Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mike,

Today makes one month since God called you to him. I look at your pictures and still can't believe your gone and we'll never hear that wonderful, infectious laugh of yours. I know your at peace now in Heaven and you know we all miss you so much. It still doesn't seem real.

Love,
Aunt Carol

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

July 15, 2004

I cannot add to the personal reflections, like several I did not meet Deputy Sheriff Michael R. Arruda. I am an attorney who was looking up a record on an inmate and saw his picture and the note killed in action. Something caused me to look. I have just been sitting here reading his biography, the words from his family and friends. Not that death is kind to anyone, but to lose such a fine officer, to be lossed to his family, new daughter on the way, his fellow officers, the community, well, the whole thing is just extremely sobering. From his bio, I can't imagine a person much more dedicated to his profession, family, everything else. I just hope that all those close to him, involved in his death, those who knew him and knew of him will have the pain of his loss replaced with the inspiration of his example and the faith he is still with them. I did not know Deputy Sheriff Michael R. Arruda, but his example and life is certainly inspiring to me and humbling.

Attorney
Private Practice

July 15, 2004

Truly a tragic accident. Although I did not know you personally, I have heard stories of your courage and honor from other members of our mutual family.

God bless you for your service and sacrifice. You are a hero. My prayers go out to your family and friends during this tough time.

And to the other deputy involved. Be strong brother... and God bless.

Officer
Tustin PD

July 7, 2004

I did not know you like many of the other members of our LASD family. I listened over the radio the night of the incident....saying prayers for you as I learned they had taken you off to hospital. Everyday asking others to hear some good news of your recovery. Until I saw your picture on our website I reconized you from a training I had just attended a while back. Just knowing you that one day of traning I learned a small amount of what you are to so many people. I too have lost two important family in my life over the short period of the past 9 months,one of them just one week before you past. To your family and your friends I can only say...to keep the good thoughts and the love they have for you alive in their hearts and minds for ever. You will watch over them from above. Rest in peace now Deputy Arruda

SO-ALONZO
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

July 6, 2004

Dear Mike,

My brother, I will miss you more than words can ever say.

I still can't believe all of this. We go through life thinking we have all this time. It seems like just yesterday you and I had met for the first time in A-School. Where did the 18+ years go. All whos life you touched are better people because of it. We will carry you in our hearts forever. To your family, I will always be here for them, I am just a phone call away.

Rest easy Mike, we'll take it from here, watch over us as I know you will. No matter what situation I may get myself into, I know you'll be there to back me up.

We Love you, and will miss you very much.

Felix, Bette, Jonathan Michael,Ana.

Felix Serrano Deputy U.S. Marshal
United States Marshals Service

July 3, 2004

Dear Michael,
A true Hero you are and were in many of our lifes from the time you were a small young man up until the day God said he needed you in Heaven.. You will remain in Our Hearts and in Our Thoughts with the memories we shared with you and your family you will be so missed down here on earth but we know that your watching over us and there will come a day we will all be together once again. Your were a Wonderful Person,Deputy,and Parent and Yes you were a # 1 Hero ..
Watch over us Michael until we meet again.
Your East and West Coast Friends Linda and Steve, O' One more thing we still Love you More and Most and always will.

Linda and Steve DeMello
Friends from East to West

July 3, 2004

My dearest son Michael, you are my hero now you're my guardian angel. You've taken a piece of my heart with you, but you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I couldn't have asked for a better son. To the deputy involved in the shooting. Please do not feel guilty and get on with your life and take care of your wonderful family which I had the pleasure of meeting. I have no ill will against you. I think of you as my sons brother. To all of the deputies in my sons life, thank you so much for your kindness and sincere sympathy, and for everything you've done for my family. Mike I'll see you in heaven someday because I know your there. Your loving father Rick Arruda

Rick Arruda
father of Mike

July 1, 2004

Mike,
It doesn't seem all that long ago we were celebrating new years 1987 at Barb's house. We met in the Navy back in 87. we were young airman, living the Navy Life. Too much hard work and not enough pay, but we did it not for money, but for experience and because we loved it. You always knew how to make someone feel important. It seemed that every time I ran into to you after your Navy days, you made me feel that what I had going on in my life was more important than anything else at that moment. That always made me feel good. You will be dearly missed by me, Barb, Jasmine, Olivia, and Joshua. You gave of yourself until you could give no more, some how that doesn't surprise me Mike. Rest in peace.

Your Shipmate
Daren Lamp

Chief Petty Officer Daren Lamp
United States Navy

July 1, 2004

hi um.. u didnt really know me or i didnt really know u but i know now how much everyone loved u and it was hurting me to see how much this hurt the family and we miss u very much and we cant understand why god would take such a wonderful soul and person to him at such an early age .. WE MISS U AND WILL NEVER FORGET U U ARE IN OUR HEARTS 4 LYFE Love ya 4 ever...

Stephanie Alfredo

June 28, 2004

To the family of fallen Deputy Sheriff Michael Arruda,
our thoughts and hearts are with each and every on of you.We know how proud you were of Michael, and how loved he was. Be proud of him, and what he, and all fellow officers, past present and future stand for. You are not alone, we feel your pain & sorrow.

To fellow brothers & sisters,
We are all family at heart, keep that with you as you place that sheild on you chest. Be safe.

Officer Ronald Doyon (retired) & Debbie
New Bedford Police Dept, MA.

June 27, 2004

I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS PASSED ON SUCH KIND WORDS TO MY FAMILY AND TO MY BROTHER. YOUR PRAYS ARE TOUCHING OUR HEARTS. THANK YOU,
LISA

LISA DUMONT
DEPUTY MICHAEL ARRUDA SISTER

June 25, 2004

MIKE I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART. I WILL REMEMBER YOUR SMILE IN MY HEART. MY BROTHER, MY FRIEND, UNTIL I SEE YOU AGAIN REST IN PEACE.

TO EVERYONE AT THE INDUSTRY STATION LASD;
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. TO HEAR THE RESPECT AND LOVE EVERYONE HAS FOR MY BROTHER MIKE.IT BRINGS ME AND MY FAMILY COMFORT. THANK YOU FOR LOVING MY BROTHER AND BEING HIS FAMILY.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU AND WE LOVE YOU ALL

Lisa Dumont
sister

June 25, 2004

I will always remember you as a little boy; cute, bright and energetic who adored his dad. I remember all the times you would come over with dad and mom for dinner and play with your cousins. You grew up with the same standards your dad had and instilled in you thats why you were so loved by everyone.

You will never be forgotten, Mike, may you rest peacefully now and watch down on all of us with your beautiful smile.

Love, Aunt Joan

Joan Felix
Aunt

June 23, 2004

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Michael did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Michael be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Deputy Arruda's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his fiancee. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Michael is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Michael was well respected and well loved.

Thank you Deputy Arruda for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

June 22, 2004

Rest in peace knowing that you did a Job Well Done......

1942
PPD

June 21, 2004

Thankyou for all that you diid and all that you stood for. You will be greatly missed by all of your brothers and sisters, who will try to fill the void left by your loss. Sleep well and hold your head high knowing that you did all you could and we will not forget your supreme sacrifice. God Bless.

Hampton Patrolman
Hampton Police Division

June 21, 2004

Deputy Sheriff Michael R. Arruda or "Mike" as I called him, was a wonderful Father, and true friend. I know that his children will never forget the love he had for them, and the great example of sacrifice and heroism that he has set for them and for us. Michael was a fun-loving, humorous, loyal, and caring friend. I will never forget him, and the great times we shared together. My condolences go out to my nephew Michael Jr., to his unborn daughter Savannah, and Mike's loved ones. We'll see you soon Mike. Get some rest... Lu.

Luis A. Vazquez Jr.
Former Brother-In-Law of Deputy Sheriff Michael R. Arruda

June 21, 2004

DEAR MIKE,
THERE ARE NO WORDS TO TRULY EXPRESS WHAT WE ALL FEEL AT A TIME LIKE THIS. TOMMORROW, MON. THE 21ST, WE WILL PUT ON OUR CLASS A'S AND TRY TO LOOK OUR BEST FOR YOU THIS ONE LAST TIME...IT SEEMS SMALL AND FUTILE BUT IT IS OUR FINAL WAY TO HONOR YOU AS A FELLOW DEPUTY AND AS OUR FRIEND....IT WASN'T THAT LONG AGO THAT WE ALL WERE WONDERING WHEN WE WOULD GET OUT OF MCJ AND START OUR CAREERS OUT ON THE STREETS. NOW JUST A SHORT TIME LATER WE WILL SALUTE YOU AND SHED OUR TEARS, SOME IN PUBLIC AND OTHERS IN PRIVATE...WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU MIKE,,THE ACCENT, THE ALWAYS HAPPY ATTITUDE AND MOST OF ALL A GUY WE COULD ALWAYS COUNT ON...YOU WILL BE MISSEED MIKE....GOD BLESS

Deputy Sheriff
LASD

June 21, 2004

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. GO 10-8 IN HEAVEN.

DEPUTY R. ESCAMILLA
LOS ANGELES CO SD/TEMPLE

June 20, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept - as well as the family and friends of Deputy Arruda.

Our department has just lost a hero in the line of duty so we can feel your pain and loss all too well. May it comfort you to know that so many across the country mourn with you.

God bless you all, and may Deputy Arruda rest in peace.

Police Dispatcher
Sterling Heights, MI

June 20, 2004

Brother, our prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for your service as a LEO. Now rest in peace. We will take it from here.

Corporal John Beckler
Lee County Sheriff's Office, Fla

June 20, 2004

TO:The family;loved ones;friends and department members: A POLICE OFFICER'S PRAYER:--- O,gentle Lord! Keep the day/night watch with me.As I begin my tour of duty,I ask your protection from all mental,physical and spiritual harm. Sustain me with the knowledge that I am doing your work,endeavoring to keep peace among your people. Help me to be just as I enforce the law without prejudice or favor to anyone. May I be courageous but not reckless in carrying out my duties.Let me respond to all calls with haste realizing that so many are dependent on me for life and safety. Support me with your consoling power when I am tempted to think no one really cares and that I am taken for granted. Sustain in me the conviction that so many thousands do care and are grateful for my presence. Grant that I may be loyal to my partner and my fellow officers,and that I may back them up effectively when called upon for assistance. Lord,I ask that I may return safely,after my tour of duty,to my loved ones and those who love me.I pray that I may be a good and honorable police officer;and after my tour of duty is over here on earth,may I enjoy the peace and happiness of heaven that you have promised to those who serve you well.AMEN.*** REST IN PEACE*** Sent to you by the father of First Class Officer J.D.Koeppen,Capital City Raleigh NC,Trooper D.C.Koeppen,N.J. State Police and Cadet Officer A.M.Koeppen,Wilmington NC.

Chief (retired) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

June 20, 2004

Dear Arruda Family and Friends,

I am sorry to hear about your loss. Please take some comfort in two verses from the Bible: "Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted." Matt. 5:4 and "Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the Children of God." Matt. 5:9. God Bless.

Ofc. Mike Snyder
Coral Springs PD, Florida

June 20, 2004

There are but two persons who protect the sinful human race from destroying itself. One is God's Holy Spirit. The other is the Peace Officer. Without them, we would all perish at each other's hands.

You were called into this profession and our Lord and Savior has blessed you because:
According to Romans 13.1-5...
God ordains the Peace Officer’s profession.
The Peace Officer is sent by God.
The Peace Officer is vested with God's authority to enforce the law.
A Peace Officer's badge is to be honored by us, because it is honored by God.

To the family of Deputy Sheriff Michael R. Arruda and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, your extended family of Law Enforcement Officers grieves with you during this time. I pray that God will wrap his loving arms around each of you and comfort you during this most difficult time.

You gave the ultimate sacrifice for your fellow man, your life.
While serving, defending, and protecting others in your community.
Rest easy with our other fallen Brothers and Sisters, we have the watch now.

To all my brothers and sisters, please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Please pray for this officer's family, agency, and friends as they struggle with this tragedy.
May God be with you every day, please remember, we are a part of the largest family in the world and when one hurts we all hurt.

Though our badges and uniforms may be different, our mission is the same. We will continue the fight in your honor.

Florida Deputy Sheriff

June 20, 2004

My prayers and condolences to the family and fellow officers of Deputy Michael Arruda. Rest in peace and know that we'll take it from here.

Lieutenant
San Diego CO SO

June 20, 2004