Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Marshal Olivas,
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 USAF. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 1, 2022

My dearest brother, best friend, and Angel in Heaven,
For many years I felt lost as you were taken from our lives so soon. We had an entire world to explore together and hundreds of plans to fulfill. I since then have made peace with God, as for he has the plans for us all. It is with every ounce of my being that I miss you and the times we had together. My entire life, I grew up in your shadow known as “Lil’ Philip”. Growing up that was annoying but the older I got, the more it became a badge of honor and a legacy I believed in and felt the need to continue to grow. We shared many crazy adventures and leaned on one another through many trying times. Together we were invincible! Perhaps the greatest thing you taught me was kindness, often displayed by your amazing hugs and the selfless actions you often expressed in my favor or someone else who you helped. Another important lesson you taught me was to live life with humor. It is important to be able to laugh at life and yourself. The last if the three major lessons you taught me was to love. You showed me that love should never be just words spoken, but actions that come from the heart. In all, in our short time together you taught me that life is better lived when you are kind, laugh, and love.

Since you have passed, I have felt your presence as you have guided me and my family through very critical times. You have continued to be my North star as I navigate the barriers and successes in life. I remember a conversation we once had, I don’t remember the exact situation but I remember you bringing me in, giving me a big hug, looking into my eyes and saying, “no matter what or who, we always have each other.” I feel you nudge me every now in then as you keep me in check. My family has also felt your presence and we all feel as if you have been our guardian angel who keeps us safe, laughing, and loving. The very thought of you brings smiles to my face and peace throughout my heart. Please continue to look after us all (our family, your beautiful and amazing girls, and my family). I hope you hear my many conversations and messages as I look to the sky, send you a hug, and wish you well.

Since you have passed, I have only been able to catch a glimmer of your girls and briefly learn tad bits of who they have become to be. I am confident that you would be proud of them both. Each of them carries a bit of you in them. They both have your contagious smile and eyes. They have been strong and navigated their lives in your absence courageously and successfully. I am confident that they too will continue to grow your legacy as they continue to grow and become the best versions of themselves. Like you, they are strong, resilient, brave, and have your fighting spirit to give life as much as they have and no matter what… come out on top as victors. I have no good reasons for not knowing them more, I have so many memories of you to share with them… I hope one day we can get together and I can share your life with them… I know that no one knew you better than I do! We were inseparable growing up together, and despite you being the older one of us; I remember taking care of you (I know you my dispute this fact, however; when you were scared at night, you would run to my room, push me to the other side of the bed, and jump in so that you could sleep). I hope that one day I can do the same for your girls when they too need to feel safe, loved, or just need a hug. I will do better to get to know them more and make it routine to stay connected and in their lives. I’m sorry brother for not being a better uncle to your girls.

As I read the tributes on your page, it is only testimony that here on earth you are missed very much. Everyone has noted your courageous acts, love, strength, and passion for life. You have many people thinking of you and wishing you were still here today. From friends, family, and strangers… you have made an impression in this world that has resonated strongly with those you were connected to. Until we meet again big bro, I will do my best to make you proud. Love, Lil Philip!

James Olivas
Brother

April 1, 2021

Rest in peace Deputy Marshal Olivas.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 11, 2020

Rest in peace knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your fellow law enforcement.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 1, 2020

This is very late but I just found out about Philip’s death. Philip was my first supervisor at Castle AFB. He was a smart and very sharp Airman! I looked up to him even though I was a couple years older. He was very well liked and a really easy going guy. God bless his family and all who knew him. Thank you Philip for your service to your country. RIP

Ssgt. Stephen Randall
Friend

July 7, 2020

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4

Chief Kevin Hoban
Mesilla Fire Department

May 15, 2020

Deputy Marshal Philip Olivas, How sad that this accident caused you your life. RIP and thank you for your service.

Det Lt Tom Brawley, Ret.
Coconino County Sheriff's Office,Flagstaff, Arizona

September 2, 2017

Dad,

Where do I start? Thank you for life, thank you for my sister (who I haven't yet had the pleasure of meeting). Thank you for my drive, motivation, good looks ;). Thank you for my intelligence and my stubbornness, thank you for continually watching over me.

I never really got to know you, as I was really young when you passed. I want you to know that I am doing good. I followed in your footsteps and served our country. I used what was given to me, despite my obstacles, I graduated with a bachelor's degree. I work at Stanford and the VA, helping other veterans. I wish you were here to see all of my achievements. I wish I could feel the pride of my father.

Most of all, I am thankful for your sacrifice. I get "thank you for your service" said to me all the time, never really feeling I that deserve it. One day I hope to earn that thanks and become a hero like my dad is. Please continue to guide me

SPC Olivas, Naiele
US Army, Daughter

March 23, 2016

Dad,
Thank you for your service and the love you gave my mom. She says im so much like you such as my desire to be in MMA and my career choice of Law enforcement, I will protect mom as i know you would have and i will carry on your name with pride. Until I finally get to meet you and see you dad. I love you

Bethany Olivas
Daughter

March 8, 2016

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 1, 2012

thinking of you and all of your loved ones and close friends today. Continue to keep watch over all of them. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

September 1, 2011

My good friend, it's been almost 19 years and it still seems like yesterday. It was so hard for me because I had talked to you that evening before you left to work.

I remember you telling me that you got authorization for me to go riding with you on (ride-along) that Wednesday. I mentioned to you that I'd be listening on the scanner that night.

Only GOD knows why I feel asleep and didn't hear the tragedy that unfolded that night on my scanner. Even though you're not here with us, you'll always be in our thoughts and prayers.

Your service, dedication & sacrifice will never be forgotten!

Until we meet again my friend...
Steve Tellez
Mesa, Arizona

Steve Tellez
Friend

May 31, 2011

Wow, seeing this link brought back so many memories of this sad day and getting the news. I went to school with Philip and he was our paperboy, he was such a kind hearted person and he is missed. Just a tragedy...

Tracy Rivera (Mintz)
Childhood friend

May 31, 2011

PHILIP,
I PROMISE TO LOVE AND TAKE CARE OF THE DAUGHTER YOU NEVER MET AS IF SHE WERE MY OWN. I NEVER KNEW YOU BUT FROM YOUR PICTURES SHE HAS YOUR SMILE, YOUR EYES, AND FROM HOW HER MOTHER DESCRIBES YOU, YOUR DETERMINATION. SHE HAS THE VOICE OF AN ANGEL AND A LOVING PERSONALITY LIKE NO OTHER, SHE IS BEAUTIFUL.

I PROMISE TO LOVE V.A.S WITH MY WHOLE HEART AND TO TAKE CARE OF HER AS I'M SURE YOU WOULD HAVE. SHE IS AN AMAZING WOMAN, BEAUTIFUL, SMART,SUCCESSFUL, AND HAS THE STRENGTH OF A THOUSAND MEN.

I WILL FOREVER HELP KEEP YOUR MEMORY ALIVE FOR THEM LIKE THE BRIGHTEST STAR IN THE SKY..........

REST EASY OUR FALLEN HERO, FOR YOU ARE DEEPLY MISSED.

ANONYMOUS
FRIEND

March 29, 2010

PHILIP,
I PROMISE TO LOVE AND TAKE CARE OF THE DAUGHTER YOU NEVER MET AS IF SHE WERE MY OWN. I NEVER KNEW YOU BUT FROM YOUR PICTURES SHE HAS YOUR SMILE, YOUR EYES, AND FROM HOW HER MOTHER DESCRIBES YOU, YOUR DETERMINATION. SHE HAS THE VOICE OF AN ANGEL AND A LOVING PERSONALITY LIKE NO OTHER, SHE IS BEAUTIFUL.

I PROMISE TO LOVE V.A.S WITH MY WHOLE HEART AND TO TAKE CARE OF HER AS I'M SURE YOU WOULD HAVE. SHE IS AN AMAZING WOMAN, BEAUTIFUL, SMART,SUCCESSFUL, AND HAS THE STRENGTH OF A THOUSAND MEN.

I WILL FOREVER HELP KEEP YOUR MEMORY ALIVE FOR THEM LIKE THE BRIGHTEST STAR IN THE SKY..........

REST EASY OUR FALLEN HERO, FOR YOU ARE DEEPLY MISSED.

ANONYMOUS
FRIEND

March 29, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 17th 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

September 1, 2009

I was one of the responders on the night you died, and wish we could have done more for you. However, the lessons learned from the incident continue to be teaching opportunities for new officers, and so your legacy is that you continue to influence each generation of officers, making them safer. Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice.

Stephen Lopez
NMSU Police Department

April 14, 2009

IT'S BEEN 16YEARS SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN GONE, I STILL REMEMEBER IT LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DID FOR US AND FOR OUR COMMUNITY. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY HERO. YOUR DAUGHTER IS BEAUTIFUL AND MISSES YOU DEEPLY.

VICTORIA
FIANCE'

December 16, 2008

Deputy Marshal Olivas, thank you for your service and dedication. Neither you, nor your sacrifice, will ever be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

July 9, 2008

"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

December 17, 2007

Deputy Marshal Olivas,
On today, the 15th anniversary of your death and as a citizen of the Borderland, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Mesilla. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

September 1, 2007

Deputy Olivas,
Fifteen years later, we are remembering you today and the sacrifice you were called to make. Thank you for your dedication. You DID make the world better.

Pennsylvania citizen

September 1, 2007

You were doing right. God keep you dear hero.

April 23, 2007

Philip after all of these years you are still remembered as a hero! God bless you sir.

Ofcr. Dan Winger
LBCCPD, Ret.

March 13, 2005