Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The highest of distinctions is service to others. -King George VI

Officer Saavedra -- Your dedication to the good of your community will not be forgotten.

To all those touched by the loss of Officer Saavedra -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Colorado Springs Police Protective Association

December 24, 2007

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Saavedra and we honor his distinguished service to the cause of justice and peace. Sadly, our nation has lost one of its finest citizens, a community has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage who they will love and respect forever. Today, because of the sacrifice Officer Saavedra has made, the house of freedom is stronger, sturdier, and more secure.

To the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Saavedra, I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to move on. Just as you were always with him when he walked the beat or patrolled the streets, know that he will always be with you - wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Saavedra is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

For those who pledge to uphold it, Freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know.

TPD/Special Agent
FBI New York City

December 23, 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

December 23, 2007

God bless you and your family always. You will not be forgotten.

DE
St. Louis City Police

December 23, 2007

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Police Officer James Saavedra,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of your loved one. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We wish we could be there in person to offer support. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. During the holidays remember those special moments you have shared together and the love you shared. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Police Officer James Saavedra is a hero. He will live on through all of you forever.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network

December 23, 2007

What a tragedy. Rest easy HERO

Corporal K McGee
Murphy P.D. Tx

December 23, 2007

Rest in peace brother. Your duty is done. We walk your beat with easy steps and heavy hearts.

Huntsville police Department

December 23, 2007

REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER

DEPUTY ROWE

December 23, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Saavedra. May God comfort you all.
Heros are never forgotten. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

December 22, 2007

To The Family Of Officer Saavedra,
May you be comforted today and always.

Holley Orr
Wife Of Kevin Orr EOW 11-22-06

December 22, 2007

Your watch is ended. May our Heavenly Father watch over your family and friends during this tragic time? May your soul walk carefully and proudly into everlasting life. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in God’s peace my friend, you deserve it. These are "American Heroes" who just yesterday were women and men just doing their job! Even their training is dangerous!
REV

Chaplain Michael Grinnals
Camillus Police Department

December 22, 2007

The wound will heal with time but the scar remains forever so he is never forgotten.

Amanda Inzer
Wife of Deputy Alan Inzer EOW 01/25/07

December 22, 2007

Your name is forever written in the annuls of law enforcement hros and will never be foprgotten by your brothers and sisters in Texas. Your new assignemnt in God's police department is the desire for all of us. Rest in peace brother.
Tom Bradley Arizona State Chaplain FOP

Tom Bradley, Retired #456
Phoenix AZ PD

December 22, 2007

Thank you for your service

Sgt. Robert Tabers
1175th MP Company St. Louis, St. Louis County DSN 2966

December 22, 2007

My thoughts & prayers are with you. Rest Easy.

Cindy, Arkansas
Sister of slain Officer Randy Basnett, eow 9/24/1976

December 22, 2007

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the
children of God.

Dispatcher Ted Smith
Martin, TN Police Dept.

December 22, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Officer Saavedra as well as the brotherhood of the Port of Corpus Christi Police Department. May you rest in eternal peace our brother!

Detective Mark Techmanski
City of Syracuse, NY Police Department

December 22, 2007

Such a tragic incident. May God comfort all those who are hurting during this most difficult of times.

Chaplain Jim Taylor
Fresno County Sheriff's Department

December 22, 2007

Rest in peace brother, your service will not be forgotten!

Patrolman Jeff Tripp
Marion,Ma Police Dept.

December 21, 2007

God bless you for the work that you did. May you rest in peace.

Deputy Doug Sullivan
Fresno County Sheriff's Dept.

December 21, 2007

You and your department are in my prayers, during this difficult time. Thank you for your service.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

December 21, 2007

Officer Saavedra,
We will never understand such a senseless loss. You and your family are in our prayers. Rest Easy Brother!

Dep Paul Sperandeo Ofc Amy Sperandeo
Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office, Gretna Police Dept, La

December 21, 2007

We will keep you and yours in our prayers. You are a hero. Job well done. Go with God.

Corporal Timothy J. Zuniga
UC Berkeley Police Department

December 21, 2007

Sleep peacefully in God's arms, James. We thank you for your Service, Sir. You will NEVER be forgotten.

Sr. Corporal Trey Pellizzari
Texas Dept of Public Safety/Commercial Vehicle Enforcement--Rockwall

December 21, 2007

RIP brother. Everything happens for a reason, many that are beyond our understanding. The Lord decides. I pray that you are at peace in Heaven. I pray that your family find peace.


Det. R. Castelhano jr. MVPD NY

Det. Rick Castelhano jr. #160
Mt. Vernon PD NY

December 21, 2007