Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My friend, you will truly be missed, not only as a valued Special Agent, but as a friend. You gave it your all, as you’ve always done! Rest In Peace my friend, you’ve served honorably! You’re watch is now over, rest, we will take it from here.

Special Agent Supervisor Y Galvez
Florida Department of Law Enforcement

October 4, 2022

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

September 21, 2022

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest In Peace Special Agent Perez. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters at Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Postal Inspector Scott Horne
US Postal Inspection Service

September 19, 2022

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Special Agent Jose Perez. I am truly sorry for your loss. The service and sacrifice of Special Agent Perez to this nation and the people of Florida will not be forgotten.

Deborah C.
Wife, Mother, Aunt of LEOs
Maryland

September 15, 2022

Rest In Peace, brother.

Deputy Evan Mauck
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office

September 9, 2022

Special Agent Perez,

Thank you for your sacrifice for our nation. May you be with the Lord and may he be with your family.

Det. Russ Cain

Pittsburgh PD

September 2, 2022

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

"Semper Fi"

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

September 1, 2022

For the family of Jose Antonio Perez, FDLE, Local Law enforcement agencies for which he served, the military (especially the United States Marine Corps), and our FDLE friend, Gary: Tom and I are so sorry for the loss of one of your law enforcement brothers, killed on duty by a drunk and/or substance abuser driver. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and all your law enforcement community. and especially the family of Jose Perez.

He had quite an impressive career. May he Rest In Peace in heaven with Our Lord and Savior, and all the saints.
Special Agent Jose Perez,
“Semper Fi” and “End of Watch” from Tom Arnold, Retired Deputy Director MDPD, and Retired United Stated Marine Corps, and spouse, Mary Arnold

Thank you for your incredible service.

Ret.Deputy Director and spouse Mary
Retired MDCP Deputy Director, USMC, & friend of Gary an FDLE agent

August 29, 2022

Agent Perez, you are a true hero. For many years, you dedicated your life to protecting others that they may be safe. Our Lord, who sees all and knows all, will reward you abundantly for your courage, dedication and selfless service. May God immerse you in His Divine Mercy. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.

Jess Espinosa
Civilian

August 27, 2022

Rest in Peace Special Agent Perez. 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

August 26, 2022

Requiescat in Paces

Sergean Mike O'Connor
Branford CT PD

August 24, 2022

Rest In Peace, Special Agent Perez. Praying for your loved ones.

Officer C Curione (Retired)
Rochester Police Department, NY

August 24, 2022

I am sad to learn of the passing of a Brother and Hero in Special Agent Jose Perez. I believe our Heavenly Father has welcomed him home into his loving arms where he will now patrol the Golden Streets of Heaven. May the Lord deliver Blessings, Comfort and Peace to his Family, Friends and all Members of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida.

Retired, T W Martinez
FOP member
State of New Mexico/JJS

August 24, 2022

I’m praying for your family and coworkers. Thank you for your service. Rest In Peace

Maxine, mother of
Deputy Josh Rutherford EOW 5/29/03

August 24, 2022

Faithful Unto Death | Eternal Rest | Salute

S. I. Drake - Lt/IPD | IMPD (Ret)

August 23, 2022

Rest In Peace Agent Perez, my sincere condolences to your family and to your department. God speed as you now patrol the streets of gold. Your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. Fair winds and following seas brother. We have the watch.

TERRY F ZECH OFC RET
Department of Veteran Affairs Police Department Detroit Michigan

August 23, 2022

Our best to the family and the Agency in Tallahassee. If we can do anything don't hesitate to call. We are just a couple of hours away.

Deputy Harold R. Shover
Walton County Sheriff's Office
School Resource Deputy
Honor Guard Founder
President of NWFL C.O.P.S.

August 23, 2022

Special Agent Jose Perez, I am so sorry to hear of your passing after this accident. You have suffered for a long time in the hospital and our Lord has called you Home now. I thank you for your lifetime of service to all of us in both the military and Police Departments in Florida. Rest in Peace, Brother.

Mary Milam
Sergeant (Ret)
Chicago Police Department

Hudson, FL

August 23, 2022

God Bless You, Your Family, & Friends.
Thank you for your unselfish service to protect your community.

James P. Waggle, Jr.
US Army Veteran (SFC)
Civilian

August 22, 2022

Rest Easy Brother

Deputy Sheriff. Ron Buchholz
Retired Santa Fe County Sheriff NM.

August 22, 2022

Rest easy brother thank you for your service may your sacrifice or memory never fade.

Retired #8046 Jerry Matalone
Des Moines Iowa Police Department

August 22, 2022

RIP Special Agent Perez. Thank you for your service to the Country and the citizens of Miami and the state of Florida.

Sergeant Darren Weisse
Tufts University Police

August 22, 2022

Rest in peace Special agent Perez. Thank you Sir for your service and sacrifice. May God comfort your immediate family and fellow colleagues.

Former reserve Deputy ( OCSO) FL Eddie A
Osceola county Sheriff's office

August 22, 2022

Thank you for your service, brother. RIP.

Lieutenant Brian J. Wills II
Oswego County Sheriff's Office
New York

August 22, 2022

Rest in peace Brother....My thoughts are with your family, friends, and the members of your agency during this most difficult and tragic time.....

LT. Joseph Ward, Ret
Jackson, NJ PD

August 22, 2022