Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

On February 15th, 2008 a street will be named after Officer Jose Somohano. Located at SW 56 Street (Miller Dr.) and 157 Avenue, his name and memory will not only live on in the hearts of those who loved him, respected him and served alongside but thousands who never knew him personally will drive along this road and remember a fallen hero who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Chaplain Eddie Rivero
MDPD

February 12, 2008

Well Ofcr Somohano,
I want you to know, I met your wife this weekend. She is a lovely person. She is making sure she does whatever for your children and herself to heal. She has made friends with a support group for LEO families and I think she is liking it. We did have her laughing. She teared up sometimes, but she has a very nice smile. She misses you so very much. But she is learning and growing alot. You would be very proud of her. She gives a good first impression, very nice, and a little nuts like all of us are normally. We think she will be fine, we like her. Dont worry, lots of things planned for your kids too. If the support group has anything to say about it, your kids are going to continue to grow and grow healthy inside and out. Elizabeth will make sure. We all will make sure. You just keep watching over them and all of us. Things will be fine here. I promise.

retired 911 calltaker Hialeah PD

February 10, 2008

It is a tragic thing to lose another brother in Law Enforcement. During these tragic times I also realize we are all put on this earth for a purpose far greater than our own. Some of us succeed in achieving that purpose and some of us never will. When I read about your heroism and ultimate sacrifice it brings tears to my eyes that another Officer unselfeshly gave his life for a greater good. For your sacrifice I would like to have the honor of riding in your memory during this years 2008 Police Unity Tour. The Police Unity Tour rides in remembrance of officers like yourself who made the ultimate sacrifice. The ride is a 250 mile bicycle ride from Virginia to Washington DC during the law enforcement memorial week in May. Over 1000 Officers from all over the United States and beyond ride in this event to raise money and awareness so you will never be forgotten. Our motto is "we ride for those who died". During the ride we wear bracelets to help us reflect on the officer we are riding for. Rest assured I will share your story of Honor and Valor with the many brothers and sisters of Law Enforcement I will ride with. At the end of the ride if it is possible I will try to locate your family and give them this bracelet as a reminder of this endeavor. I am humbled to say you will never be forgotten Officer Somohano. This year your name will be one of the many that will be etched into the wall at the Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington DC. May you rest in Peace Officer Somohano. Thank you and God bless.


Respectfully,
Officer Sean Wyman 597
Tallahassee Police Department
Tallahassee Florida
850-891-4200

Officer Sean Wyman
Tallahassee Police Department

January 14, 2008

You worked with my father and even spent time together. I cried every time I thought of you knowing it could have been him. You paid the ultimate price doing the thing you loved. Something you should never have had to do. You will never be forgotten.

Private Citizen

January 11, 2008

A tear runs down my face as I write this. Knowing you gave the ultimate sacrifice for your community. You will never ever be forgotten.
From my family, Thank You.

Private Citizen

January 8, 2008

God bless your family and your life's dedication to the hardest job on earth...To protect and to Serve. It is with honor that you served, and it is in honor of your memory, that we honor your life. God bless your family.

Private citizen

January 1, 2008

Ofc. Somohano,

I am a private citizen who never had the honor, privilage of knowing you. Nonetheless, your departure has made a real impact on my life. I am an aspiring police recruit and I cant help but think about how brave, selfless, and committed a police officer you were. By reading the preceeding reflections, and hearing the word around town, one thing is crystal clear: You are were a person of enourmous character and contribution and you will be so missed forever. Rejoice in all the virtues of an eternity in heaven.

Private Citizen

December 28, 2007

It has been almost 2 months since his passing and I still wait for his phone call. One of my last conversation with him was a few days prior and he asked me if I was still sick. He said stop eating crap and take vitamins. I still can't believe he is in Heaven. This whole drama has not settled in yet, deep inside I know I will never be able to hug him like I did in August 2007 during my last visit with him. Unfortunately, I distanced myself when I joined the Army. I hope he knew why, yet there isn't a day that I wish I never did. My tears are dry now and my heart is attempting to heal, yet I still feel the void of my big borther gone, but never forgotten. He loved his job, no his passion. He never saw his job as a job, but as his life. I am extremely proud of him and I too wait for the day when he greets me in heaven with our old dog Duke. Pepito you will always be remember. I am sorry for eveything and I will strive to be at least half the man you are. I love man.

Hubert Somohano
Brother

November 10, 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 Officer Jose Somohano, especially to his wife. 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 Jose, 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 Jose's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Jose's life was about so much more than the way he died. Jose will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Officer Somohano, 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)

November 3, 2007

Rest in peace.

P.A. Wingar Dupont
Irvington P.D/NJ

November 2, 2007

I can't explain how his death affected my live. I feel really sad. I was there where he was killed 1 hour after the incident and I was there in his funeral services. I made many projects about him and how dangerous a police work can be, but if you email me now at [email protected] u'll get a surprise. God bless his family. Please, Be careful and take care how u're carring out your assigment and duties. Have a nice Day.

Yaimary P
Criminal Justice Student

October 26, 2007

This past month when one of our own was shot and killed.
i was ashamed of what some people do to try and get away with stuff. so thats why today we work harder and harder to make miami dade county a safer experience...

Explorer Henrry Gomez
Hammocks Police Station

October 23, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

October 15, 2007

Jose will be missed greatly. He was a great person with a big heart. Jose was my DT partner in the academy and from the begining anyone could tell that he was very driven and passionate about being a police officer. Any one who knew Jose could tell from first glance that he was going to be a great cop which he made very evident as he progressed his career. I remember going home with many a bruise and pain from having him as a partner but I thank god he was, he taught me more than I would have ever learned from anyone else. Thank you Jose, you and your family will be in my heart forever.

officer Melissa Nair
Miami Beach PD

October 13, 2007

Honor Them As Heros, Love Them As Brothers........this phrase is very true. everytime an officer is lost in the line of duty we honor them as heros. but we ALL love them as brothers. i went to your memorial and its was incredible the part that really got me and i believe everyone was when the dispatcher went on the radio and said your information and then took you out of service (09 / 06). god bless you and your family.

Explorer LT R.Munoz
South Miami Police Explorers

October 10, 2007

Rest in Peace,Brother. To all the officers of the Miami-Dade Police Department,please accept my condolences.


Sgt.B.R.Sexton
Okla.Dept.of Corrections

October 7, 2007

Officer Somohano, I never had the pleasure of knowing you and yet, I've mourned your death for 3 weeks today. I've cried over your death many times and it has hurt me more than I ever thought a stranger's death could. And yet, you are no stranger. My husband is a police officer too, and because of it, we are all part of the law enforcement family.

I went to your memorial and had the heartbreak of being within clear view of your lovely family the entire time. I watched your young son acting strong so that your wife could cry on his shoulder, and worst of all, I watched your little girl sob when her Daddy's picture came up on the big screen. I HAVE NEVER seen anything sadder.

My heart goes out to you and your family. I know you miss hugging them and they miss you more than words can say I'm sure. I pray that God gives them the strength to get through this terrible time.

God bless you, may you rest in peace.

Police Officer's Wife
City of Miami Police

October 4, 2007

Thanks for doing what you love to do!

Your courage and determination is an example to be followed by all of us---

Please watch out for us from above

OPD Officers
Orlando Police Department

October 4, 2007

Rest in peace Jose. May your family find the strength to make it through this difficult time.

Secretary
Miami-Dade Police Department

October 1, 2007

MAY THE LORD PROTECT YOU AS YOU PROTECTED US. MAY THE LORD WATCH OVER YOUR FAMILY AS YOU WATCHED OVER OURS. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE SIR FOR YOUR SACRIFICE. GOD BLESS YOU

September 30, 2007

Officer Somohano, rest in peace. May God send angels to watch over your lovely wife and children.

Wilson Family-Citizen

September 26, 2007

As all warriors of peace that have served well on earth, we know that you are in Heaven watching over your fellow brothers and sisters. God bless you and your family.

Lt. Alex Diaz de Villegas
Miami-Dade Police

September 26, 2007

Rest in peace brother,God Bless your Family.

Deputy T Pena
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office (Tx)

September 25, 2007

Jose,

It has been almost a week since we lost you; it has been the hardest week of my career. You will always be remembered as an excellent, hardworking cop, family man, and an irreplaceable brother. You were a member of one of the first squads (1300) assigned to me in early 2004, I remember you as a smiling, dedicated employee. You were someone that could be counted on to lead the squad month after month, one that demonstrated incredible potential. You, above all, were a good friend, who could be counted on as such. It is rare to find a person who has such work ethic and such dedication to his peers. You came to me recently asking for leave for a family illness, and I told you not to be embarrassed in asking because family always comes first. You smiled because you knew this fact to be evident.

That sad day in September will never be forgotten. On that day we said goodbye to you. Your sacrifice brought all of law enforcement and the community together, we celebrated your life, and we felt incredible sorrow as we mourned our collective loss. You will not be forgotten.

You touched the hearts of the people that knew you. I know that you are in heaven patrolling and waiting for the rest of us to join you. Your family will always be our family, and my prayers are with them. Rest in peace, brother!!!

Miguel

Sergeant Miguel Maldonado
Metro Dade Police Department/Cutler Ridge District

September 25, 2007

Officer Somohano,
Many agencies work togther as one to target a certain task. Whether it's a gang problem, burgalry detail, robbery, etc. A lot of hard work is put into that particuler detail. You were doing what we (officers) enjoy doing day in and day out. KEEPING MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SAFE. Unfortunatley, your job was interrupted, and you were taken from us. On 09/13/2007 WE came together as ONE, for a very important detail. To make sure no one else gets hurt. I'm sure you were up above during the searches, singing "Bad Boys, Bad Boys. Whatcha you gonna when they come for you." MIAMI-DADE S.R.T. brought the detail to an end. As police officers we laugh together, we cry togther, but we never let each other go. God Bless your wife, your children and you. We will all meet again someday. R.I.P. brother.

K-9 Offcier
Homestead Police Department

September 25, 2007