Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your heroism Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

July 16, 2012

I still cannot believe the news I heard that horrible day - now over two years ago - that you'd left us. Joe, you were such a good and fun guy to work with and know that even now, twenty years after I left DPS, it seems like just last week that we patrolled, stood inspection, and laughed together. Your tragic passing is a loss to all who knew you and all who relied on your unending devotion to duty. RIP, Joe, and keep your gas tank shiny, my brother!

John K Gaffney
Former Rio Rancho DPS Sergeant, colleague, and friend

October 5, 2011

A stuffed "Daren" rode on my handlebars in your memory during this year's Police Unity Tour. He was also wearing a Torch Run pin, which I ended up giving away to a Special Olympics athlete I met along the way in Virginia. You touched so many lives in your time on this earth. Thanks for your service.

Officer Kelvin Akeson
Gallup Police Dept.

May 25, 2011

Joe, many years ago I had the opportunity to meet you while training officers in Rio Rancho and recently learned of your tragic passing. A part of you remains here with the so many young lives you touched. You will never be forgotten brother. Until we meet again!

Curtis Lavarello
Executive Director
School Safety Advocacy Council

Curtis S. Lavarello

October 31, 2010

Joe its been a little over a year now since your passing, and I have to tell you the Dept is not the same. Ryan and I miss seeing you smileing face at the gym, I used to look so forward to seeing your shit eating grin at the gym after shift. Joe I looked up to you, when I needed to talk or vent,(you were my go to guy) you always had words of encouragement.I ran into your son David the other day at the store, he misses ya Joe we all miss ya so much. Ryan is playing football for Rio again this year, can you believe he's already 16, where did the time go. Brother I have to go for now, rest in peace Joe.

SGT Ron Buchholz
Sandoval County Sheriff NM.

August 12, 2010

Its been one year Joey, but you are not forgotten, because you live in my heart and spirit. Today we play the Badge Bowl, and your spirit will be with me, I will be playing your position (center), with honor.I hope I make you proud today. By the way your son, David is doing good, he is a great young man, you would be very proud of him. Love you my friend, say hi to Germaine for me, and know you will be with me on the field.

Greg Fairhurst
buddy/ brother

July 17, 2010

To Sgt. Joseph Anthony Harris Sr, his family and his fellow officers with the Sandoval County Sheriff's Depatment:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Sgt Joseph Harris’ tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Sgt. Joseph Harris and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

July 16, 2010

Sgt Harris, I recently met your wife and daughter at Police Week. They miss you very much. I rode in the Long Ride of the Police Unity Tour with several of your friends. They rode in your honor and i am proud to have met and rode with them. With friends and family like them, you were very blessed.

SSA Ellen Pierson
US ICE/PUT

May 17, 2010

I included a pic of Joe along with a prayer request for his wife and kids on

Det. Cpl. and Chaplain M.C. Williams
Fairplay Police Dept., CO

May 4, 2010

To the Family of Officer Joe Harris Sr,
I am truly sorry for your loss, Office Harris was my DARE Officer at Rio Rancho Elementary. A wonderful man, who truly cared about our future. My prayer and thoughs are with you .

Anonymous

April 28, 2010

He was certainly a great man and inspiration. He was my DARE officer when I was in middle school. I credit him for inspiring me towards a law enforcement career.

Officer Terry
Las Cruces Police Department

January 20, 2010

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, Joe. We miss you a lot.

Robert
Friend

January 1, 2010

Well Joe, I must say you were one of the few, the nice guys on the job. Genuine in attitude, assistance and heart. I was saddened to hear of your passing. We are all proud that you stood your ground, and fought to the end. So few could of done what you did. All my best to you in your journey, and my prayers to your loved ones, friends and fellow deputies.
I had the privelage of meeting Joe, in 1985 and we had crossed paths many times over the years. In my opinion he was one of the few officers/Deputies who was genuine, and had a true carrying nature about him. He was certainly in his own class and matched by so few. A great loss to his family, friends and most certainly to his community. A loss to all.

Simon Lee
Citizen, former Sheriff's Deputy.

December 12, 2009

Joe,

The day I got the call about this I immediately shed tears. You served as such an inspiration to me, and you always brought a smile to my face, especially when I needed it. For that I will always be extremely grateful. You were a big brother to me and I was extremely lucky to have had you as a family member. Rest in peace, you are dearly missed...

John
Cousin of Joe's

November 6, 2009

Joe;
I never had a chance to meet you, but I wish I had.

You ensured your partner made it home that night when you knew you would not be able to.

You made the ultimate sacrifice for a friend and partner.

Thank You

Sgt Carol Baumler (retired)
NYPD & friend of your partner

September 26, 2009

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Sergeant Joe Harris,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Sergeant Joe Harris. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. 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. Sergeant Joe Harris is a hero.

Respectfully,

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

Co-Founder of Survivor Help Network

Anonymous

September 23, 2009

I left a reflection about Joe on July 20th. Little did I know that within 2 weeks my brother Anthony, Joe's childhood friend, would also pass on.

Joe, I remember the caring person you were. I know you are still out there walking the beat up in Heaven, take care of Anthony for me.

Deputy Jeff Madine
PALM BEACH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

September 16, 2009

To Sgt. Joe Harris, to all family members and friends who call him beloved, and to his law enforcement family:

I was sorry to learn of Joe's death and extend my sincerest condolences sn the grievous loss you have suffered. Words are insufficient to describe the sadness I feel for the Harris family. May you find comfort in your faith and the support of the law enforcement community.

There are many police survivors who share this same journey with you, and that community will be there to support you. Joe's memory will be forever honored and revered.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Joe gave to his community and the citizens of New Mexico, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on July 16, 2009.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg, CA PD, eow 4/24/05

Anonymous

September 8, 2009

Sgt. Harris,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your years of dedicated service and sacrifice to the citizens of the state of New Mexico. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

August 28, 2009

It is with deepest sympathy we send our thoughts and prayers from our members to you and your police family. Please know that while we did not know your officers, they were still a member of our Law Enforcement Family and we grieve the loss with you.



Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred . . . let me sow love
Where there is injury . . . pardon
Where there is doubt . . . faith
Where there is despair . . . hope
Where there is darkness . . . light
Where there is sadness . . . joy
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled . . . as to console
To be understood . . . as to understand,
To be loved . . . as to love
For it is in giving . . . that we receive,
It is in pardoning . . . that we are pardoned,
It is in dying . . . that we are born to eternal life.

Det. Dana Potts
Costa Mesa Police Association V.P.

August 18, 2009

Joe life is not the same since your passing, when I walk in the back door of the station it seems so empty. Joe none of us were ready for this one. Its so hard to move on brother, "we all miss you so much". Joe I know we have the same Christian faith, and I know that your with the Lord now looking down and watching over all of us. Joe you would have been proud, as thousands showed up at your memorial service to say good by. I have to tell you, I was so proud of your son Joe JR when he gave his speach at your service, he is a chip off the old block. Brother role 82 for all of us down here, we all love ya/and miss ya so much.

SGT Ron Buchholz
SANDOVAL COUNTY SHERIFF RIO RANCHO NM.

August 7, 2009

in my mind when i say the name JOE HARRIS i think of the worlds nicest man and our communities greatest law enforcement officer! He looked at his community as his family and never once did he think twice. I learned alot from "big joe". he truly was a hero in my eyes. Now i know hes patroling the streets of heaven and standing guard by all gods children, as if he were still here! He will truly truly be missed and ALWAYS remembered by every aspect of his gentle ways! thank you joe for being 10-8!

JOHN COLVIN
GOOD FRIEND AND STUDENT

August 3, 2009

You are the love of my life. Our 17 1/2 years together were not enough. I know you died doing what God put you on this earth to do, and you laid down your life for your partner and killed a very bad man. You are a hero, my love. I love, honor and respect you babe. Ally misses her daddy and I miss my big man. I love you, your wife, Tonia

wife, Tonia Harris
Sandoval County Sheriff, NM

August 3, 2009

Joe Harris was a very good man.I liked him.

Ryan Ortiz
son of bcso

August 3, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sergeant Harris and his family. He had to be a real good man because his family looks to be close to each other. God Bless. The Mirabal family.

Robert and Corine Mirabal
Parents of fallen State Police Office, Christopher Mirabal

August 2, 2009