Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I’m still haunted by the news of your passing. It still pains me that you were taken from us prematurely. You left a lasting impression on my life. I love you, Tio.

USBP
Niece

November 12, 2024

Patrolman Serna,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army-especially during Desert Storm. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

A grateful El Pasoan

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 12, 2021

Ernie and I were great friends in Pensacola and Berlin. He would always make me laugh. I am so sorry for your family’s loss. You were definitely one of the good guys.

Karen Mulholland Grogan
Army friend

October 17, 2019

Ernie was a good friend of mine in the Army in Berlin. I miss him very much, and with the recent killings at the same place Ernie died the sorrow weighs heavy.

William Weaver
Friend

August 5, 2019

Rest in peace Patrolman Serna.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 16, 2019

I can't believe it will be 27 years You were a beautiful person and I know you are in heaven. You will never be forgotten .You left this world way to soon but you will always be in our hearts.

Anonymous
Retired sheriffs department

June 8, 2018

Ernie

I never knew you, but you severed with my father Larry Kunard (ret. EPPD). As a student here at FLETC I shared your story of your ultimate sacrifice during our officer response tactics class. You continue to inspire the next generation of law enforcement officers and you will never be forgotten.

Semper Fi
Robert Kunard
U.S. Secret Service

Robert Kunard
US Secret Service; Son of an EPPD officer

March 31, 2018

Rest easy

Deputy S S
BCSO

November 12, 2015

Hey Primo! Can't believe it's going to be 23 yrs ago that they took you away. I was working the 62-180 checkpoint when my FOS called and said ...one of your cousins has been shot, I didn't know which one, there were three of you (SERNA'S) with EPPD at the time. By the time I got to the hospital you were gone. Seems like yesterday in my head. I still carry your OBIT in my wallet. it's falling apart. I still think of you when chasing or following someone in the dark. I think your always there for us...reminding us. Rest in Peace Primo, your still missed as if it was yesterday.

Primo might be my last year, next June will be 30 yrs of this sh!t

SBPA, A. Montoya
U.S. Border Patrol

November 8, 2014

Ernie, I remember the years that we spent together as room mates and more importantly great friends in the army serving both here and in Berlin together. You were a true gentleman and a down to earth person. I was saddned when I saw the news and you will always be remembered.

SP4 Rick Miller USA Field Station Berlin
Friend

June 19, 2012

I served overseas with Officer Serna. He was a quiet, consummate professional. I remember him well.

Captain Frank Seminski
colleague

March 10, 2012

Ernie,
It is because of you that I am the person I am today, I think of you almost daily. Your sacrifice put forth the wheels of fate to motiviate many to follow your path. Today, many more men wear a badge and a gun, and its in your honor. In defiance of the evil that took you away from us, good will prevail and you will never be forgotten.

Assistant Chief Patrol Agent, S. Montoya
USBP, Cousin

February 9, 2012

It is going to be 21 years since you left and being an officer's daughter, I can say without doubt that you will never be forgotten. I wish I could have had the opportunity to meet you because I've heard nothing but good. I know that you're 3 sons who are continuing to follow in your footsteps are so very proud of you and your service to El Paso. They are absolutely amazing men and officers. They learned how to be both from you! You are an amazing hero and your memory will live on forever!

Anonymous
El Paso, Texas

January 27, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 18th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 12, 2009

"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 whos 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
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

February 6, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERD TODAYA AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

November 26, 2007

Patrolman Serna,
On today, the 16th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but also for our Country when you served in Desert Storm. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

November 12, 2007

I was happy to see a scholarship fund and a school, bearing Your name.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

November 12, 2007

Ernie,

My friend, classmate and HERO. You are not forgotten. It seems just like yesterday when I heard that you were taken from us. Your son Eloy is a fine Officer!!! You would be proud of him as he is proud of you!!!

Officer Martin Moncada #1324
El Paso Police Department

October 15, 2007

I remember the day I was informed of your death. That feeling changed my attitude and approach to policing for the rest of my career.

Lt. Robert D. Pisarcik
El Paso Police Department

March 30, 2006

im so sorry about what hapend with ernesto serna.

michael cisneros

November 15, 2005

you will never be forgotten!

November 8, 2005

Ernie,
I can't believe it is already going to be 14 years you were taken from us, it seems like only yesterday that I was watching the news and I heard of the terrible tragedy. Just know brother, that I have never forgotten you. I can still remember you were always smiling, even when I would give you a hard time when you were a rookie! You died the way all of us want to when it is our time. So until we meet again on the other side my brother.

Patrolman A. Seelig #1017
El Paso Police Dept.

July 23, 2005

I never had an opportunity to meet you but I now work with your son who has followed in your foot steps. He is an excellent officer and that is a reflection of you. Thank you for your time, efforts and service. You are a hero and are not forgotten.

El Paso Police Department / Central

April 10, 2005

You are a true HERO my friend!

patrol

November 12, 2004