Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Chief of Police Mendoza.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 26, 2020

Rest well my brother in Heaven. Continue to watch over your loving family always. May they gain strength in time for your great loss.

Lieutenant Ray Flores
NYPD (retired)

January 19, 2018

Rest in peace.

Sgt. Jim Russo

January 21, 2017

It's been 10 years big brother! We miss your beautiful smile!! Your humor! You company! I miss the support that you gave me on my life and family!! I miss you!!! You would be so mad to hear of your brothers and sisters being killed. still! God help us. Their are other that have died. Oh! Ernie, I pray that no other family will go through what we experienced at your death! God continue to be our helper and strength! Until we meet again with our Lord Jesus Christ!

Sister Dolores Mendoza-Guerra

January 19, 2017

I salute you my brother in blue for it has been ten years, you are not forgotten and always remembered by your loving family and the law enforcement community. Continue your watch in Heaven of your family and colleagues, we on Earth, have the watch.

N.Y.P.D. Lt. Ray Flores (Ret.)

January 19, 2017

Heroes live forever, Chief Mendoza, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of Needville and the great State of Texas.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

January 19, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the fifth anniversary 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never dimishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered.. I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 19, 2012

Rest in peace, Chief Mendoza. You're not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

January 19, 2012

Gone But Not Forgotten, thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, co-workers and Dept of Officer Mendoza. "It's not how these officers died that made them Heroes, it's how they lived."

South Texas Concerns of Police Survivors
President/Surviving-Spouse

January 19, 2011

Already almost 4 years, our family misses you every day pop. I so wish you could have spent more time with your grandchildren. we all miss you terribly.It'll never be the same without you.

love, miranda

Miranda Mendoza, LVN
Daughter

January 7, 2011

This man was my grandpqa i miss him very much when he passed away i was about seven years old i was very sad i am now ten years old and i still think about him and i also see him in my dreams

kameron mendoza

March 15, 2009

Forgive me for missing the anniversary of your E.O.W., but I felt as though I could not continue to read about so many tragedies. I now realize the visit each day to leave a word of encouragement and hope to the loved ones of others, helps me to remember that I am not alone with my pain and heartbreak. So may I say to your friends and loved ones that my thoughts and prayers are with them now and always. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol and may they know you will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

February 19, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on this day and every day. There are no magical words I can offer to help ease their grief except to take one day at a time and for them to do everything in their power to keep your memory alive. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

January 19, 2009

We just wanted to send our love to Chief Mendoza's family. We know what you are living and we know how hard and how painful each day is.
Our family has made it through the last four years by relying on each other for support and comfort.
I didn't know the Chief, but just by looking at his picture-he looks like he was a wonderful person-what a great smile.
Please know that we are thinking of all of you and we hold you close in our hearts-

The Family of Deputy David P. Grant
EOW/5/31/04
Tuolumne Co. Sheriff's Dept.
Sonora, Ca.

June 14, 2008

I will be riding in rememberance of Chief Mendoza with the VA Chapter of the Police Unity Tour 2008.

Chief Mendoza,
Although your watch has ended your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your brothers and sisters. I hope my ride will honor your memory and service.
God bless your family, friends and fellow officers and may they find peace.

Martha

Officer Martha Parkhurst

April 28, 2008

The Mendoza Family. I am sorry for the loss of Ernie and believe me , we are all hurting. We lost a good cop, a good man and a great friend. It was an honor knowing Ernie when I started as a Police Officer at Waco PD. Ernie, we miss you Bud.

Chief Abel Sanchez Jr.
Robinson I.S.D Police Dept

April 16, 2008

Ernie touched our lives. We shared holidays, laughs and many good memories with him. We had and still have the utmost respect for him. We miss him and wish our thoughts of love and prayer to his family on this one year anniversary of his passing. God Bless! Ray, Michelle and Matthew

January 19, 2008

On this one year anniversary of your EOW, we are thinking of you, your family, friends and co-workers.

You are missed very much as seen in many of these reflections. Please watch over your wife, as she continues to grieve. Give her the strength to make it day by day.

Today, on this day, comfort her and your family, you are a True Hero and will not be forgotten!

Craig Figgins
Brother - SGT Dan Figgins St Charles, IL EOW 4/9/05

January 19, 2008

~Never forgotten. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

January 19, 2008

Chief Mendoza,
The one year anniversary of your EOW is upon us, and citizens are remembering your sacrifice, one that no one should ever have to make. Please continue to keep watch over your family, as they live out your legacy of bravery and strength. You are a hero on earth and in heaven.

Pennsylvania citizen

January 17, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 11, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 12, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Van Den Berghe
NH

October 18, 2007

~Never forgotten~ Rest in peace. God bless your family.

September 16, 2007

Susie,
I am very sorry about your family's loss.
I have many friends starting their law-enforcement careers and, as such, have spend some time looking through the pages of fallen heros. The tears that came from reading the loving memories and memorials about your husband inspire me to pass my deepest condolences and love to your and you children. It is my sincere hope and prayer that your children can read this someday and tearfully remember how great their father was and how lucky they are to have had such a man raise and influence them. Good luck to you.

Ben
Fortunate Citizen

July 19, 2007