Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Philip....Still thinking of you often, & missing you lots & lots!! I sent you up Birthday wishes in September, on our special "flashing" star. This time of year is always tough!!! Keep smiling down on all of us, & we will keep smiling up at you!!! Until we meet again my little buddy!! I love you!

Donna
your friend & almost mom-in-law!!

December 12, 2009

Phil
We were just getting to know you when you passed. I know we didnt know eachother that well but I miss you, you would have been a great officer. the Explorers all miss you and wish we would have had more time to spend with you to learn from you.its hard to think how long you have been gone and everytime i drive passed the crash site i cry. you will never be forgotten
love, Tiffany Stein

Explorer Sgt. Tiffany Stein
fellow MCSO Explorer

November 22, 2009

Missing you... wishing you were here to say Happy Birthday to. I still can't believe you aren't here. A piece of my heart will always belong to you.

Anonymous

September 17, 2009

Love You, Miss you son Dad.

Anonymous

July 27, 2009

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

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer LarryLasater

April 21, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on this day. You have not been forgotten. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones, wrap your wings around them and help them with their grief.

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

April 21, 2009

To Deputy Philip Anthony Rodriguez, his family and his fellow officers with the Mohave County Sheriff's Office:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Deputy Rodriguez’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Deputy Rodriguez and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc.
Members and Staff

April 21, 2009

I love you brother. keep working your beat in heaven

Anonymous

April 13, 2009

P-Rod
I teach a class every quarter to a different set of 7th grade students about officers that have given their lives in the line of duty. I always end with your memorial page. Every time I speak of you to a class I do it with tears and a smile. Your academy class will always have a special place in their hearts for you. I miss you and think of you often. I share your sense of humor, determination and sacrifice with these kids so you are not forgotten. Thank you for watching over us.

Detective Debbie Neckel
St. JOhns Police Department

March 9, 2009

I remember having the pleasure of being a part of training your academy class at CARLOTA, and was there at your graduation. You showed a lot of heart, humor, determination and promise. There was no doubt that, even though you were one of the younger ones in your class, you had gained everyone's respect and admiration.

Brother, you were way too young to go. May God bless you and relieve the anguish of your loved ones. We will take the fight from here.....

Officer Barnett
Flagstaff Police

September 17, 2008

Hi Phil...
It's hard to come here... and see your picture here with all of these other fine officers who all paid the ultimate sacrifice. Know that you are missed and loved by all who knew you. I heard you are up there on God's Department... and still patrolling the streets and protecting us you left behind but not alone. I know you were there one Sunday morning looking after me and keeping me from a really bad accident. Thanks for watching over all of us...and keeping us safe. Love Always Aunt Melody

Aunt Melody
Phil's Aunt

August 20, 2008

Baby,

I just wanted to write a little note and ask you to help watch over officer cortez's family and friends today. It's been 1 year since he has been gone and i know they are going through a hard time right now.

I miss you more and more everyday philip. I know that your watching over us, but it still hurts, it still hurts alot. They say that it gets easier with time. Well its been almost a year and a half and it still hurts the same as it did the night i found out at the sheriffs office. I miss you so much baby. I wish you could just come home to us. Your the love of my life and alway will be baby. Keep watch over us. R.I.P. P-35

Love always and forever,
Shawna (Your baby girl)

Shawna
Fieance

July 27, 2008

P-Rod,
A lot has changed in the last year. I left PCSO and went back to work in the corporate world. I think about you all the time. As I sit here at my computer I realized it has been a little more than a year since I last saw you. I can only imagine the adventures you would have had. I sure would love to hear those stories. I miss you buddy. I am now a reserve officer at a little beachside community. You would laugh at the lack of action...but it suits me.

Thanks for reminding me of how precious life is....

Love ya!
Cody

1538
Former PCSO

June 2, 2008

Too sad for words. I'm sure you weren't ready to go and no one was prepared to
let you go either.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

April 21, 2008

to Philip's fiancee: maybe one day you will read this. hopefully, anyway. today is the first anniversary of the death of the man who lives in your heart. i cannot tell you how much my heart aches for you. i am a policeman's wife in louisville, ky. we lost peter in 2005 and still today it feels as if it just happened last week. it's a hard, uproad battle in the journey of healing. please know that from here to there, you will always be in my prayers. you will always be part of the extended family of law enforcement. you will never be alone and never be forgotten, nor will your philip.

though i have a daughter in Heaven myself, i cannot understand the magnitude of philip's parents pain. to have him for 21 short years and see his potential blossoming only to lose him is something no parent should ever endure. i pray that you see your son in his sisters and in each other and are able to find some peace in that.

nothing about this is easy. we send our hearts out there on the street every day, not knowing for sure if they are going to make the ultimate sacrifice for an often thankless community. but please know, the law enforcement family is always here. we are a strong force. we are unbreakable. we will NEVER forget, nor will we allow anyone else to forget.

i know that just as peter was so welcoming here, he helped welcome philip into Heaven on April 21st, 2007. I'm sure the parties they throw up there are ridiculous. i take comfort in music and the breeze blowing in a window... I feel these are little comforting things that peter and philip send to those of us left behind.

philippians 1:3-4
LEO Wife and a survivor of Peter Grignon EOW 3/23/05
Louisville, KY

April 21, 2008

Deputy Rodriguez-
Several of my brothers from BHC had the honor to meet you, work close by. I was not that lucky. I pray for your family, and am sorry for their loss. God speed brother.

Ofc. Sonny Gerber
Grover Beach PD / former Bullhead City PD

March 8, 2008

P-ROD all of us at the explorers miss you greatly and we will always remember you, you were like a brother to me and you tought me alot of things that will help me in life thankyou for being there for all of us.

explorer Dusrt
M.C.S.O

March 4, 2008

This year I have the priviledge of riding in the Police Unity Tour in honor Deputy Sheriff Philip Rodriguez.
I am sorry for your loss. I want to help make sure the sacrifice of Deputy Rodriguez is not forgotten. If you are willing to contact me I would be honored to talk with you and perhaps meet you at the NLEOM in Washington DC. in May 2008.
Please feel free to contact me.

Detective L.J. Gooding
Virginia Beach Police Department

January 27, 2008

Philip,
Happy New Year Brother. A few days ago you came up in a conversation I had with a friend at work. I told her of your untimely passing and it just brought back some good memories of your short time with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. I'm not very good with words but I do want you to know that you truly are missed and will never be forgotten. I remember sharing stories of ride-alongs with you and I could see that you couldnt wait to become a Deputy Sheriff. I am very happy that you made Deputy and that you were doing what you truly wanted to do. Although your time in my life was short your memory remains strong due to your professionalism and character. Please watch over me as I try to begin a career as a Correctional Officer. My prayers are still and will always be with your family and friends. Thank you for your sacrifice and friendship. Until we meet again, your friend and brother

-Gabe

Former Explorer Captain Gabriel B. Vela
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department

January 12, 2008

Deputy Rodriguez, Today I learned of your passing.... I am truly sorry for your family's loss. I remember training young Deputies like yourself in District II. All of you look the same in the beginning,aprehensive and unsure.It was always rewarding to see the transition that comes only with time on the street... Your time was far too short, but what matters most is what you've done with your time here on earth.You spent your time well young man, your now
10-7.

Former Deputy Bode Runston
MCSO

December 1, 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 14, 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

I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO VIEW THIS PAGE UNTIL TODAY. I WAS ONE OF DEPUTY RODRIGUEZ PARTNERS IN THE FIELD. I WAS ALSO THE LAST ONE TO SEE HIM ALIVE AT A CALL THE NIGHT THAT HE DIED BEFORE HE WAS TAKEN AWAY FROM US IN THE CAR ACCIDENT. I PUT ON MY VEST AND MY BADGE AND GO 10-8 EVERY DAY AND KNOW THAT HE IS LOOKING DOWN AT ALL OF US... WATCHING OVER US. I HAVE SINCE MADE JOKES WITH OTHERS ABOUT HOW HE IS GODS DEPUTY.. STANDING AT THE PEARLY GATES TAKING EVERYONES NAME AND BIRTHDAY AND GETTING A 10-27/10-29 ON THEM TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE OK TO ENTER. I CAN SAY THAT HE WAS THE FINEST OFFICER THAT I HAVE EVER MET. I DO NOT KNOW ANYONE WHO WAS MORE DEDICATED AND MOTIVATED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONES LIFE. HE WAS YOUNG BUT ALSO PROFESSIONAL, HAD A HEART OF GOLD, AND EARS THAT WOULD NOT QUIT FORGET THE TAXI CAB DOORS BEING OPENED...WE ARE TALKING ABOUT A SEMI TRUCK!!!HAHAHA... ANYWAYS I WOULD LIKE TO THANK HIS MOTHER FOR BRINGING HIM INTO THIS WORLD AND BLESSING US WITH THE SHORT, BUT REMEMBERFUL TIMES THAT WE HAD WITH HIM. THERE IS NO WAY I CAN SAY HOW SORRY I AM FOR YOU THERE IS NO WAY TO DESCRIBE THE LOSS OF A CHILD TO ANYONE IT IS JUST THE WORST THING THAT ANYONE COULD HAVE TO GO THROUGH. DON'T FORGET, I AM STILL HERE FOR YOU, AND I CAN DO MY IMPERSINATIONS OF THE FUNNY THINGS THAT HE USED TO DO, ANY TIME FOR YOU! I KNOW YOU COULD NEVER FORGET THOSE!!! I WANT TO GIVE MY GREATEST SYMPATHY TO THE REST OF HIS FAMILY AS WELL... WE STILL THINK OF HIM EVERY DAY DOWN HERE IN DISTRICT TWO AND HE WILL ALWAYS HAVE A PLACE IN OUR HEARTS. HE WAS OUR BROTHER, OUR HERO, AND YES, WE ALL WEAR THE (BULLETS) EVERY CALL WE GO ON AND STOP WE MAKE IS FOR HIM!!! HE IS STILL HERE WITH US AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AS HE IS WATCHING OVER US IN DISTRIC TWO...
LOVE ALWAYS, 2P-49

DEPUTY MERRYMAN DISTRICT TWO PATROL
M.C.S.O.

November 3, 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 Rodriguez, especially to his fiancee. 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 Philip, 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 Philip's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Philip's life was about so much more than the way he died. Philip will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Deputy Rogriguez, 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 almost five 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)

October 28, 2007

philip
i cant say how sorry i am but it was a joy to serve with u in the explorers and it was an honor to know u and know how nice of a guy u were.
rest in pease bro. and god be with you.

cameron former explorer
friend

September 3, 2007