Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I knew Gonzalez. He was a good officer. Thank U for UR service N the military & N Corrections. God bless UR family U left behind & God bless U! This incident should never have happened but it was good 4 CIM so they could update what the procedure of what to do when an officer is seriously attacked or killed.

Correctional Lieutenant
CDC

July 19, 2025

Officer Gonzalez, i'm sorry for what happened to you that day 20 years ago, as your death was undeserved and unwarranted, as it shouldn't have happened in the first place. I think that had that prisoner not been released from his cell, he wouldn't have done what he did that day. But despite that, the man who took your life was overall a bad influence and should've been put down a long time ago for your attack. But thankfully, he was thrown underneath the jail as he's been permanently sealed away from society, as he should have, but honestly, i think it would've been easier to put him down since he's a sick and corrupted dog. But however, i'd like to focus onto the good side of things. From what i read, you were also a US Army veteran, and although it isn't included onto here, i read you did about 4 years in the army. That means that you not only served your people as a corrections officer, but your country as well, and if that doesn't describe your bravery and strength, then i don't know what will because you clearly had it in you to become more than just a man. You were a sheepdog, somebody who not only watches over the inmates and ensures their safety, but your country as well, and i personally salute you for that as you protected your country and everyone else. I also read within the reflections that one of your children became an officer like you have, which is safe to say that the years following your passing, your children have since learned about who their father was and who you were as a man, as your legacy was picked up and continued by one of your sons, which is a honorable thing to do. It's good to know that your son has followed in your footsteps and carried on your legacy within you, as i'm sure he's doing just as good as you have in your career, and he's since taken up from you. But speaking of which, i'm sure and positive that one day your killer will face karma, as karma will always reach those who do wrong, especially those who are willing to harm and kill police, as people like the individual who took your life deserve to get put down, as i've seen better dogs get put down like that. There is alot i could say about the man who took you away, but i think it would be better to shift into the good things and the positive side of everything. I believe that during your almost 20 years as a correction officer, i think you had a positive impact on some of the inmates in the jail. Although one bad apple ruined the bunch, there's probably a few of them who have been touched by your service and your impact, as it takes alot to manage not just a prison, but the prisoners within it aswell, and you were one of the few to be able to pull it off well, as your 17 years of service says alot, and it deserves to have recognition. But another thing i'd like to include, is that your unfortunate brother-in-law Mr Ortiz, was killed a short time after you were by a coward like the man that killed you, but i believe that you and him have reunited in heaven, and you both serve as one of God's angels, as you both serve as guardian angels protecting your family and children, and i'm positive that they feel your presence when they go about their day knowing that you're spiritually protecting them and guarding them, along with your son who's an officer like you have, since he too is protecting his people and making his community safer, which i'm sure you'd be proud of him. But i believe that as long as time goes on, you won't be forgotten as long as your name is said, and you're remembered by endless amounts of people, even people like me who have never met you, despite the fact you passed a year before i was born, and i think you were a great person to know and meet. But as of now, may you rest in peace knowing that your service is appreciated, and that your service as a soldier and corrections officer will always be cherished, and that karma will one day show your killer the consequences of his actions and bring judgement day to him, and that your impact and legacy will forever be remembered as long as time goes on. Rest Well Mr. Gonzalez.

Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line

July 2, 2025

Hello in heaven Gonzo, I still remember the day we met.Your kindness and heart will be remembered forever. You were one of the best and I look up at tower one and see your smilingly face.
Always a protector. Bless you in heaven.

Missing you Beverly

Correctional Lieutenant
CSP-LAC

June 12, 2025

Rest in peace Corrections Officer Gonzalez.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 19, 2023

Rest in peace from Anaheim General Hospital

Miss Janet Henke
Mayor of Whittier

December 15, 2021

It breaks my heart driving on the highway and seeing your name beside it. Although a great tribute, it is a constant reminder of the tragic events that took place over 15 years ago.

Thank you for your service, Officer Gonzalez. May you rest in peace.

Officer S. Rizvi
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

May 13, 2020

Within your spirit holds the flame which ignites the torch within my heart. I will tie my boots just like you and continue the fight throughout the night. Rest in peace father. You will always be my hero

OFFICER STEVEN GONZALEZ
CDCR(SON OF MANUEL)

February 2, 2020

Officer Gonzalez,
On today, the 15th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of California. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Corrections Officer. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 10, 2020

Hey "Ganzita." Yes I know you used to get mad when I called you that. It was all in having fun with you my friend. I won't mention the names you used to call me. Hahahha. Hey my friend, today marks our 30th year should we had still been in CDC. Thirty years ago today we were in Galt, California getting yelled at, at the Richard A. McGee training center. Those were fun times. Wherever you are today my friend, enjoy this wonderful day and reminisce our younger years.

Sergeant Manuel Delgado
LAPD

November 12, 2018

Gonzo, it’s coming up on what would have been your 30th year in the Department and probably your retirement. It was a pleasure being your partner at Chino. with toothpick in mouth. I always think about you and your family. You were a great Officer. May you Rest In Peace Brother.

Timothy Ramos
CIM CDC

August 6, 2018

I remember the day that you Died deputy Ortiz.. It saddens me to this day that you had to give the ultimate sacrifice, God bless you and your family and may you rest in peace. God bless you corrections officer Gonzalez and may your sacrifice never go on noticed and may you rest in peace with your brother-in-law.

Sergeant John F Davies retired
Long Beach Police Department

May 7, 2018

I remember the day that you Died deputy Ortiz.. It saddens me to this day that you had to give the ultimate sacrifice, God bless you and your family and may you rest in peace.

Sergeant John F Davies retired
Long Beach Police Department

May 7, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service. May the cowards who took your life suffer and rot.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

January 10, 2018

Rest in peace brother you will not be forgotten

Correctional Officer Retired Eric Perry
Cdcr

February 12, 2017

May California remember that they lost a son and true hero. May God bless you and your family, and that they assuage their bereavement in their loss of family members.

N.Y.P.D. Lt. Ray Flores (Ret.)

January 10, 2017

Lord, when it’s time to go inside,
That place of steel and stone.
I pray that you will keep me safe,
So I won’t walk alone.
Help me to do my duty,
Please watch me on my rounds.
Amongst those perilous places
And slamming steel door sounds.
God, Keep my fellow Officers
Well and free from harm.
Let them know I’ll be there too,
Whenever there’s alarm.
Above all when I walk my beat,
No matter where I roam.
Let me go back whence I came,
To family and home.

RIP We have the watch now

Correctional Officer 84804
California Dept.Of Corrections

July 6, 2016

"When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him.”

Euripides

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 18, 2015

May you rest in peace my bother in green, always remembered for your heroism and sacrifice.

Correctional Officer Striker
CDCR

December 5, 2014

Gonzo. Just wanted to let you know that we have not or never will forget you. Thank You for your service. Every time I'm in Washington at the Memorial, I make a point to swing by, say hello and touch your name. Rest In Peace Brother.

H.J. Montoya Jr. Correctional Officer
Ca. Dept.of Corrections Southern Transportation Unit

October 2, 2014

I dedicated the officer down ice water bucket challenge in your memory today Manuel Gonzalez. I attended your funeral services and hope my dedication to your life today pays it forward to families of those fallen.

Your sister in CDC

Suzanne Wun
CDCR DAPO Parole Agent I, Adult Parole

July 28, 2014

Hey Gonzo just wanted to remind you that today, twenty-five years ago, we found ourselves at the Richard A. McGee Correctional training center in Galt. Those were fun times especially because we were so full of youth and enthusiasm. Hard to believe all this time has gone by.

Happy 25th anniversary my friend.

Class 11/88

Police Officer Manuel Delgado
LAPD

November 12, 2013

I worked with Manny in 4A3R, Corcoran SHU, 3rd watch, in 9'2 and '93. He was always upbeat, with a great sense of humor, and a pleasure to work with.

I still can hardly believe this happened to my old partner.

Rest in peace Manny. We miss you.

Officer Dave Freeman
CDCE Retired

July 12, 2013

My brother how I miss you so much, not one day goes by that I dont cry for you. Its been 8 years and it seems as if it just happened, That was the worse day of our familes life. Tomorrow they will host the 8th Annual Harley run in your memory. You became a grandfather last year, you have a grandson, you would have been the best grandfather in the world and you were the best father to your 6 kids. This year Jaimez will become a father to a lil girl Brooklny is what they will name her and im so excited I can see my son be as good a father as you were. I miss you so much words can not express it. I will always love and miss you, my life is so incomplete with out you here...Love you always me!

Rosalinda Jaimez
Manuel's Sister

January 18, 2013

Whats up Manny, I remember we used to carpool from East L.A. to L.A.C prison-Lancaster. You welcomed me and my friends at the Sandwhich Bar and we always had a great time. Just want to say i think about you everyday at the unpleasant SH#T hole called work. Your old yard "C". Again i appreciate your partnership and the training you gave me. Take care . D.I. Moreno

Correctional Officer-CDC

December 19, 2012

Hey my friend Gonzo. Just wanted to say its been twenty-four years since we went to the Academy in Gault. It was November 12, 1988. I was a young 23 year old boy, still scared of what we were getting into. How time flies and at times brings us happiness and others sadness. I remember going to Paso Robles with you the day Roxy was born just to buy some little soldiers.

Thank you for driving me all the way to Fresno after we got off work, from morning watch, so I could get surgery. You waited for me in the waiting room the entire surgery and recovery. All you wanted was a hamburger. Thank you my friend.

Police Officer
LAPD

November 22, 2012