Firebaugh Police Department, California
End of Watch Tuesday, August 19, 1975
Reflections for Reserve Officer Sixto Maldonado, Jr.
It’s weird because I think of you often even tho I was only : years old when you went to be with the lord. As I was growing up your name was said in our house so many times. Years went by and still I heard your name. My respect to you I come to find out you are my uncle. My great uncle sixto Maldonado my dad was at Auntie luz house the morans often. Tío titos house. I wish I could have met u in my older years to tell you thank you for your service. You are in a better place I’m sure. God bless you in heaven n god bless your family. You would b proud of your son last time I think he was correctional officer. It’s been long time. Dios bendiga toda tu familia.
Always. KATHERINE❤️
Katherine Flores Basurto
My great uncle
October 30, 2023
Thinking of fallen officers today, especially local ones with which I have a connection. I have had the honor of viewing your name on the National Peace Officer's Memorial in Washington D.C. a few years ago. I have also have had the privilege of serving with many of your family members. The Maldonado name is legendary in the law enforcement community around here and your legacy is secure. God Bless
Deputy Sheriff
Fresno County Sheriff's Office
May 17, 2022
I remember that night well! I was a young Deputy Sheriff in that County! He was a good officer and man! God Bless you Sixto!
Deputy Sheriff, Jim Petrucelli
Fresno County Sheriff’s Department
August 22, 2020
Thank you for your service and rest in peace always knowing that no passage of time will ever erase your heroic actions and sacrifice.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
August 19, 2020
Rest in peace Officer Maldonado.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 5, 2019
Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.
Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA
August 19, 2018
I remember the Officers that would work the late night shift and I would stop by late in the evening to have a cup of coffee with them, I patrolled and made water changes on the Delta Mendota Canal System from Santa Nella to Firebaugh. That night I didn't stop by because I had a large amount of water I was moving down the system, The next night I stop by and found out what had happen and the changes made to the Office for future visitors and the Protection of Officers, to this day I still remember stopping and sharing a cup of coffee with them, It was a Terrible Loss, You are not forgotten. ISO Raymond Gonzales...Jul-22-2016
Irrigation System Operater
United States Bureau of Reclamation
July 22, 2016
To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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 the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections. How proud you must be that your family has continued your legacy of protecting and serving.
Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05
March 18, 2013
Not sure how I came across this page.... Maybe it was a sign to get me in contact with a dear friend of mine... Sixto Maldonado III. Your message to your father was emotional. I miss you my friend. It would be great to hear from you sometime. I hope all is well for you and your family.... Chair
Chair
Kings
June 15, 2012
I was only a month and some days old when you were taken from me.There are many moments when I wonder what it would be like if you were still here.Even though I never had the chance to meet you, I can still feel you in my heart and soul.I Love You Dad.
Sixto Maldonado III
May 28, 2012
To my beloved Uncle,
I wish I had the opportunity to meet you. Seven years later after you were laid to rest I was born. As I got older to understand what occurred it made me realize how important it was to keep the family tradition alive. I am truly proud and blessed to be part of the "Maldonado" family. You will never be forgotten and will always be loved.
Deputy Sheriff
Fresno County Sheriff's Office
August 26, 2011
Rest in Peace, Officer Maldonado. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
October 22, 2009
The funeral line was long, There's an awful lot of cars, Folks came out of the restaurants, They came out of the bars.
The workers at the construction sites All let their hammers drop. Someone asked. "What is this all for?" And they said, "Aw, just a cop."
Some chuckled at the passing cars. Some shed a silent tear Some people said, "It's stupid," "all these dumb policemen here."
"How come they are not out fighting crime?" "Or in a doughnut shop?" Sure is a lot of trouble, For someone who's just a cop."
They blocked the intersections, They blocked the interstate. People yelled and cursed, "Damn, it's gonna make me late!"
"This is really ridiculous!" "They're makin' us all stop!" "It seems they are sure wastin' time, On someone who's just a cop."
Into the cemetery now, The slow procession comes, The woeful Taps are slowly played. There's loud salutes from guns.
The graveyard workers shake their heads "This service is a flop." "There's lots of good words wasted, On someone who's just a cop"
Yeah, just a cop to most folks. Did his duty every day. Trying to protect us, Till they took his life away.
And when he got to heaven, St. Peter put him at the top. An angel asked him, "Who was that?" And he said, "Aw, just a cop."
His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was rough, And sometimes I've been violent Because the streets are tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't...I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"
May God be with everyone!!!!!!!!!
Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, Tx
March 28, 2009
Gone but never forgotten.RIP.
Doris
September 22, 2008
I was only 7years old when you were murdered but I still remember it so vividly. I remember your warm smile. My dad worked with you back then. I think of you often and I hope your family has found peace in your memory.
Anonymous
August 29, 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
August 28, 2007
"Tio Thuno", as our family would say, your memory will always continue to live in our hearts and you are truly missed. I wasn't even a twinkle in my dad's eye when you were stil alive. I can only wish that I was born before your passing. Our family is much more united and it's unfortunate you are not here physically to share our family unity. But I know you are here with us in spirit. I love you very very much and look forward to seeing one day.
Melissa M. Maldonado
Neice
July 13, 2007
Your loss was a shocking event to every lawman in the valley. Madera S.O. lost one of our own three days prior to your death.
I remember the prayers for your family at Deputy Lindbloms funeral. I hope you and Steve are patroling the westside together.
Blessed are the peacekeepers, for they shall be called the children of God.
Detective Michael Harris
Fresno Police Department
March 31, 2005
To my beloved Brother,
Not a day goes by that I don't think about you, and I know that all your family does as well. You are truly missed, although my faith leads me to believe that you are in a better place.
My brother, as a tribute to you, your three brothers have followed in your footsteps (a Senior District Attorney Investigator and two Deputy Sheriffs). Your son and nephew have also done the same (a Juvenile Probation Officer and Correctional Officer).
May the Lord always keep you at his side. Rest in peace my Brother.
Senior Investigator Fernie Maldonado
Fresno County District Attorney's Office
March 18, 2005
You are not forgotten young officer. God bless you for your service to your community.
Chief Jim Taylor
Kingsburg PD
July 22, 2004
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