Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I know that celebrating my father's birthday was not a big deal to him, but that never stopped us in the past. So I want to remember him on this day and raise a glass to his memory, as I know those closest to him are probably doing right now.
I miss you so much daddy.

Stepanie Saavedra (Villalobos)

May 22, 2010

Policeman Villalobos - I was part of the team which put together your funeral. I also did the research for your history. Somehow, someway, it accidentally ended up in the paper and cost almost $1000. The story of your career with our department was worth every penny...it's worth even more. You had been involved and played an active role in almost every high-profile LAPD SWAT incident since you were selected to D-Platoon.

The funeral, at Green Hills in San Pedro, was a big one. I can still recall the steely-eyed, sharp, Marine Force Recon members you were training that fateful day being there among the thousands of regular and outside agency SWAT cops.

The man who recieved your transplanted heart is only part of your legacy. Your family was most unselfish and shared you with so many others in need. Your vital organs went forth to grant a better quality of life to so many. Your corneas helped someone see. Your skin gave grafts to burn victims. Your bones helped the crippled walk or stand taller. You live on, in so many ways, ten years later.

Thanks for your service to both our Nation and to the people of Los Angeles. may God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

April 20, 2010

Taken me a while since the 10th anniversay of your leaving to post this. Some of the boys got together to toast your memory. I couldn't be there given that I live so far away these days. Your beautiful daughters gave me the honor of giving the eulogy the day the world said goodbye to you. I'm printing it here to commemorate your life. I love you Brother.

Lou Villalobos was either a son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, partner or friend to most of us here. And it is because he was all these things to us that we are gathered here today to honor him. I have been asked to speak to you about the personal side of Lou, something apart from those memories of Lou Villalobos, Police Officer. Those of you who know Lou would agree that it is not an easy task, for being a cop was so much a part of his life.

Over the past few days we have had a chance to reflect on our experiences with Lou and how knowing him has affected our lives. Some of those memories brought us laughter and happiness and some brought tears and sadness. And this is a good thing because we will need each of these emotions to deal with our loss. Tears and laughter are part of the healing process and help us to mourn and mend. They also give us the strength to carry on.

And Lou was certainly all about strength in difficult times. It was his inner strength that carried him through the battlefields of Viet Nam. It was his mental toughness that carried him through nearly 30 years of protecting and serving the people of Los Angeles. I first met Lou back in the 70’s when we worked at 77th Street Division. A short time after my arrival there we began working together. Or as he once said years later when correcting a mutual partner, “I didn’t work with Len, Len worked with me.” Lou would want me to keep the record straight.

The other day Lou’s daughter Stephanie referred to him as “my at times larger than life father.” Stef, he was all of that. Lou was certainly that when I met him and he remains so to this day. But there was a difference in that quality now from then. The Lou I met long ago was daring, brash and bold and sometimes a little reckless. That is not to say that Lou lacked those traits in recent times, it was just different. It was as if the fire had been tempered by maturity and experience through the years. We had dinner together a couple of times in the weeks leading up to his accident and talked about how things were going in our lives. We had definitely become more introspective over the years. I mentioned to Lou that the respect he had within the unit was obvious to me. I could see it in the eyes of the younger officers when he received the Medal of Valor last year. Lou believed greatly in honor, tradition, humility and giving people the respect they deserve and he tried to teach the importance of these things to everyone. I believe the sum of these qualities, coupled with Lou’s tactical expertise is his legacy to the department. When I mentioned this to him his reaction was one many of you are familiar with. He just gave me that big easy smile, looked down and waved that famous digit in my face, for Lou was never one to accept a compliment easily.

Those of you he trained now have the task of carrying on without him. I heard someone mention not wanting to go on call outs without him. That would not be what he wanted. Do not forget the lessons he taught. And do not try to be Lou. He wouldn’t want that either. He would want you to be yourself and when appropriate to incorporate some of the lessons he taught.

These lessons in honor, tradition, humility and respect were also passed on to his family and friends. They were demonstrated in the countless favors Lou did for all those close to him. A place to stay in difficult times; a strong back to help with a move or a home project. My personal experiences with Lou include his numerous visits to my father’s bedside when he was hospitalized by a serious injury, donating blood on each occasion that he was allowed. He was part of our family and our table will always be a little less complete without him.

To Lou’s children, please remember that none of us parents are perfect, but we do try to do the best for you. In the future, when times are difficult try to remember these words. I recall them when I am faced with the difficulty of missing a departed loved one. I don’t know where I first read them but they never fail to comfort me.

“If I should leave before you, do not worry. I have gone to a place you cannot see and I am waiting. Waiting for the time when we are together again. Until then, live life to its fullest and when you need me, just whisper my name in your heart; for I will always be there.”

Police Officer III L.M.

April 13, 2010

Ten years already........unbelievable....just got back from hoisting a few in your memory at Lucille's with Nick and Cliff....Leonard was sort of there too on the phone....You are missed every day.

Retired policeman Sammy Zavala

March 19, 2010

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

March 17, 2010

Reading all of the wonderful comments here has made it even more difficult to find the words to express my feelings. I was near death ten years ago and had been waiting for five years for a new heart. The call came on March 17,2000 that I was to receive, " a very strong heart from a 52 year old." The surgeon told me that normally it would have gone to someone smaller (I am 6'3") but because it was so strong he thought it would work out fine for me.

"Strong" doesn't really cut it. I remember the rehab nurse telling me one day while I was on the treadmill that she had never heard a pulse that strong, she thought it was going to hurt her ears. And it has worked out 'fine' to say the least. I am the poster boy for successful heart transplantation.

I can't begin to find the words to express my gratitude or sense of humility. I feel a deep sense of remorse that such a fine man lost his life. I can't change that. But at least I thought I could let his friends know that his heart is still beating as strong as ever.

Dave Saunders

March 14, 2010

Lou,
another Christmas has passed without you. Partner, roommate & Best Man at my wedding. All those holidays spent at my parents, eating, drinking and laughing. It still goes on and you are always there at the table in spirit. You filled my spot there when I moved north. I never thanked you for all that meant to my Mother & Father. You know you were another son to them and they honor you and our other fallen Brothers (Raul & Randy) in a special corner of their home. Saddened by your passing & that my kids never got to meet you. They know plenty about you and how much you meant to all my family. Love you Bro and I pray I see you down the road.

Police Officer III Leonard Mora
LAPD

December 29, 2009

Nine years bro. Nine years.

Retired Policeman Sammy Zavala

March 26, 2009

Louie,
Was having some toddies with old timers and someone mentioned Prairie Fires and I immediately thought of all the times you got Pete and me hammered. Drink this punk!!! But Louie we just got here.... Drink this or we are going to fight!!! Well of course we just had to do it, 6 or 7 times. Ha ha, but we got even when we spread the rumor that you were going to break dance at the club and everyone started calling you asking when the event was. Man we had some great times brother. Sure miss you.

Sgt II Greg Horton
LAPD Retired

March 25, 2009

Dear officer Villalobos, today marks another passing year without your smiling face. may you always know that your work made your community safer and you will always be remembered

Anonymous

March 17, 2009

NINE YEARS AGO YOU WERE TRAGICALLY TAKEN FROM THE LAPD FAMILY AS WELL AS YOUR OWN. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOUR FAMILY.

POLICE OFFICER GARCIA
LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT

March 17, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

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

March 17, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

April 9, 2008

8 years ago today, bro. Go easy.....we'll hoist a few for you tonight.

Retired Policeman Sammy Zavala
Rialto PD

March 17, 2008

Louie my brother.........Randy bought it today. Take care of him. I remember when you introduced me to him when we were running up Cardiac Hill. So long ago. Sometimes life really blows. I can't believe this happened to a couple of oldtimers. The 8th anniversary of you leaving us is coming up. Same with Raul. Miss you all.

Retired Policeman Sammy Zavala
Rialto PD

February 8, 2008

Yo, Bro:

Now, You have to share the No. 1 "Gates of Heaven Guardian Spot, with Randy Simmons....

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

February 7, 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

December 1, 2007

Hey Louie, we still talk about you every day and reflect on how much we miss all the bbq's at the house and on the boat, bar hopping, and general partying with you down through the years. Your god son is now an agent with FBI SWAT, and we are very proud of him and are glad we chose you to be his godfather. You were my inspiration to work SWAT and I miss all the conversations we had about tactics and how to handle stuff. The job's changed and is now almost impossible. I'm glad I'm retired. Our same group is still together, and we still toast your memory. I can't believe it's been over seven years since that horrible day. We were all honored to be your pallbearers. Our hearts still ache over you not being here.

Police Officer Sammy Zavala
Rialto Police Dept-Retired

October 21, 2007

Devil Dawg:

Upon my return from Commander Tatreau's funeral, some of the guys here at Southeast asked me why I was dressed in a black suit. It was then that I realized that I had not worn this suit to a funeral, since Yours. So, of course, I had to share with them stories about You.

It seems that one of Your closest buddies is now a Detective here (small world). Metro / SWAT - nothing like it was when You were in the front lines, Bro.

Well, I reckon that I have rambled enough. I was just thinking abouut You......

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

May 9, 2007

People have spoken of you highly here so I know you
left a huge void. Though it has been 7 years, time has
not diminished your sacrifice. Thank you for your many
years of dedicated service. I am so sorry you didn't get
to enjoy the retirement you so richly deserved.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

March 17, 2007

May you rest in peace.G-d Bless.

March 17, 2007

I chose not to wear my USMC or LAPD uniform. Instead, I wore all Black (including a Black Cowboy Hat, adorned with the Eagle, Globe & Anchor). After all, you always called me "Cowboy" or "Major Pain" during the SWAT training days provided for my recruit officers.

I can still remember standing all alone in that San Pedro cemetery, thinking how you survived Vietnam, and so many hairy situations while assigned to Metro. How ironic-leaving us as a result of participating in a training exercise at MCB Camp Pendleton....Semper Fi, Bro. RIP !

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

August 23, 2006

Lou, I can't believe it's been 6 years since you decided to leave us. I'll never forget the day a bunch of us said our good byes to you at the hospital. I think about you all the time. I miss your words of wisdom, I miss your corny jokes, I miss us hanging around cocktailing every friday, But most of all i just miss being around you. I'll have a prairee fire for you. Double shot. God bless your son and three daughters. Joe

Joe Rios
LAPD/SWAT

March 23, 2006

Louie,
By now you and Raul have "hooked up" together. I miss you both very much. The streets of Heaven must be very safe now as they have one of the greatest officers I know of and the best detective there now. You will live on as I will always keep your memory alive. Semper Fi.

Police Officer III Cliff Armas
LAPD

March 21, 2006

To Officer Louis Villalobos and his loved ones:

On this the sixth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.

Officer Villalobos, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Officer Villalobos. I am humbled by your valor, courage, and dedication.

As I was reading your reflections, I saw some common threads between my son and yourself. My sons and I became part of a large Hispanic family when I remarried three years after my son's biological father was killed when my son was three. You were the well-seasoned SWAT veteran; my son was in his first year of being on the swat team and he was very proud of that. My son was a Marine Captain before becoming a cop, and had been based at Pendleton for a year. The reflection about your tobasco bottle made me remember the small tobasco bottles the Marines took into the field. My son always made them collectibles by filling them with soil from every foreign country to which he was deployed. I hope you guys are trading stories together and watching over us.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of distinquished service Officer Villalobos gave to his community and the citizens of California, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 17, 2000.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 17, 2006