Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thoughts and prayers to this hero's family and friends. Officer Cortez gave the ultimate sacrifice and died a hero. God bless his family.

Patrol Officer
Pittsburgh Police

August 28, 2007

Another warrior has gone on............

"No more the bugle calls the weary one.
Rest, noble spirit, all thy work is done.
I will find you and know you among the
good and true.
When a robe of white we're given
for our faded coats of blue."

Retired Sergeant Bill Rice
Phoenix Police Department

August 23, 2007

God bless you and your family. You are such a brave soul and it is so sad that you had to go so soon. Not a day goes by that I don't think of what happened to you and your family, but God needed you. My prayers are with you and your wonderful wife and children!!!!!!! God bless you!!!!

Proud wife of new police officer
Scottsdale PD

August 21, 2007

Tiffany and boys,

Everyday I stop and think about you and how hard it must be to go ahead with out George. Just know that he was an exceptional person that God seemed to have needed. I cant stop thinking about you and the boys and hoping that perhaps I can show you some type of support or love you dont already have. I am deeply sorry for this loss...

Stella Garcia

August 21, 2007

My email friend sent me his memorial and it broke my heart to read it I immediately prayed for the family of this very young officer. I asked my friend who works in the Phoenix Police Dept. to send me an address so I can tell the family how sorry I feel for them. God has another angel at his side to look out for the people down on earth. From someone in New Mexico who sympothises. God Bless.

Gracie O. Sanchez
none

August 18, 2007

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
that wasn't mine to keep
though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
among the people here.
They never wanted me around
except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
for the judgment of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
you’ve born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
you’ve done your time in hell"

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers, thank you for your service and dedication to the law enforcement field, its men and women like you that make everyday a better plac to live.

911 Dispatcher
Franklin Park Illinois

August 18, 2007

Whenever we lose a brother, we all cry. We cry because we just lost a soldier of St. Michaels army. Losing you makes me want to fight harder against the enemies.

You did not die in vain.

If I meet my end by the same means that you did I will die knowing that I died as a soldier.

PHOENIX PD
Central City Precinct

August 17, 2007

Mrs Cortez and Family,
We send our condolences to you and your family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.


The Family of Officer V. Cole

Patti Schweisthal
Vincent Cole (son on Phoenix PD)

August 17, 2007

Many can not understand what runs thru the minds of those who chose to serve THE PEOPLE. They are more often that not criticized for their passion to Help, Serve and Protect. They are called names, attacked, and scrutinized for how they have done their jobs. Still they return each day with pride behind the uniform they wear, waiting to help the next in need. Without a blink of an eye, they put their lives second to save the live of a stranger who may or may not be grateful or in many eyes deserving. They do this job more often than not because their hearts are larger than the average person. They should be honored for their bravery and pride in their jobs.

God Bless the family of Officer Cortez.

Proud Wife of a Firefighter

August 15, 2007

Mrs. Cortez, family and all who protect,

I offer my deepest condolences and sympathies to you, your children and the rest of the department. Just know that he is thought about everyday at least once, (usually more) and will NEVER be forgotten. "Greater love hath no more than this, that a man should lay down his life for another."

LCPL Matt Knollhuff
United States Marine Corps

August 14, 2007

We love you George and we miss you! You are an awesome person and a very brave man! You will always live through your boys...

Issie Zebrowski
Friend

August 14, 2007

The Slidell Police Department wishes to extend its special thoughts and heartfelt prayers in your time of sorrow.

Alayna Wilcox, Secretary
Slidell Police Department

August 13, 2007

I am so sorry for your loss. I have never met brother Cortez, but I bet he was one of a kind. My prayers go out to him and his family, and your Department. God Bless all of you. Harvey H. Enriquez, Odessa Police.

Detective Harvey H. Enriquez
Odessa Police Department

August 13, 2007

I met our brother Ofc. George Cortez on a few occasions where he provided back-up for me on a few court orders. I also met Ofc. Cortez while working an off-duty job at Safeway on 83rd Ave & Camelback in Phx. I will always remember him as one of the nicest people I have ever met. My family and I was very sad to see George leave his family. We send our condolences to his family.

Deputy Joe MacKenzie
Maricopa County Constable's Office

August 12, 2007

Officer Cortez

It is a sad day; another officer has been taken while keeping their Community, State and Country safe. Another hero has met their fate and is now on patrol in heaven above, Rest in Peace as the Load will look out after your loved ones and friends her on earth.

Douglas W. Bennett
Juvenile Probation Officer Ky Dept of Juvenile Justice

August 12, 2007

I sit here not really sure what to write because i havent written one for my fiance yet. But my heart goes out to tiffany and your 2 boys. I found out only 3 short months ago that the love of my life passed away. There are no words to help you, I wish there was. Just know that your in my thoughts and prayers always. "Georgie" is watching over all of you!!!!

Shawna Thies (A fiance to a fallen hero)
Mohave County Deputy Philip Rodriguez E.O.W. 4-21-07

August 11, 2007

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
that wasn't mine to keep
though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
among the people here.
They never wanted me around
except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
for the judgment of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
you’ve born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
you’ve done your time in hell"

Sgt. Justin K. Nevels
Clinton, LA PD

August 11, 2007

ASCENSION

And if I go,
While you’re still here---
Know that I live on,
Vibrating to a different measure
--behind a thin veil you cannot see through.
You will not see me,
So you must have faith.
I wait for the time when we can soar together again,
--both aware of each other.
Until then, live your life to its fullest,
And when you need me,
Just whisper my name in your heart,
…I will be there.

By Colleen Hitchcock

I was given this poem after Don's death and have loved it ever since. It gives me some hope and belief that he is still here never too far from my side, where I can talk to him and he helps me get by.
Hold on to your memories because no matter what no one can take those away from you and your family. Talk about your memories with your boys, family & friends. Laugh about the funny times and cry about the loving times, it's OK.
You, the boys, family and fiends are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lisa Schultz
Wife of Phoenix Police Officer - Don Schultz E.O.W. 5-12-04

August 10, 2007

May you rest in peace brother. May god be with your wife and family. You are a hero.

Sgt. Wesley Littlejohn
Habersham County Sheriff's Office (Georgia)

August 10, 2007

My prayers are with your family and fellow officers. Continue to pray for one another and lift each other up. For the love we show one another is strength also. Officer Cortez would have wanted you all to bond and encourage one another. Mostly, don't think about how this tragedy happened for it makes it harder. Think about the good times because that is how he lived, in happiness, not sorrow. He is in the hands of God now. Thanks for your service, Officer Cortez.

Citizen/New Mexico

August 9, 2007

Deeply sorrowful, I leave a reflection about another brave soldier killed by a cowardly enemy. I hope the community will show appreciation for the sacrifice Officer CORTEZ has made, and outrage for this violent attack. To the citizens in this community, I ask that you do your civic duty and punish these ruthless criminals for the brutal murder of this decent husband and father. With swift justice, sentence these murderers to the most severe penalty. Officer CORTEZ, may the memory of your heroism, service and sacrifice remain forever. May God bless you, your family and fellow officers in the Phoenix Department.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

August 9, 2007

Please accept my sincere sympathies regarding the henous murder of your brother officer. I wish his family and friends well in coping with his tragic passing.

P/Sgt. Harmen Wouda
Winnipeg Police Service (Canada)

August 9, 2007

God Bless. Thank you. You Served with honor.

Victorio
Phoenix

August 9, 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

August 9, 2007

It's heartbreaking when hero's are taken from us by the hands of the criminal. We mourn your passing Officer Cortez and would like to express our gratitude for you sacrifice.

Your actions define what it means to be courageous and you are a true hero in our hearts. May you find the peace that you are deserved and may your family, parents, and sons feel the warmth of our prayers.

Bless you and thank you.

"Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."

Respectfully submitted on behalf of my department,

Officer Matthew Lewek
Menomonee Falls (WI) Police Department

August 8, 2007