Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My condolences to the family, friends and associates of Officer Angel Barcena. His loss is another in a series of tragic and unnecessary losses of life. We can only continue to believe that "Blessed are the peacekeepers."

Annuit Coeptis

Lieutenant S. I. Drake
Indianapolis Police Department

September 26, 2004

A Part Of America Died

Somebody killed a policeman today, and

A part of America died.

A piece of our country he swore to protect,

Will be buried with him at his
side.

The suspect who shot him will stand up in court,

With counsel demanding his rights,

While a young widowed mother must work for her kids

And spend alone many long nights.

The beat that he walked was a battlefield, too,

Just as if he'd gone off to war.

Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half-mast,

To his name, they will add a gold star.

Yes, somebody killed a policeman today.

It happened in your town or mine.

While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,

A cop put his life on the line.

Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,

And he stands at each new rookie's side.

He answered the call and gave us his all,

And a part of America died.

author unknown

Rest in peace partner.
R Torres

Officer Ramon Torres
El Paso Police Dept.

September 26, 2004

Officer Barcena,
I am saddened to hear of your passing. By now I am sure you know that sometimes its not "making it to retirement" that matters; its having the courage to start this career in the first place. Rest in peace as you get ready to patrol heavens streets.

anonymous
Plantation Police DEPT

September 26, 2004

On behalf of the men and women of the Virginia State Police we extend our condolences to the members of the El Paso Police department and the family of Police Officer Angel Barcena. It is in his memory that we continue on.

Senior Trooper
Virginia State Police

September 26, 2004

My family would like to send our heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends, & fellow co-workers of P.O. Angel Barcena.
You're in our thoughts and prayers. May God watch over all the brave men and women in law
enforcement who put their lives on the line everyday as they serve & protect their communitites.
Your job is a difficult one and we truly appreciate all you do. God bless each & everyone of you.

Gail M Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2-16-04

September 26, 2004

Brother in Blue,

Rest in peace for almighty god now decides which beat you work....Remember you always have a family down here...Keep a watchful eye, and we will all be together one sweet day.

Police Officer/Illinois

September 26, 2004

Rest in peace sir. What a shame to die after graduation. Thank you for your willingness to serve.

Shannon
concerned citizen

September 26, 2004

WHAT IS A COP?

Cops are human ( believe it or not) just like the rest of us. They come in both sexes but mostly male. They also come in various sizes. This sometimes depends on whether you are looking for one or trying to hide something. However, they are mostly big.

Cops are found everywhere-on land, on the sea, in the air, on horses, in cars, sometimes in your hair. In spite of the fact that " you can't find one when you want one", they are usually there when it counts most. The best way to get one is to pick up the phone.

Cops deliver lectures, babies, and bad news. They are required to have the wisdom of solomon, the disposition of a lamb and muscles of steel and are often accused of having a heart to match. He's the one who rings the door-bell, swallows hard and announces the passing of a loved one; then spends the rest of the day wondering why he ever took such a "crummy" job.

On TV, a cop is an oaf who couldn't find a bull fiddle in a telephone booth. In real life he's expected to find a little blond boy " about so high" in a crowd of a half million people. In fiction, he gets help from private eyes, reporters, and who-dun-it fans." In real life, mostly all he gets from the public is " I didn't see nuttin'."

When he serves a summons, he's a monster. If he lets you go, he's a doll. To little kids, he's either a friend or a bogeyman, depending on how the parents feel about it. He works " around the clock", split shifts, Sundays and holidays, and it always kills him when a joker says. " Hey tomorrow is Election Day, I'm off, let's go fishing" ( that's the day he works 20 hours).

A cop is like the little girl, who, when she was good, was very, very good, but, when she was bad, was horrid. When a cop is good, " he's getting paid for it." When he makes a mistake, " he's a grafter, and that goes for the rest of them too." When he shoots a stick-up man he's a hero, except when the stick-up man is " only a kid, anybody coulda seen that."

Lots of them have homes, some of them covered with ivy, but most of them covered with mortgages. If he drives a big car, he's a chiseler; a little car, "who's he kidding?" His credit is good; this is very helpful, because his salary isn't. Cops raise lots of kids; most of them belong to other people.

A cop sees more misery, bloodshed, trouble, and sunrises than the average person. Like the postman, cops must also be out in all kinds of weather. His uniform changes with the climate, but his outlook on life remains about the same: mostly a blank, but hoping for a better world.

Cops like days off, vacations, and coffee. They don't like auto horns, family fights, and anonymous letter writers. They have unions, but they can't strike. They must be impartial, courteous, and always remember the slogan " At your service." This is sometimes hard, especially when a character reminds him, " I'm a taxpayer, I pay your salary."

Cops get medals for saving lives, stopping runaway horses, and shooting it out with the bandits ( once in a while his widow gets the medal). But sometimes, the most rewarding moment comes when, after some small kindness to an older person, he feels the warm hand clasp, looks into grateful eyes and hears, " Thank you and God bless you, son."

Officer David Carroll
Choctaw Oklahoma

September 26, 2004

"Last Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The Policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a Saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
but if you don't...I'll understand
There was silence all around the throne
Where the Saints had often trod
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

Author unknown

Police Officer in Boone County Missouri

September 26, 2004

Rest in peace brother.My thoughts and prayers are with you,your family and The El Paso PD.

Texas Peace Officer
University of Houston Downtown Law Enforcement Academy Class 89

September 26, 2004

On behalf of the men and women who serve and work for the Georgia Periemter College Police Department, our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Angel Barcena's family, friends, and co-workers with the El Paso Police Department.

Rest in peace our brother in blue. The watch is now ours.

Officer Johns
Georgia Perimeter College Police Department

September 26, 2004

The members of the 67th Precinct Anti-Crime Unit with to extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Barcena.

Having just lost two Detectives from our precinct, we know all to well what you are going through right now.

Stay strong. The law enforcement community is with you.

67 Precinct Anti-Crime Unit
New York City Police Department

September 26, 2004

You will be remembered Officer Barcena. My condolence to the family & friends of Officer Barcena.

Sr. Trooper Keith Miller (Ret)
Oregon State Police

September 26, 2004

Thank you for the time you spent on the street. Though it may have been a short time every day you work is important.
Every time I log onto this site and see that another brother or sister has given their all it bothers me. But this is the profession that we choose, not to be heroes, but to simply do our part.
Gods speed brother and watch over the rest of us carrying on our duty.
To the family, you will always be in our prayers, for you are also a part of a bigger family.

September 26, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with Angel , his family , and friends as we mourn his sacrifice. God Bless.

Police Officer
Chicago Police Dept.

September 26, 2004

Rest in peace Brother Angel, you are a true hero and will never be forgotten for your service and courage.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

September 26, 2004

Rest Easy Brother Angel, the Watch is Ours Now and Yours was with Honor. Our Thoughts and Prayers are
with your Family, Friends and Co-Workers.

APD #128
Altoona Police Dept. Altoona, Pa

September 26, 2004

May God be with Officer Barcena's family, friends and coworkers. My heart and prayers are with you all.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02

September 26, 2004

May you rest in peace now that you are in a safer place. May you watch over all of us to help guide us thru the day. May you be remembered for who you are, and the lives you touched.
God rest for you are not forgotten.

Inspector PA Gust
United States Customs Service-Detroit

September 26, 2004

To the family, friends and co-workers my prayers are with you. There is not much anyone can say to help you at this time. But know that there is alot of people who know and understand what you are going through. The only thing that kept me going was knowing that Clint loved being a police officer, and would not have traded places with anyone.
Officer Barcena your family will miss you everyday, but we will never forget. Look Clint up for me tell him that his mother loves him the most. He will know what it means, and he'll laugh...

Connie Barker
Mother of P.O. Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04

September 26, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and your department Officer Angel Barcena. Thank you for your service. You will never be forgotten.

Lt Thomas Drury
Clare City Police Dept. Michigan

September 26, 2004

God Bless you Officer Barcena. Though your tour of duty was brief, your sacrifice will NEVER be forgotten. We will keep your families in our thoughts and prayers.

Let your name be the last!!!

Emergency Dispatcher
Michigan

September 26, 2004

On this dark and scornful day a righteous man has been taken from us all. His bravery, dedication, and unwavering will to help those who could not or would not help themselves did not go unnoticed. Officer Angel Barcena will never be forgotten. I send my deepest condolences to the Barcena family.

O. Jauregui

September 26, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and our brothers and sisters of the EPPD tonight on your loss. May he rest in peace............

Sgt. Al Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Yuma, AZ

September 26, 2004

Dear Officer Barcena,

I check this website daily, for our son recently lost his partner on a code call. We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some confort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

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 son.

Grandma & Grandpa Hinkle
Parents of a Kern County Deputy Sheriff

September 26, 2004