Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, California
End of Watch Friday, June 24, 2005
Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Jerry Ortiz
Thank you for your service to God and Country my brother. You have a very unique smile which seems to be a window to your kind soul. (just my observation) I hope your children will be taken care of by God Almighty himself and blessed.
Sgt. John Kotch
UMDNJ Police Newark, NJ (Anti-crime unit)
July 23, 2006
To the Ortiz Family..We have shared this year of pain and honor -It was wonderful to meet you all..and I gather that your Mom had her leg taken care of..hope she is doing well.
I know that the year anniversary just passed and how hard it has been for LASD and both our families to have lost such great guys. Stay well and I include you all in my prayers.
Maureen Tutino
Mother of Deputy Jim Tutino EOW 1-26-05
July 21, 2006
Thank you for watching over Mom during her surgery. She did exceptionally well and I know you were there with her. You and God. She misses you beyond what the human mind can possibly imagine. Her pain, both physically and emotionally, is too strong to describe. But, she finds comfort in God and knowing that she'll see you again. We all will and that gives us hope. Please guide her through her recovery. We love you.
July 18, 2006
Bro....You are in our thoughts everyday......we miss you. You have a great family and they honor you. Everyone-Chela, your Mom, Claudia, Art, Mike, Sylvia, your friends-they always show their love for you and must make you proud when you're looking down on all of them. Keep them safe bro.... You are a guardian angel for them and for all of us. Life is not the same without you. RIP
July 18, 2006
Jerry, I miss you more than words can say. You were taken from us too soon. I miss your phone calls and just hearing your stories. I will never forget everything about you. Juju and Tyus talk about their uncle Jerry all the time. I will never let them forget you Jerry. Thank you, Thank You, Thank You for all you have done for the safety of our communities. RIP BROTHER, LOVE YOU ALWAYS YOUR LITTLE SIS CLAUD
Claudia Santa Anna
Sister of Deputy Ortiz
July 16, 2006
MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF DEPUTY ORTIZ. WE CANT EXPLAIN WHY THINGS HAPPEN CERTAIN WAY, BUT WE DO KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN A BETTER PLACE WATCHING OVER YOUR LOVED ONES WITH A SMILE. THANK YOU DEPUTY ORTIZ FOR YOUR SERVICE....
ALEX PRATT
SON OF PASDENA POLICE SGT(RET)
July 9, 2006
Bro,
We all miss you.
Can't believe it's been a year. We're not going to forget you and we'll always be there for Chela and the rest of your family.
July 8, 2006
Jerry,
I just wanted to say that you are missed my friend. I went to your grave side on 6-24-06 and even though I could not bring myself to get out of the car, I spent some time watching all of the people who love you come to pay their respects. It was a beautiful memorial for a beautiful human being. God bless and pray for all of us left without your love and presence.
July 7, 2006
I stood at your bed last night,
I came to have a peep,
I could see that you were crying you found it hard to sleep.
I whispered to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here.
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea
You were thinking of the many times you passed the mug to me
I was with you at the shops today your arms were getting sore,
I longed to take your parcels, I'd wished now I'd carried more.
I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care
I want to reassure you, I'm here not lying there
I walked with you towards the house, you fumbled for your key
I gently put my hand in yours, I smiled and said 'it's me'
We both went in, you looked so tired and sank into your chair.
I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there.
That it's possible for me to be so near you every day
To say to you with certainty 'I never went away'
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew,
That in the quiet of evening I was very close to you.
Another day over you climbed the stairs
I smiled and watched you yawning,
I said 'Good night, God bless You, I'll see you in the morning
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you, we'll stand there side by side.
I've so many things to show you, there's so much for you to see
Be patient, live your journey out,
then come home to be with me.
July 2, 2006
Dear Chela,
Today, my daughters and I are thinking of you and your entire family as you experience the one-year anniversary of Deputy Ortiz' death. We pray that God will continue to give you strength to travel further down your path of sadness and loss.
Respectfully,
Michelle
Michelle Walker
Widow, CHP Lt. Michael Walker, EOW 12-31-05
June 24, 2006
Uncle Jerry I am finding myself at a loss for words. Who would have ever thought that right. It has been a very hard,long and trying year. I just know that I miss you more than ever and I love you.
Angela
Niece
June 24, 2006
To My Beautiful Husband,
You are now with our Lord Jesus Christ and I know you’re looking down on all of us. Please continue to watch over the Ortiz and Castaño families.
You always told me that we shared a once-in-a-lifetime type of love and that we were so blessed to have found each other. You were so right ... once-in-a-lifetime. Our love is amazing and it gives me peace to know that you left this world happier than you have ever been.
We share an unbreakable bond that death cannot touch. I know you’re around me and I thank you for the dimes, the dragonflies, and for your presence.
I miss you so much. I ache for you. My heart broke that horrific day and my grief feels endless. I wish I could see you one more time.
My love for you is not of this world. It is deep, breathtaking, stirring and eternal. When you left, you took half of me with you. Hold on to it, my love, and, when my time comes, meet me at the gates of Heaven.
Te Amo Con Todo Mi Alma,
Your wife,
Chela
June 24, 2006
June 24, a day that will forever remain in my heart. Jerry a year ago today you entered the Great Gates of Heaven. What a day that must have been for you. I can only imagine.
I just spent a few hours at your gravesite and wow Jerry, the pain of a year ago is just as painful. I know that eventually I will come to terms with the fact that I will one day see that beautiful smile of yours once again, but until then, I will forever miss you.
You keep that beautiful smile of yours shining down upon us. Keep taking care of all of us from heaven bro.
I Love You!
Mike Ortiz
Brother
June 24, 2006
A man remebered with love and respect never dies but continues to live on in the hearts and minds of others.May you rest in Peace and may Our Lord wrap his arms tightly around your loved ones, family and Brother Officers today and in the time to come.
June 23, 2006
Jerry,
I know that you are in heaven looking down. It is hard to believe a year has passed since the day we heard the awful news. Please watch over Chela. She is an amazing woman. May you continue to watch over your beautiful boys and family from above. God Bless you for your dedication and sacrifice. We will never forget you.
friend
June 23, 2006
In a few days it will be a year since that coward took your life. Your friends and family still mourn your loss....you are a hero and we know you are resting with God.
Please continue to watch over Chela, the boys and your family. They miss you so much. We will take care of them from down here.
June 20, 2006
To Uncle Jerry,
I just want to wish you a Happy Father's Day. I love you so much and want you to know that I miss you.
Love always,
Alexis (Lex-Dog) Ortiz
Alexis Ortiz
niece
June 19, 2006
Today was tough..Father's Day. Last year on Father's Day was the last day that I was blessed to have spent with you. The whole family playing a huge game of baseball in your backyard. That was so fun. Then after the game, just hanging out around the table smoking a good cigar laughing at our fun times while growing up. It was great Jerry.
I just wanted to thank you bro for such a great day. I can go on and on with great times that we shared together, but that day will forever remain in my heart. Jerry you are missed so much by everyone.
Jerry I love you so much bro. Keep that great smile shining down upon us.
Happy Father's Day bro!
Mike Ortiz
Brother
June 19, 2006
Uncle Jerry I can not believe that today is a year a since the last time I spoke with you. I still remember the sound of your voice, How very happy you were on Fathers Day last year with everyone at your house. I still remember that entire conversation. I miss you more than I can express. You will never be forgotten. Happy Father's Day in heaven where I know you are spending it. I love you Uncle Jerry
All my love
Angela
June 18, 2006
As a recruit in class 349 I want to say that Deputy Ortiz is a role model for myself and many recruits in my class. His legacy will never be forgotten.
Recruit Class 349
LASD
June 18, 2006
HI BRO.,
I just wanted to wish YOU a HAPPY FATHERS DAY & let YOU know how special FATHERS DAY will always be to ME.FATHERS DAY 2005 OUR FAMILY(MOM,DAD,SISTERS,BROTHERS & KIDS) all got together at YOU & YOUR WIFE'S HOUSE for a BBQ. It was the last time WE all were together & the last day I was able to spend time with YOU .WE had lots of fun that day.
THANKS BRO. for MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES.
GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS,
LOVE YOUR BIG BRO.
J."ART"ORTIZ
L.A.Co.Probation
June 18, 2006
Time does not bring relief; you all have lied
Who told me time would ease me of my pain!
I miss him in the weeping of the rain;
I want him at the shrinking of the tide;
The old snows melt from every mountain-side,
And last year’s leaves are smoke in every lane;
But last year’s bitter loving must remain
Heaped on my heart, and my old thoughts abide,
There are a hundred places where I fear
To go,--so with his memory they brim.
And entering with relief some quiet place
Where never fell his foot or shone his face
I say, “There is no memory of him here!”
And so stand stricken, so remembering him.
Edna St. Vincent Millay, Sonnet 2
June 16, 2006
It had been a long time since we had seen each other, living so far away in Florida. But last April we were fortunate enough to have spent some time together. I thank GOD every day for that opportunity. Then, while watching CNN the Saturday morning after, I see your face on TV and hear the words but I am NOT BELIEVING IT. Unfortunately, it is true. I love you so much. GOD KEEP YOU FOREVER IN HIS EMBRACE. Watch over us here in Florida, too.
Margie Ortiz Rogers
Cousin
June 15, 2006
Deputy Ortiz,
I remember watching the news that awful day and even though I never met you I already knew what a great man you were and how much I was praying you would be okay! I just wanted to thank you soo much for your sacrifice and for you to know you ARE TRULY A HERO...My thoughts and prayers will forever be with your family... R.I.P Deputy we'll take it from here...
S.Ables
SBSD Explorer
June 12, 2006
Bro I miss you so much, especially today. A year ago we were chilling in my car and laughing. I still can't believe you are gone. I will always remember you. I love you.
June 8, 2006
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