Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You will remain forever in our hearts and your family forever in our prayers.

M.Couch
RIVERSIDE SHERIFF - DISPATCH

March 29, 2007

Deputy Villegas,
You are and always will be a true hero. You can rest in peace for you are one of God's angles. Tell all our fellow officer's with you in heaven that we miss them also. All your fellow brother's and sister's wearing the badge honor you. You are gone but NEVER forgotten. May you rest in peace.
The Hernandez Family

Deputy's
Escambia County S/O FL

March 28, 2007

Deputy Villegas will be missed by all those who have ever worked with him. He was, and still is a great man who gave inspiration to all. I thank him for his service to the United States and Riverside County. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Rest in peace brother.

Deputy R. Witzel
RSO

March 28, 2007

...and it is to you Sir, that I devote my work, in your memory and to honor you.

Deputy H.
Riverside County Sheriff

March 28, 2007

Rest in Peace. Thank you for your service to our country.

Wisconsin LEO

March 28, 2007

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Xochitl & family of Deputy Manuel Villegas. It broke our hearts to hear the horrible news. May God bless you with strength and guidance through this time of sorrow.

Sincerely,
Valenzuela Family

Ruth Valenzuela & Family
Realtor & Friend

March 28, 2007

I didnt have the chance to work with Manuel for that long. For the calls we went on together, he made me feel secure because I knew I had a great deputy watching my back. He will be missed out our station.

Deputy Sheriff
Riverside County Sheriff/ Indio Station

March 28, 2007

You inspired us during our Academy with your strength, intelligence and patience.
I mentioned to you once how much I admired your extraordinary abilities and you simply replied very humble, that we all are a big team. Rest in Peace brother.
God bless. My prayers are with you and your family.

Deputy Schafers
Riverside County Sheriff/ Class 167

Deputy John Schafers
Riverside County Sheriff

March 27, 2007

Just the other day I caught myself looking at pictures from the academy. Even now it still seems surreal, untrue. I can’t picture you any other way than quietly smiling, ready to take on a new day. You were an inspiration to all of us back then and nothing’s changed since. We’re still here, right behind you, following your lead. You are not forgotten and you are not alone. May God bless you and your family.

Deputy Slaughter
Riverside County Sheriff, Class 167

March 27, 2007

Manny was an inspiration, I had the pleasure of knowing him breifly but what I did know of him was that he was a great man. Know matter how bad you hurt or how tired you were he always said come on you can do it. He always had a smile and no matter how quiet he was you knew you could depend on him.

I wish his family the best and with time the pain will turn into strength.

Deputy Giles
RSO

March 27, 2007

Manny, of all the years that we have known each other and work together I can truly say you were one of the finest people that has touched my life. I knew when you left the team it was a great loss to us but at the same time I knew the deputy's of the sheriff's department would be gaining a great brother, co-worker and friend. We've been though the great and the worst times together and not once do I ever remember a time that I was not proud to serve with you. You have taught me so much both on a personal level as well as a professional level I hope in some small way I was able to repay you for all that you have done. Manny every time we found ourselves in one of those situations that one, we shouldn't have been in or one where we didn't want to be in, it was always easier when I knew you were there. I know you are able to keep a close watch on your family and you are in good hands with our brothers that are already there waiting for you and to welcome you to your new resting place. Manny I feel I don't have the words to describe what knowing you and working with you has meant, but I know the world is a much dimmer place without you and that you will be missed and NEVER forgotten. I will keep your family and your fellow officers in my prayers. And if there is anything that your family needs or that I can help with, I will help in any way I can.

It saddens my heart to see a person and brother fall, but you will live on in our hearts.

Rest in peace brother, you will be missed deeply.

SFC Rose, David
US Army Special Forces, 7TH SFG(A)

March 26, 2007

Rest in Peace Deputy...

Lieutenant
Genesee County, Michigan

March 26, 2007

To the family and those who knew Manny; he was a man who did what was right, and did it well. It was an honor to know and serve with Manny in Afghanistan, as well as stateside. His professionalism and devotion to duty will be missed.

MSG Phil Melton

March 26, 2007

Deputy Manuel Villegas,you and your family will always be in my prayers.Your personality was one of a kind. Your talent unmatched, physically and academically. You lived your life to protect others by serving for your Country and as a peace officer. You are a true HERO. I will never forget you. R.I.P friend.

Descansa en paz Amigo, nunca te olvidare....

Deputy Pulido
Riverside County Sheriff/ Class 167

March 26, 2007

God bless you and your family and thank you for all you have given. Rest in peace brother.

Officer

March 26, 2007

Rest In Peace Brother.

Officer Dwight Rackley
Louisville Metro PD, KY

March 25, 2007

Rest In Peace Brother.

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

March 25, 2007

My deepest thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Villegas' wife, children, family, friends and co-workers. I was married to Alabama State Trooper Brian Nichols EOW 2/17/2002 and I am now married to Washington County Deputy Sheriff Aaron Carpenter. All of your COPS family is here for you and hurting for you. We all became a family when our loved ones became police officers and now we have even a stronger bond when one of our family members go down. We are here for you to help you along this journey you now have joined with us. God bless you all.

Denise Nichols Carpenter
Alabama State Trooper Brian Nichols EOW 2/17/2002

March 25, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

March 25, 2007

Manny Villegas was an insperation to all. Villegas was not only a great friend of mine, but also a mentor. I will never forget the day I received the sadden news of not only a fellow brother in my department and graduating class, but also a great friend. I will miss you truly for you were not only a trust worthy friend, but a great person. I will never forget the great times we spent together in the academy, gym or in my house watching fights. We have lost a rare diamond. I thank you for all the advice you have passed on to me. I will do my best to help your family. When I would see you work out or run, I would be amazed to know that one of my best buddies was a real life Hero! My family and I will always have you and your family near our hearts. I will miss you.

Deputy Joshua Manjarrez
Riverside County Sheriff/ Friend

March 25, 2007

Monday March 19, 2005 we lost Drew...he too was only 33...and like you, he has many reflections that speak of the man he was...So it is true what they say "only the good die young"...but they leave this huge mark where they once were...they touch so many, they inspire so many...still after 2 years my husband is alive in the hearts of all that he knew...We spent last weekend together...although it is always bittersweet, we come together to laugh and share our love for him...Your family will be there too in time...thank you for your sacrifice...WE will never forget you!

To your wife...you will come through this...time will pass...and although it will feel as though it is standing still, time will pass...one day you will realize it...you will just sit and think "how did so much time pass already?"...but it is better this way...better to just keep on going...trying to smile...loving your daughter...being brave....and the events you will attend over the next months will make you stronger...you will be able to sleep at night..you will be able to laugh again...and I, and many more like me, will be here..praying for you to come through this...praying for your peace...you will never be alone in this journey...we love you

to the department...show his family the love and support that mine has shown me...always be there..today, tommorrow, always...as time passes, your lives will return to "normal"...but this family will not...in the months and years to come, you must be certain they are ok...don't assume someone else made that call, make the call...make a visit...send a card....believe me...IT Matters!!! I will be praying for all of you during this difficult time...stay strong...stay smart...make him proud!

from my heart,
Chrissy Henley,surviving spouse
William "Drew" Henley, Suffolk VA PD, EOW 3/19/05

March 25, 2007

Deputy Villegas,
Thanks for you dedication to a job not many people take on not knowing all the risk involved...we can be taken out at anytime and called to a higher duty with God. I like to think of it as we have down our duty on the streets down here and now he has a place for us to patrol up there.

SGT.BILLY WALTON
BOWDON POLICE DEPT...GEORGIA

March 25, 2007

May God Bless You, Your Family, Your Friends And Your Department. Rest In Peace My Brother.

Police Officer
Knoxville Police Dept. (TN)

March 25, 2007

I WAS ON MY DAY OFF AND HEARD THE NEWS MONDAY MORNING. ONE OF OUR CLASSMATES CALLED TO LET ME KNOW. I HAD TO SIT DOWN, I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT. PEOPLE HAVE ASKED ME WHAT YOU WERE LIKE, I HAVE TOLD THEM THERE WAS NOT A SOUL ON THIS PLANET THAT COULD FIND ANYTHING BAD TO SAY, AND I MEAN THAT FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. YOU INSPIRED ME TO IMPROVE MY LEVEL OF FITNESS. I WAS AMAZED WATCHING YOU DOURING THE PUSH-UP CONTESTS. YOU HAVE ALWAYS DONE THE DEPARTMENT AND OUR CLASS PROUD. IN THE LAST WEEK I HAVE WATCHED OVER YOUR FAMILY, AND I HAVE WATCHED OVER YOU. I HOPE YOU CAN NOW HAVE YOUR PEACE. KNOW THAT YOUR FAMILY WILL BE LOOKED AFTER UNTIL YOU ARE ABLE TO JOIN THEM AGAIN. PLEASE WATCH OVER THOSE OF US LEFT HERE AND GIVE US STRENGTH. RSO HAS TRULY LOST ONE OF ITS FINEST DEPUTIES.

Deputy Sheriff
RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF DEPT./ CLASS 167

March 24, 2007

My prayers go out to the family, friends, and fellow officers of Deputy Villegas. Today, we lost another officer in our law enforcement family. I empathize because I am a fellow law enforcement officer and my grandfather was murdered in the line of duty. While our soldiers fight the wars overseas, we fight the never-ending war here on our homeland against crime. May God watch over us and bless Deputy Villegas. You served well…we will continue the fight.

Grandson of Tommy Fox
Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, SC
EOW: 08/22/1970

MPO. Jeremy Benjamin
Easley Police Department, SC

March 24, 2007