Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mike,

So many times I've come to this site and left you a reflection, many words from the heart, but then I've not been able to send it. The pain of having lost my friend so early in life is an unbearable one at times. I only thank God in heaven I have our son to remind me of you and the good person you were.

Michael thinks of you all the time and the nights are especially difficult. He cries and wishes he could kiss or hug you one more time. He remembers all the times the two of you played golf together and went fishing; he longs for one more moment with you. As I write this reflection, I cry at the thought of having to raise Michael without your influence. Although we were apart, you were very much a part of our lives. It should be known to all, you were even a part of my new family. Alex respected and accepted you as an extension of his "new" son. We all knew you were a wonderful and loving father to your son.

Mike, it's strange to me that our lives have come to this. You and I spoke of death so many times, (probably more than most would consider normal), but for some odd reason you always seemed to have such a grasp on death's reality. Mike, it's as though you knew your day would come too soon. Mike, your day did come too soon.

On the day our son was born, we promised we'd be the best parents ever. We were so commited to him and we knew he felt our love. When he was put in intensive care we cried over his crib and prayed to God he wouldn't take him from us. God spared him and we were blessed. On June 12th, it was Michael's turn to stand over your bed in intensive care and pray God wouldn't take you from him. His prayers may not have been answered in the way he would have wanted, but nonetheless he knows he's blessed. Michael knows you're eternally with him now and he can feel your presence all around him.

The white butterfly has become a symbol of your presence in his life. Whenever there is a white butterfly in the air he stops and says a little something about you. It's really very cute how he feels your presence at the very moment a white butterfly flutters in the area. I'm sure you too smile at your child's simple thoughts and I'm sure you're both smiling at the same time.

Mike, I'm going to say goodbye for now, but let me end with this... rest assured Michael will always be cared for. Alex and I are commited to honoring your memory through your son's love. Michael will grow in your love. He will know who you were and where you came from. He will know your father Rick whom you loved and respected so very much, and he will know the rest of his extended family as well. He will grow to be a strong, intelligent and loving young man... he will grow to be a reflection of you, his loving father. I promise, he will make you proud.

Rest in peace my friend. You will be loved for all eternity.

Marisol

Marisol Rilloraza - Mike's Former Wife
Glendora Police Department

July 27, 2004

Mikey,
It has now been a little over a month since the tragic night that you were taken from us. Your beautiful smile and wonderful laugh will always forever be etched in the minds of all of us who had the privledge to know and work with you everyday. Your memory will forever live on in our hearts. Rest in peace my friend, I will never forget you.
"Blessed are the Peacekeepers"

Lynda - Patrol Secretary
Los Angeles County Sheriff

July 24, 2004

BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE: Mike you would have been 36 today. How time flies. I will always remember you as the little boy following his Dad everywhere and copying what he did. Dad and I recently reminisced over pictures of you. There you were always smiling and most always with Dad. There was the picture of you and Dad with shaving cream on your faces about to shave although you were probably only 6 or 7. Then the numerous pictures of you and Dad fishing. I will remember the little boy who jumped off the porch without giving Dad any notice to catch you and you fell and broke your leg or the time when you played Little League and got hit in the face with the ball. Even though your face was all bloody you were a trooper and continued to play baseball. There were pictures of your high school graduation and prom and also of when you were in the Navy. You were always happy and laughing. Most of all you were always a good kid and made your parents proud. You grew up on the East Coast but became a man on the West Coast. I didn't know the man as well as I knew the boy but you'll always be in my heart and I love you.

Auntie Carol

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

July 21, 2004

I did not know Mike but I do know his Aunt Carol O'Shea who is also a police officer. She speaks very highly of Mike and from what I see of the other postings, he was not just a great person but also an outstanding officer. It always hurts to learn of the loss of any brother officer. My heart goes out to Mike's family, friends, and his brother officers. God Bless you all.

Captain Antonio Soares
New Bedford Massachusetts Police Dept

July 16, 2004

Mike,

Today makes one month since God called you to him. I look at your pictures and still can't believe your gone and we'll never hear that wonderful, infectious laugh of yours. I know your at peace now in Heaven and you know we all miss you so much. It still doesn't seem real.

Love,
Aunt Carol

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

July 15, 2004

I cannot add to the personal reflections, like several I did not meet Deputy Sheriff Michael R. Arruda. I am an attorney who was looking up a record on an inmate and saw his picture and the note killed in action. Something caused me to look. I have just been sitting here reading his biography, the words from his family and friends. Not that death is kind to anyone, but to lose such a fine officer, to be lossed to his family, new daughter on the way, his fellow officers, the community, well, the whole thing is just extremely sobering. From his bio, I can't imagine a person much more dedicated to his profession, family, everything else. I just hope that all those close to him, involved in his death, those who knew him and knew of him will have the pain of his loss replaced with the inspiration of his example and the faith he is still with them. I did not know Deputy Sheriff Michael R. Arruda, but his example and life is certainly inspiring to me and humbling.

Attorney
Private Practice

July 15, 2004

Truly a tragic accident. Although I did not know you personally, I have heard stories of your courage and honor from other members of our mutual family.

God bless you for your service and sacrifice. You are a hero. My prayers go out to your family and friends during this tough time.

And to the other deputy involved. Be strong brother... and God bless.

Officer
Tustin PD

July 7, 2004

I did not know you like many of the other members of our LASD family. I listened over the radio the night of the incident....saying prayers for you as I learned they had taken you off to hospital. Everyday asking others to hear some good news of your recovery. Until I saw your picture on our website I reconized you from a training I had just attended a while back. Just knowing you that one day of traning I learned a small amount of what you are to so many people. I too have lost two important family in my life over the short period of the past 9 months,one of them just one week before you past. To your family and your friends I can only say...to keep the good thoughts and the love they have for you alive in their hearts and minds for ever. You will watch over them from above. Rest in peace now Deputy Arruda

SO-ALONZO
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

July 6, 2004

Dear Mike,

My brother, I will miss you more than words can ever say.

I still can't believe all of this. We go through life thinking we have all this time. It seems like just yesterday you and I had met for the first time in A-School. Where did the 18+ years go. All whos life you touched are better people because of it. We will carry you in our hearts forever. To your family, I will always be here for them, I am just a phone call away.

Rest easy Mike, we'll take it from here, watch over us as I know you will. No matter what situation I may get myself into, I know you'll be there to back me up.

We Love you, and will miss you very much.

Felix, Bette, Jonathan Michael,Ana.

Felix Serrano Deputy U.S. Marshal
United States Marshals Service

July 3, 2004

Dear Michael,
A true Hero you are and were in many of our lifes from the time you were a small young man up until the day God said he needed you in Heaven.. You will remain in Our Hearts and in Our Thoughts with the memories we shared with you and your family you will be so missed down here on earth but we know that your watching over us and there will come a day we will all be together once again. Your were a Wonderful Person,Deputy,and Parent and Yes you were a # 1 Hero ..
Watch over us Michael until we meet again.
Your East and West Coast Friends Linda and Steve, O' One more thing we still Love you More and Most and always will.

Linda and Steve DeMello
Friends from East to West

July 3, 2004

My dearest son Michael, you are my hero now you're my guardian angel. You've taken a piece of my heart with you, but you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I couldn't have asked for a better son. To the deputy involved in the shooting. Please do not feel guilty and get on with your life and take care of your wonderful family which I had the pleasure of meeting. I have no ill will against you. I think of you as my sons brother. To all of the deputies in my sons life, thank you so much for your kindness and sincere sympathy, and for everything you've done for my family. Mike I'll see you in heaven someday because I know your there. Your loving father Rick Arruda

Rick Arruda
father of Mike

July 1, 2004

Mike,
It doesn't seem all that long ago we were celebrating new years 1987 at Barb's house. We met in the Navy back in 87. we were young airman, living the Navy Life. Too much hard work and not enough pay, but we did it not for money, but for experience and because we loved it. You always knew how to make someone feel important. It seemed that every time I ran into to you after your Navy days, you made me feel that what I had going on in my life was more important than anything else at that moment. That always made me feel good. You will be dearly missed by me, Barb, Jasmine, Olivia, and Joshua. You gave of yourself until you could give no more, some how that doesn't surprise me Mike. Rest in peace.

Your Shipmate
Daren Lamp

Chief Petty Officer Daren Lamp
United States Navy

July 1, 2004

hi um.. u didnt really know me or i didnt really know u but i know now how much everyone loved u and it was hurting me to see how much this hurt the family and we miss u very much and we cant understand why god would take such a wonderful soul and person to him at such an early age .. WE MISS U AND WILL NEVER FORGET U U ARE IN OUR HEARTS 4 LYFE Love ya 4 ever...

Stephanie Alfredo

June 28, 2004

To the family of fallen Deputy Sheriff Michael Arruda,
our thoughts and hearts are with each and every on of you.We know how proud you were of Michael, and how loved he was. Be proud of him, and what he, and all fellow officers, past present and future stand for. You are not alone, we feel your pain & sorrow.

To fellow brothers & sisters,
We are all family at heart, keep that with you as you place that sheild on you chest. Be safe.

Officer Ronald Doyon (retired) & Debbie
New Bedford Police Dept, MA.

June 27, 2004

I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS PASSED ON SUCH KIND WORDS TO MY FAMILY AND TO MY BROTHER. YOUR PRAYS ARE TOUCHING OUR HEARTS. THANK YOU,
LISA

LISA DUMONT
DEPUTY MICHAEL ARRUDA SISTER

June 25, 2004

MIKE I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART. I WILL REMEMBER YOUR SMILE IN MY HEART. MY BROTHER, MY FRIEND, UNTIL I SEE YOU AGAIN REST IN PEACE.

TO EVERYONE AT THE INDUSTRY STATION LASD;
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. TO HEAR THE RESPECT AND LOVE EVERYONE HAS FOR MY BROTHER MIKE.IT BRINGS ME AND MY FAMILY COMFORT. THANK YOU FOR LOVING MY BROTHER AND BEING HIS FAMILY.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU AND WE LOVE YOU ALL

Lisa Dumont
sister

June 25, 2004

I will always remember you as a little boy; cute, bright and energetic who adored his dad. I remember all the times you would come over with dad and mom for dinner and play with your cousins. You grew up with the same standards your dad had and instilled in you thats why you were so loved by everyone.

You will never be forgotten, Mike, may you rest peacefully now and watch down on all of us with your beautiful smile.

Love, Aunt Joan

Joan Felix
Aunt

June 23, 2004

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Michael did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Michael be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Deputy Arruda's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his fiancee. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Michael is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Michael was well respected and well loved.

Thank you Deputy Arruda for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

June 22, 2004

Rest in peace knowing that you did a Job Well Done......

1942
PPD

June 21, 2004

Thankyou for all that you diid and all that you stood for. You will be greatly missed by all of your brothers and sisters, who will try to fill the void left by your loss. Sleep well and hold your head high knowing that you did all you could and we will not forget your supreme sacrifice. God Bless.

Hampton Patrolman
Hampton Police Division

June 21, 2004

Deputy Sheriff Michael R. Arruda or "Mike" as I called him, was a wonderful Father, and true friend. I know that his children will never forget the love he had for them, and the great example of sacrifice and heroism that he has set for them and for us. Michael was a fun-loving, humorous, loyal, and caring friend. I will never forget him, and the great times we shared together. My condolences go out to my nephew Michael Jr., to his unborn daughter Savannah, and Mike's loved ones. We'll see you soon Mike. Get some rest... Lu.

Luis A. Vazquez Jr.
Former Brother-In-Law of Deputy Sheriff Michael R. Arruda

June 21, 2004

DEAR MIKE,
THERE ARE NO WORDS TO TRULY EXPRESS WHAT WE ALL FEEL AT A TIME LIKE THIS. TOMMORROW, MON. THE 21ST, WE WILL PUT ON OUR CLASS A'S AND TRY TO LOOK OUR BEST FOR YOU THIS ONE LAST TIME...IT SEEMS SMALL AND FUTILE BUT IT IS OUR FINAL WAY TO HONOR YOU AS A FELLOW DEPUTY AND AS OUR FRIEND....IT WASN'T THAT LONG AGO THAT WE ALL WERE WONDERING WHEN WE WOULD GET OUT OF MCJ AND START OUR CAREERS OUT ON THE STREETS. NOW JUST A SHORT TIME LATER WE WILL SALUTE YOU AND SHED OUR TEARS, SOME IN PUBLIC AND OTHERS IN PRIVATE...WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU MIKE,,THE ACCENT, THE ALWAYS HAPPY ATTITUDE AND MOST OF ALL A GUY WE COULD ALWAYS COUNT ON...YOU WILL BE MISSEED MIKE....GOD BLESS

Deputy Sheriff
LASD

June 21, 2004

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. GO 10-8 IN HEAVEN.

DEPUTY R. ESCAMILLA
LOS ANGELES CO SD/TEMPLE

June 20, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept - as well as the family and friends of Deputy Arruda.

Our department has just lost a hero in the line of duty so we can feel your pain and loss all too well. May it comfort you to know that so many across the country mourn with you.

God bless you all, and may Deputy Arruda rest in peace.

Police Dispatcher
Sterling Heights, MI

June 20, 2004

Brother, our prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for your service as a LEO. Now rest in peace. We will take it from here.

Corporal John Beckler
Lee County Sheriff's Office, Fla

June 20, 2004