Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Your family is constantly in our prayers. Willard and I meant it when we told you that we are here if you need us.

I'll miss seeing Roy sitting at the high school in his sheriff's office car when I pick up my kids from school. And we'll never forget what Roy told Willard once, "Call me sometime. I'm the only Mexican in the phone book!"

May God bless you and your family. Rest assured that your Roy is with the Lord Jesus now, and there are no tears in Heaven!

We love you, Shelly.

Willard and Teresa Hutto

July 21, 2005

I pray that your family and friends will find strength and comfort in the reflections left by your extended and always vigil family. May your spirit have a joyous homecoming and all you sacrifices be rewarded! “Rest High on that Mountain”!

D/Sgt. Vencent Woods
State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

July 21, 2005

Rest In Peace.

Special Agent Darin L. Paul
FBI

July 21, 2005

I worked with Roy for a little over two years at the Franklin Parish Detention Center. Roy was one of those guys there who made our job so much fun, and I'll never forget him for that. Roy always had a great sense of humor, and was always willing to help someone out. It might be a cliche, but to say it simply, Roy was as good as gold. His passing shocked me to my core, as I'm sure it did for all of us who knew him. It is a terrible shame that this happened, but Roy will never be forgotten.

Sean Newman
Former C.O., Franklin Parish Detention Center

July 21, 2005

My heart goes out too you all in this great time of sorrow. God bless you & your family.

I have a friend who is a Officer in the New Orleans area and worry about him daily.

They lay their lives on the line everyday so we can feel safe too live ours.

My thoughts & prayers are with every man, woman and child who has too feel this loss.

~Donna~

PSC
PA. State Police, Troop J Lancaster

July 21, 2005

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

July 20, 2005

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 Dave Carroll
Choctaw, Oklahoma

July 20, 2005

Rest in peace Roy,
Thank you for a job well done and your sacrifice you will never be forgotten, to your family my heart bleeds for you,may you find the comfort to carry on, God bless you all,
Penny mother in law of Deputy Craig Blann Indiana EOW 09/06/05

Penny McManama
mother in law of Deputy Craig Blann EOW 09/06/04

July 20, 2005

Everyone misses you and always will.R.I.P.

PUTT LINDERS SON, BYRON

July 20, 2005

QUE DIOS ESTE CONTIGO HERMANO.

J.CISNEROS
LOS ANGELES SCHOOL POLICE

July 20, 2005

roy your family are in my prays and thoughts today and tomorrow.r.i.p.

sue linder
wife of "putt" linder /mom of bryan linder

July 20, 2005

Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Sgt. Rogelio Gonzales. A family lost a father, a wife lost a husband, a department lost a dedicated officer and America lost a protector. Rest in Peace.

Ted Sjurseth
America's 9/11 Foundation

July 20, 2005

The members of the City of Sheboygan, Wisconsin Police Department send out our heart felt condolences to the fine members of the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office as well as the family and friends of Sgt. Gonzalez.

You have our deepest sympathy and will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Sgt. Gonzalez is a Hero and may God Bless all of you!!

Sgt. Brad Riddiough
Sheboygan Police Dept. Sheboygan, Wisconsin

July 20, 2005

Roy, I surely didn't expect this to ever happen in our parish again! It was truly an honor to know and work with you all these years! It comforts me alot to know you're in Heaven guarding those streets of gold! Shelly, Justin, and family: My heart truly aches for you all during this devastating loss!!!!!! I'll always carry with me many, many memories of Roy that we shared through 15 yrs. of friendship! Roy, I'll miss you here on earth, but I'll see you again one day and help you guard Heaven's streets!!!! Thanks for everything buddy!!!!!!!!

Lieutenant Brian Eubanks
Franklin Parish Detention Center

July 19, 2005

Rest well, Roy. You have completed your tour, now let us continue the fights. You have done a great job.

Officer James Edwards
Dixie Inn PD, Dixie Inn, La.

July 19, 2005

Our Greatest Fear

Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again, I hold back a tear.
They patrol in the state, city, county and town,
in uniforms colored white, green, blue and brown.
The shape of their badges may vary,
but it’s a symbol that they all, proudly carry.
They leave for work with a kiss goodbye,
but some don’t come home, no matter how hard they try.
To uphold the law is the job that they pick,
with such high aspirations, why must some die so quick?
They leave behind loved ones, family and friends,
after their lives have met tragic ends.
Some die in crashes, others hearts not too stout,
to many have been lost when gunshots ring out.
Our Heavenly Father has called them home,
no more these dark streets do they roam.
Through trial and error they have given their best,
please Lord, now grant them eternal rest.
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again I hold back a tear.

Officer Shawn Eckhart
Federal Law Enforcement

July 19, 2005

Thank you for your service. You are in my prayers.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

July 19, 2005

i am bryan's mother and putt's wife two wonderful people among many in my life. i met your dad after my husband was killed,he was my protector.he would come to my house at night while we were sleeping to make sure things were ok. he visited me at my job and we would talk about lifes little problems.your dad was a special man, this community is going to miss.i'm sorry tragedy brought us together.when i was told he was gone all i could see was his sweet precious face.(dictionary definition-precious-of great worth)so when you think of your dad remember- of great worth-.you know God wants only the best thats why he was taken, for some reason he needed him now.so, vanessa and jason your dad was a very good and loved person and that does not come naturally he earned it by being the man he was.IN MY PRAYS.

sue linder
wife of bill"putt"linder e.o.w.10-10-04

July 19, 2005

Thank you Mr.Roy for all the time and hard work you gave to the people of Franklin Parish for so long.
You were so very liked by all the people that knew you.
You will be greatly missed by the Wisner Police Dept. for all the times you helped. Thank You! God Bless.

Jason Hawthorne
Wisner Police Dept.

July 19, 2005

On behalf of the men and women of Industry Sheriff's Station, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers of Sergeant Roy Gonzalez. Having lost Deputy Michael Arruda last year (EOW 06-15-04) and now Deputy Jerry Ortiz (EOW 06-24-05), we know all too well the pain and reality of losing one of our own. Take comfort in knowing that your extended law enforcement family grieves with you.

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

July 19, 2005

I have worked with Roy for years; however, in the past couple of years I have really gotten to know Roy and his family. Roy was such a loving father and husband. The few times I have spent with them together is times I will never forget. I remember the love they had for each other and the playfulness ways. They were always there for me when I needed friends. My son plays football and we will surely miss Roy being there with us and for us. Roy - I will miss you. I'm so accustomed to seeing you "doing your job" and now when I see a deputies car, I instantly look for you waving at me! Shelly and Justin - I am here for you now and always will be. I'm praying for you continuously. Roy may be gone but his memories and smile will never fade.

Cindy Jones

July 19, 2005

To the family, coworkers and friends, Ieave you my heart felt sorrow for the loss of one of my brothers. I truely understand your pain and your questions of why. But rest assure my friends he did not die for nothing. He gave his life so that he could protect us all left behind. Sgt. Gonzalez patrols the streets of Gold and he is now a guardian angel to us left behind. Thank you Sir for your dedication and loyality to us all. May God bless you, your family and fellow co-workers in this time of sorrow. We here in Bossier City are less then a month away from the anniversary of the death of one of our own in the line of duty. My thoughts and prayers are with all of my brothers and sisters in blue. My God protect us all and our families. Rest in peace my brother. Rest in Peace.

Cpl. Mike Szempruch
Bossier City Police Dept.

July 19, 2005

Words truly can't express the sadness we feel for your loss. The members and staff of our department know the pain and suffering you are enduring and will remember and honor Sergeant Gonzalez in some concrete way.
We hope and pray that you can find some small comfort in your heartfelt memories of Roy and the happy moments that you shared.
Please convey our sympathy to members of the Gonzalez family.

Chief Perry Kingsbury
City of Manitowoc, WI Police Dept

July 19, 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

July 19, 2005

“When God made Peace Officers….”

When the lord was creating Peace Officers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, “You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.”

And the Lord said, Have you read the spec on this order? A Peace Officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn’t touch, and not wrinkle their uniform.

They have to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next day.

They have to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half- eaten meals. And they have to have six pairs of hands.

The angel shook her head slowly and said, “Six pairs of hands….No Way.”

“It’s not the hands that are causing me the problems,” said the Lord, “It’s the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have.”

That’s on the standard model? asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, “May I see what’s in there sir?” (When they already know and wishes they had taken that accounting job.) Another pair here in the side of their head for their partners’ safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, “ You’ll be alright ma’am, when they know it isn’t so.”

“Lord,” said the angel, touching his sleeve,” rest and work tomorrow.”

“I can’t,” said the Lord, “I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on civil service paycheck.”

The angel circled the model of the Peace Officer very slowly, “Can it think?” she asked.

“You bet,” said the Lord, “It can tell you elements of a hundred crimes, recite Miranda warnings in it’s sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five judges to debate the legality of the stop…and still it keeps it’s sense of humor.

This officer also has phenomenal personal control. They can deal with crime scenes painted in HELL, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim’s family’ and then read in the daily paper how Law Enforcement isn’t sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects.

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Peace Officer. “There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model.”

“That’s not a leak,” said the Lord, “It’s a tear.”

“What’s the tear for?” asked the angel.

“It’s for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag, and for justice.”

“You’re a genius,” said the angel.

The Lord looked sober. “I didn’t put it there,” he said.


Anonymous

Senior Instructor
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

July 19, 2005