Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To Robert Schmitt, my name is Norma Westbrook, sister of Patrolman Dennis Glen Gonzales. I never knew your name but was always thankful to you and your brother for being the ones who found my baby brother. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can not express my heart felt gratitude. I have cried for 44 years, it’s like he was killed yesterday. It’s still very raw. May God bless you and your brother. Again thank you

Norma Westbrook
Sister

November 13, 2023

To Robert Schmitt: My name is Norma Westbrook, Dennis’ sister. I feel his death like it was yesterday and I have cried for 44years, I’m crying now. I never knew who you two were but was always thankful you were the ones that found my baby brother. Thank you, thank you, thank you. May God bless you both always.

Norma Westbrook
Sister

November 13, 2023

My brother and I didn’t know your name at the time we met, you see we stopped on the freeway when we saw an officer lit by his patrol car spot light lying on the roadway, on the not yet opened part of I-8. We pulled over and I went to the patrol car and radioed “officer down “ my brother checked for a pulse as we heard sirens erupting around the area responding to the call for assistance.

We waited for hours there at the crime scene with many officers. We were informed that a woman who was having a ticket written by officer Gonzalez had called in to report that she was there when he was hit. Hours later the hit and run driver was found at a local restaurant claiming he had fallen asleep at the wheel and was arrested.

A special man, a family man, a dedicated police officer who’s life was cut short while doing his duty has been remembered in these posts.
It has been 44 years since this tragic incident, we were the same age at the time of his passing. I still remember that fateful night and wish I had known officer Gonzalez and his family as others on this site were so fortunate to have known him.
These memories and statements from those close to Dennis show not only that he is missed but that he is loved and not forgotten.

Robert Schmitt
Final witness

September 11, 2023

You never see the moments coming that will change a family forever. June 25, 1979 changed the direction of my family forever. He was our uncle, our brother, our son, our husband-he held so many titles. He was our light. These are the moments that you can’t help to think back on and question what if it never happened? What if he were still here with us? Who would he be? What greatness were we not allowed to see? How would my life be different had I had his influence longer? How would the world be different had he been given the opportunity to be a part of it longer than 25 years?
The hole in my grandmothers heart was finally healed when she went to spend forever with her son a few months ago. But as I stood saying my goodbyes to her I could not help but wonder how our lives would be different had we all not had to grow up so quickly. Had we had his encouragement, his words, him in our lives. Had the pervasive sadness that swallowed this family whole on June 25,1979 never touched us. Your memory sits on my heart everyday. You were remembered. You were missed. You were our hero.

Christopher
Nephew

April 30, 2022

I love you, I miss you everyday!

Norma Westbrook
Sister

April 21, 2021

My brother Dennis there is not a day that goes by that you are not on my mind. I cry everyday for you, I miss you so much. My heart still aches for you like you died yesterday. I have just discovered this page and it does my heart good to know you are not forgotten

Norma Westbrook
Sister

September 17, 2020

I am sending all the front page pictures of you when you where hired by the Gustine Police Department 12-18-1975 to the Gustine Police Chief. We were both so grateful for this cazy adventure. Loved the cows.
Love you punkin

Eileen M Revak
Wife

August 24, 2020

Please know that your memory, service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

June 25, 2020

Rest inpeace Patrolman Gonzales.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 25, 2020

Uncle Dennis,
I never met him but I am named for him. I grew up hearing stories of him from my mother and grandmother (his sister and mother). Also, from Eileen when I was very young.

I just found this site and it brought happy tears to my mothers eyes to know that her brother is still remembered. Thank you all for the kind words. I read everyone to her.

Wayne Dennis Westbrook
Nephew

September 26, 2019

Patrolman Gonzales,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of San Diego. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Border Patrol Agent Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol El Paso Station

June 25, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

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

June 25, 2018

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

June 25, 2015

Dennis was my patrol partner and best friend! I think of him often, and am comforted knowing that he is a believer in The Lord Jesus Christ.

X Officer Bob Townsend #1087
Best Friend

March 24, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 33rd anniversary year 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.

I pray for solace for all those that call you beloved for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I thank them for sharing their memories of you through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 14, 2012

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Gonzales. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 22, 2012

I was Eileen's best friend when she met and dated Dennis. I was proud of his decision to serve as a police officer. He was so close to family and very beloved by them. I was so happy that Eileen and he found each other. Eileen loved him very much and he made her happy. I was happy for them both. Some people never get a chance at love and as Eileen's friend I was happy for her. When I heard on the radio that Dennis had been killed, I made sure to support Eileen as best I could. Later, I lost touch with her, but I was so happy, due to this web site, to see messages from her in 2009. Dennis' has not been forgotten, but what I remember most - his smile, his love of family, his sense of duty and how much he liked people. I look forward to seeing Dennis in the resurrection!

Beatrice Thompson
Twin Peaks Business Owner

October 30, 2011

I was part of the wedding for Dennis & Eileen. I miss my good buddy and think of him often. They were always family to my wife, Lynn and I. Gar

Gary D. Sexton
High School Classmate

August 20, 2011

I cannot believe my good buddy has been gone--BUT not forgotten. I was at the wedding of Dennis and Eileen and they have always been family to me and my wife, Lynn.
We think of you guys often, with Love and affection.
May God watch over you. Gar

Gary D. Sexton
High School Buddy

August 20, 2011

Sorry that I never saw this page. Dennis was my classmate at the San Diego Police Academy. I left a year later to join the Border Patrol. I will always remember Dennis as having a great personality and sharp wit. We had a good time going through the academy but were separated soon after. My late condolences to everyone whom Dennis touched in their lives. RIP buddy--

David Krohn ,Supervisory Border Patrol A
U.S. Border Patrol,retired

August 1, 2011

My dearest punkin,

Its been 30 years and those eyes still bring me to tears.
You are spoken of often and remebered always.
Please watch over me.
Always,
Your cutie

Eileen

July 16, 2009

My Dearest Punkin,
30 years and to see your face I still cry.I can't believe that it has been that long. I remember that last time I saw you ...........
Always
Your cutie

Eileen

July 16, 2009

Dennis. . . They say you never really leave a place you visit. You always take a part of it with you and leave a part of yourself behind. You are not forgotten, my friend. You made a difference in life and even in your death. Your spouse was a tireless worker in removing the remarriage penalty with regard to survivors benefits. This will help many young people who find themselves in a situation like your family did. You are missed..

Motorcycle Officer Tom Simonds
San Diego Police Dept (Ret.)

January 10, 2009

"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 6, 2007

I never knew you but in 1995 I became aware of your death. As a narcotics detective, I began investigating an individual involved with methamphetamine manufacturing. The suspect, Cameron Mesker, had recently been to trial in another manufacturing case against him months earlier. Mesker was subsequently convicted of very minor crimes and given probation.

I also learned, Mesker had killed you years earlier in a hit and run accident. Mesker claimed he didn't know he hit you but his friends at the time said Mesker was drunk and knowingly fled the scene to avoid being arrested.

I worked many hours on the 1995 manufacturing investigation which resulted in Mesker's conviction and prison sentence. It was a case for me that ended up satisfying some of the core principals of why I entered law enforcement, namely...justice.

It is a tragedy that you were cut down in the prime of your existence, but know that you are remembered by those who may never have known you.

Lieutenant Lon Turner
Chula Vista Police Department

September 12, 2005