to you and your Red Sox! Your son jumped around and did a dance when they won and in the end knew in his heart of hearts you were right there with him to celebrate.

Well, he doesn't know it yet, but he won the Arts Contest for the school district. You were his inspiration and I can't wait until he receives his trophy. Yet one more tribute to you. Like I promised, you will always live on in Michael's heart. I will never let him forget you and your love.

Thank you for watching over him and keeping him safe.

Your friend always,

Marisol

Marisol Rilloraza, Mike's Former Wife
Glendora Police

November 5, 2004