Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I remember when I first started with MCSO, I remember meeting later on and I always thought, this guy is always smiling. You left for Phoenix and you were missed my your MCSO coworkers.
A couple of days ago going to work and I see the back of the car says, in memory of officer Cortez, it seems that I always see one or two if these in my area. I pay respect and pray that you are with the angles and your family is blessed. Thank you for your sacrifices for our community

Potres
MCSO

July 21, 2023

Officer Cortez you are buried across the drive from my father. My sister was putting flowers at Dad's grave when the long line of patrol cars started driving in. Since being laid to rest your family has been to your grave many times thru the year. Toy's from your Angel's of blue, letters from all of your family, flowers, holiday decorations and so much more are left to show how much you are loved and missed.
Today I stopped to visit Dad, and I always go over to visit you with my hand over my heart, or a salute even though I'm just a Phoenix resident and not with any department. While I was there I noticed the large memorial head monument was leaning forward. Both monuments at your grave are beautiful with pictures of you in and out of uniform with your wife and 2 young children. I went into the office to let them know the situation of the leaning monument and was willing to cover the cost of having it fixed. The lady I spoke to thanked me for letting them know, and told me it would be fixed as soon as possible and no cost to your family.
Thank you for your service. And may your family continue to be blessed.

Jeff Dawson Thankful Phoenix resident
Keeping your family in my prayers

February 20, 2023

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 27, 2020

Merry Christmas Brother!

Officer
PPD Brother in arms.

December 25, 2019

I remember the incident clearly. Your sons are likely near grown, or adults as I write this. You, Officer Cortez, will be long remembered for your service, and your wife and sons will remember you as a man of honor, who died honorably in the line of duty. But what of your assailant? Who would honor him or even remember his name. He is long forgotten.

Stan Jefferson
Citizen of Arizona

July 27, 2018

Never met you man but felt the pain in my heart that day when I was driving home from work and heard what happened through my police scanner. I remember pulling over my paying my respects to you. Went by the same spot the day after and stood in the same place where those two idiots gunned you down. Your spirit is still there brother. I felt it move me. You are not gone man your here with us.

Deputy Alvin Battle
Former Deputy MCSO

November 24, 2017

George,

Today is your 10 year anniversary. You are still as missed today as you were the day it happened. There is still a gaping void in this world for those who knew you. I am healing a bit better; I have one year of law school left. Leaving that job was vital for me and my family.

You are not forgotten; not today, not ever. Thank you for your sacrifice; it will be honored as long as I am alive. I love you. Safe Travels, wherever you are.

M.Andrews 8497; former Phx PD.

Matt Andrews, Detective
Former Phoenix PD

July 27, 2017

Hey Geoege. Today is always a hard day for me, it really hasn't become easier to deal with over the years. Nine years ago I remember when I got the call. I went rushing to the ER with Jessica already knowing you were gone. I cherish the times we spent together, whether it was out for a beer or in the patrol car. I remember the last day we were on 42B and you took a picture of me when i fell asleep as you drive around!

I'm no longer a police officer. The job wore me out, and I had to find something that was a bit easier on me. 9 years later and Jessica is still here, we have a beautiful 5 year old daughter but you are gone. It's hard for me to see pictures of your boys growing. Your oldest looks so much like you. I feel guilty seeing them grow and you can't. I'm sorry. They were just babies when you had to go. I think about you everyday, I love you.

M.A. 8497 former Phx PD 2006-2015.

Matt Andrews
Former Phx PD

July 27, 2016

Heroes are never forgotten. Thank you for your selfless and dedicated service in protecting the citizens of Phoenix, Officer Cortez.

Taylor Ramerth
Citizen of Chandler, Arizona, and supporter of law enforcement

July 27, 2016

George, we never met but I feel like I knew you through your mom. She is an amazing, strong, genuine, caring person that I love dearly so I know you were all those things as well. I think of you often and thank you for your sacrifice for us. Today another officer was taken too soon and it broke my heart to hear it because I've seen firsthand the effects of such a tremendous loss with your family. I came to this site because I was thinking of making a donation even though I can't afford it but once I started reading the outpouring support and love from everyone on this page I know I must contribute and do so in your honor. I will do my best to continue watching out for your mom as you watch over us all. It is with much love and respect I say RIP Georgie ❤️

A friend

May 20, 2016

Hey brother,

I say a prayer for you all the time. In my mind, it helps. I miss lifting with you at the station, and seeing your happy smile. Guard those gates well, and save me a spot on your squad.

TC
Phoenix PD

April 22, 2014

I have just recently joined the football staff at Centennial High School. Your name still echoes through the halls brother.

You are missed throughout the community. You will never, ever, be forgotten.

Investigator William Weigt
Peoria Police Department

March 7, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 6th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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.

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections. I am thankful that you and your family received the justice that was deserved.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

January 20, 2013

Thank you for your service and dedication at such a young age. RIP, Sir

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

July 27, 2012

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

July 11, 2012

Dear George its been almost 5 years since you have left us. You were never forgotten and have been honored on several different occasions. I even attended a memorial event at Centennial high on your birthday. Its not fair that you were taken from us but I know you are always be protective up there as you were when you were here with us. As the years passed we grew apart but stayed in contact and now I wish I could turn back time and spend more time getting to know you the wife and kids from what I hear they are doing great and will be just like you when they grow up. Just wanted to let you know that I didn't forget you either Rest In Peace George you will be deeply missed for ever and always. To his wife Tiffany his sons, friends and other family George was really a good man and left this earth doing what he thought was best. He put on that uniform and paid the ultimate sacrafice.

Jermaine Owens
SSGT US Army Ft Hood Texas

May 28, 2012

Hi Baby,
I think about you every day and miss you more and more, I will be walking in Downtown Phx tomorrow with Tom & Kathy to honor you and and your service to the Phoenix Police Department as well as all the men and women in Law enforcement at the annual Memorial walk 05-19-12, continue to watch over us as we continue on our journey until we meet again, I LOVE and MISS you so much XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Ellen Cortez
MOM

May 18, 2012

I've been thinking about you all day Georgie as I was looking at pictures of your Tio Danny's son, your baby cousin, Nicolas George. Even though my brother's son carries your name, you will always be the one and only Georgie in our lives. Justice was served mijo but you are still gone and the only way we go on without your presence is knowing you are in a beautiful place. Your boys are beautiful just as you are. As we ring in another year without you, I close my eyes and remember hearing you say probably the only Spanish word you knew how to say....Tia...and it brings a smile to my face, love you mijo.
Tia

Sara Cortez-Navarro

December 30, 2011

George,

I came to your squad a couple months after you left. The squad misses you.

Your memory lives on and justice has been served.

83F
Phoenix P.D.

November 5, 2011

Happy Birthday George!

Your father-in-law,

Capt. Tom Tyo
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (Retired)

October 26, 2011

George,
Yesterday we honored the 4th anniversay of your passing by going out to Fajita's with Tiff and the boys. We miss you very much as do many others. The boys are getting big and talk about you all the time. Football will be starting soon and Koltan is very excited. You keep watching over us from up there and we will keep taking care of things here. Until we meet again, goodbye for now!

Your father-in-law

Captain Tom Tyo
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (Retired)

July 28, 2011

In 16 days It will be four years since your EOW 7/27/2007. George the reason why I write to you today is because I was on my computer listening to the media player and a song came up and reminded me of you. Every day I get reports of an officer getting injured or killed in the line of duty and I thank ODMP for creating a space to where people like you who give there all to their community can be remembered regardless of any factor. So many things have changed in the department since you have left including our former chief Harris who has left.

It's men and women like you who risk the ultimate sacrafice every single day the come on duty. Once we strap on that vest, put on our uniform, and hook up our duty belt we stroll out to our patrol vehicles in hopes that our presence will deter those who commit criminal acts. Why must the innocent die? I ask myself that every single day of my life but in the end I know that you are still with us watching over your children, your wife and extended family and friends but it hurts to see that you can't be here to still end up making a difference in our community.


10-7 8232 You Will Be Greatly Missed Don't worry I'm going to your memorial service so I will say hello to your wife and kids for you george. Just continue to watch over us. Love Cortez

Sergeant Jermaine L Cortez
United States Marine Corps

July 12, 2011

Four of my birthday's have passed and there isn't a single day where I forget the ultimate sacrafice you made to keep my community safer. I joined the corps to provide a service to my country and everytime I see that phoenix bird it reminds me off all the officers killed in the line of duty since 2004. 8232 we all miss you very much and you will never be forgotten for you are an angel among all the other officers and goverment personell lost to service as a result of negative actions. 10-7 Goodnight Sir you will be deeply missed

Gunnery Sergeant Jermaine L Cortez
United States Marine Corps

February 18, 2011

George,
Edward Rose has been sentenced to death for taking you from us. We miss you very much and only wish that you could now come back, but we know that will never happen. You had many fine friends and officers in the court last Tuesday when the verdict was read. The boys are doing fine and Tiffany is doing a fine job raising them. You must be so proud watching them play football, they love it especially Koltan and even Gunner is coming around!Everyone misses you so, we know you are in a better place, we will meet again. Rest in peace now, keep things in order there and watch over us here.

Take care and we'll stay in touch!

Your father-in-law

Captain Tom Tyo
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (Retired)

October 25, 2010

On 10-19-2010 I sat with your wife, children, mother, and in-laws in a courtroom filled with lots of people who loved you. On that day we watched as the jury handed down their verdict of "death penalty" to Edward Rose. I saw no remorse on his face, no sense of guilt. I saw a lawyer who is a poor excuse for defending the law and the people stand beside him. I saw tears and smiles and a sense of winning for some who sat there. It was a relief that the jury agreed that this person did not deserve to live. All the good times came back to me. The fun we had in intake. The laughs that you gave us. The smiles that you put on our faces. I have begun to get to know Tiffany farely well over these last 3 years of hell she has been put thru. Your children are beautiful and they continue to grow daily. Your father-in-law and I talk often and I am so grateful to them that they allowed me to be part of that day in court with them. The tears flowed over and over as the judge handed down the sentence to Edward Rose. I miss you a lot and cannot believe you left this Earth so soon. I will continue to check in on your wife and kids as everyone else will do as well. We have her back here. Please continue to be our silent partner there, please help all of us go home safely at night. I know we will meet again, one day we will have that laugh again. Until then may you sit by HIS side and watchover us. Thank you George for being my friend. Thank you George for making the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you George for your service to our community. You are missed and loved by all! Until that day, JJ

Officer/Investigator Jenny Jenkins
MCSO/FRIEND

October 24, 2010