Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Espinoza,
On today, the 50th 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 USN. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 26, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you Hero for your courage and sacrifice. Always remembered.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

May 26, 2020

Sergeant Espinoza's story was read in Richton Park Police Department's roll call on 10-3-17 to remember and honor him.

Sgt. James Galvan
Richton Park Police

October 3, 2017

For some reason I have wanted to look this up for a long time. I was around the age of 10 growing up in Peoria when the officer was shot and killed. i am at an age now where I remember things from the past with a bit of reflection and maturity. I have a tremendous amount of respect for most police officers, as i lived for several years in New York City.

Kevin L. Moss
Peorian

July 22, 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 26, 2015

My brother, a true Big brother, He joined
the Navy at age 16, Mom got him out but finally let him rejoin when he was 17. We always waited for him to come home on leave because he spent his time with us much younger siblings and took us roller skating. I always see him with a book either in his hand or his pocket and he loved the heel slices of bread. He was against me joining the Navy so I joined the WAF. After his death he left such a great impression of what a police officer should be a niece and nephew
joined the ranks, both of these died of natural causes while still serving.

Donna Espinoza Cannon
Sister

December 31, 2014

My mother told me that Sergeant Espinoza used to sit alot with my grandmother at Steak n Shake where she worked. Then when my grandmother was killed in a car accident in 1965, he would sit with my mother there. When I was in my teens and mom wanted to reach out to him to see if he could help with her rebellious teenager, she found out that he had been killed at Bellview Drive in. Even the little things we do are remembered. My mom remembers him and now I know who he is when I see his smiling face in heaven some day.

Barb Sturgeon
Daughter and Granddaghter of Friend

December 28, 2014

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Espinoza. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 29, 2013

I grew up in Peoria, Il., and remember when this happened. I believe the gunman's name was Cleve Heidelberg, Jr. Not sure if he's still alive or not. Definitely wish Sgt. Espinoza was still with us.

Robert Hodge

September 1, 2012

GOne but not forgotten i am a Sargent Espinoza just like him and improud to be serving my country and my ancester... god bless him and all the others where death haunted them by serving our country. RIP SARGENT ESPINOZA!!!

Sargent Espinoza
Ancestor

May 21, 2011

Sergeant Espinoza, you will not be forgotten! R.I.P.

Deputy Sheriff
Livingston County (Il) Sheriff's Ofc.

September 20, 2010

Sergeant Espinoza, you will not be forgotten! R.I.P.

Deputy Sheriff
Livingston County (Il) Sheriff's Ofc.

September 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

October 22, 2007

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

April 20, 2005