Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My condolences to Deputy Ortiz family and his Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Brother and Sisters.
You died being a hero by the hands of a COWARD. May you rest in peace and watch over all of our Brother and Sisters who wear the badge of a hero.

PTLM.MIKE WALKER
PROVIDENCE POLICE DEPARTMENT

June 26, 2005

The policeman stood and faced 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 a badge
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 time 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 a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

June 26, 2005

My fiancé, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in SE Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Jerry did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Jerry 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 Ortiz's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. 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 these tough times, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you and that you are not alone in your "journey". Should you ever need anything please do not hesitate to contact me. (Dennis' department will also always know how to reach me.)

As a fallen officer "survivor" and a friend, please accept my condolences on behalf of myself and the McElderry family. I never got the opportunity to know Jerry but, I am certain Jerry was well respected and well loved. He will live on in the hearts of all the lives he touched. You were lucky to have had him be a part of your lives, even for a short time. I pray that Jerry will continue to watch over us all as only he can.

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

Wishing you brighter and better days,

Jocelyne :)

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

June 26, 2005

My heart goes out to Jerry's new wife, two kids, and friends at LASD Lakewood Station. Jerry was one of the good guys that made a difference. He will be sorely missed. My brothers and sisters at Lakewood Station will continue to be in my prayers.

--Westlake
Lakewood 1/2000 to 11/2004

Deputy Dave Westlake
Spokane County Sheriff's Office

June 26, 2005

On behalf of the Officers at FCI-Terminal Island, our most deepest and heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Deputy Ortiz and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Rest in Peace brother, you will not be forgotten.

J.Smothermon

Senior Correctional Officer
Federal Bureau of Prisons

June 26, 2005

Rest in peace, brother.

Officer R. Law
Burbank Airport Police Department

June 26, 2005

What is a "Cop?"
(C)ourageous
(O)ptimistic
(P)ersistant

Rest in Peace. Your courage to take on the dangers of today's world is to be commended. Your optimism to close every case with justice is honorable. Your persistance to serve, protect and to defend the citizens of your community to the best of your ability is priceless. Codolences to the family, collegues and friends of Officer Ortiz. May we all remember the men and women who serve our communities so unselfishly.

June 26, 2005

Rest in peace Brother. Thank You.

Sgt Amborn
Mn D.O.C.

June 26, 2005

Once again we mourn the loss of a brother taken from us too early. It affects me seeing that Deputy Ortiz was a true warrior, a gang cop, dedicated to "Zero Tolerance" of street gang activity. God speed Jerry, thank you for making the streets of LA county safer from the low life gang bangers. We will carry on your fight.

Cpl Jeff Gregor
Collier County Sheriffs Office, Street Gang Unit

June 26, 2005

Rest in peace my brother you have served with HONOR. To the rest of the brothers left behind: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of GOD.

Robert Lee
Retired LA County

June 26, 2005

Again we mourn as another hero is taken from us. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Ortiz. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.

Rest in peace for your watch here is over; walk in heavens beat and guide us to protect and serve others safely.

US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service GA

June 26, 2005

Nothing will ever be able to heal these wounds, brother.
Your sacrifice was not in vain. It may offer little consolence to your family now, but it will mean so much in the future.

A fellow LASD Deputy

LASD

June 26, 2005

You are not forgotten. Your loss is mourned by the men and women in our agency. We pray that you may rest in peace and that your family will stay strong and healthy. When our finest passes, his legacy lives on. Ciao Brother, we'll take it from here.

PO Brian Z
City of Yonkers PD, NY

June 26, 2005

Rest in Peace

Correctional Officer
Michigan Dept.of Corrections

June 25, 2005

Tonight I offer up a prayer not only for the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Ortiz, but for peace across our nation. May the day come (soon) that these senseless killings will stop, and the men and women on the thin blue line can go to work in safety. God's peace be with you all, and Deputy, sleep well in heavenly peace. You have earned it tenfold.

Michigan

June 25, 2005

Rest in peace brother

Officer Jason Wade Gregory
Virginia Beach Police Dept

June 25, 2005

Jerry,

Once again the hearts of many of us at Industry Station are saddened at the loss of another fine and dedicated deputy. It has only been a year since our unimaginable grief over the death of our beloved Deputy Mike Arruda E.O.W.
6-15-04 and now we must endure it once again with your senseless death. My heart goes out to your two beautiful sons, who I knew you were so proud of from our conversations at Industry Station, where I had the privledge of working with you.

Thankfully, the coward who took your life was apprehended early this morning, so he will never harm another person again.

May all of your hard work, dedication and your ultimate sacrifice never be forgotten or be in vain. Rest in peace my friend, I will always remember you.

Industry Station Patrol Secretary
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

June 25, 2005

Rest in peace, sir...

Linda Lamm - LEO Wife and Sister of
Jay Balchunas EWO 11/05/04

June 25, 2005

I would like to send my most sincere condolences to the family, friends and fellow officers of Deputy Jerry Ortiz. I visit this website occasionally to check on a friend and fellow officer who was shot and killed on 01/06/2005, his name is Bryan Hurst and he was a classmate of mine in the police academy. I hope that you all can find some comfort in the fact that Deputy Ortiz died a hero doing what he loved to do. He is sitting right next to God watching over us all. The following poem was left on Bryan's reflections and I thought I would share it with you.

"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 that shot him will stand up in court,
with counsel demanding his rights.
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids,
and spend many long, lonely nights.

The beat that he walked was a battle field 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,
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, of himself gave his all,
and a part of America died.
-Unknown

To Deputy Sheriff Ortiz, rest easy my brother, I will meet you at my FINAL ROLL CALL. We have it from here!

Police Officer Jody Grube
Columbus Ohio Police Department

June 25, 2005

He walked life’s lonely path with honor, Lord,
Protecting those you sent his way…
Until, at last, with task well done,
Your call is heard today.
We hear you saying:
“Come, my friend, with me apart…from years of service rest.
You’ve helped the poor, protected all, you’ve passed Life’s every test.
You did not falter, did not fail though weary was your soul
I saw your tears, I felt your fears…I helped you toward your goal.
Beneath that badge there beat a heart, strong, courageous, true…
When duty called, you answered, my hero dressed in blue!
Come, my friend, your reward awaits: the law you did obey.
Faithful through life’s endless storms you showed my people the way.
Your beat is ended; roll call’s done! Now, rest on Heaven’s shore.
The good you did so willingly will remain forever more.”
Thank you; Father, for your great love as we cherish his memory dear
We offer this brave soul to you…be with him ever near.
And when, at last, we hear your call may we each take our place
On Heaven’s shore, eternal home, beneath your kindly gaze.

By: Sister Ann Stamm

Livonia Police Chaplin

Federal Officer
US Treasury/ US Mint

June 25, 2005

Go in peace my brother and may the hand of god touch your family. Please watch over us left behind as we continue your fight.

"The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion..........."

PSO Robert Caudill K-9
Brsitol Tennessee Police Dept

June 25, 2005

Rest in peace brother.....

Deputy John O'Sullivan
Eagle County Sheriff (CO)

June 25, 2005

Deputy Ortiz,

You didn't deserve what you went through. God's Garden must be very Beautiful, He only takes the Best. God Bless You!!

Correctional Officer
California Department Of Corrections

June 25, 2005

I will not forget you - never. I know the Heavens just welcomed another Hero.

Brother-in-Law of a Pecace Officer

June 25, 2005

Rest in Peace Brother.

Constable P. Dyck
New Westminster Police Service

June 25, 2005