Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Eternal rest grant on to you my beloved husband and may perpetual light shine upon you. It has been 36 years today since that tragic day. I remember it like it was yesterday, but the life and love we shared has been the greatest consolation to me. Thank You, for your love and now your constant watch. I miss you, love and your forever in my heart. Till we meet again, Vaya Con Dios.

Wife,
Virgie

Virginia Cruz-Chavez
wife

June 16, 2011

Gilbert, my beloved husband! It has been 36 years since that tragic day. I re-live it daily and especially every time another fallen brother is killed. No greater love has a man that lays down his life for his brother... You will live in our hearts and lives forever. It's a comfort to know that so many people still remember you. Gone but never forgotten!
To William Day's son and family, thank you for remembering my, Gilbert. I too remeber that day and your father. I was sorry to hear of his passing. I was unable to attend his funeral because on that day,Gilbert was being honored at the site where he was killed. My condolences to you and your family. Yes, they are both in Heaven and will continue to watch over us until we all meet again! Love and prayers, Virginia Cruz-Chavez

Virginia Cruz-Chavez
widow

May 6, 2011

Gilbert, I wanted to express my condolences to you and your family. My dad was with you the day you passed away. He was your partner William Day with the Phoenix PD. Growing up my dad wouldnt speak much about the day this tragic event happend all I knew as a child was that he held a lot of remorse for what happend to you and wished he could of done something to prevent you from being shot. He too was grazed by a bullet but survived during this terrible robbery. My dad recently passed away in 2007 from cancer. My hope is that he is able to see you in heaven and you both are happy.

Anonymous

April 12, 2011

Rest in peace Officer Chavez! God bless you and your family! Thank you for your service!

Deputy M. Chavez
Fresno County Sheriff's Office

January 12, 2011

Officer Chavez, thirty-five (35) years later you are still
remembered, with honour.

Thank you for your service. The citizens of Arizona were always well protected under your watch. You died a hero protecting the community. A tragic and unnecessary loss.

Anonymous

May 31, 2010

Officer Chavez,
On today, the 33rd anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Phoenix. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

June 16, 2008

Gill I was there with you on that terrible night. I relive it and think of you often.
It will be thirty three years this June 16 that you were taken from our squad.
I remember your pleasant and willing personality along with a deep desire to support other officers. Gill you are missed.

Denis Regan 1635 Sergeant Ret.
Phoenix Police Department

May 29, 2008

Brother Gilbert we know you are enjoying your new assignment in God's golden beat working in His squad of heros who have also given the ultimate sacrifice. Your devoted service to our city will never be forgotten by all who worked with you and by all our citizens whose lives you have touched through your loving service. You will always be a part of the lives of all our brothers and sisters in law enforcement, residing in our hearts. Thank you brother, God bless, rest in peace.
Tom Bradley, #453 PPD, Arizona State Chaplain FOP

Tom Bradley, Retired
Phoenix AZ PD

October 21, 2007

"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

July 26, 2007

Rest in Peace, Officer Chavez. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 15, 2007

Your kind character and willingness to help others transcends time.

Alfredo Kame
ADC

May 11, 2006

I had the opportunity to grow up with Gilbert in the small community of Winkelman, AZ. I knew him all of my life and was honored when he asked me to be in his wedding. I had never met a more caring and sincere person and the fact that Gilbert entered the law encorcement field encouraged me to do the same, although it is working in a probation department. When Gilbert first announced that he was going to be a police officer it was hard to believe that he wanted to do that. He had the potential to be anything that he wanted to be but chosed this field believing that he could help soceity deal with the criminal element. After all these years I still think about him and probably will for the rest of my life.

Ramon "Mundo" Garcia
Gila County Probation Department

December 19, 2005

Officer Chavez,
We will always appreciate what you gave so that we continue to live free.

September 22, 2005

Your sacrifice is not forgotten. Your tragic death helped to make things safer for the officers that followed you.

Continue to Rest in Peace, Sir.

A.K.
Phoenix

August 31, 2005

Gilbert a long time has pass from your leaving us,I often tell our young agents of your sacrifice and dedication. I remember you when I was in High School, and the day you were laied to rest, I did't have a chance to talk with your wife and parents, but my family fealt the loss of yours. You inspired me to take the Law Enforcment path, have being doing it for over 20 years. But with the Department of Home Land Security, here in Tucson.

TCO Juan L. Martinez
DHS, Customs and Border Protection

December 22, 2004

I am a recruit at ALEA for Phoenix P.D and today I will deticate all my effort and hard work to you..

recruit
phoenix

September 16, 2003

I am sorry to see there are no other reflections left for you Officer Chavez. I learned of your heroic death from a relative of yours, and I subsequently read the entire case report. Even over 25 years later, I was moved by your sacrifice and our loss. As a K9 handler, I use the events surrounding your death when instructing new officers in an attempt to prevent them from losing their lives as well.
Thanks for your service and sacrifice.....

R.Emary
Chandler, Az