St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana
End of Watch Friday, June 16, 2006
Reflections for Captain Octavio Rafael "Ox" Gonzalez
OCTAVIO....MY WIFE AND I SEND OUR DEEPEST THOUGHTS, AND PRAYERS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, AND TO ALL THE OFFICERS AT THE ST. JOHN BAPTIST PARISH SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. WE ARE VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
OFFICER MICHAEL ROSE (RETIRED)
SAN LEANDRO POLICE DEPARTMENT.
June 18, 2006
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Captain Gonzalez deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. No greater love has a man than the will to give his life for another. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Captain Gonzalez is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, North Carolina
June 18, 2006
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 18, 2006
Rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.
Police Officer
June 18, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as they mourn your tragic death. May you rest in the peace of God's loving care.
Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Special Agent Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04
June 18, 2006
All my thoughts are with this brave Officers family.
Pc McAlindon
uk
June 18, 2006
Just taking a minute to say that Ox was a great guy. Our prayers and symapthies go out to his family. May God take care of all of you.
CPL Jay Nolan and Pebbles DeLaneuville
St John Parish Sheriff's Department
June 18, 2006
You will be missed, you are a true hereo, you will be miss. May god watch over your friends and family and me you watch over us men and woman still on duty... Thank you for keep us safe.
Officer John Pizzi
Calumet Village
June 18, 2006
Brother, you have taken your last breath,your weapon lies beside you and the approaching sirens have faded into a calm silence. In an instant you feel a gentle breeze on your face, its a bright new day, the trumpets are sounding,you have worked your last night shift ,this time you are strapping on the armor of God almighty.You will no longer hurt,fear or even shed a tear for you are at Gods Throne knowing only love. Brother, you served your land well,be proud!, your brothers and sisteers in blue will see you soon!
Rest in peace!
Lieutenant W.R.(Bill) Smith
Asheville Airport Police,NC
June 18, 2006
I met Captain Gonzales in 2000. He was very helpful in my inquiry. He gave me his business card and I still have it.
I am so upset but I can't imagine how his wife feels. Oh, his two sons are now fatherless due to the criminal life of this person who had no respect for human life...
jackie
friend
June 18, 2006
Ox, Where do we even begin? It's very hard to imagine that all of this is happening. We're all still confused and dazed. We always did so much together as a team it has just become a way of life.We are all filled with anger,love,and disapointment. They say that you can measure the goodness of a man buy what he leaves behind,well brother that has never been more true than now. The way of life you have left for us will get us through this. The discipline ,strength, and unity you have instilled in us throughout the last nine years will stay with us for the rest of our lives. It's going to be a very long rough road without you. I heard somebody say that there glad your up there on our side. I think i know fourteen of your closest friends who would disagree. You see we already had you on our side,we just want you back down here with us. But I guess your new right hand man needed a good pointman. I know you'll do him proud as you have us. Ox we'll miss you deeply for a long time to come. So watch over us and most of all watch over your family and well take it from here. From your S.O.R.T. Team.
Sgt. Michael Murden
St. John Sheriffs Office
June 18, 2006
Our prayers are with you and your family in this tragic time. Rest in Peace Hero you will not be forgotten.
Deputy
Terrebonne Parish S.O. Houma,La
June 18, 2006
To Captain Gonzalez family, friends, and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Department; I would like to extend my condolences and deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prays are with you all. To Captain Gonzalez, thank you for your service, a job well done, I salute you. May your soul rest in peace.
Respect. Honor. Remember.
Patrol Officer
Prince George's County, Maryland
June 18, 2006
OX, REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOU WILL BE MISSED.
CAPTAIN EUGENE E. WEINERT JR.
ST.JOHN SHERIFFS OFFICE
June 18, 2006
I had the pleasure of meeting Ox but unfortunately it was at my husbands funeral. Ox was a terrific man and officer. My family and I sent our condolences to his wife and two sons, family, friends and all law enforcement family. May god bless and watch over all of you during this very difficult time. Be strong and accept all help offered to you. May Ox rest in peace. Gone but NEVER forgotten. My thougts and prayers are with you all.
Tammy Touchet
Widow of Todd Touchet Vermilion Parish S. O. EOW 1/8/00
June 18, 2006
Another hero is shot down by a person who has no respect for lives of other people or who has any feelings for people. How come some people can just shoot down law enforcement officer without any idea of what is going to happen to the loved ones they leave behind. Our prayers and condolences go out to all who loved and new Captain Gonzales.
A Part Of America Died,
Somebody killed a policeman today,
And 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 he walked was a battle field too
just as if he had 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 locked doors,
A cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
And stands at each new rookies' side.
He answered the call,of himself and gave his all,
And a part of America died.
*anonymous*
Bless all the family, friends and sisters and brothers who wear the badge of law enforcement. You will always be known as a hero and never, ever forgotten.
Marilyn Robinson aka MamaWolf
Canyon City, Colorado
Marilyn Robinson aka MamaWolf
The Chauffeur Internet Radio
June 18, 2006
My sympathy and prayers to your wife, children, and family and friends and your Police Family.To Captain Gonzales, you will NEVER be forgotten and will be in my daily prayers. Thank you for all your service your dedication and the sacrifice you made in protecting and making it safer for the citizens of Loouisiana. God Bless you as you sleep in God's Love and in His Peace.
Respectfully,
Kathi Halligan Phila Pa wife and mom of LEO
Kathi Halligan
Phila Pa
June 18, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and your friends, rest in piece, you will never be forgotten.
Larry E. Kilbarger
Lancaster Ohio Police Dept. (Retired)
June 18, 2006
It always breaks my heart to hear a story such as this. Captain Gonzalez will be in our hearts and prayers forever. I pray for this family, and may they know that Captain Gonzalez died a true hero. May God be with you through these times. Just know that he is looking down upon you.
always.
unknown
June 18, 2006
Rest in peace Brother Octavius, you are a true hero and will never be forgotten for your service and courage.
Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73
June 18, 2006
Another sad loss of a brother in blue. Rest in peace, God knows all and he shall judge the ones who took you.
Officer Scott Parker
Covington, Texas Police Dept.
June 18, 2006
My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Captain Octavius Gonzalez as well as to the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Department. Rest in peace Captain Gonzalez, you are gone but will not be forgotten...
Dispatcher Sue Rusch
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL
June 18, 2006
Captian Gonzalez, words fail me to express properly the admiration I hold for your bravery and self sacrifice to duty, your fellow officers and the pursuit of justice. You have given your life for your brothers. Your actions are what I stive for each and every shift - to be there for my fellow brothers in the ultimate times of need. I type this with the utmost sincerity and respect, and hope and pray for all your fellow officers, family and friends that they remember a brave and true hero.
"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal" - (Albert Pine).
Go bless you Sir - be at peace mate.
Senior Constable
South Australia Police
June 18, 2006
An Angel In The Sky Must Leave His Place of Rest,
Gently Tucking His Wings Beneath His Armored Vest.
For Duty Has Called, There Is Much Work To Do
Little Did He Know, This One Is Dressed In Blue.
Arriving On The Scene, He Knows Just What To Say,
"Follow Me, Fallen Brother, I'll Show You The Way."
"Your Duty Has Ended; Your Work Is Now Through,"
"Come Hang Your Hat Beside Mine, I'm A Cop, Too."
(author unknown)
Cavalier
June 18, 2006
(From a Policeman's Prayer) "...And when we lay down our night sticks, enroll us in your Heavenly Force, where we will be as proud to guard the throne of God, as we have been to guard the city of men."
A new assignment waits for you in heaven, where there is no violence, only everlasting love. My condolences and heartfelt prayers to your family and department. God Bless.
Neart, Gra agus Onoir (Strength, love and honor)
Crime Scene Specialist K. Martin B1162
Scottsdale PD (AZ)
June 18, 2006
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