Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was riding my bicycle yesterday on Forest Rd 50 near East Creek and came upon a memorial built for Charlie. I took the time to reflect and have a moment of silence for this fallen brother. It was a beautiful memorial that had been built by his family and friends and it showed how much he was loved and thought of fondly by many. RIP Charlie.

Dave K.
KCSO

August 31, 2023

While working a detail on March 26, 2022, we were approached by a young girl. She handed us a sticker which was end of watch for Cortez 767. It was moving, in that moment this child and team Cortez wanted everyone to never forget him! Always hold those special thoughts and memories in your heart!

Trooper Chris Cooper
Washington State Patrol

March 28, 2022

May the Lord give your family peace and much love. Im praying for your family. Rest in peace.

Civillian Kindra Morriss
self

December 17, 2020

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest In Peace Officer Cortez. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters at Tulalip Tribal Police Department.

Corrections Deputy Sharan
Clark County Sheriff

December 10, 2020

Thank you, Charlie.

Cheryl Forbes
Citizen Seattle

December 9, 2020

Rest in power brother. May your loved ones find peace and comfort in what ways they know how during this difficult time.

Austin Booth- Comm. Corrections Officer
WA State Department of Corrections

December 8, 2020

Another "Hero" taken.
You helped make this world a safer place to live.
May God grant you eternal peace.
Prayers to your loved ones and to your department.

Det. Billy Russo (Ret.)
Nassau County PD, NY.

December 7, 2020

I am sorry for your loss loss to the Family, Fellow Officers, and Friends. I will keep all of you in my prayers.

Retired Fire Lieutenant Frank J Corasan
Baltimore City Fire Department

December 5, 2020

Rest In Peace

Po Shaun Walters
Nypd ~ Retired

December 4, 2020

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest In Peace Officer Cortez. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters at Tulalip Tribal Police Department.

Postal Inspector Scott Horne
US Postal Inspection Service

December 2, 2020

Rest easy Brother.

Deputy Sheriff. Ron Buchholz
Retired Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office NM.

December 1, 2020

The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.

There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.
Author Unknown

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

December 1, 2020

may HIS light shine perpetual upon his face

Chief Jim Allen (retired)
Mobile County Child Support

November 30, 2020

Rest In Peace Sir. May God comfort your family, department and community. Thank you for your service.

Former 911 Dispatcher S. Wilson
Prattville Police Department, AL

November 30, 2020

Rest in Peace Officer Cortez. May the Lord grant your family, friends and co-workers peace during this very difficult time. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Deputy Parole Administrator Howard Wykes
Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections

November 30, 2020

Rest easy, IGY6.

Civilian Jordan Hernandez
Civilian

November 30, 2020

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

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

November 29, 2020

Rest In Peace brother. Your service will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and department during this tragic time. Matthew 5:9

Lieutenant Don Barton
Garden City PD, MI

November 25, 2020

Rest In Peace Sir. May God comfort your family, department and community. Thank you for your service.

Former 911 Dispatcher S. Wilson
Prattville Police Department, AL

November 24, 2020

R.I.P. brother may you rest up in heaven brother

Sergeant Alex Escobar Alex Escobar
Huntington Park P.D.

November 24, 2020

R.I.P Officer Charlie Cortez

Brian Molyneaux
Citizen

November 24, 2020

Rest in peace Brother.

Arrend Hoopes
Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office Va.

November 23, 2020

Rest in Peace my brother.

Captain Bernard Flint
Department of Defense Police Division

November 22, 2020

Thank you for your service. Many many prayers for your family and friends. So tragic of a loss

Nina Kistner
Daughter of a Fallen Officer

November 22, 2020

Officer Cortez, our Lord took you back to Himself as your life had only begun. God, in His infinite goodness, must need good people like you to help Him do His work. He will reward you abundantly. May He immerse you and your loved ones in His Divine Mercy. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.

Jess Espinosa
Civilian

November 22, 2020