Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hi Mike,
Missing you still on this Thanksgiving Day and every other day.

All my love,
Auntie Carol

Officer Carol O'Shea
Aunt

November 27, 2008

hey there mike, just thinking of you as always. you might be gone but never will be forgotten. i miss you so much.

Anonymous

September 2, 2008

Well, another year has come and gone and you are still missed as much as ever. There are so many times when I just look up to the sky or stare off into space and wonder why everything aligned the way it did and left us all where we are at. Sometimes, it almost seems like you are right there and I wish I could talk to you one time....just to figure it all out. However, I know it's impossible, so I just talk to the wind and hope you hear. You'll never be forgotten Mikey and from the sounds of it, your legacy is in great hands. Rest easy my friend, I'll talk to you soon.

June 18, 2008

Dear Mr. Arruda,
Your son Michael and I have been dating for a little more than 6 months now. He means so much to me that I can't describe it using only words. He's strong, caring, sensitive to my feelings, intelligent, and determined. I see him everyday at school, and he never fails to make me smile or laugh. He has his eyes set on some pretty big goals for his future, but there's not a single doubt in my mind that says he can't achieve them. I've never been so passionate about anything else. My desire to stay together with him is one of the few things I can truely be certain about. I make sure to let him know he's the center of my world, and he does the same for me. Michael and I share everything with each other, and most often, its his great memories of you. He tells me how you used to go fishing or hiking. He tells me funny stories of you and him eating oreos or running scared of snakes at the river. Unfortunatly, I never got the chance to meet you in person; However, based on the fantastic stories I've heard, you sounded like a terrific guy, and a loving father to Michael. Michael is doing a great job to carry on your 'Arruda' bloodline, and I am deeply honored to be a part of his life and share his memories of you.

Rest in Peace; we'll share a ding-dong for you,
Alexis

Alexis Alexander

June 10, 2008

Dear Mike,
Although we were not fortunate enough to have met you, we have been blessed by having your son Michael in our lives. Our daughter Alexis loves Michael with all her heart. We are sure as you watch over us all, you see what a fine young man he is becoming. Michael is intelligent, funny, caring and of course, handsome. We are sure you look down upon him with pride. He and Alexis have many conversations about you and he misses you very much. Michael has also shared many memories with Alexis. Michael has such a big heart; he treats Alexis with such love and respect. He is very special and Marisol is doing a great job. Just know Michael has not only one, but two families who love and watch over him.
Rest in peace,
Gary and Diana Alexander

Gary & Diana Alexander

June 9, 2008

Hey Mike,

As you know last night was the big day. Ana graduated from High School. That's it everyone is done, this fall off she goes. Keep watching over her, as you do all of us. I wish, as we all do, that you could be here.

Rest easy.

We miss you much,

Felix, Bette, Jon, Ana, Amanda, and soon Baby Felix Michael

Felix Serrano
USMS/Friend

May 31, 2008

Hola,

I'm sure there isn't much I can tell you that you don't already know. Michael's first year of high school is coming to an end and he's done a hell of a job. He's in the ROTC and is thriving. The experience is guiding him in a new career direction and it's not too shabby. He wants to become an Engineer, earn his Bachelor's degree and then head into the Air Force as an Officer. He's got pretty lofty goals and we'll do what we can to help him fulfill them.

I'm sure you know about the love of his life Alexis; she's a sweet girl and we approve. She comes from a fantastic family. We like the fact they are very strict, but loving. They treat Michael as their own son and you know how feel about that; love Michael and I'm all about loving you in return. Michael treats Alexis like a fragile flower and he loves to show her off. We escorted them to the Military Ball; a very formal event complete with uniforms and gowns. Michael looked sharp and very handsome in his uniform and Alexis looked like a Hollywood movie star. He was the perfect gentleman introducing her to everyone, pulling her chair and even standing when the ladies had leave the table. Oh yes, the ROTC and Alexis have been very positive influences in his life.

We were out in Boston last month and we drove out to see your parents. We had dinner with your dad, Auntie Carol, Emily and Carol's grandson. We had so much fun and your dad cried tears of joy. Your dad has always been too kind and he and Michael didn't miss a beat. They hit it off with a whole lot of love between them.

We surprised your mom at work and well, it doesn't take much to bring her to tears. She didn't recognize Michael and started treating him like a customer until Michael pointed to a picture of you on her jacket. He said, "I know him." When she asked "how," he answered, "he's my father." She lost it. She had a really hard time letting go of her embrace. We had lunch with her and got to see Titi, Auntie Marie, your nephew Richard and your great niece and nephew as well.

Everyone agrees Michael looks just like you. He even sounds like you. I'm sure your family appreciates seeing and hearing you in their grandson.

Michael is awesome and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect love in my life. Thank you. We're very proud of who our son is becoming, but I guess it's only because he had a heck of jump start. Keep watching down on him, keep him safe and we'll take it from here.

Your friend always,

Mana

MARISOL RILLORAZA
MIKE'S FORMER WIFE - GLENDORA POLICE

May 26, 2008

Hey Mike,

Not a day goes by that I don't think of you especially as I watch the Sox continue to do a great job. Wish you were here with us.

Hope little Michael is doing well, he's a sweet boy!

D. Arruda

May 25, 2008

Hello Mike,

I know its been a long time, Many things going on this summer. Jon is married, and expecting his first child, yes your name is still in our family. Jon named him Felix Michael Serrano. Ana is going off to college, so everyone is on their way. We miss you everyday, wish you could be here. But we know you are in a better place and are keeping a watch over us.

Well Mike rest easy, we'll cont. the good fight.

Miss ya as always,

Felix, Bette, Jon, Ana, and the added members Amanda, and soon Baby Felix Michael

Felix Serrano
USMS/friend

May 17, 2008

Mike, it was an honor to be at your bedside, even for a brief period of time, prior to your passing. The most difficult time was when I read the hand written card that your son left at the foot of your bed. I think about that moment frequently, and it still tugs at the heart strings. Rest easy brother, for you always remembered. M.

Marc Parra
LASD IDT

April 27, 2008

Hey Mike,

Things are going well, thank you for watching over me while I am out there in the middle of no where. I think of you often and thak you for helping me get home safe every night.

Your Bud

Trooper Daren Lamp
Texas Highway Patrol

Trooper Daren Lamp
Texas Highway Patrol

March 28, 2008

thinking of you...

March 14, 2008

God Bless!

Memories are what life is all about. Blufishing off the pier at Fort Rodman, Clegg Field Bronco Baseball, Voc-Tech Welders Class of "86".

My Condolences to your family.

Your friend,

Lenny Costa

Patrol Officer
UMass Dartmouth

January 27, 2008

Well Mikey another Christmas without you. The time just seems to fly by, three and a half years already. You are missed every single day but I'm sure you know that. We can only hope there is a heaven and you are watching us all from up there. Rest in Peace.

Love,
Auntie Carol

Officer Carol O'Shea
New Bedford Police Dept

December 27, 2007

"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

November 29, 2007

Well, it's been a few weeks now, but I'm sure you were watching. A great series, with your beloved Sox coming out on top. While I enjoyed each game and each victory, a part of me kept thinking about you and why you're not here to enjoy this. So much has happened and continues to happen since you've been gone. Lives go on, people change, and we all just try to put the puzzle back together. However, there is a huge piece to that puzzle that is missing and other things just don't seem to fill that hole. I just keep thinking that each day will be the one when this whole thing makes sense and there will be some sort of clarity. Yesterday wasn't that day and I guess today isn't either. Maybe tomorrow.....

Hopefully you know that no matter what, you will always be loved and remembered. Not a day goes by when your not in my thoughts. Rest easy Mikey, you deserve it. I'll talk to you soon......

November 13, 2007

As I watched your beloved Sox beat my Angels last night, I could not help but think of you and remember our sports chats we had. I miss those times very much. My tears soon turned to a smile when I think of those special times we shared. I love you and miss you.

Sean

Sean H.
LASD-IDT

October 4, 2007

mike we miss you so much at industry cant believe your gone i will always remember your great smile keep watch over all of us at industry

lasd volunteer
industry station

August 25, 2007

uncle mike,
that day at the softball game in las vegas is one of the only memories i have of you but you had many more of me. you knew me as a baby and remembered me years later. even though i barely knew you i felt comfortable calling you uncle. i know how much you loved what you did but now you get to be a guardian angel. i know you are watching over uncle felix and my dad so i don't worry too much. just keep them safe and let them come home every night. one day i will meet you again . rest in peace.
Olivia Lamp

Olivia Lamp

August 6, 2007

tomorrow is your birthday...and in my thoughts i can only wish you a happy one up in heaven. i read the reflections that are left for you and i still can't believe you are gone. a piece of my heart will always be with you. happy birthday mike.

with love...

July 20, 2007

From the moment I met Mike (thru Lidia) I knew he was Special...especially for Lidia. The way that they looked into each other's eyes was only something you read about. Lidia was the Happiest I had ever seen her. They were SO CUTE together.

Today, I came across some pictures of them together from Laughlin. Mike & Lidia were in-seperable, So Much In Love.
The Most Perfect Couple.

Mike, I can't believe that your gone. You made everyone laugh and smile, even if we didn't want too.

Mike, you left my friend Lidia with the most Precious Gift your daughter Savannah. Your life lives on, in the Loved Ones you left behind.

Elizabeth Rojas
Friend

July 13, 2007

Mike and I weren't super close friends, but, I remember him fondly. He and I used to play on the same baseball team together, along with other deputies and police officers. Of all the guys on that team, he was the one who would show up disgruntled in the begining because he would have to get up early, but by the end of the game, he was the one who would be keeping the team together. When I or other teammates would be at each other's throats, he was there to help assist and calm us down. He was one of the truly great individuals that I had the pleasure to have known. He will be truly missed. I only hope that we can learn from this incident and, hopefully, never have to relieve it.

Police Officer II Timothy Estevez
LAPD

July 5, 2007

Deputy ARRUDA:

I was so bummed the day of Your shooting.
May You Rest-In-Peace

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC/LAPD

June 15, 2007

Thinking of you today. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.

June 15, 2007

Honoring you on the 3rd anniversary of your passing. Still missed and remembered.

June 15, 2007