San Antonio Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Thursday, May 18, 1972
Reflections for Patrolman Antonio T. "Tony" Canales
Patrolman Canales,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of San Antonio. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
May 18, 2022
Rest in peace Patrolman Canales.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
May 18, 2022
The last time Tony and I spoke, after roll call, he told me to trim my mustache. I replied, "si padrecito " I have never forgotten.
Francisco Alvarado, Jr. Sergeant Retired
SAPD
June 1, 2021
I forever will never forget that you were my father and my hero. The pain never goes away, or the emptiness of you not being around. I’m proud to be your son!
Antonio Canales
Son
May 7, 2021
Rest in Peace Officer Antonio Canales. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice protecting the citizens of San Antonio, Texas.
I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends and Co-Workers. I also Pray that the hounds of hell forever gnaw at the bones of those bastards responsible for your murder. May they burn forever in the lake of fire!
Amen
Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, TX
May 18, 2016
It's heartwarming to know that your son followed your footsteps. Much admiration and respect for both of you. It is no doubt that you are watching over him and will continue to serve and protect.
Former Deputy D. Medina
Bexar County Sheriffs Office/Detention
November 2, 2015
Bless you for watching over your son! I know you are his protecting angel! Son: Joseph Canales, Bexar County Deputy Sheriff, shot in the line of duty 10-30-2015, doing well.
Annon
October 31, 2015
Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless
Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas
May 18, 2015
Will always remember howw he always wanted to be a police officer. Recall how he was always helping others less fortunate than he. Telling to never forget your roots and try to help others. Set a goal and reach for it.
MSG {Ret} Eloy M Alcoser
Brother-in-Law
March 17, 2012
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.
Rest In Peace
Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
May 18, 2010
Thoughts and prayers going out to the family and friends of Officer Canales. "It's not how these officers died that made them heroes, it's how they lived.
South Texas Chapter of C.O.P.S.
Concerns of Police Survivors
May 17, 2010
"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 25, 2008
Officer Canales, you and my father worked together for the SAPD and I have nothing but respect for you guys.
I also became a police officer and have retired now.
I wanted to take the time to say Thank you for what you did and what you continue to do through us that are still here to serve.
R. Contreras Jr. # 26 (Retired)
Waco Police Department
February 13, 2008
Dad, thank you......
Deputy Joseph A. Canales
SON - Bexar County Sheriff's Office
November 16, 2007
Patrolman Canales,
On today, the 33rd anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of San Antonio.
R.I.P.
Anonymous
May 18, 2005
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