Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Frank, Tommy and Clarke were all dear friends of mine
We were partners at PSD auto theft
They were on the day shift working with FHP on a driver’s license case on Miami Beach
During their surveillance in that case they saw car they suspected was stolen
When they went to inspect the car and make contact with the suspect (later to be known as Ronald Born) they were both shot
Frank chased the subject and was shot by Born who then shot Frank with his own gun
Obviously the detectives did not survive
Clarke and I were in same academy class #51
Frank trained me when I transferred to Auto Theft
I trained Tommy when he transferred in
We all mourn their loss every April 1
It’s hard to believe it’s been 46 years

Detective Boyd (Al) gans
Miami Dade Police (PSD)

April 25, 2022

The day this disaster occurred I was sitting in a law class at FIU when the news if the murders of our 3 detectives was released. I went to class with Tommy. It has always been a terrible day in my life on April 1st. Saw Carl at the funeral home, went to Frank's grave site shortly after his burial. Agonizing memories. Sgt. M.Kahn ,72-97 ,Nam 67-70 retired. RIP to 3 Auto theft det. Heros.

Mike Kahn

January 1, 2022

The day this disaster occurred I was sitting in a law class at FIU when the news if the murders of our 3 detectives was released. I went to class with Tommy. It has always been a terrible day in my life on April 1st. Saw Carl at the funeral home, went to Frank's grave site shortly after his burial. Agonizing memories. Sgt. M.Kahn ,72-97 ,Nam 67-70 retired. RIP to 3 Auto theft det. Heros.

Mike Kahn

January 1, 2022

Rest in peace Detective D'Azevedo. Did not forget!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 1, 2021

The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

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

Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association

August 20, 2016

Officer D'Azevedo,
on today, the 36th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow officers for your service and sacrifrice for the citizens of Metro-Dade County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

April 1, 2012

HEROES live forever, and you sir are a hero. Continue to rest in peace Officer D'Azevedo.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

April 1, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer D'Azevedo. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 14, 2012

Truly a sad day for the Metro-Dade PD and the families left behind to pick up the pieces and move forward. We will never forget the heroes who gave their all, and you sir are one of them....

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

April 1, 2011

To The Family of Det. D'Azevedo:
I wanted to offer my sympathies on your tragic death. You are missed by your family, friends and colleagues. Det. D'Azevedo your bravery and courage will never be forgotten. My dad was a New York City policeman for almost 40 years. I received my first driver's license where you and your partners were killed and have driven by there numerous times. Rest in peace Det. D'Azevedo.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 8, 2011

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 1, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the thirty third 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

I hold your family in thought and prayer today.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 1, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 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

October 3, 2007

Frank, I met your wife sometime last year and I talk with her at least once a week, if not more. As soon as she told me she was married to an officer who died in the line of duty, I made a promise to her that I would take her to visit the Law Enforcement Memorial Wall in D.C. With police week, coming up next month, I can't think of a better time to take her.

I have you in my prayers along with the officers from my jurisdiction who lost their lives while on the job : James Kennedy and Charles Barton (who retired from Fairfax and went on to Knoxville, Tenn and Loudoun County Va, respectively) Karen Bassford, Tommy Bernal, Mike Garbarino, and Vicky Armel. May all of you be in that big roll call in Heaven looking after your "brothers and sisters" who are trying to clean up the streets of earth.

I will do whatever I can to look after Sandra. I buy her Sam's Club coffee for her so she doesn't have to make the trek there herself.

MPO Brigitte "Bibi" Griffin RET
Fairfax County Police Dept, Virginia

April 25, 2007

Your actions and courage on that day lead you to make the ultimate sacrifice, and as a result of that, you will always be remembered. Rest in peace always sir.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

April 1, 2007

Your actions and courage on that day lead you to make the ultimate sacrifice, and as a result of that, you will always be remembered. Rest in peace always sir.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo

April 1, 2007

To the family of Officer D'Azevedo. We as a police family, will never forget Frank. He was a hero, he died trying to stop a mad man before he could hurt anyone else. God Bless you all.

Sgt. Jim May (ret)
CMPD Charlotte, NC

January 15, 2007

Merry Christmas too you and your family. May they continue to move forward in life and heal with your guidance. God Bless!

December 21, 2006

Something happened 30 years ago that had a profound influence in my career as a young Opa-Locka police officer in love with working auto thefts. Just wanted you to know that it was men like you that made me the man I am today. God bless you and your family...

Capt. Geoff Jacobs
Snellville, Ga., PD

April 26, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgoten...

Officer
Tennessee

December 30, 2005

Frank,

Thank you so very much for being my Dad's friend and partner. I wish the three of you were still here today. Miami-Dade County just recently immortalized all of you by naming a street after you guys. Rest in peace.

"They are not heros because they died, they are heros because of how they lived."

Detective Christopher Hodges

Detective Christopher Hodges
Miami-Dade Police

September 1, 2005

Uncle Franky,
I love you and have missed you all these years. I'm very proud of you and I keep you every day in my heart.

Anita Kuchera

Anita Kuchera

June 14, 2005

Your bravery will be remembered. Rest in peace.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.

April 1, 2004

You made the ultimate sacrifice for your brother. We are proud of you and thankful for all of your service.
Godspeed brother...................................

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police