Los Angeles Police Department, California
End of Watch Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Reflections for Police Officer II Christopher Alan Cortijo
It seems that LAPD and the community has lost a great motorcylce police officer. I know that Officer Cortijo must have encountered a many near misses while working as a motor office. I always said that if I was ever hit it was because I didn't see it coming. I know that God in all his glory had Officer Cortijo covered when he was struck by the DIUD driver. Officer Cortijo you can now take off your helmet and take a rest, God will take of your family.
Former Sgt Joe Covington, M/C #4926
Corpus Christi Police Officer
April 28, 2014
Rick & I both had the pleasure of having Chris as a friend and a co-worker. I worked with Chris at my mom’s restaurant, Tondo’s. One of my favorite memories is when his co-workers & I covered his VW Bug entirely in Oreo cookies as a joke. In retrospect this was not such a good idea, but Chris took it well and we all had a good laugh.
While working at the Restaurant he got accepted into the LAPD and then became my husband Rick’s go to guy at PM Entertainment on most of his film productions. He was usually the first person Rick would see when he drove up to the set. He was always smiling and in a good mood.
All I can say is Chris was a good man, and we will never forget him. God bless Chris and his family.
With Love
Rick & Shelly Pepin
PM Entertainment
April 27, 2014
A true hero keeping his community safe has succumbed to a needless accident. May you find heavens gates wide open & your family find some comfort in the fact they were loved by a true hero!
Mother of a Sgt
Colorado Springs PF
April 26, 2014
Rest in Peace Brother, we have the Watch
Policeman
Phoenix PD, Brother in Blue
April 26, 2014
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE
N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE
April 22, 2014
Chris we worked together at VTD years ago and those were great times. Thank you for your ultimate service. Rest in peace brother. You will not be forgotten
John Weinzierl (former LAPD)
Tacoma PD WA State
April 22, 2014
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO TO OUT TO THE FRIENDS AND FAMILY. A TRUE PUBLIC SERVANT. WE WILL NEVER FORGET. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
Officer Edwin Lara / External Ops
Cook County Sheriffs Office, IL- Honor Guard
April 22, 2014
Rest In Peace Brother!
Captain Steve Yancey
Forest Hill Police Department, TX
April 22, 2014
I have laid down my life in service to all of you.
I have been a part of the fabric that has held the line between your safety and your victimization. I have given my life so that others may live in peace. I have lived my life as a dedicated member of the greatest profession. There is no greater honor.
As I now become a part of the rich history of law enforcement, please remember me always for I have left behind those who loved and depended upon me.
My partners and my agency, please remember my family, their loss, and don’t let time soften your compassion for them.
You guard the gate now and I will continue my watch from above.
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE AND MAY YOUR FAMILY FIND COMFORT IN THE GOOD YOU HAVE DONE HERE ON EARTH.
Doug Gist, Captain (ret) Washoe, NV SO
Silver State National Peace Officers Museum, Virginia City, NV
April 21, 2014
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of police officer Chris Cortijo and to the entire Los Angeles Police Dept. We are gratefull for your many years of dedication, sacrifice and service to your country and community. RIP
Officer Eric Chiang
San Francisco Police Department
April 21, 2014
"The Final Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."
Author Unknown
Read more: http://www.odmp.org/officer/22062-agent-marielis-morales-santiago#ixzz2zOPFuGiU
Deputy
April 19, 2014
R.I.P. Brother, may your memory and sacrifice never fade. Ex-LASD-9154
Deputy Ron Buchholz
Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office NM
April 19, 2014
Thank you Officer Cortijo for your faithful service. You will be remembered. May God grant your family and agency peace and comfort.
Trooper Joe Dellwo #446
Minnesota State Patrol
April 19, 2014
Chris was a good friend to have, I knew him in junior-high and high school. May the Lord bless his soul.
Mark Nogy
Friend
April 18, 2014
"The Final Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."
Author Unknown
Sergeant Chad Miner
Powell PD, WY
April 18, 2014
Rest in peace brother. Thank-you for serving your community and country.
Semper Fi!
Deputy Dave Kosnosky
Snohomish Co Sheriff's Office, WA
April 16, 2014
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Chris Cortijo. May the grace of God soften your pain. With sincere appreciation for Officer Cortijo's service.
Chaplain Sam Faraone
El Paso, TX Police Department
April 16, 2014
Rest in eternal peace, Officer Cortijo, for we have the watch now. Your family and your brothers and sisters in uniform, our brothers and sisters, too, are in our thoughts and prayers. May they find comfort in remembrances of your dedication and service.
Deputy Warden Patricia Powers
Philadelphia Prison System
April 15, 2014
Rest in Peace.
1st Lt. Stephen A. Joy #980
Prince George's County Police Department, Maryland
April 15, 2014
Semper Fi brother, I never knew you but I can only imagine what great things you did in your career.
Chief Tim Lauridsen
Osceola WI Police Dept, and former USMC
April 15, 2014
On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of Police Officer II Chris Cortijo and the extended law enforcement family of the Los Angeles Police Department. Rest in Peace Brother and watch over us.
I fight not for glory or fame, for they are momentary. I fight for those who can't. I fight for Justice. I fight for the oppressed and the down trodden. And if I should lose my life for these just causes, then I have no regrets, For I serve to protect the innocent. It matters not where or when, for evil knows no boundaries. Be it fire, flood, or the threat of tyranny, I will not flee. Justice is my weapon. Faith is my shield. Hope is my armor. Cry not at my passing, for it was my Honor to fight for you. Shed not tears of sorrow, But tears of joy, for now, I stand with God.
By Jon F. Hooper
"Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police
April 15, 2014
Thank You Officer II Chris Cortijo for your service to our Country and also the many years of service to the Los Angeles Police Department. God Bless You Officer Cortijo, your family, friends and fellow officers. Rest In Peace Brother.
Ed S.
Grateful Citizen
April 14, 2014
Rest in peace brother, you have earned you patrol on the streets of Heaven. Thank you for your many years of service to the city of Los Angeles and to our great nation. God bless the family, friends, and co-workers of Officer Cortijo during this time of tragic and senseless loss.
Senior Patrolman Donnie Meaders
Wewoka (OK) PD
April 14, 2014
From one motor officer and former Marine to another, rest in peace sir we have the watch now.
Deputy Sheriff
San Bernardino Sheriff's Dept., CA-Victorville City Traffic Division
April 14, 2014
Rest in Peace Sir........................
Officer Thomas Wiederhold, Retired
Fort Worth PD, Texas
April 14, 2014
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