Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

A year ago today we lost a friend, partner, and hero. Villegas the legacy you left will never be forgotten.

Deputy Manjarrez
RSI/Friend

March 19, 2008

rip god's speed, merry christmas, fontana california resident

December 24, 2007

"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

Everyone else has already said what a great guy Manny was, and I really don't know what else to say. They are all right, he was amazing. The man was an athlete, a motivator, and an inspiration to all. He may have died a while serving his community, but he will always live as a hero in my heart. I had the pleasure of completing the academy with Manny, and in a few short months I realized what a truly great person he was. He stood out amongst us all, but he was always humble and willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

Integrity, Knowledge, Courage, Ohh Rah

Anonynous

October 23, 2007

I've met some of your academy comrades and they all spoke very highly of you. Thank you for your service to your country and your county...10-7 in heaven.

Deputy Sonny Cortez
RSO / Jurupa Valley Station

October 1, 2007

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 Deputy Villegas, 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 Manuel, 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 Manuel's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Manuel's life was about so much more than the way he died. Manuel will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Deputy Villegas, 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 late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been four years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

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

September 19, 2007

Happy Birthday villegas!

Deputy Manjarrez
Riverside County Sheriff

June 26, 2007

KEEP HEAVEN SAFE FOR THE REST OF US. WE WILL ALL MEET FOR BRIEFING AT THE GREATEST STATION OF THEM ALL. REST IN PEACE

DEPUTY RAMON ESCAMILLA
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF/INDUSTRY STATION

May 23, 2007

Estimada Xochilt, me llamo Terry, y como tu tambien perdi a mi esposo en el cumplimiento de policia, me encantaria que me contactaras, somos una familia muy grande de policias y sobrevivientes.

Por favor, si puedo hacer algo por ti no lo pienses y llama.

Cuidate, y que Dios te Bendiga

Terry Miyares, surviving spouse
Officer Emilio Miyares, Hialeah PD. Fl 11/6/86

May 17, 2007

Deputy Villegas,

You are a inspiration to all of your fellow classmates and to anyone who had the opportunity to meet you. You were an inspiration to all because of your strength, intellegence, and competitive nature. I thank you for your service to the United States and to Riverside County. You are a true hero. You will truely be missed.

Deputy Balderrama
Riverside County Sheriff's Department/ Class 167

May 16, 2007

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

Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside, Ca PD

May 13, 2007

Manny, You will be truly missed as a friend, a brother in arms, quiet professional and a truly outstanding caring person. It was an honor to serve with you on the team. Rest easy my brother, you will never be forgotten.
Bruce

MSG Bruce A. Wright
Special Forces Team Member ODA-744

May 8, 2007

You gave the ultimate sacrafice while serving and protecting the community. Watch over the restof us as we work to make this world a safer place to live. God bless you and your family, you weill never be forgotten.

Deputy Mary B. Syson
King County Sheriffs Department

May 8, 2007

Manny,

Your loss saddened me because not only did I lose a brother in blue, but also my husband lost a great friend. I hear that you were a excellent medic, who saved Tom's life. I am sure that you'd just deny the same if you were here now. Your humility and true belief in the term "silent warrior" would not permit the hundreds of people who spoke well of you. I could just see you now, shaking and lowering your head as if to dismiss your outstanding achievements. I admire your devotion to your family. I respect your decision to leave the army, which you loved, to have a better life for Xotchil and your boys. Your time here on earth was meaningful to so many people. I will always pray for your family and for your friends at Riverside Sheriff's Department.

Officer Jessica Navarro
Fayetteville PD, Fayetteville, NC

May 6, 2007

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Deputy Sheriff Manuel Villegas,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Manuel. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Deputy Sheriff Manuel Villegas is a hero.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

April 27, 2007

estoy muy orgullosa de mi esposo Manuel el fue el mejor esposo que Dios me alla podido dar , ha dejado un gran vasio en mi y en mis hijos pero en medio de tanto dolor me da alegria de que para tanta gente mi esposo sea su Herue como lo es para mi.Tambien agradesco a tada la gente que se ha tomado el tiempo para escrebir algo especial para mi esposo.Gracias tambien por tenernos en sus oraciones.Se que el donde quiera que este esta en paz por que sabe de todo el apollo que me han dado.Gracias de todo corazon y por favor sigan orando por nosotros que sus oraciones me han sido de gran ayuda para seguir a delante y con fuerza.Gracias XOCHITL VILLEGAS

Xochilt Villegas
esposa

April 24, 2007

Deputy Villegas,
It was an honor working with you. you were a Highly Motivated and Truly Dedicated Deputy to the department and your family. All of us RSO Explorers will miss you.

God bless you and your family.

Explorer Captain Edgardo Galarza
Riverside Sheriff Department - Indio Station

April 7, 2007

Deputy Villegas;

Rest in Peace my brother, Thinking of you, your family and your Dept. God Bless

D.A.R.E Officer Bob Swope
Olmsted Falls Police Dept. Ohio

April 4, 2007

I came to know of Deputy Villegas sad and tragic loss from an American friend of mine who also is a Peace Officer in California. To "keep the peace" and "to serve and protect" are lofty and noble goals that Manuel Villegas volunteered to undertake. His family, friends and loved ones should take comfort in the fact that his death, as crushing and sorrowful as its reality is, happened while he was working and sacrificing towards the higher ideals of public safety and protecting his fellow citizens. God willing, those who have the most mournful hearts today will have their grief replaced, in time, by a overwhelming feeling of pride for the selfless service that Manuel Villegas undertook and selflessly provided. May God bless him and keep him.

With deepest sympathy,

C.Tokei
Vancouver, BC
Canada

Grateful Citizen C. Tokei
Former Canadian Naval Officer

April 3, 2007

God bless you for your service and sacrifice!

Officer Ryan McNeil
Medicine Lodge (KS) Police Department

April 1, 2007

My heart is heavy at the news at the death of a fellow police officer, Deputy Manual Villegas. He was a great warrior, and a model to young officers. His courage in combat has earned him respect from all his peers, in the family of police enforcement. Illness prevents me from attending, but, my heart aches at his loss.

Cameron Knauerhaze, Detective
Westminster PD, Westminster, Ca.

Cameron Knauerhaze
Westminster Police Department

April 1, 2007

Deputy Sheriff Villegas,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Riverside County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

March 31, 2007

I was saddened to hear of another tragic loss... Although I did not have the pleasure of knowing you personally, my prayers go out to your family. My thoughts are always with my friends at RSO.

P. Villeneuve
Medina County S.O. (OH) former RSO Dispatcher

March 30, 2007

You are an inspiration to all your fellow classmates, and to anyone who had the oportunity to know you. In my eyes you are one person who I would like to follow your lead in this profession. You are physically and mentally one of the best. There is no one that could match your hard work ethic and your dedication. I have never met anyone who is so good at what they do and so humble about how they do it. You are a great Deputy, Father and Friend. May god bless you and your family. Rest in Peace my Brother. I will never forget you.

Deputy Oscar Ortiz
Riverside County Sheriff/Class 167

March 29, 2007

A police officer died today
and a part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect
will be buried with him at his side.
A police officer today
it happened in your town and mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors
a cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost has the beat
on a dark city street
and he stands at each rookie's side.
A cop answered the call
of himself gave his all
and a part of America died.

- Author Unknown -

My condolences to the officer's family in this time of sorrow.

Grateful
Citizen

March 29, 2007