Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I don't think we've ever met Officer Cortez, but regardless I knew you; as with every brother in blue that carried a badge. I often think about how lucky I was to get through 21 years of service and always came home safe. As a crime analyst, I wonder at the public at large that can have such contempt for life and, yes, it angers me that some cockroach has taken your life for what?

There are many heros in my life, and you are added to that list with sorrow, and prayer for your family and friends who for this short mortal existence, must part from you and say their goodbyes this week. "In my father's house are many mansions, I go to prepare a place for you..." was always a comforting scripture for me during those days when the mean streets of Phoenix seemed to want to take my life, hopefully for your family and friends, this promise helps them to realize that although life here is short, and often too short, life with God is forever. I'll see you there with him and maybe you can relay some of those jokes I've read others have heard from you then?

Bryan Hill, Retired Phx PD
Glendale PD - Crime Analyst now

July 31, 2007

GOD BLESS YOU, AND MAY A FLIGHT OF ANGELS GUIDE YOU TO YOUR REST, AND PROTECT YOUR WONDERFUL FAMILY.

RET OFFICER A. MACLEOD #1683
PHOENIX POLICE DEPARTMENT

July 31, 2007

Officer Cortez, you are my hero.

May God comfort your wife, your sons and your family and friends. My son worked with you at 93G, and thought very highly of you. May you rest in peace.

DWF
Father of a Phoenix Police Officer

July 31, 2007

Another brave soldier in the never ending war on criminals in our country has been killed by a cowardly enemy. May the ruthless criminals responsible for this murder be brought to justice and sentenced to the most severe penalty. May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. We are proud of you and thankful for all of your service. May God bless you and your family.
AC

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

July 31, 2007

Godspeed brother. You will always be remembered. Rest in peace Sir.

Officer
Maryville TN Police Department

July 31, 2007

God bless you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

pofc
arnaudville police department

July 31, 2007

I walked into work today and learned of the funeral arrangements for Officer Cortez. I went to my locker to make sure that my class A was prepared. It seems I only wear my class A for funerals anymore. As I stood there and looked at it, it brought back many memories of others that have gone before Officer Cortez and I kept thinking, it's just too soon for me to wear my class A again. It's always "just too soon". You will NEVER be forgotten. Each and every one of us who wears a uniform and patrols those streets will carry on your memory....I only pray that we will make you proud. May God give your family, friends and the entire Phoenix Police Department a peace that passes all understanding during this very difficult time. Thank you Officer Cortez for your dedicated service and for paying the ultimate sacrifice.
Ephesians 6:11

Officer Mindy Quigley
Glendale PD, AZ

July 31, 2007

Another beautiful soul lost to us ..... our prayers are with you George, and our hearts with your lovely family. You will never, ever be forgotten. May you now be with our son Tony (EOW 2/19/07) and watch over us all. God speed.

Nancy Bonner
Mother of Fallen Officer

July 31, 2007

Rest in peace Officer Cortez, you and your family will be in the thoughts and prayers of our family.

Sergeant W. Cashman #1221
Pinal County Sheriff Office

July 31, 2007

There is never anything new to be said when an officer dies; it's always the same story. The bad guy didn't want to get caught, didn't care whose life he ruined, and in the end, would only show remorse to get a lighter sentence. You are not a statistic, George. You're a hero, one who will inspire others to do the right thing. We'll take care of your family and see to it that your boys grow up to be just like their dad.

July 31, 2007

To the family of this Hero- my condolences. It proves again no matter what type of call we respond to-- our lives are always in peril. To my fellow LEO's Keep the faith that God will have the final say in all that happens here on this earth.

Until that final day of judgement-- we'll take the watch from here Officer Cortez. God rest this Hero's soul. "Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called the Son's of God."

Sgt. Lisa Satcher
Gainesville Florida P. D.

July 31, 2007

Rest in Peace Brother

Police Officer
Chicago P.D.

July 31, 2007

My thoughts and prays go out to the Cortez Family and Phoenix Police Department RIP brother and watch over us.

Sgt. Kenneth Latour
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

July 31, 2007

Our hearts break for and go out to you, dear Cortez family.
May God comfort your precious family, especially George's beautiful wife and sons, and may he rest in the arms of Christ.
"The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
"He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

The Michael Grant Family

July 31, 2007

To the family, friends, and fellow officers of Officer Cortez i'm very sad to hear or your loss know that you are not alone during this terrible time and that many people are praying for you and thinking of you. To Officer Cortez may you rest in peace!

Civilian Dispatcher
Toledo Police Dept

July 31, 2007

I pray that God will watch over your family and friends during this tragic time. I know that our Savior will keep you safe in his arms. I pray that your children will grow up knowing you were a hero and that God watches over them to make the right decisions.

Rest well my friend, you have earned it. You are a true hero!

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

July 31, 2007

Prayers for George's family and for Phoenix PD.

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me.'"

-Isaiah 6:8

Sergeant
University of Minnesota Police Dept.

July 31, 2007

MAY THE LORD GIVE YOUR FAMILY STRENGTH AND COMFORT AT THIS
TIME AND KNOW THAT WE ALL STAND IN PRAYER ALONG WITH YOU.
OFFICER CORTEZ GAVE HIS LIFE DOING WHAT HE BE LOVED DOING
TO PROTECT AND TO SERVE.AND NOW HE IS SERVING OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST,HE WAS WELCOMED WITH OPEN ARMS IN HEAVEN
AND OUR LORD SAID WELL DONE THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVENT.
FROM A FRIEND PAUL VALENCIANO

PAUL VALENCIANO / RETIRED

July 31, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers goes out to everyone you have impacted during your brief time with us. You will never be forgotten. You are in better hands now...

Police Officer
Largo Police Dept

July 31, 2007

To the family, friends, and officers that knew Officer Cortez, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you face the trying times ahead of you. Please know your not alone.

Here I am, lost in the light of the moon that comes through my window
Bathed in blue, the walls of my memory divide the thorns from the roses
It's you and the roses

Touch me and I will follow in your afterglow
Heal me from all this sorrow
As I let you go I will find my way when I see your eyes
Now I'm living in your afterglow

Here I am, lost in the ashes of time, but who wants tomorrow?
In between the longing to hold you again
I'm caught in your shadow, I'm losing control
My mind drifts away, we only have today

Touch me and I will follow in your afterglow
Heal me from all this sorrow
As I let you go I will find my way
I will sacrifice 'til the blinding day when I see your eyes
Now I'm living in your afterglow

When the veils are gone as I let you go, as I let you go

Touch me and I will follow in your afterglow
Heal me from all this sorrow
As I let you go I will find my way, I will sacrifice
Now I'm living in your afterglow

Bathed in blue, the walls of my memory divide the thorns from the roses
It's you who is closest

Erin
Wife of a CSPD Officer

July 31, 2007

I'll always remember George as being the nicest, most polite, giving and caring, friendly, and simply wonderful young man at Centennial High School. He always had a beautiful smile on his face. No matter wherever he was, he always stood out in the crowd because of his genuine charm and sincerity. He is one "student" that I will never forget. The city of Phoenix was fortunate to have his service, even though it was for such a short time. I have no doubt that George will still be serving us all well in another capacity. My thoughts and prayers are with Tiffany and the boys. Ever in my heart, "Dr. Mac"

Dr. Jane Cuendet (McElroy)
Former HS Asst. Prin. at Centennial HS

July 31, 2007

Rest in peace Brother George, you are a true Hero and will never be forgotten for your service and courage.


Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

July 31, 2007

Rest in peace. You served your community and your department with honor and courage.

Major Craig Broughton
Volusia County Sheriff's Office

July 31, 2007

Rest in Peace and my God hold your family in his comforting arms.

Detective Simon Hollis
Inglewood PD, CA

July 31, 2007

God bless Officer George Cortez Jr. Thank you for your service Sir. God bless your family and the Phoenix Police Department. R.I.P. Sir.

Fraud Detective Lionel Garrett
Inglewood Police Dept. Ca.

July 31, 2007