Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mike, I just read your son's essay and i was overwhelmed. I am sure you are very proud of what he has done, he is a wonderful child. You have left behind a mirror of yourself in this wonderful boy. I know you and Marisol, both contributed to his well behaved and extraordinary ways. Of course, we all know you were loved by many, but your son gave you such a wonderful tribute, any father would be proud of him.

Your love for your son made you the man you became, and we will always remember that about you.

And to young Mikey, I am proud of you also, because I know every word came from within your heart. You are a remarkable boy, and some day I hope to spend some time with you.

Always in my thoughts
Auntie Joan

Joan Felix
Michael's Aunt

December 13, 2004

Hi Mikey,

Just thought you would enjoy your son's 1st place winning essay. There wasn't a dry eye in the house and he did an excellent job of honoring you. I know you're proud and I couldn't be anymore grateful to you for the gift you left me, OUR SON.

A Different Kind of Hero
By: Michael Edward Arruda

I always thought of him as a hero, but now everyone does. He was a great man and he did great things and some not so great, but never the less he was cool to me. We would always go to amusement parks and have lots of fun. When I would go off-track, he and I would stay up real late watching movies. We would go fishing, swimming, hunting and hiking.

It was so much fun to hang out with him. He always knew how to make me laugh and smile. His life was very fascinating to me because of all of his different occupations he had. The very first job he had was the U.S. Navy. There, in the Navy, he went to a variety of places like Japan, Mexico, Panama, Australia and the Philippines.

His second and final job was becoming an LA County Deputy in 1991. There he made lots of friends. Everyday after work he would tell me crazy stories about what had happened at work that day, from crazy car chases to funny arrests. He was a great deputy and the fastest. He could chase anyone anywhere. At his station they put up posters of upcoming events like fairs and marathons. He would usually sign up for the marathons to keep kids off drugs. In many ways that makes him a hero, but that is not what I thought made him a hero.

Earlier this June I had made him a card and bought him a baseball that had his favorite team on it, the BOSTON RED SOX at FENWAY PARK. I just knew he would love it. After I went to bed that night, I woke up around 12:00 midnight to hear nothing but the sound of knocking on the door and the doorbell ringing. I went down my stairs to find out what was wrong. I opened the door to see two Corona Police Sergeants looking for my mom and me. When my mom came downstairs, they tell us that he, my DAD has been involved in an accident. Me and my mom, scared, run upstairs to get dressed. When we had finished, we were taken to a helicopter where they airlifted us to the hospital my dad was at. At the hospital we were taken to a room where they told us my dad has been shot and he had been dead until the doctors brought him back to life. Hearing this immediately made me cry, so my mom held me for a while until I said, I want to go to sleep. The people that wanted to help said they would pay for us to stay at a hotel. There we slept for a couple of hours and went back to the hospital when we awoke. At the hospital, the doctors told us that he had no brain activity so they would put him on life support until he could breathe on his own. We left.

At home, the doctors called and said that he went from 0% activity to 72% brain activity. I was so happy to hear the news that I decided to see him. When I saw him, he was still in a coma and when I started to talk to him, he tried to open his eyes but couldn’t. That’s when I stopped thinking of him as “my dad the greatest guy in the world,” and started thinking of him as “my dad, a hero.”

On June 15th 2004 he died. Everyone who knew him sees him as a hero who died trying to keep us safe and out of danger.

My dad was a “Different Kind of Hero.”

Marisol Rilloraza - Mike's Former Wife
Glendora Police Department

November 30, 2004

Mike,
May you rest in peace knowing you have left behind foot prints in the sand for your loved ones.

Marisol and Mikey,
I hope you can find strength in those footprints left behind. And I pray you are able to feel comfort in leaning on those who are willing and able in the times you are feeling weak.

Friend of Mike

November 8, 2004

Mikey,

Life is good and I know you know it. I'm sure you had a hand in keeping the Old Bambino busy - congratulations to you and your Red Sox! Your son jumped around and did a dance when they won and in the end knew in his heart of hearts you were right there with him to celebrate.

Well, he doesn't know it yet, but he won the Arts Contest for the school district. You were his inspiration and I can't wait until he receives his trophy. Yet one more tribute to you. Like I promised, you will always live on in Michael's heart. I will never let him forget you and your love.

Thank you for watching over him and keeping him safe.

Your friend always,

Marisol

Marisol Rilloraza, Mike's Former Wife
Glendora Police

November 5, 2004

Michael, I honor you. Thank you for protecting all of us . . . thank you for walking the path of the warrior. You will never be forgotten. I recently met a Lieutenant from the L.A.C.S.O., and he told me of this tragic incident. And finally, to the Deputy who accidently shot you, I would like to say that I know how fast a shooting occurs . . . I know all too well, and that's why I forgive you, and why I understand how such an accidental tragedy can occur. I feel confident when I say God forgives you . . . and "we" forgive you. I hope you can forgive yourself . . . and move ahead. Stay strong my brother.

With brotherly love and utmost respect, Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer.)

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

November 4, 2004

On 10-27-04 "The Curse" was broken - this one was for you Mikey....

Way to GO!

Dionne Arruda
Cousin of Deputy Sheriff Michael Arruda

October 30, 2004

Hey Mike,

You broke the curse, Your Reds did it.

Miss you much.

Felix Serrano
United States Marshals Service

October 28, 2004

Hey Mikey,
How 'bout those RED SOX! I know they did it just for you and you had a ringside seat. Love & miss you.

Auntie Carol

Officer Carol O'Shea
New Bedford Massachusetts Police Dept.l

October 28, 2004

Mikey:

Now we truly know you're sitting on the right hand of God - your beloved Red Sox won the World Series.

Industry Sheriff's Station
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

October 28, 2004

Hey Bro,

Just wanted to let you know I think of you often, I know you are in a better place, but I just wish we had more time.

I also wanted to say congrats on the Boston win, its been awhile since they've won. I just know you had a hand in that, because thats the only way they would have won. I know you had the best seat in the house.

Keep watching over us, we need all the help we can get down here.

Rest Easy,

Felix, Bette, Jon, Ana

Felix
United States Marshals Service

October 21, 2004

Hey Mikey,

It's been a while since I've had a the time to sit and write, but here it goes.

Michael will be 12 next month and I'm not looking forward to his state of emotions on that day. He still has so many difficult nights without you and I'm not sure I'm prepared to cope. I suppose I don't have to tell you-- you know.

Your family came out last month and spent time with Michael. He had a blast and he got to take his Meme to Grandparents Day. It was a treat I'm sure he will always savor. Your family was good to him and the mourning with those that cared for you the most meant the world to him. I believe the visit was a healthy one and I look forward to him spending more time with them.

Michael promoted to blue belt last month and is now a sempai (assistant teacher). He is really enjoying this new challenge in his life. The school district is sponsoring their annual Arts competition and this year's theme was, "A Special Kind of Hero." You're the inspiration for his works and I'm sure his story of a son's love for his "fallen" father will touch many hearts.

This is all for now. Rest in peace and know Michael is doing well.

Marisol Rilloraza - Mike's former wife
Glendora Police

October 13, 2004

We all come to this page because we are part of one big family - a family that loves together, prays together and grieves together.

God bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great nation.

Here is a special prayer for you:

Give eternal rest to them, O Lord,
Whose souls have taken flight.
And lead them to a better world
Where there is peace and light.
Grant them eternal freedom
From conflict, war, and care
And fulfill for them Thy prophecy,
There shall be no night there.

Pray for us from above. We love you and know we will meet someday. Thank you for your protection of us from both here and beyond.

Grandma & Grandpa Hinkle
Parents of a Deputy Sheriff

October 5, 2004

Mikey......she's beautiful. You will live on in her.

September 23, 2004

Rest in Peace Hero!

Police Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Dept.

September 14, 2004

Mike,
I met you one day in 2003 when I first started with this department. I was on a ride along with Scott and you were our sister car. I had so much fun with the two of you. You and Scott were two of the deputies that helped me decide that becoming a deputy was what I truly wanted for my life. Thank you for that. You were very serious about your job and I could tell you loved being in that radio car. Your accent was unmistakably thick and when I went back to work at SCC after the ride I loved holding Industry station just so I could hear your Boston accent over the radio! It brightened my night. You were truly a wonderful man and my heart goes out to your family and true friends who knew you well. I typed small messages to you for a year and a half while at work and wish I could have gotten to know you as a friend. You will be missed!

R.I.P. Arruda the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department will never forget you!

Melissa- Public Response Dispatcher
Los Angeles Sheriff's Department- SCC

September 8, 2004

On August 24, 2004 your beautiful daughter Savanna Violet Arruda was born. But I'm sure you were looking over her birth from heaven.

September 3, 2004

Deputy Arruda-
It seems like just yesterday that I heard the radio traffic on L-TAC about an Industry Deputy down... I still remember every detail about the next several hours I spent at the scene...the whole night was surreal, just like a nightmare you can't wake up from. I also remember the first time I heard your name...an Industry Deputy asked who got hit, and a Sgt. said, "It's Arruda..." I'm sorry that I never had the pleasure of knowing you--but you know how it is, LASD being such a huge department, and all. From everything I've heard about you and from what I saw at your funeral, I know you were a great guy and it was my loss for having never met you. That night was the first time I've gone to an Officer-down call, and it has left a definite impression on me...I recall that night quite often, and your family--especially your young son and new baby girl--are in my daily thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, Deputy Arruda, and know that your Brothers and Sisters at LASD and everyone else in your Law Enforcement Family will never forget you. Thank you for your service and sacrifice, Brother.

Deputy Sheriff
LASD, Century Station

August 27, 2004

rest in peace Deputy Arruda

skip roberson

August 18, 2004

Our prayers and thoughts are with you, your family, and friends. You will not be forgotten. God Bless.

Police Officer
Chicago Police Dept.

August 11, 2004

Rest in Peace.

Explorer Chris Chappell
United States Park Police

August 3, 2004

Mikey,
I still can't believe you're gone. I remember the Sunday's when you and your dad would come over for our weekly "Sunday dinners" and how you and your dad would watch sports with my mom while my sister's and I would put pretty bows and barrettes in your hair. You were so cute, you let us do whatever we wanted, you've always been so easygoing... we had so much fun with you... I also remember going to everyone of your baseball games at Clegg Field, your dad would pick us girls up in his big, blue station wagon and off we went to watch you play the sport you loved so much... You were so good at sports,,, actually, you were so good at everything... Uncle Rick did a wonderful job at raising you... You are truly an Arruda,,, loving and easy going just like your dad...It breaks my heart to see him suffering so... i've never seen such a strong bond between a father and his son... He misses you terribly Mikey, he wears a t-shirt with a picture of you and him together all the time... He aches for you so much... I remember when you came down two summers ago and he was so proud to introduce you to grandma's friends... You were so well groomed and it was obviousl you took great pride in yourself... When I went to see you in CA before they pronounced you, I touched your face, held your hand, and ran my fingers through your hair,,, as a nurse i knew that would be the last time i would have to see and feel you for the last time... So many memories came back that morning of our happy childhood together, things I will never forget and memories I will cherish forever... You made us all so proud, the stories your "brothers" told us about you were fascinating... It was obvious you had a strong passion for your job and you were well respected by your peers...

My heart goes out to Uncle ricky, your fellow officers, and most of all, little Mikey who lost a wonderful father at such a young age... Although you've guided him until your passing I'm glad he has a positive male role model in his life to help guide from this moment on as you would have continued to do...

I know that you accepted Christ as your Savior and that you are now in Heaven looking down and smiling,,, be proud MIkey,,, you've achieved and accomplished so much,,, you reached all your goals you set out to do and now you can rest in peace, my dear cousin...

Mikey, please look after your dad and your son,,, they're hurting so much and miss you with all their heats... You've touched more lives than many will ever... And as the wizard of Oz said,,, "The Heart is not Determined by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others"...

Rest in peace my dear cousin...

Dionne Arruda
Cousin of Deputy Michael Arruda

August 1, 2004

To my beloved son Mike, your birthday has come and gone and it was the hardest day of my life to get through. I still expect you to call me after a Red Sox game so we can talk to each other about it. I still can't believe your gone. I cry every night for you. I felt so proud as you went through your life living and doing the same things I did. Until you became a deputy sheriff. Then I became even more proud of you. You always knew who you were and what you wanted to do. That's why you became the great man you've become. I feel so empty inside, now that your gone. I miss hearing your voice on my answering machine, saying Hey Portuguese
it's me Mike. I wish I could hear it one more time. I miss you dearly, and I love you so much my son. your loving father Rick ARRUDA

Father of Mike Arruda

July 30, 2004

Tribute to a Deputy Sheriff

There are those who are born to lead the way.
Their life on the line they put every day.
To right the wrong, to protect the weak,
To provide the safety that we all seek.
Their goal is one, their job the same,
And Deputy Sheriff precedes their name.

In black and whites they patrol our streets.
In green and tan they walk their beats.
From the hills of San Dimas in SUVs,
Guiding boats through the Marina's deep blue seas.
Whether by motorcycle, plane, or foot they patrol,
24/7 they are ready to roll.

For some their days are spent behind steel bars,
And others spend hours on the streets in cars.
Their days are long, their nights are rough,
To do this job they must be tough.
The things they see, the things they do,
Make life better for me and you.

But should it happen that one day one falls,
And their name is placed on the Memorial Wall,
Know this as they walk through that door,
They go to join those who have gone before.
A mighty crowd looking down from above,
With angels singing they are greeted with love.
Their heroic deeds we will speak of out loud,
Forever and ever of them we'll be proud.
And should a family behind they leave,
We will never allow them alone to grieve.
We will always be there to share their pain,
Part of LASD's family they will always remain.

Remember this, they will live on,
Because of our memories, they will never be gone.
Though their face or body we can no longer see,
In our hearts and minds they will forever be
A Hero for Eternity!

A Friend
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

July 29, 2004

Mikey:

Now that almost two months have passed and I've gotten over the initial shock and horror of your death, and the adrenalin I've lived on to get me through those first few weeks has run out, I'm able to take a deep breath and reflect on the Mike Arruda I knew.

I'm so sorry to say that I know more about you in death than I ever did in life and it appears I missed out on really knowing a truly remarkable young man.

You were truly blessed to have an extended family who loved you so much and friends who cherished your friendship like no other. I have never heard a bad word about you.

I remember someone walking the halls, always with a smile on his face. Always polite - forever the gentleman, even when hookin' and bookin'.

Mike, you left a huge impression on the lives of those you touched. And although we all desperately wish it had never happened, it matters not how long you were here, it matters more what you did while you were here.

I wept for you, I wept for your family, I wept for Ryan. I wept for all those who left us too soon and those they left behind. I held your mother in my arms and cried for all mothers who had lost a child.

So rest in peace, Mikey. We'll take it from here. We'll wrap our arms around Ryan and let him know you would want him to go on.

Rest in peace, Deputy Mike Arruda.

Industry Station
Los Angeles County Sheriff

July 29, 2004

Michael,
Has I'm once again on the computer my thoughts are with you thinking about you.. seems the time has passed so quickly since this terriable news came about to all of us, Your birthday has passed and a Candle was lit with your photo near by, Has I read more and more reflections of Love and Prayers from all it only shows that there was alot of love shared through you and within you.. This is a comfort to me to know there is a sight to see your photo and also write what we are feeling has time passes us all in missing you.. God Bless you Sweetie and have a peaceful journey.. Sure miss sending you the E-mail letters and jokes and hearing about you and Lydia and the little one soon to come into the world, Night Mike
Love you more and most Kid

Linda

July 28, 2004