Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

LIFE IS FULL OF SURPRISES...I'M A MEMBER OF THE POLICE UNITY TOUR,MOTOR SUPPORT.THIS YEAR I RANDOMLY CHOSE OFFICER ORTIZ TO HONOR ON OUR 300 MILE RIDE FROM N.J TO D.C. AS SOON AS I GOT HOME I WENT STRAIGHT TO THE COMPUTER TO FIND OUT WHO OFFICER ORTIZ WAS. I READ OTHERS REFLECTIONS AND I WAS MOVED BY THE HEART FELT SYMPATHY AND LOVE ALL HAD FOR THIS DEDICATED OFFICER.I'M SO HONOR TO BE MOTORING IN MEMORY OF OFFICER ORTIZ. AND TO HIS FAMILY,FRIENDS AND C.H.P FAMILY, MAY GOD BLESS AND LOOK OVER YOU.

MOTOR OFFICER R. SANTANA #317
CITY OF PASSAIC P.D, NEW JERSEY

May 4, 2011

Officer Ortiz,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of California. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP

April 7, 2011

To the Officer Down Memorial Page Inc., I would like to thank you for this honor that you have placed on our brother Philip Ortiz, his family and his CHP family.

We are still feeling the loss of our Brother and the kind words of everyone really help us make it through the tough times.

Thank you again...Semper Fidelis!!!

CHP West Los Angeles Area Squad.

Officer Tyrone Johnson #11847
California Highway Patrol WLA

November 9, 2010

Phil was the consummate professional and represented the C.H.P. in the finest tradition. It was an honor to work with him and he will never be forgotten...

Ed Gingras
CHP

November 8, 2010

I read about your tragic accident the day it happened. I'm sorry I took so long to give my respects. Semper Fi Motorman and always remember that we thank you for your service. You entered our service in 1982 or so. I entered in 1969. I know how much you loved being a Blue and Gold Motorman and the time you rode had to be the finest years of your career and life. Thank you for making us all proud to have served and God Bless you and your family....

State Traffic Officer #7185
Cailfornia Highway Patrol/Sunsanville PD

October 18, 2010

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Officer Philip Ortiz,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Officer Philip Ortiz. 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. Officer Philip Ortiz is a hero.

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

Anonymous

July 22, 2010

On behalf of the New York State Police, prayers are with you and your family. May you Rest in Peace.

Trooper
New York State Police

July 11, 2010

I salute you, Sir, for your bravery, courage, dedication to duty and ultimate sacrifice. May God Bless and comfort the family and friends of this American hero. Please take comfort in knowing that he will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero.

Sergeant, Retired
Fayetteville, AR PD

July 9, 2010

Though I never met Officer Ortiz, I wanted to leave a Message thanking him and his family for his and their sacrifice. Officer Ortiz left us in an unfortunate manner. Many of us motorists never appreciate a Law enforcement officer until we need one. May the Family keep his memory alive and remember the good times. Our heartfelt condolences,
The Velasquez Family.

Civ
Greatful Citizen

July 8, 2010

Philip, Rest in Peace brother and may GOD look over your family and the CHP.

Trooper Archie Forsyth
Louisiana State Police (Troop A)

July 4, 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

YOU ARE A HERO, MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE ORTIZ FAMILY

Cathy Hernandez
St. Monica's , School Friend

July 2, 2010

Another one of California's Finest needlessly loses his life while performing the duties he was sworn to uphold . . . RIP brother!

Sergeant Bart Arechiga (R)
California Highway Patrol

July 1, 2010

The National Police Wives Association would like to extend their heartfelt prayers to the family of Officer Philip Ortiz and the California Highway Patrol during this time. Thank you, Officer Ortiz, for your service.

national police wives association
Staff

July 1, 2010

I remember Phil parting with my brother Joe at my mom's house. He was always kind and very respectful to everyone, but he definitely liked to play jokes on people. I would once in awhile succumb to them. Phil was the type of man that even if you didn't see him often, that when you did see him, he always had the wonderful smile and always made you feel that he just say you yesterday. I know he will be missed by many, but he will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Phil.

Elena (Valdez) Cardenas
Friend, St. Monica Alumni

July 1, 2010

YOU ARE A HERO TO ALL OF US. THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE. YOU WILL BE TRULY MISSED, BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN.

R.I.P

SEAN GOWERS OWNER/OPERATOR
SOUTHSIDE TOW & RECOVERY

June 30, 2010

"Dennis" was one of my closests friends in High School. We got into more trouble then I care to tell, but one of those memories sticks out. In 1979 I got together with a bunch of friends a year behind me and took part in what was a tradition at the time of tee-peeing the school grounds your graduating year. A mutual friend, Joe Valdez scampered up between a smoke stack and the wall with a rope tied around him that me and Phil were holding so he could spray paint the class of 79 on it. Phil turned to me and said that if Joe fell there was no way that rope would stop his fall and luckily Joe made it down safely.
We shared a passion for Music among other things, I was always carrying on about Yes and Phil about Led Zeppelin, he also ended up marrying my high school crush! Although we had lost touch a few years after high school, I thought of him often and was always looking for him in his C.H.P. uniform. My prayers and thoughts go out to Jessica and his family, God Bless you Phil, you will be missed.

Raul Rodriguez
Saint Monica's High School 1978

June 30, 2010

I went to school with Phil (Dennis) and his wife Jessica. My heart filled sympathy goes out to his family. I remember his warm smile and his kind eyes. RIP

Veronica Santiago Lum
St. Monica High School Classmate

June 30, 2010

Blessed are those who mourn; they shall be comforted.
Gospel of Matthew 5:4

My thoughts and prayers go out to Jessica and the entire Ortiz family and friends.

Leslie Anne Valdivia
St. Monica High School Alumni

June 29, 2010

Philip,

Rest in peace brother! My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.

Officer M. Flores
California Highway Patrol

June 29, 2010

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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 whose 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

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

June 29, 2010

Our hearts and prayers go out to your family and friends in their time of sorrow. May God Bless and Rest in Peace!

Cpl David Murphy
TX DPS

June 29, 2010

I pray that the family, friends, and co-workers of Officer Ortiz are given the strength to make it through each day. May God Bless them. Such a tragic loss.

Police Officer Garcia
Los Angeles Police Department

June 29, 2010

Always a tragedy to hear of another brother Motor being taken out by the motorists we are trying to keep safe. God Bless the family who are left to deal with this travesty. God Speed to brother Philip.

Motor Officer Tim Lambert
Longmont PD, COLO

June 29, 2010

I also went to high school with Phil aka Dennis. My prayers are with his family and friends. R.I.P.

Linda Allen Jeter
St. Monica Alumni

June 28, 2010