Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mario,

Its been a long time since I dropped you a line. It's not to say that I don't think about you while I'm out on the street but you know how things go. I was planning a trip to Orlando with the g/f soon and it dawned on me we never did our alcohol tour of the world at Epcot. I'm sorry that it seemed like our schedules could never coincide to where we could get up with each other. Just remember, you aren't forgotten and watch out for us down here while you're up there.

Jeff Shaw
Gainesville PD

August 17, 2007

Mario,

As a long time friend and fellow Sponger you are always in my thoughts. Boche Balls for life my brother. Miss you man.

Jim E.
Friend

June 4, 2007

Hi Mar,

Today is a year and 8 months that you left us, I miss you and want to tell you how much I love you. Your father and I went to D.C. for Police Week and it was very hard during the memorial but with the help of the UCF officer that accompany us we made it, I want to tell you that your friends and co-workers from the UCFPD are treating us with much love and respect and are an example for other Police Departments to copy. I am so glad we went this year because last year I had missed a lot.
May God Bless us all and you my beloved son RIP.

Mrs Ramona Jenkins
Mother

May 24, 2007

missing you everyday...my prayers are with Val and your families.

April 29, 2007

Mario,
You were the best. Not just a co-worker or squad-mate but a true friend. We've worked and played hard together. Your family at UCFPD misses you terribly and we all know that you died a hero doing the job that you loved. Your dedication and loyalty to the Department,your friends, and your family was unsurpassed...your integrity, unquestionable. We love you brother and will do everything we possibly can to help "Momma Bear" and the rest of your family through this time of need. I miss you so much and keep waiting for you to hit me up and tell me it's time to grab coffee. Gotta have coffee before roustings! From the bottom of my heart, thanks for everything. Rest in peace Doctor-D...we'll take it from here.

-Faz

Officer Fazi
Good Friend-re-affirming

April 20, 2007

I was just thinking about you today when I saw your K9 at the station... its still not the same without you buddy... Keep watching over us.

Fellow UCFPD
UCF Police

April 3, 2007

mario, met you dad at the cops conference in st. louis. we have a lot in common. two wonderful officers we miss so much. your dad, franc, is so proud of you and misses you so much. he is trying hard to help others, and i am so glad to know him. will keep in touch with your folks and pray for all your family. you and matt keep watching over us. jess

jess rittenhouse
father of matt rittenhouse eow 9-16-04

March 26, 2007

missing you today and always

March 17, 2007

I remember the first day I met you and Makye, you had only had her 1 day and you loved her so much. I remember you crying afraid she was going to die and me promising you that I would stay by her side all night and telling you she would live. And when you came back the next morning you told her that you would always be together....how little did we know that you would be taken away first. How I cried that day you died knowing that you had just been in 2 days prior and were happy as always with a smile on your face. Later when I saw your girl with her new handler I kissed her for you and whispered in her ear that you would always love her and she would see you again.

Claudette
Friend

February 8, 2007

As we approach Valentine days, I thought of Jenkins wife and will continue to pray for you. My God bless you and the Jenkins family.

With Love

Michael Rodrgiuez

Michael Rodriguez
Friend

February 8, 2007

I remember that day so clearly, it was yet to be another glorious college football Saturday, i'm an Alabama Crimson Tide fan and a mom of three daughters. I remember the news flash and cried because your life was cut short for no comphrensible reason. I cried for your wife and your family. Today I pulled into my parish Ressurection Catholic Church and my jaw dropped because there was an endless sea of law enforcement vehicles filling up the church parking lot and grass. I saw several k-9 trucks and cars and satellite trucks as well. I could not imagine what was going on and I rounded the corner to go to the Parrish offices and there before me were about 10-12 police officers dressed in their best and to the right were 4-6 USMC in their dress blues. It was then that I realized that I was witnessing a very special ceremony for the Motorcycle Police Officer was died last week. My heart stopped yet again when I quietly pulled out onto Colonial Drive and was greeted by yet another sea of law enforecment vehicles with their lights and horns flashing and blaring. I pulled over on the side of the road to offer my respects to these wonderful men and women and cried, I cried for you and for all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our safety, YOU all will never know us yet you sacrificed so much for a perfect stranger and neighbor. God has a true angel, watch out for my nephew Cory won't you. He looked up to law enforcement and his D.A.R.E officer with admiration. He was 12..........God bless your family, they are thought about often.......Rest in comfort of Heaven's love...........Mrs. Jackie Brienza

Citizen of Ocoee f

January 24, 2007

Mario, I'm sitting here this morning working for a squad so they can attend a funeral for another deputy that just died. Thinking about a funeral always takes me back to yours and that horrible day you were lost.Know that I've never forgotten and I think of you daily.The last favor you did me was get me this job and I'm forever indebted. I would trade it back if it brought you and the good times that always seemed to follow you if I could.Peace,love and hair grease,smellers.

D/S Allan Darcey
OCSO

January 24, 2007

Mario,

Another holiday season is upon us and your absence is felt more than you could imagine. I think of you often. As soon as I think of you; Val and your parents are there in thought and prayer also. As time passes, your absence does not get easier, I think we just learn to adapt. Please know that you are missed and always in our hearts.

anonymous

December 19, 2006

Mario,

I go to the Officer Down Memorial Page every now and then and reflect on the days I first met you. Then I take time to reflect and pay my respects to the other hereos that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. It is still like a bad dream that you are not here physically with us. I know for myself you will always be with me mentally and spiritually. I put your picture at the end of all the presentations I facilitate to ensure your name, face, dedication and time with our Agency is never forgotten. I miss you, respect you and will always remember you my friend. I know a lot of other guys at the department feel the same way but have a hard time expressing themselves. In just a couple of days it will be the 2nd Thanksgiving you will not be able to celebrate with your wonderful wife and beautiful Mother and Father and other loved ones. I am not the only one who thinks of you often Mario and only wish we could turn back time to spend just one more day with you. RIP by friend.

Cpl J. Roop

November 21, 2006

Mario -

Here I sit during another long off duty job...my partner is still barking in my ear as we sit in this empty parking lot. As well as she works and finds dope, I only wish she had the manners of Makye. I was truly envious watching you two together when we were training at the gymnasium. What a great team! I have tried for the last year to become as proficient a handler with my four legged partner as you were with yours.

My wife and I still talk about your service. She never had the honor of meeting you personally, and we both only know Val from the words she offered at the podium, but we both agree that you and Val are the kind of folks we would have been proud to know and call friends. I know "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere"...should Val ever want to meet two people who hold you in the highest regard and honor your memory, my wife and I will buy the first round.

DFC Tim Nazzaro & Narcotics K-9 Coco
Orange County (FL) Sheriff's Office

October 20, 2006

Mario, you enjoyed stopping by the Observatory to look at the universe through the big telescope when I was there, I enjoyed your company too...you'll always be among the stars my friend.

Laurent Pellerin
SCC Planetarium

Laurent Pellerin
SCC Planetarium

October 4, 2006

Corporal Jenkins, one year ago today you were taken from this Earth in a horrible accident. Though your family I’m sure misses you terribly, I believe they feel you with them and always will.

I truly hope all the childish debate over the issue of underage drinking has been put aside and the incident is now looked at with a better, clearer perspective.

God Bless you and yours, still, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

September 24, 2006

Dear Family of Corporal Jenkins,
I am so sorry for this tragic accident that has changed your life forever and left you without the one you love so much. Our beautiful loved ones in blue try so hard to keep us all safe.
God bless you always,

Love,
Lind Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom Forever

Linda Rittenhouse
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Rittenhouse E.O.W. 9/16/04

September 23, 2006

It is hard to believe this month will make a year since you were taken from us. It seems like just yesterday I was seeing you at shift change. So much has changed since you have left us, but the pain is still there. I know you are with us, keeping us safe and still finding ways to make us smile.

Brother in Blue
UCFPD

September 1, 2006

Mario,

It almost a year now and you are still missed greatly. Still thinking about your family and you, doing what we can. I have a daughter now, Myra Jane, and am proud that her name has your initials. She sure has a lot of spirit! The K-9s are doing good, Makye is a great drug finder, did some training with Ryan this month that was awesome. I will keep on doing what I can to make sure our new cops can aspire to be a good person like you, be sure about that. Will always keep fighting as you did, Semper Fi brother. Woody

Sgt. Woody Furnas
UCFPD

August 28, 2006

Hey Mario,
I know you are in a better place, unfortunately I was here posting for another officer that was tragically taken, and I stopped by to say hello, and thanks again for the memories.

To Mrs. Jenkins (Mario's Mom), I still choke up when I remember your grief and the bravery you showed on the pulpit at Mario's service. To Mario's wife, I hope all is going well for you as well, I am almost brought to tears as well when I remember your recount of your lives together. Be strong and know that you have 400,000 brothers (and sisters) out there for you.

James M. Roberts
FDOC - CFRC-East

Ofc. James Roberts
Florida Dept of Corrections

August 3, 2006

Mario,

You would have turned 30 yesterday if that unfortunate incident never occured almost one year ago. I know we cannot take back that day or that event, but we will learn from and grow from that fateful day. Your sacrifice will not go in vain. There isn't a day that goes by we don't think about you, Val or your family. I think you already know that but it never hurts to be reminded that we care and miss you very much. Rest in Peace.

UCF PD

August 2, 2006

Just thinking of you on your 30th birthday. You continue to be missed.

Thinking of you...

August 1, 2006

Happy Birthday Mario.

Your spirit will always be kept alive in all the beautiful memories we hold within our hearts. We love and miss you very much.

August 1, 2006

I have lost several friends in law enforcement... It saddens me deeply! Today I came across your name and it reminded me of many things. I worked for UCFPD as a civilian before becoming a sworn officer. Unfortunately, I never got to know you. I say unfortunately because I have heard nothing but great things about you and I wish I would have had that opportunity. But you are never forgotten, brother! Your service to the community is something only law enforcement can understand and it will always be cherished! May God Bless You & Your Family & Your Fellow Men & Women!

LEO

July 27, 2006