Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hector,

Your wife planned a beautiful day of tribute and respect for you on the anniversary of your death. We stood together in the church and together at the crash site and cried over the loss. We just cannot believe that it is real, that you are really gone. Sometimes it just seems like this is all a bad dream and that one day you will come back and the whole last year will be a really bad dream.

But we know that it is true. But know this - we miss you and are holding up your family in our prayers and in our arms. We carry you in our hearts always.

May you RIP.

Anonymous

April 21, 2011

To Sgt. Hector Ayala, his family and his fellow officers with the Montgomery County Police Department:

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

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

April 4, 2011

Thinking of you brother.

Anonymous

April 4, 2011

Thinking of you brother.

Anonymous

April 4, 2011

Hector-

Exactly 1 year ago, you made the ultimate sacrifice, mi amigo. I remember, like it was yesterday, getting the phone call and couldn't believe it. I still miss having you translate the breath tests for me- you were one of a kind!! I went in today and helped clean the front of the station, so that it looks respectable for your family and friends who may stop by tomorrow. It was the least I could do to try and help honor you, my friend.

As I always ask when I leave a note here, please look after my friend Mike Nickerson and our friend Luke Hoffman and make sure you all keep an eye on us from time to time. We continue to carry on the watch and will never forget!!!

Detective Jeff Bunge
Montgomery County Police - 4D

April 4, 2011

Has it been a year already? We havent forgotten you, brother, we never will.

Anonymous

April 3, 2011

Hector, it is still hard to cope with you being gone. I cannot imagine how hard it is for your family. Please know that we all miss you terribly.

Anonymous

January 14, 2011

Junior, Victoria, Gabriella and Angelica, Your father loved you very much I am sure. You should be so proud of your father,and Mother. Your father is a true hero, and he would want you to be brave and take good care of your mother always. He would be so very proud of you all. I hope you can talk to family and friends often to hear first hand what a great family man and dedicated police officer he was.

PO III Deirdre Sugrue

January 3, 2011

Hector:

You're gone brother, but surely not forgotten. Melissa has been very strong for you, I can assure you. Junior is a handsome young man, and your triplets are beautiful! This year is going to be a hard one, but I promise we will get your family through it all. You keep doing what your doing up there patrolling the streets of heaven, and make sure you continue to be our guardian angel down here as we carry the watch.

Officer S.F. Barsch
Montgomery County Police

January 3, 2011

Missing you and praying for your family during these difficult days. Watch over the rest of your brothers and keep them safe.

Anonymous

December 24, 2010

As you celebrate this, your first Thanksgiving without your loved one, please be aware that his service and sacrifice where not in vain. Though these words are small comfort on a day such as this, his brothers and sisters in law enforcement shall ensure that he and you are never forgotten! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones, may GOD bless you and keep you on this and every day!

Deportation Officer
ICE

November 25, 2010

Sgt. Ayala,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Montgomery County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP

November 23, 2010

Hector I cannot go one day without thinking of how we lost you brother. I wish we could get you back, you are surely missed and loved. Rest easy

Anonymous

October 22, 2010

I need some advice... wish you were here, I know you could help me sort it all out.

Anonymous

October 14, 2010

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Every time 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 officer they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Sergeant Ayala. 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. I can also be found on Face Book.) You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Hector, 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 Hector's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Hector's life was about so much more than the way he died. Hector will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Sergeant Ayala, 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 seven years and a half years but he's still very much missed and forever loved.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

October 11, 2010

I am sorry to see this. R.I.P sir and thank you. I lived in the Rockville/Silver Spring area for many years back in the 90's and remember Randolph Rd quite well. I saw a dog get struck and killed there. Dangerous. Stay safe, please, to those who read this.

Dawn D., concerned civilian
Mass Civilian

September 18, 2010

The Dail family of Ocala, Florida sends our deepest condolences to you and sincerest love. We are praying for you and grieving with you. May the LORD carry you and protect and provide for you. Trust Him, rest in Him.

The Dail family, Ocala, FL
in-laws Ofc. Tony Zeppetella eow:6/13/03

July 2, 2010

We still can't believe that you are gone. Not a day goes by that we don't think about you and your family. I am sorry that we never got to have our Cheesecake Factory quadruple date; you never think that tomorrow may not come.

Your memory will live on in the hearts of all of us who were honored to know you, and in the faces of Junior and your three daughters that you never knew. Rest assured that we are taking care of them as you would have taken care of ours. They will, through your family and through your police family, always know what kind of husband, man, father and officer you were. Your humor, your smile, your dedication to your family and to your career - these things are your legacy that will not fade.

Please watch over those who continue on in the thankless and perilous work that you did so faithfully. Keep them safe as they carry on. Rest in peace - you are gone but never forgotten.

Lindsey

June 25, 2010

Thinking of you today...

Anonymous

June 15, 2010

To the family and friends of Sgt. Hector Ayala and his fellow officers:

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Hector tragically died.

To the Ayala family, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in the Bay Area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I know you will receive the same support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace. My son also left an expectant wife, and my heart was broken when I read of the three children who will only know their dad through pictures, stories, and memories of others. Melissa, I know you will have to draw on a reservoir of strength in the upcoming days, months, and years, but you will not be alone for there are many who care about you and will help you on this painful journey of grief. To Hector's parents, I share your anquish in losing a beloved child which surely has to be one of life's greatest sorrows.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Hector gave to his community and the citizens of Maryland, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 4, 2010.

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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

May 25, 2010

Sincere condolences to all who mourn the tragic loss of Sgt. Ayala. May the Lord our God continue to comfort all who mourn his loss.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister & granddau. of Leos

May 23, 2010

Hector,
I had the honor of meeting Melissa. What a strong and beautiful woman. You would be very proud of her.
Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice and for being a true HERO. Your young children will know their father and will know what kind of man he was and is.
We will take care of them and honor you always.
Gods Speed.

Officer
Montgomery County Police

May 16, 2010

Hector, I think about you every day. Life is just not the same without you. Your smile, your sense of humor, your dedication to the job.. it is missed every day.

There was a hole on shift 8 after Luke died, it has only widened since we lost you.

Please continue to keep watch over us as we carry on in your stead.

Anonymous

May 12, 2010

To the family, friends, and co-workers of Sgt. Ayala,

Please accept the most heartfelt condolences from the men and women of the United States Border Patrol, Douglas, AZ station.

We will not forget Sgt. Ayala, and will continue in his stead, fighting evil for a better world. When one of us falls, all of us stumble, but we carry on in honor and memory of the fallen.

Hector, all is Code-4. Rest in peace, sir. We have it from here.

Douglas, AZ Station
United States Border Patrol

May 4, 2010

Hector,
I miss you every single day. I will keep the calls we ran and the memories we had in my heart forever. You were an amazing officer, great friend and will now be our guardian. I feel safer knowing you are with us at night. Love you bro!

PO2 Long
Maryland National Capital Park

May 4, 2010