Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My fallin brother. Its been nearly six months since I responded to that horrible accident. I remember it like it was yesterday. But what I also remember is that I got the pleasure of working with a true professional. One I will miss dearly. You will never be forgotten from our hearts and memories and that goes to your family as well.

Detective C. Rader
Needville Police Dept.

July 2, 2007

I haven't spent a lot of time this year reading the memorials of the fallen officers, mainly because it saddens me that so many great men and women have fallen. It's a terrible thing that so many great lives were cut so short. As a fallen officer survivour, my heart goes out to all those that knew and loved Chief Mendoza, especially to his wife. Know that you are not alone in this journey that you walk and that Ernest will not be forgotten here in Winnipeg.

Chief Mendoza, thank you for helping to make this world a safer place. If you run into my late fiance Dennis up there give him a hug for all of us down here. It's been just over four years and we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne
"Forever Loving & Missing 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

July 2, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to your wife, children, family, friends and co-workers. May God give you all comfort.
The memory of a good person is a blessing- Proverb 10:7
My heart goes out to you all.
Heros are never forgotten. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

May 15, 2007

Rest in Peace brother! Heart felt condolence to your family!

Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside, Ca PD

May 13, 2007

Rest in peace Chief, we'll take it from here.

Ofc. Michael Cavett
Gainesville Police Department

May 4, 2007

Honey,
I can't tell you how desperately I miss you. Sometimes, I feel I can barely breath. Each morning, when I awake, I am faced with the thought "today is another day I have to live without my husband." I am trying to be as strong as I can be......I'm lost without you. You are my hero....our babies miss you so much..... we are so sad. Your loving wife, Susie Q

susie mendoza
your loving wife

April 12, 2007

My deepest sympathies to you and your family during these days. Jan. 19 is my birthday and now, after reading this, I will always remember to whisper a prayer for you when this day rolls around. In the meantime, know that officers and their families across the nation are holding you up in thoughts and prayers every single day. I will pray specifically for your strength and wisdom every day as a mother, and for God to give you special grace and peace as you carry on one day at a time. May you be comforted by those around you who love and care about you.

Sincerely,
Carla H. Lyon, widow of Asst. Chieft Deputy Keith Lyon, EOW 05.09.06, Knoxville, TN

April 5, 2007

Mrs. Mendoza and family:

I had the honor to be in the escort from the church to the burial site. When we passed thru Needville it was very moving to see all the people lining the route showing you and Ernie the utmost respect. This was "Fruit" of the great impact Ernie made on the community during the past decade of service for the children of Needville ISD. His memory will forever live on in their lives. He was their Hero.

In Christ <><
Mr. Jaimie Buis

Chief Buis
Tidehaven ISD Police, El Maton, TX

March 28, 2007

Rest Easy Brother...God keep you in his loving arms.

Sgt. Michael Gromatzky
Collin College Police Dept. TX

March 27, 2007

You were always there for everything, from escorts to athletic games to troubled students. You were an excellent role model and will be missed. Thank you for you service.

Officer Jennifer Gasser
Auburn Police Department (AL) and former student

March 21, 2007

Rest in Peace Chief Mendoza....You will not be forgotten.

Deputy Christopher R French #3213
Wharton County Sheriffs Office

March 20, 2007

To the family of Chief Mendoza: After reading all of the reflections left by other family, friends and strangers, I felt compelled to leave this poem I found on another site. Chief Mendoza may you have eternal life and rest in peace and to your family our prayers are with you.


"My Brother"

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was idealistic and believed he could make a difference.
He was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and what they represent.
He felt privileged to be of service to his department, his community and to his country.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm.
He laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary.
He was competent, trained, and professional.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong and became
frustrated when true justice became sidetracked.
He felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but he
never wavered.
He stood by and for his fellow officers.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He longed for his family during the long hours.
He worried about them during his shifts and the lonely
weekends, holidays and midnights when they were apart.
He felt guilty about the lost time, but knew his calling
and prayed they would understand.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was a good son, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
He was dedicated to the profession and cared about the
people he served.
He wanted to do the best job that he could and strived to
be the best he could be.
He was a good citizen and a good neighbor.

He was a cop.

Yes, I did know him.
He was a cop, he was my Brother.

Police Officer IV
UTHSCSA

March 11, 2007

“REMEMBER ME”
Law enforcement officers are, indeed, a special breed of people. Ask anyone on the street and they will tell you that they would not have our jobs for anything in the world. It takes something special to do what we do and at the same time be able to even contemplate retirement. We try to be optimists. Unfortunately, there are a few of us who will never make that date with retirement. By the very nature of our job, we are at risk everyday of losing our lives, either at the hand of some deranged individual or in some other situation that we, by virtue of our occupation, may be unable to avoid. Some people have recognized the hazardous duties we involve ourselves in, the risks we take, and the pride we take in accomplishing that job. There is National Law Enforcement Week, dedicated to us who gladly accept the responsibility of protecting the citizens in our respective jurisdictions. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day is dedicated to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. These are but two examples of remembrances specifically for law enforcement personnel. Remembrances that come but once a year. We should remind fellow officers of another type of remembrance, one that will last a lifetime. Sooner or later, a doctor will pronounce us dead. It is inevitable. Regardless of whatever happens, death is the end we will all have to face.
“IT IS IN DEATH THAT WE CAN LIVE FOREVER”
Author Unknown


Thank's Chief, Rest in Peace.

Detective Brian Jackson
Pooler Police Department

February 27, 2007

I will always remember the day you came to visit me while I was working in the library after you found out that I wanted to become a police officer. You looked me straight in the eye and asked me, "Are you crazy?" And without even blinking I told you, "Yes." You got the biggest smile on your face. Do you know why I wanted to become a police officer? Because I saw all the love and respect you had earned from the citizens of Needville and even the students of NISD...and I wanted to be able to look back on my life and say that I'd made a difference in even a fraction of the lives you had. You're my hero, my idol...and I just hope that I can make you proud someday.

Amanda Mendoza
"Cuz"

February 22, 2007

My dear friend,each time we were in church together, we always hugged or saluted each other and thanked the Lord for His many blessings. When we would be out and about either working or having fun, we always talked about how much we loved our wives and family.

If I had to pick one person to be in my fox hole during times of trouble, I would have pick you.

My friend, I will continue to stand my post and work to Jesus's excellence.

The Lord has relieved you of your post on this earth but has promoted you to stand by Him. What a tremendous honor.

I will miss you my friend but I will continue to stand my post until it is my turn to stand with you and Him.

I salute you, Ernie

Semper Fi,

Ray-School Principal

Ray Beall-School Principal
Christian Brother-Military Brother

February 12, 2007

My condolences to the family and friends of this fine Police Officer. I hope our laws against drunk drivers with strenghthen and will not allow 4 time DWI convicts the opportunity to take another life. Peace be with you and your children Mrs. Mendoza. God Bless and God speed Chief, your shift has ended.

Sgt. Salvador J. Onofre III
Balcones Heights Police Department

February 8, 2007

My prayers and condolences to your wife and children and your family and friends and to your Police Family. You will never be forgotten and will be in my daily prayers. Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication and the sacrifices you made in making the people of Texas safer, God Bless you, Chief Ernest as you now sleep in God's Love and in His Arms.
Respectfully,
Kathi Halligan Phila Pa wife and mom of LEO'S

Kathi Halligan
Philadelphia PA

February 7, 2007

To the family and loved ones of Chief Ernest Mendoza and his fellow officers with the Needville Independent School District Police Department:

On behalf of our family, I want to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Chief Mendoza was killed in the line of duty. His valor and courage will never be forgotten.

In reading the loving reflections left by family and friends, it is obvious that Ernie was an amazing man who touched many lives in a positive way. I can see that he is so loved and will be missed by so many. Especially touching to me are the reflections left by the students as they truly indicate what a remarkable man Ernie was and how he impacted them.

The circumstances of Ernie's death were heart breaking and I know caused much anquish for all those affected.

May Ernie's spirit continue to soar and his memory continue to inspire. May God hold Ernie and his family members in the warmest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Ernie gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on January 19, 2007.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg, Ca PD eow 4/24/05

February 4, 2007

My prayers are with you and your family. May you Rest in Peace..

Trooper
New York State Police

February 3, 2007

Chief Mendoza, thank you for your selfless service. My prayers are with you, your wife and children, all your friends, and your Police brothers and sisters. May your children be proud of their fine father.

Tim Reise
Nashville, TN

February 3, 2007

Rest in peace brother.

Sgt.Det. Stan Finley
LCSO(Arkansas)

February 2, 2007

God bless the family and friends of Chief Mendoza. This senseless act of selfishness by the driver happens all too often across the US. Support MADD and Vehicular Stops during peak drinking times. Make a committment to Chief Mendoza that you will do all you can to support our Officers out there trying to rid drunk drivers from the roads. Peace and fly free Chief Mendoza. You are one of the best of the best.

Co Springs, CO Detective's Mom

February 1, 2007

Chief Mendoza, you gave the ultimate sacrafice for your community. God bless your family, friends and fellow law enforement family during this tragic time. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace brother and watch over the rest of us as we work to make this world a safer place to live. Deputy Mary B. Syson

Deputy Mary B. Syson
King County Sheriff Department/ Seattle

February 1, 2007

Ernie you will be missed my brother. You were a great American Hero, serving your country, God, and your family at all times. All your nieces and nephews will remember Uncle Ernie, I will remember that cool dude "Eddie Martinez" that hooked my sister and made her a happy wife and mother. God Bless You All Mendoza Tribe...el

Ellen & Family
Sister-in-law

February 1, 2007

May you rest in peace Chief Mendoza,and may GOD bless your family and department.

senior deputy gavin price (retired)
escambia co fl s/o

January 31, 2007