Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I must have been around 14 years old, now I’m 65. I met Officer Mosqueda a few times at my home. I don’t know how my dad and he became friends but one of the times I returned home for the summer from my academic studies Officer Mosqueda needed a 6ft tall metal gate for his pool entrance he gave me the measurements and I made the gate he needed and Officer Mosqueda paid me my very first check $35.00! RIP always remembered after so many years!

Luis Melgoza
Acquaintance

November 14, 2023

Sgt. Mosqueda,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Fresno. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 20, 2023

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 20, 2020

R.I.P Sal, Great Sgt with Fresno P.D. Following the shooting death of Sgt Mosqueda, the ensuing gun fight lasted for a long time as the suspect refused to surrender. Tear Gas was introduced and did cause a fire. Officers from Fresno P.D and Fresno Sheriff's Dept were involved along with other agencies. I had left Fresno Sheriff's Dept a year earlier to join the LAPD; I was in Fresno at the time this occurred and watched it on TV. I knew all those involved as well as Sgt Mosqueda, great guy, great family man. He died in his patrol vehicle just as he arrived on scene and sadly he body was not able to be retrieved because of the extreme shootout following this tragedy for nearly an hour. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Robert G Avery Sgt. Retired
Fresno P.D, reserve officer, Fresno Sheriff's Dept & L.A.P.D

April 21, 2020

Thank you for your service Sergeant Mosqueda. You will never ever be forgotten. RIP.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired, NYSP

January 26, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 45th anniversary of your EOW.

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

August 20, 2018

Growing up in Fresno, the professionalism, warmth & humor of the members of Fresno P.D. inspired me to pursue a career in law enforcement. As we teens drug the "Main" on weekends, crowded into parking places around the drive-ins and engaged in all the usual aggravating antics teens manage to dream up, to the disgust of their seniors, the members of Fresno P.D. were always present to put the lid on with a firm, but fair hand.

Last week police memorial week was observed. The violent murder of officers is already up 89% over last year. With a heavy heart; I salute Sgt. Mosqueda & all my fellow officers, past, present and future, who've made the supreme sacrifice.

Abiding respect remains for those who continue to serve under the arduous climate which prevails on the streets of America today.

IMHO: We do not need better training to produce better police officers. Rather, we need to produce a better, more responsible citizenry. We need, as voters, to eliminate the demagogs and race baiters from our public offices. We need to hold those who physically resist police officers strictly accountable, along with all who engage in misconduct at the scene of an emergency.

Only then will our law enforcement community work in a safer environment. Only then will they only have to contend with the dangers of the extremely violent, and not fear being stabbed in the back by those for whom they go into harms way on a daily basis.

George Dean, Lt. CFPD( Ret)
Cuyahoga Falls, OH

May 18, 2015

I clearly remember it. Like a lot of young guys (I was 17), we were always trying to one-up the cops with our youthful antics. Terry Rowe was my favorite. He, too, was young and only on the force for a few years at the time, and he played along with us on a lot of the foolery. Great guy.. always up for a stop and a chat.. maybe show us the engine on his new patrol cruiser, or take his lunch at the Peach & Olive 7-11 and yack with us while downing a soda and sandwich then back on the beat. Yeah, I liked Terry a lot.. we all did. Then came the day. The news about a cop killed at Lewis & Bond tore though the neighborhood immediately. We were relieved to learn that it wasn't Terry, but it did open up a whole rude awakening to us kids about the fact that this stuff could actually turn into reality. It wasn't limited to just cops and robbers on TV. No, REAL people, just like Terry, actually died being police officers. A whole new respect was born unto me that day. Unfortunately, that birth came at the expense of Sgt. Mosqueda's very life. The tragic loss to his family and our city as a whole has never left my thoughts. Even now, 41 years later, I still sometimes detour my route just to pass through that small, residential intersection to pay my respects. So to Sal Mosqueda, I owe not only my heartfelt thank you for dedicated service and valor, but also for playing a huge part in helping my then-young mind to come of age and to accept the fact that there are others who are willing to die for my well being.

As I lower my salute to you in slow fashion, Sergeant Mosqueda, I pray for the resting of your soul and the ever-mindful remembrance of your life and sacrifice for our community.

Big Al
Fresno Business Owner

January 21, 2015

08/20/2011

I first heard about Sergeant Mosqueda's death in 2001 when I started out as a new-21 yr old cop. I was assigned to the Southeast district where the Mosqueda center is located. I would drive by the center on patrol all the time; I would think about his sacrifice to prepare myself for the dangers I may face.

I will not forget him nor will I forget his sacrifice. His death is not in vain. I will honor his memory by doing the best job that I can, on the streets of south Fresno just like Sergento Mosqueda. God bless him and God bless his family on the 38th anniversary of his death.

Officer Bernie J. Vizcarra
Fresno Police Department--Southwest District

August 20, 2011

Grandpa I wish to tell you some how that you were loved deeply and even though I have never met you. I love you more than words could share. You are a great part of our family. I can only hope you found peace in knowing you made a difference.

Latasha Mosqueda
Granddaughter

February 18, 2010

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

Officer 11169

October 23, 2009

As a parent my children visit and use the services provided at the "Mosqueda Center" I did not know who it was named for, now when I hear of activities at the rec. center, library,field or pool I will know I am on sacred ground. God bless your family, the blood and blue.

A Iness
mother, resident of fresno

August 23, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 33rd 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

Anonymous

August 20, 2009

SGT MOSQUEDA I NEVER MET YOU BUT I WANT TO SAY I DID.WHILE GROWING UP AS A PIMPLE FACE KID I REMEMBER YOU DRIVING THROUGH MY NEIGHBORHOOD MANY TIMES.WHEN I WOULD SEE YOU DRIVING BY YOU WOULD GIVE ME A SMILE AND WAVE WHILE YOU CONTINUE ON YOUR PATROL.I REMEMBER YOU AS A REALLY NICE OFFICER...ONE OF THE BEST AS FAR AS I WAS CONCERNED.I WANT TO SAY THAT YOUR PRESENCE OR JUST KNOWING YOU MADE AN IMPACT ON MY LIFE.BECAUSE OF YOU I TOO HAVE CHOSEN MY CAREER IN LAW ENFORCEMENT.LOOKING BACK I SAW A VERY COMPASSIONATE MAN AND A GREAT DAD.ITS BEEN 35 YRS AND YOU ARE STILL REMEMBERED.I THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION TO YOUR PROFESSION.YOU MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.YOU MADE THIS COMMUNITY A SAFER PLACE FOR ALL OF US.YOU ARE A TRUE HERO AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

AL LLANOS
FRESNO PD RET.

November 19, 2008

I had the privilege of growing up knowing the Mosqueda's. I helped both Sal and his son Ronnie sell snow-cones at Kearney Park on hot summer weekends. I also was able to attend a Rolling Stones concert at Ratcliffe Stadium when Sal was provIding security.

I have often thought about this tragedy and am pleased to leave my remembrance .

Mark Benson
Neighbor

May 14, 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

Sgt. Mosqueda, I just wanted to let you and your family know that I am honored to have the same last name as someone so willing to lay their life down for what is right. I'm not sure how or if we are related, but I will take great pride in representing the name ast the next generation of Mosqueda Officers. Rest in Peace, and God Bless. One day I will have the chance to meet you.

Joe Mosqueda (soon to be officer)

October 2, 2006

I was a little girl walking home from the Fulton Mall and you stopped me by Van Ness and Hamilton Avenue and you were kind enough to give me a ride near my home and a lesson about walking by myself in the streets. I was only ten years old. I never ever forgot your kindness or your name. And seeing your smile on this pictures brings back your kindness and they time you took out to care enough to make sure I got home safe. I am almost 50 now but I will never forget you.

Mona Jackson
Citizen

June 9, 2006

I was only 9 years old when my father informed me that his friend Sal had died. I remember cutting the article from the newspaper and pasting it onto a green bottle. I was always curious what it would have been like if I had the opportunity to meet you. You are a true hero in every sense of the word. We will meet someday.

Lieutenant L. Rodriguez
CA. Dept of Corr. and Rehabilitation

March 20, 2006

Sir,
I was a little boy when you passed away.

I lived across the street from where you were killed. I can remember my father running inside and telling us that an officer had been shot.

You died a true hero sir, the people of Fresno will never forget.
Rest In Peace.

Cpl. D. Johansen
Federal Reserve System Police Services

December 11, 2004

06/03/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Sgt. Mosqueda.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

June 4, 2004

07-10-03, MAY GOD BLESS. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER IN BLUE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.