Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Brother T,

As each year passes, we get further and further away from the day you made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. Rest assured that we will never forget that day and your sacrifice! We all miss you and love you my friend!

RIP HERO!!!

Sgt. Greg Welch (Ret)
Surprise Police Department

May 1, 2024

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 12, 2024

Brother T,

This morning, Eric and I talked about how much we miss you and what a humbling day today is. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten my friend! I also had the privilege of lowering the American flag to half staff to honor the fallen officers in our great state and I did it in YOUR HONOR! I love you buddy!

RIPHERO!!!

Sgt. Greg Welch (ret)
Surprise PD

May 1, 2023

Brother T,

Another year has gone by and we all miss you very much! I think about you from time to time and laugh when I think about some of the smart ass comments you used to make... especially when you were talking smack to Eric! Love you buddy!

RIPHERO!!!

Sgt. Greg Welch (ret)
Surprise PD

May 2, 2022

Brother T,

Eric sent me a message on the 1st and neither of us can believe 10 years has passed! He shared a video with me that Buckeye PD put together, it was awesome. We all miss and love you my friend!

RIPHERO!

Sgt. Greg Welch
Surprise PD

May 4, 2021

Officer Tirado,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice- of just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO; former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 1, 2021

Hey buddy buddy,

As I sit here and reflect on all the funny memories, moments, and jokes we shared I can’t help myself to think it’s been 10 years since you have passed. That it feels just like yesterday I was doing your background check and reflecting on family events, birthday presents, calls for service or some silly practical joke. I can still hear your laughter after some of those silly remark made.

Just know there is not a day that doesn’t go by that I don’t think of you and your family. That I know you are Always watching over us and protecting us (with Mike by your side). I will always love and miss you and know the Tirado family will forever and always be in my heart. You will always be my brother, friend, and hero and you will never be forgotten.

Love you brother!

Lorraine Medina #0185 Police Dispatcher
Buckeye Police Department

May 1, 2021

Brother T,

We love you and miss you! Eric and I were talking about you today and the times we had together. Rest in Peace my friend!

Sgt. Greg Welch
Surprise Police Department

May 14, 2020

God bless you

Mark Mottola

May 1, 2020

I miss you every day.
OJ

Anonymous

October 2, 2019

Hey bro it’s been awhile since I wrote anything but I think about you daily. I know for a fact that you watch over me and my family from heaven above. I will always miss you but will never forget the time we had together. I’ve since moved back home and have met up with Greg to talk shit about you! We all miss and love you. I always considered you family. Friendship does not describe what you meant to me. I know when the time comes and God calls me back I will connect with you. Thank you for watching over me like you did when you were here. The Durante’s love and miss you brother. E

Eric
DEA

May 1, 2019

Brother T,

Today is a rough day for all of us who had the honor of knowing you. I think about you often and pray for your family and friends that miss and love you! I will give Eric a call later today and I am sure that we will have a few things to say about you and how we miss your trash talk. I love you and miss you brother!!!

Sgt. Greg Welch
Surprise PD

May 1, 2019

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

September 20, 2018

Semper Fi Brother. Rest In Peace.

SDS Mark McCormack
NYPD Retired

May 1, 2018

Rolondo Tirado
The HODGES FAMILY Love YOU & Celebrate YOU.
God has a bad-ass BODY guard
Tom Hodges
7720 AZ DEPT OF CORRECTIONS
USANG 1986-92 03-04

CO II
Father of 3 of his beloved students

May 1, 2018

Hey Bro,

Just thinking about you today on the anniversary of your passing. A couple of months ago my wife found a picture of you and it brought back a number of emotions and many good memories. Thank you for being my friend and watching over each of us from heaven above. You are loved and missed my friend! RIPHERO

Love ya bro!

Sgt. Greg Welch
Surprise Police Department

May 1, 2018

Heaven has received to many angels, but Roland between you and Mike I'm sure Heaven is a much better place.... we all LOVE AND MISS YOU DEARLY!!!! Love always
Jessica HALEY!!!!!

Jessica
Friend

May 3, 2017

Brother T,

I can't help but think of you on this day and reflect on the many good times that we had. It has been 6 years since that tragic day and I think about you often. You were a great friend and we all miss you very much. RIP HERO!!!

Love ya bro!!!!

Sgt. Greg Welch
Surprise PD

May 1, 2017

Hey Bro,

Yesterday was 5 years and I was thinking about you. Eric moved back recently and I told him that we needed to go have a beer in your honor. You were a great friend and we miss you. You are always in our thoughts and your family is always in our prayers.

Love ya bro!!!!

Sgt. Greg Welch
Surprise PD

May 2, 2016

Hey Brother! I was thinking of you just the other day. I remember when I had to ride with you because a certain sergeant thought that you should ride with an FTO for a while since you were in the SRO program for so long and were filling a beat during the summer months. You were a great officer, and I had a blast working with you and I miss your humor.

I see your badge number on a daily basis and talk about you all the time. I remember how bad a shot you were and how you worked on it so with the team guys until you were just a good a shot as anyone else on the team. I work up in Washington now and use your story all the time at the range....your missed so much.

Love ya bro!

Officer Bigler
Kent Police Department

December 26, 2015

Brother "T",

I cant believe that it has been a little over 4 years since you passed. I think about you often and know in my heart that you are in a better place watching over each of us. I look forward to the day when we meet again. RIP HERO!!!!!

Sgt. Greg Welch
Surprise PD

May 4, 2015

Rolando,
I remember working with you at The El Grand Mercado where this happened and I shall never forget you or how this happened, because today is also my 21st wedding anniversary brother. I was working for the Gila County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force at the time and was woke up by one of our Deputies that made the schedule for the Mercado informing me of your death at 0 dark thirty in the morning. My God Bless and keep you and bless your family that was left behind. May Saint Michael watch over the rest of us. Amen

Police Officer
Kearny Arizona Police Department

May 1, 2015

Tirado,

I was reflecting today about what happened that night and getting that call. My heart is heavy in this political chaos as someone else has lost a husband, father, friend, and son doing what he did best, protecting others. I pray you welcome him with comfort as he transitions into his new path with his Fallen Brothers.

Thank you for your service. You will never be forgotten. <3

1080

August 7, 2014

Brother "T",

This day weighs heavy on many hearts and is tough for all of us. I think about you often and the times that we got to spend together. I know that you, Eric and I will meet up again at some point and the smack talk will be on!!! Miss you bro.... RIP HERO!!!

Sgt. Greg Welch
Surprise PD

May 1, 2014

Officer Tirado,

Your bravery and ultimate sacrifice in keeping this community safer will not be forgotten.

Respectfully,

Commander R. Bayne #559
Scottsdale PD

December 13, 2013