Sandoval County Sheriff's Office, New Mexico
End of Watch Thursday, July 16, 2009
Reflections for Sergeant Joseph Anthony Harris, Sr.
Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.
Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:
“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]
[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]
And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
January 8, 2024
As 2019 comes to an end you my friend continue to live on in the Glory of our Heavenly Father. May the Blessings of the Lord be with you, your family, friends and all my Law Enforcement Brothers and Sisters
Retired, T W Martinez
FOP member
State of New Mexico/JJS
December 30, 2021
Rest in heavenly peace thank you for your service
Mark Mottola
July 16, 2020
Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
July 16, 2020
Rest in peace Sergeant Harris.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
April 24, 2020
Sgt. Harris,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Sandoval County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station
July 16, 2019
Life is what you choose... Joe loved his community and was passionate about his sons. They are following in your footsteps...please watch over them ..Thank you for such wonderful children..We miss you
Pam Harris
Mother of his children
January 11, 2019
Scripture assures us that, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called [children] of God.” Matthew 5:9 ESV and “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 ESV.
Rev. Dr. Steven Robert Closs, DD, MSBS
Licensed & Ordained Independent Christian Minister
The Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
“An Intercessory Prayer Ministry for Law Enforcement”
Chartered by the National Association of Christian Ministers
Merrimack, NH 03054
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DD, MSBS
Merrimack NH Police Department
July 29, 2018
May St. Michael give your family the everlasting protection they deserve.
Police Officer (retired) Steve Brooks
NYPD
November 11, 2017
I first met Joe Harris at Rio Rancho Elementary. He was my DARE officer. He was very passionate about keeping children off the streets and away from drugs. I kept in contact with him throughout my adulthood life. Having come from a broken home/family, I viewed Joe Harris as a father figured. His death was very hard on all of us! His legacy will not be forgotten; he will live on!
Astrid Lovato
DARE Student
July 21, 2017
As another year comes the hardest reminder that you are no longer here is when i look at my 2 boys, they will not have the honor of meeting their grandpa Harris on this earth all the while knowing that you would have been the best grandfather to them! i sometimes reflect on my childhood and can do nothing but imagine you playing with all of them, holding them and loving them just as you did with us. My saving grace is knowing that one day we will all be together again when we take our last breaths on this earth and breath our first in heaven where there is no pain, suffering or separation! I love you Dad and miss you every day!
David Harris
January 14, 2017
Sgt. Harris -
It seems that our daughters are friends. I learned enough of your story to track you down, here. I am sorry to read the details of your death. I have been told, and I hope it's not true, that your surviving partner has become another sad statistic of police work, due to guilt over your death. That compounds the tragedy.
Thank you for your service to the people of Sandoval County, and to the State of New Mexico. May God grant you eternal peace and may His perpetual light shine upon you.
Sgt. K. Moreland
Arapahoe Community College PD (Ret. LAPD)
January 22, 2016
Joe, as police week 2015 comes to a close I want you and your family to know that you are not forgotten. Thanks for letting me ride with you when I was a "wannabe."
Lieutenant Linn Goodman
Cleburne Police Department, Texas
May 16, 2015
BIG JOE I THINK ABOUT EVERY DAY.
WHEN YOUR NAME COMES UP AT THE BALL CLUB WITH THE
UNIFORMS OR SECURITY FOR THE GOV. MARTINEZ OR MAYOR BARRY'S BODY GUARD - ole jack GETS CHOKED UP AND HAS TO STEP BACK.
BIG JOE, I KNOW YOU FLY WITH THE ANGELS NOW, WE LOVE YOU
EVEN THE PERPS LOVED YOU.
YOUR WITH GOD NOW AND YOU WILL NEVER LEAVE US AND YOU WILL NEVER LEAVE ME.
jack swift
CHURCH MEMBER/CCW STUDENT
August 31, 2014
It's not just an agency who looses it's officer, it's a county that gets a reprieve. Can I get a witness?
#1 in awesomeness
just a US citizen
May 24, 2014
I visited your name on our wall in DC this past Tuesday and the photo taken of you there before you were murdered is still on my website. Looking forward to seeing you when my time comes. Praying for your wife, kids and family, my brother.
D. Lt. M.C. Williams
State of CO and former NMDPS/SID
May 17, 2014
Dear Sergeant Harris,
Your story shows how fast life can be taken, unexpectedly. The acts of bravery, you overcame, were selfless and inspirational. I will never forget you and your story, and I am deeply sorry for your family because you must have been the center of their lives and they lost you. You are irreplaceable, and I cannot thank you enough for your service and sacrifice.
Daniel Henning
Mission Hills Criminal Justice Academy
May 9, 2014
Sergeant Harris,
I recently met your son in a medical training class and was moved after hearing your story. I have the utmost respect for the men and women of law enforcement. I think a lot of people take them for granted and that truly saddens me. May you rest in peace and thank you for making this world a safer place.
Anonymous
December 11, 2013
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9
Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service
December 6, 2013
May the Lord bless you and your family Joe. Gary and were thinking of you today
T W Martiinez YCS3
CYFD/JJS
August 9, 2013
Joe, our friendship always meant a great deal to me and I will never forget the positive impact you had on those who knew you and the community. I remember you having a distinct lack of fear in carrying out your duties and that inspiration helps me to this day. I miss you greatly, but know you are with our Lord Jesus Christ and in a much better place.
T W Martiinez YCS3
CYFD/JJS
May 8, 2013
Hey Joe. I miss you everyday. There are those we meet on a daily basis, some we don't remember, and those we can't forget. You, my dear friend, was the latter. I miss our long conversations, teaching classes together and how you brightened up the room when you entered. You would have just celebrated your 50th BIRTHDAY this past week, but you are celebrating it in heaven. Miss you, there will be no other like you. Thank God for placing you in my life.
Court Compliance Officer (Retired)
Sandoval County DWI and Prevention
March 29, 2013
Joe, as I prepare for another LEU ride, I remember meeting you for the first time when I applied for the Sheriff's Office. It was a blessing to work with you and to know you and your family. You were both a Centurian and a sheepdog.
Detective Robert Baron
Sandoval County Sheriff's Office
February 5, 2013
Sgt Harris,
As summer draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the time I spent with your wife and daughter at camp. Your daughter is an amazing, bright and beautiful young woman. Her memory of you burns bright and your strength of character is evident in her. I am so blessed to have met them and to have learned about you. May you continue to watch over and guide them through this loss. God Bless
Sgt Kelly Donahue
Madison PD
September 23, 2012
Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. Continue to watch over all of them and protect them. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will not be forgotten.
Bob Gordon, Retired Deputy Chief
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
July 16, 2012
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