Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Michael, I honor you. Thank you for protecting all of us . . . thank you for walking the path of the warrior. You will never be forgotten. I recently met a Lieutenant from the L.A.C.S.O., and he told me of this tragic incident. And finally, to the Deputy who accidently shot you, I would like to say that I know how fast a shooting occurs . . . I know all too well, and that's why I forgive you, and why I understand how such an accidental tragedy can occur. I feel confident when I say God forgives you . . . and "we" forgive you. I hope you can forgive yourself . . . and move ahead. Stay strong my brother.

With brotherly love and utmost respect, Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer.)

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

November 4, 2004

On 10-27-04 "The Curse" was broken - this one was for you Mikey....

Way to GO!

Dionne Arruda
Cousin of Deputy Sheriff Michael Arruda

October 30, 2004

Hey Mike,

You broke the curse, Your Reds did it.

Miss you much.

Felix Serrano
United States Marshals Service

October 28, 2004

Hey Mikey,
How 'bout those RED SOX! I know they did it just for you and you had a ringside seat. Love & miss you.

Auntie Carol

Officer Carol O'Shea
New Bedford Massachusetts Police Dept.l

October 28, 2004

Mikey:

Now we truly know you're sitting on the right hand of God - your beloved Red Sox won the World Series.

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

October 28, 2004

Hey Bro,

Just wanted to let you know I think of you often, I know you are in a better place, but I just wish we had more time.

I also wanted to say congrats on the Boston win, its been awhile since they've won. I just know you had a hand in that, because thats the only way they would have won. I know you had the best seat in the house.

Keep watching over us, we need all the help we can get down here.

Rest Easy,

Felix, Bette, Jon, Ana

Felix
United States Marshals Service

October 21, 2004

Hey Mikey,

It's been a while since I've had a the time to sit and write, but here it goes.

Michael will be 12 next month and I'm not looking forward to his state of emotions on that day. He still has so many difficult nights without you and I'm not sure I'm prepared to cope. I suppose I don't have to tell you-- you know.

Your family came out last month and spent time with Michael. He had a blast and he got to take his Meme to Grandparents Day. It was a treat I'm sure he will always savor. Your family was good to him and the mourning with those that cared for you the most meant the world to him. I believe the visit was a healthy one and I look forward to him spending more time with them.

Michael promoted to blue belt last month and is now a sempai (assistant teacher). He is really enjoying this new challenge in his life. The school district is sponsoring their annual Arts competition and this year's theme was, "A Special Kind of Hero." You're the inspiration for his works and I'm sure his story of a son's love for his "fallen" father will touch many hearts.

This is all for now. Rest in peace and know Michael is doing well.

Marisol Rilloraza - Mike's former wife
Glendora Police

October 13, 2004

We all come to this page because we are part of one big family - a family that loves together, prays together and grieves together.

God bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great nation.

Here is a special prayer for you:

Give eternal rest to them, O Lord,
Whose souls have taken flight.
And lead them to a better world
Where there is peace and light.
Grant them eternal freedom
From conflict, war, and care
And fulfill for them Thy prophecy,
There shall be no night there.

Pray for us from above. We love you and know we will meet someday. Thank you for your protection of us from both here and beyond.

Grandma & Grandpa Hinkle
Parents of a Deputy Sheriff

October 5, 2004

Mikey......she's beautiful. You will live on in her.

September 23, 2004

Rest in Peace Hero!

Police Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Dept.

September 14, 2004

Mike,
I met you one day in 2003 when I first started with this department. I was on a ride along with Scott and you were our sister car. I had so much fun with the two of you. You and Scott were two of the deputies that helped me decide that becoming a deputy was what I truly wanted for my life. Thank you for that. You were very serious about your job and I could tell you loved being in that radio car. Your accent was unmistakably thick and when I went back to work at SCC after the ride I loved holding Industry station just so I could hear your Boston accent over the radio! It brightened my night. You were truly a wonderful man and my heart goes out to your family and true friends who knew you well. I typed small messages to you for a year and a half while at work and wish I could have gotten to know you as a friend. You will be missed!

R.I.P. Arruda the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department will never forget you!

Melissa- Public Response Dispatcher
Los Angeles Sheriff's Department- SCC

September 8, 2004

On August 24, 2004 your beautiful daughter Savanna Violet Arruda was born. But I'm sure you were looking over her birth from heaven.

September 3, 2004

Deputy Arruda-
It seems like just yesterday that I heard the radio traffic on L-TAC about an Industry Deputy down... I still remember every detail about the next several hours I spent at the scene...the whole night was surreal, just like a nightmare you can't wake up from. I also remember the first time I heard your name...an Industry Deputy asked who got hit, and a Sgt. said, "It's Arruda..." I'm sorry that I never had the pleasure of knowing you--but you know how it is, LASD being such a huge department, and all. From everything I've heard about you and from what I saw at your funeral, I know you were a great guy and it was my loss for having never met you. That night was the first time I've gone to an Officer-down call, and it has left a definite impression on me...I recall that night quite often, and your family--especially your young son and new baby girl--are in my daily thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, Deputy Arruda, and know that your Brothers and Sisters at LASD and everyone else in your Law Enforcement Family will never forget you. Thank you for your service and sacrifice, Brother.

Deputy Sheriff
LASD, Century Station

August 27, 2004

rest in peace Deputy Arruda

skip roberson

August 18, 2004

Our prayers and thoughts are with you, your family, and friends. You will not be forgotten. God Bless.

Police Officer
Chicago Police Dept.

August 11, 2004

Rest in Peace.

Explorer Chris Chappell
United States Park Police

August 3, 2004

Mikey,
I still can't believe you're gone. I remember the Sunday's when you and your dad would come over for our weekly "Sunday dinners" and how you and your dad would watch sports with my mom while my sister's and I would put pretty bows and barrettes in your hair. You were so cute, you let us do whatever we wanted, you've always been so easygoing... we had so much fun with you... I also remember going to everyone of your baseball games at Clegg Field, your dad would pick us girls up in his big, blue station wagon and off we went to watch you play the sport you loved so much... You were so good at sports,,, actually, you were so good at everything... Uncle Rick did a wonderful job at raising you... You are truly an Arruda,,, loving and easy going just like your dad...It breaks my heart to see him suffering so... i've never seen such a strong bond between a father and his son... He misses you terribly Mikey, he wears a t-shirt with a picture of you and him together all the time... He aches for you so much... I remember when you came down two summers ago and he was so proud to introduce you to grandma's friends... You were so well groomed and it was obviousl you took great pride in yourself... When I went to see you in CA before they pronounced you, I touched your face, held your hand, and ran my fingers through your hair,,, as a nurse i knew that would be the last time i would have to see and feel you for the last time... So many memories came back that morning of our happy childhood together, things I will never forget and memories I will cherish forever... You made us all so proud, the stories your "brothers" told us about you were fascinating... It was obvious you had a strong passion for your job and you were well respected by your peers...

My heart goes out to Uncle ricky, your fellow officers, and most of all, little Mikey who lost a wonderful father at such a young age... Although you've guided him until your passing I'm glad he has a positive male role model in his life to help guide from this moment on as you would have continued to do...

I know that you accepted Christ as your Savior and that you are now in Heaven looking down and smiling,,, be proud MIkey,,, you've achieved and accomplished so much,,, you reached all your goals you set out to do and now you can rest in peace, my dear cousin...

Mikey, please look after your dad and your son,,, they're hurting so much and miss you with all their heats... You've touched more lives than many will ever... And as the wizard of Oz said,,, "The Heart is not Determined by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others"...

Rest in peace my dear cousin...

Dionne Arruda
Cousin of Deputy Michael Arruda

August 1, 2004

To my beloved son Mike, your birthday has come and gone and it was the hardest day of my life to get through. I still expect you to call me after a Red Sox game so we can talk to each other about it. I still can't believe your gone. I cry every night for you. I felt so proud as you went through your life living and doing the same things I did. Until you became a deputy sheriff. Then I became even more proud of you. You always knew who you were and what you wanted to do. That's why you became the great man you've become. I feel so empty inside, now that your gone. I miss hearing your voice on my answering machine, saying Hey Portuguese
it's me Mike. I wish I could hear it one more time. I miss you dearly, and I love you so much my son. your loving father Rick ARRUDA

Father of Mike Arruda

July 30, 2004

Tribute to a Deputy Sheriff

There are those who are born to lead the way.
Their life on the line they put every day.
To right the wrong, to protect the weak,
To provide the safety that we all seek.
Their goal is one, their job the same,
And Deputy Sheriff precedes their name.

In black and whites they patrol our streets.
In green and tan they walk their beats.
From the hills of San Dimas in SUVs,
Guiding boats through the Marina's deep blue seas.
Whether by motorcycle, plane, or foot they patrol,
24/7 they are ready to roll.

For some their days are spent behind steel bars,
And others spend hours on the streets in cars.
Their days are long, their nights are rough,
To do this job they must be tough.
The things they see, the things they do,
Make life better for me and you.

But should it happen that one day one falls,
And their name is placed on the Memorial Wall,
Know this as they walk through that door,
They go to join those who have gone before.
A mighty crowd looking down from above,
With angels singing they are greeted with love.
Their heroic deeds we will speak of out loud,
Forever and ever of them we'll be proud.
And should a family behind they leave,
We will never allow them alone to grieve.
We will always be there to share their pain,
Part of LASD's family they will always remain.

Remember this, they will live on,
Because of our memories, they will never be gone.
Though their face or body we can no longer see,
In our hearts and minds they will forever be
A Hero for Eternity!

A Friend
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

July 29, 2004

Mikey:

Now that almost two months have passed and I've gotten over the initial shock and horror of your death, and the adrenalin I've lived on to get me through those first few weeks has run out, I'm able to take a deep breath and reflect on the Mike Arruda I knew.

I'm so sorry to say that I know more about you in death than I ever did in life and it appears I missed out on really knowing a truly remarkable young man.

You were truly blessed to have an extended family who loved you so much and friends who cherished your friendship like no other. I have never heard a bad word about you.

I remember someone walking the halls, always with a smile on his face. Always polite - forever the gentleman, even when hookin' and bookin'.

Mike, you left a huge impression on the lives of those you touched. And although we all desperately wish it had never happened, it matters not how long you were here, it matters more what you did while you were here.

I wept for you, I wept for your family, I wept for Ryan. I wept for all those who left us too soon and those they left behind. I held your mother in my arms and cried for all mothers who had lost a child.

So rest in peace, Mikey. We'll take it from here. We'll wrap our arms around Ryan and let him know you would want him to go on.

Rest in peace, Deputy Mike Arruda.

Industry Station
Los Angeles County Sheriff

July 29, 2004

Michael,
Has I'm once again on the computer my thoughts are with you thinking about you.. seems the time has passed so quickly since this terriable news came about to all of us, Your birthday has passed and a Candle was lit with your photo near by, Has I read more and more reflections of Love and Prayers from all it only shows that there was alot of love shared through you and within you.. This is a comfort to me to know there is a sight to see your photo and also write what we are feeling has time passes us all in missing you.. God Bless you Sweetie and have a peaceful journey.. Sure miss sending you the E-mail letters and jokes and hearing about you and Lydia and the little one soon to come into the world, Night Mike
Love you more and most Kid

Linda

July 28, 2004

Mike,

So many times I've come to this site and left you a reflection, many words from the heart, but then I've not been able to send it. The pain of having lost my friend so early in life is an unbearable one at times. I only thank God in heaven I have our son to remind me of you and the good person you were.

Michael thinks of you all the time and the nights are especially difficult. He cries and wishes he could kiss or hug you one more time. He remembers all the times the two of you played golf together and went fishing; he longs for one more moment with you. As I write this reflection, I cry at the thought of having to raise Michael without your influence. Although we were apart, you were very much a part of our lives. It should be known to all, you were even a part of my new family. Alex respected and accepted you as an extension of his "new" son. We all knew you were a wonderful and loving father to your son.

Mike, it's strange to me that our lives have come to this. You and I spoke of death so many times, (probably more than most would consider normal), but for some odd reason you always seemed to have such a grasp on death's reality. Mike, it's as though you knew your day would come too soon. Mike, your day did come too soon.

On the day our son was born, we promised we'd be the best parents ever. We were so commited to him and we knew he felt our love. When he was put in intensive care we cried over his crib and prayed to God he wouldn't take him from us. God spared him and we were blessed. On June 12th, it was Michael's turn to stand over your bed in intensive care and pray God wouldn't take you from him. His prayers may not have been answered in the way he would have wanted, but nonetheless he knows he's blessed. Michael knows you're eternally with him now and he can feel your presence all around him.

The white butterfly has become a symbol of your presence in his life. Whenever there is a white butterfly in the air he stops and says a little something about you. It's really very cute how he feels your presence at the very moment a white butterfly flutters in the area. I'm sure you too smile at your child's simple thoughts and I'm sure you're both smiling at the same time.

Mike, I'm going to say goodbye for now, but let me end with this... rest assured Michael will always be cared for. Alex and I are commited to honoring your memory through your son's love. Michael will grow in your love. He will know who you were and where you came from. He will know your father Rick whom you loved and respected so very much, and he will know the rest of his extended family as well. He will grow to be a strong, intelligent and loving young man... he will grow to be a reflection of you, his loving father. I promise, he will make you proud.

Rest in peace my friend. You will be loved for all eternity.

Marisol

Marisol Rilloraza - Mike's Former Wife
Glendora Police Department

July 27, 2004

Mikey,
It has now been a little over a month since the tragic night that you were taken from us. Your beautiful smile and wonderful laugh will always forever be etched in the minds of all of us who had the privledge to know and work with you everyday. Your memory will forever live on in our hearts. Rest in peace my friend, I will never forget you.
"Blessed are the Peacekeepers"

Lynda - Patrol Secretary
Los Angeles County Sheriff

July 24, 2004

BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE: Mike you would have been 36 today. How time flies. I will always remember you as the little boy following his Dad everywhere and copying what he did. Dad and I recently reminisced over pictures of you. There you were always smiling and most always with Dad. There was the picture of you and Dad with shaving cream on your faces about to shave although you were probably only 6 or 7. Then the numerous pictures of you and Dad fishing. I will remember the little boy who jumped off the porch without giving Dad any notice to catch you and you fell and broke your leg or the time when you played Little League and got hit in the face with the ball. Even though your face was all bloody you were a trooper and continued to play baseball. There were pictures of your high school graduation and prom and also of when you were in the Navy. You were always happy and laughing. Most of all you were always a good kid and made your parents proud. You grew up on the East Coast but became a man on the West Coast. I didn't know the man as well as I knew the boy but you'll always be in my heart and I love you.

Auntie Carol

Officer Carol O'Shea
New Bedford Massachusetts Police Dept.l

July 21, 2004

I did not know Mike but I do know his Aunt Carol O'Shea who is also a police officer. She speaks very highly of Mike and from what I see of the other postings, he was not just a great person but also an outstanding officer. It always hurts to learn of the loss of any brother officer. My heart goes out to Mike's family, friends, and his brother officers. God Bless you all.

Captain Antonio Soares
New Bedford Massachusetts Police Dept

July 16, 2004