St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana
End of Watch Friday, June 16, 2006
Reflections for Captain Octavio Rafael "Ox" Gonzalez
Your bravery will always be remembered. You will be dearly missed.
bridget muse, rn
rph er
August 3, 2006
I attended the Drug Unit Commanders Academy in Sept. of 2000 with "Ox". That was the funniest two week school I've attended, primarily because "Ox" sat next to me and kept things going. I always looked forward to talking to "Ox" about family and work.
I'm terribly sorry for your loss. I apologize for the late reflection, but as what usually happens in law enforcement, we become occupied with our job at hand, and squeeze in a quick call or email. I'll miss his laugh, and his friendship.
Detective Sergeant Chris Bertoli
Sonoma County Sheriff's Department, California
August 1, 2006
OX- My brother and father figure. threw out life I have lost father figures I never meet my real father my step father died when I was eight years old at that time I became the father figure to my younger brother and sister threw out life I have meet men like you OX they have taught me about life and made me into the man I am today some of those men have died along theway but just like you OX they all have taught me something about life to honor you OX I will pick up my head and keep going forward in life shearing with other along the way the things that you and so many others have taught me and when my time comes I will see you and all of the other father figures again until then rest in peace its time for me to be a father figure.
Sergeant
ST. John Parish Sheriffs Office
July 28, 2006
On behalf of the Depts. of the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office, we offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and all members of the St. John Sheriff's Office. You're in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We have lost another brother to yet another senseless act committed by a coward with a gun. The sad fact is Cpt. Gonzalez will not be the last. To Cpt. Gonzalez, our brother in blue, you are a true hero. Rest in peace and thank you for you courage and sacrifice. You will never be forgotten.
"For those who pledge to uphold it, freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know"--anonymous
Patrolman
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office
July 28, 2006
I graduated form the academy in November, and until his death, I did not get a chance to really get to know Ox, but the few times that I did have conversations with him, he did give me some advice on what to look for now that I have started my career in law enforcement. When I first met Ox, he was just a little intimadating to me, but very shortly after, I saw that he was a very soft spoken guy who loved what he did, and did not mind on sharing his expertise. Even though he is gone, I will always be glad to say that I was on duty that awful night and I was there giving my all to save him. We are all brothers and sisters in this line of work, but I don't think it's really realized until something of this magnitude happeens. Ox, we know you are watching down on us, I hope that you are proud of us, and we will continue to miss you.
Dpy Brent Remondet
St.John Sheriff's Office
July 24, 2006
My brother is a cop and SWAT team in Athens, AL. I pray for him always. My dad lives in Houston and emailed me the info about this tragedy. May your family be blessed and rest in Gods arms.
With prayers,
Lari
Lari Collier
July 23, 2006
For some reason or another I was not aware of what had happened. I just ran into a freind of ours and he informed me of the incident. As an x policeman and Friend of Octavio I am hurt behind beleif. I played Football with Octavio at Nicholls State and will remember all of the good times that we had. Take care my friend and May God Bless you and Your Family.
Greg Little
X Ascension Parish Deputy
Friend
Greg Little
Friend
July 17, 2006
Peace be with you always...
Mrs. Natalie Jensen
wife of Detective Jared Jensen EOW 2/22/06
July 15, 2006
OCTAVIO - OX- TAVIO - BIG O - COMMANDER - CAPTAIN - DAD,
NO MATTER WHAT NAME YOU WERE CALLED OR KNOWN BY, YOU WERE STILL THE SAME PERSON. YOU WERE MANY DIFFERENT THINGS TO MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE, EVEN MORE THAN THOSE OF US CLOSE TO YOU EVER REALIZED. HONOR, COURAGE, AND LOVE SEEM TO TO BE THE EMBODIMENT OF YOUR SOUL AND YOU HAVE SPREAD THIS TO THOSE YOU HAVE WORKED WITH AND WITH YOUR FAMILY.
THANK YOU GOD FOR LETTING US HAVE HIM FOR A LITTLE WHILE.
WE WILL ALWAYS MISS YOU AND WILL DO OUR BEST TO TAKE CARE OF THE ONES YOU LOVED THE MOST.
T.B.W.
July 14, 2006
Octavio,
I did not know you, but I am friends with people who did, and your spirit lives on throught them. God Bless you and your family my brother!
Officer Brian Martin
Federal Reserve Police
July 13, 2006
My thoughts and prayers go out to Octavio's wife, children, family and friends. What a brave hero he is.
I knew him in high school and the earth is short a good man.
Rest in Peace my friend!
Dee Mayer
Dee (Kirch) Mayer
July 13, 2006
I had the privelege of working with Ox on many ocassions and he was a joy to do business with. I last spoke with him in May of this year. I will always remember what a nice guy he was and his lovely smile.
Intelligence Analyst Julie Cooper
Louisiana State Police
July 12, 2006
The first person I met at NSU was Octavio. A great guy and a true hero. My heart goes out to your wife and children. May you rest in peace. Ria
wife of Louisiana State Trooper
Maria DiVincenti-Smith
Maria DiVincenti-Smith
July 11, 2006
Ox,
I'll never forget the first time I met you and was impressed by the way you conducted yourself towards everyone. Thanks for all of the things you gave us and may you rest in peace.
DP Gomez
LPSO
July 11, 2006
Rest in peace my dear brother. Your job here on earth is finished.God Bless you and your family.
Sgt. Jim May (ret)
Charlotte Mecklenburg P.D.
July 9, 2006
I remember Octavio from my years in Middle and High School. He was always well liked and very popular. My husband (who knew him as well) and I were very saddened by this news and pray for the family. May God's peace overwhelm them during this difficult time.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Ricky and Yvette Gallinar
Vida Nueva Christian Ministries in Miami Springs, FL
Yvette Gallinar
Middle School and High School friend
July 8, 2006
Dear Octavio,
I just heard today about what happened and I have been unable to function. Playing football with you at Nicholls was one of the best times of my life. The world has lost one of its truly unique people. My heart goes out to your family, and co-workers. I will miss you my friend.
Jon Covington
Friend
July 7, 2006
To a partner, a roommate, but most of all to my friend: It is time I say goodbye because I have faced the fact that you will not call nor will I see you until a better day. I will miss the phone calls, the visits, and laughter we shared. I have the memories that I will treasure until we meet again. I had the pleasure of not only working with this great person whom was larger than life, but also sharing a home with him during our bachelor days while working for a drug task force. I have known Octavio for 15 years and even though our careers took different avenues we still stayed in touch. I know you are in a better place, I can only pray that God will give those who knew you the strength to fill this void you have left in our lives. Look over the rest of us and keep us safe as we continue the ride. I will miss you and never forget you... Don't worry about the family, they can count on us just as we have counted on you. Rest in Peace. Your Friend, Troy
Trooper T. Landry
Louisiana State Police Troop C
July 5, 2006
A true hero. May he rest in peace.
July 5, 2006
Octavio, my prays go to you and your family.Rest in pease.
Julio Barroso
high school friend
July 5, 2006
rest now my brother, in the arms of our SAVIOUR.
K-9 OFFICER J.L. VANCE
LEAKE S.O.
July 5, 2006
I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Captain Gonzalez, especially to his wife. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.
From reading the reflections left for Octavio, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Octavio's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Octavio's life was about so much more than the way he died. Octavio will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.
Captain Gonzalez, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been three years but we still miss him terribly.
Wishing you brighter and better days,
Jocelyne :)
"Forever Remembering 26-3"
Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis Ray McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)
July 4, 2006
While it is no consolation for your loss, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Captain Gonzalez.
While I did not have the privilege to have known him personally, I am certain that he has found a place in heaven through his selfless service to those he swore to protect.
Rest in peace my friend; those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin blue line.
July 3, 2006
My prayers go out to the co-workers and family of Cpt. Gonzalez. To Cpt. Gonzalez.......you are a true hero. Rest in peace now sir, the watch is ours
Deputy in TN
July 3, 2006
Reality
Imagine how our world would be
If every police officer quit
Turned in their gun, turned in their badge,
Just finally had enough of it.
No respect, no loyalty,
No appreciation of all they do,
They’d give their lives for all of us,
These wonderful officers of “Blue”.
Kicked at, spit on,
Punched, stabbed and shot,
Everyday assaults on officers,
Done…without thinking a second thought!
Our laws are in favor of criminals,
There’s always some loophole in their case,
Out again to commit more crimes and murders
…creates pain, that we, the family and friends
…in time will never erase.
Why should they do it?
Why take the risk?
Why put their life on the line?
Subject their loved ones to endless suffering,
When their precious life is lost while fighting crime.
More murders, more kidnappings, more robberies and rapes,
Just to mention a few,
Please ask yourself how life would be,
If there were NO officers in Blue!
Would you do it? Could you do it?
And for how many…would YOU give it all?
Rewards are a 21 gun salute, a Medal of Honor,
And your name gets added to the Wall.
Think about it. Why are they here?
And why do some hate them so?
Because they enforce the laws that put convicts and murderers
In jail serving time, or on “Death Row”.
All give some and some give all,
It’s a risk they chose to take:
To put their heart and soul in it,
To put their lives at stake.
So, please take a moment,
Please give it deep thought,
Think of what “you can do”…
To help show respect,
To help follow the laws,
So we’d quit losing our Heroes in Blue!
Written by Jaclyn Pocceschi Mosley
Sister of Fallen Officer Rodney F. Pocceschi EOW 6/23/03
Fallen Officers Remembered, Founder & President
www.fallenofficersremembered.com
fallen officers remembered
July 1, 2006
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