St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana
End of Watch Friday, June 16, 2006
Reflections for Captain Octavio Rafael "Ox" Gonzalez
I miss you, brother. We worked together on many narcotics cases. You are never forgotten.
Chief Christopher Canaski (former)
Cordova Police Department (Alaska)
Lieutenant, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office (Ret)
Deputy Jefferson Parish SO
August 11, 2024
Dad,
Hope you are well. Of course I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing you to the extent of others. Just know me, mom, dale, and Xander miss ya.
Best,
Bryson Octavio Gonzalez
No Rank - Son of OX
Son of Ox
June 16, 2024
Octavio, after 31 years in LE I’m hanging it up. For some reason I thought of you today. You were one of a kind and always looking out for the under dog. I pray that Gloria and your boys are doing great. It was an honor to have known you and I pray that God continues to bless your family.
Cesar Gracia
ETSU Chief of Police
December 20, 2023
Fifteen years have passed, but your picture is still one of the first things I see when I walk into my office each day. It was great that today like many days. I was asked about you. Most days, it is a short talk, but today, I found myself lost in the story, and when all was done, I had spent more than 30 minutes telling your story and stories about how much love and respect I have for you.
Sgt Kory Borcherding
Louisiana State Police
June 16, 2021
My heart still aches thinking of the wonderful person this world lost so tragically. Gloria, your kids, and your family remain in my prayers. I will always remember you as my Cuban protector!
I always believe that it is was meant for us to meet! Here we both ended up in this small town of Thibodaux @ Nicholls State University! We were both from Cuba, both lived in Miami, and then we finally met all the way in Louisiana! Even the way that we met has lingered with me, and I often share the story, especially with teenagers and college kids when I talk about being careful about doing stupid things! We don’t often think of how dangerous our decisions can be, and not everyone gets lucky to meet someone that comes out of nowhere to protect us. And, that’s where our lives finally meet! I decided to leave The Horse in downtown and walk to my apartment across town next to campus. My friend was not ready to go, and I just didn’t want to be there any longer. After a few drinks, I decided to walk, after midnight, in the dark streets. As I crossed Canal Street, a sports car pulled up, and I heard this guy ask, “Where are you going?” After telling you my plans, You said I was crazy and told me y’all would give me a ride. So, I proceeded to get in the vehicle, and you lost it with me! “What are you doing getting in a car with total strangers! You don’t know if are going to hurt you!” All I could say was that I recognized y’all from school and the football team. You did not take that as a good enough reason for me to be so trusting and getting in the vehicle with guys I didn’t know. You lectured me on the way home and for so long after that! The next day you came by to check on me, and continued to tell me to never do that again! We discovered that we had so much in common! Haha...neither one of us were good at idioms!!! We didn’t have an issue with the Spanish ones...but how we messed up the English ones!
I was so happy to introduce you to my cousin and brother, so you gained some Cuban friends in Louisiana. You protected me just as well as they did. It was nice to know I had my Cuban protector who set me straight when I did anything wrong. As time passed by, we lost touch from semesters to semesters, until we lost touch completely. We didn’t have cell phones or social media to get in touch with each other easily. Life went on and we went or separate ways. Years later, my husband went through some trainings that you attended, and he got to meet you. It sure is a small world!
Our hearts broke at the news we received that day. We attended your funeral. I didn’t get to go speak to your mom or family. I wanted to meet her and your siblings that you always spoke of. You were a wonderful brother and son, as you always spoke so great about your family. My heart went out to the love of your life, Gloria and your boys.
Fourteen years have passed, and you are remembered and missed by all whose lives were touched by you. What an amazing hero, person, and servant! May you Rest In Peace and watch over us. You will never be forgotten.
Ana Basas Rogers
Nicholls State University Cuban friend
June 19, 2020
June 16, 2006 was one of the hardest days in our family. We miss you so much. Keep watching out for us. You will never be forgotten.
Love Always your niece,
Melissa
Melissa F Anthony
Niece
June 17, 2020
Thinking of you today. Continue to watch over your family, we love and miss you.
JBH
Sister-in-Law
September 26, 2019
Rest in peace Captain Gonzalez.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 2, 2019
Octavio,
We're planning a 35 year reunion with all of our high school football team. You're name has come up time and again. You left an amazing impact on everyone you touched. We miss you and know that you will be with us in spirit. All of us wish you could be there with us in person to make us laugh and to hear you laugh again. You're missed by all of at Hialeah High School.
Cesar Gracia Chief of Police
Lincoln Memorial University
January 25, 2019
I remember Octavio as a young kid always hanging out with my younger brother George. They always had fun and enjoyed their youth to the fullest. He was a tough football player with so much heart. During their down time all I could remember is the echo of laughter coming from anywhere they were.
May you always watch over your family and children, especially your mom who was always your #1 fan.
Sgt. Margie Knight,
Friend first, Retired Sgt., Hialeah P.D
August 17, 2018
Octavio hard to believe your youngest son has graduated high school. You have 2 very handsome young men and each one has some of your traits. You are never far from our thoughts and prayers. Continue watching over your family.
Love
JBH
Jeanne Hoffmann
Sister-in-Law
June 7, 2018
Still remember and tell friends about crazy things Octavio use to do in junior high and high school. I've always wanted to send funds no matter how small to his family. Is there an easy way to send funds such as a PayPal account to family and friends. Even though it's been so long I would always like to contribute to his family. I also share his story with officer friends. He lives on in many childhood friends.
Walter Conklin
Filer Junior High and Hialeah High School
February 10, 2018
Another year has passed and sometimes it just doesn't seem real. 11 years ago you were taken away from your wife, children, mother, sisters, and the rest of the family. When we are together you always come up, Bryson likes to get his hand and arm scratched like you did. Alexander is a hard worker. Continue to watch over your family this world is a crazy place these days.
JBH
sister-in-law
June 16, 2017
Octavio, I cannot believe it was 10 years ago we lost you. You are still very much in our hearts and minds. The boys are so grown up and tall. They may have even passed you up. Continue to watch over your family, we love and miss you.
Love
Jeanne
EOW 6-16-06
Jeanne Hoffmann
Sister-in-law
June 16, 2016
One of my childhood friends, you are always remembered by all your friends here in Miami Octavio, may you rest in peace my brother.
Ulises Padron
Childhood friend
November 23, 2015
Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless
Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas
June 16, 2015
On this day it marks another year you have been gone.
There is not a day that goes by that we don't think of
you. We miss you in so many ways it's hard to describe.
We love you so much and we tell stories of you all the
time to make sure you are never forgotten. Please
continue to watch over us. Continue to help us guide
Alexander and Bryson in the direction to make them the
best men we know they will grow into. After all you are
and forever will be the best role model anyone could ask
for. We miss and love you so much. The stabbing ache in
our hearts has eased but will never go away. When I look
at your boys I see you in them in so many ways. You will
truely never be forgotten.
Forever your niece,
Melissa
Melissa Anthony
Niece
June 16, 2015
It is so hard to believe that your oldest son has graduated high school. But he has and will be going off to college. Continue to watch over him, especially in these early college years. We love and miss you.
JBH
SIL
May 29, 2015
Happy Birthday, Octavio. We love and miss you.
JBH
September 26, 2014
Octavio, you are thought of often and still missed by all of us. The boys are growing up so fast. Continue to watch over them.
JBH
Sister-in-law
August 6, 2014
Octavio,
Last week I shared your story with our cadets. It's a commitment I made when you were taken from us to always remember you. I know our cadets will be better prepared due to the path you paved.
Director: Cesar Gracia
WSCC (East Tennessee) Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy
October 23, 2013
Happy Birthday Octavio, you are forever in our hearts. The boys are growing up so fast. Love you and miss you.
Jeanne
Family
September 26, 2013
I had the pleasure of working with Ox for many years. Ox was great wonderful person and taught me so much about the job. Although we worked for different Departments, Ox was always there when we needed him. I was proud to call him my friend. RIP Ox, you have not been forgotten.
Chris LaRocca
ex Law Enforcement/Friend
January 28, 2013
To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 6th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.
I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
November 21, 2012
Happy Birthday Octavio, we love and miss you.
Jeanne
Sister-in-law
September 26, 2012
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