Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

“When God made Peace Officers….”

When the lord was creating Peace Officers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, “You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.”

And the Lord said, Have you read the spec on this order? A Peace Officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn’t touch, and not wrinkle their uniform.

They have to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next day.

They have to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half- eaten meals. And they have to have six pairs of hands.

The angel shook her head slowly and said, “Six pairs of hands….No Way.”

“It’s not the hands that are causing me the problems,” said the Lord, “It’s the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have.”

That’s on the standard model? asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, “May I see what’s in there sir?” (When they already know and wishes they had taken that accounting job.) Another pair here in the side of their head for their partners’ safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, “ You’ll be alright ma’am, when they know it isn’t so.”

“Lord,” said the angel, touching his sleeve,” rest and work tomorrow.”

“I can’t,” said the Lord, “I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on civil service paycheck.”

The angel circled the model of the Peace Officer very slowly, “Can it think?” she asked.

“You bet,” said the Lord, “It can tell you elements of a hundred crimes, recite Miranda warnings in it’s sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five judges to debate the legality of the stop…and still it keeps it’s sense of humor.

This officer also has phenomenal personal control. They can deal with crime scenes painted in HELL, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim’s family’ and then read in the daily paper how Law Enforcement isn’t sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects.

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Peace Officer. “There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model.”

“That’s not a leak,” said the Lord, “It’s a tear.”

“What’s the tear for?” asked the angel.

“It’s for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag, and for justice.”

“You’re a genius,” said the angel.

The Lord looked sober. “I didn’t put it there,” he said.


Anonymous

Senior Instructor
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

June 28, 2005

You are a true hero to us all and you will never be forgotten.

DE
St. Louis City Police

June 28, 2005

Rest In Peace, Deputy J. Ortiz
"Nemo Me Impune Lacessit"

Officer C. Martin
Lexington Police Dept, Texas

June 28, 2005

I was one of the first responding patrol deputies to the scene the day Jerry was shot. What I saw and what I did is something that I never will forget. Oftentimes we hear about the officers and deputies who are killed in the line of duty or we may attend their funerals but we don't usually roll to the scene only minutes after the incident took place. I can only tell you that we took good care of Jerry that day and I know that I will NEVER forget that day for my entire career or even for my entire life.

It is a warzone out there in our city streets and I have a better understanding of what our troops go through when they see their brothers who have just been shot in the warfields. I never want to see it again.

The men and women of Lakewood Station will miss you Jerry

Dep. JW
LASD/LKD

June 28, 2005

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10

June 28, 2005

We met only briefly as members of the boxing team. I heard the call and responded with other units from Norwalk station. The response from law enforcement in Los Angeles and Orange county was incredible. I saw a lot of deputies who heard the news and responded from home to locate your assailant. You were well loved and are sorely missed.
Rest in peace.

Deputy Christine Ostrander
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

June 28, 2005

Although I no longer wear a uniform, I work with many of your brothers and sisters who do. I'm sorry I never had the chance to work with you. Your life, your dedication, and your desire live on in all of us who serve to improve our communities. Rest assured, we will never stop fighting to keep our streets safe, if not for our own children, for yours.

Special Agent
DEA-Los Angeles

June 28, 2005

God bless your wife, your children, and family. Partner, look after the rest of us, as we try to complete the job you started. Heroes like you are few and far between. Someday, whether it be tomorrow or many years down the road I look forward to standing next to you. Bless you and God Speed be with you....

Pll Ojeda 36393
lapd

June 28, 2005

I am overwhelmed with grief to hear the tragic news about you. Gina called me that day and my heart sank. I thought not again! My memories are so very fond of you. We had so many laughs and good times in High School. You were the one who always managed to put a smile on my face just being the silly guy as usual. I remember the meets and kicking back. I remember how you use to run into me at work and keep me updated on everyone. We never got a chance to get our families together while you were here. But, today I held your mom and Claudia (they remembered). I spent some talking to Claudia and it was like talking to you. I remember the day how we talked about how proud we were of ourselves in thinking in our jobs we would make a difference somehow(remember King Taco). Well, You made a difference Jerry and people loved you for that. One thing I have learned is that God takes good people and definitely had another plan for you. Much bigger than anyone can ever image. I will always remember you guy for the big smile and big heart:) Take care of our friends we have lost in our lives up there. I'm praying for your family, boys, and wife. Gina and I will Miss you Jerry! My brother's in heaven with that beautiful smile.


La Shawn Simmons-Youngquist
Deputy Los Angeles County Probation

DEPUTY PROBATION OFFICER
LOS ANGELES COUNTY PROBATION

June 28, 2005

The men and women of the Mahomet Police Department extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Ortiz.

Deputy Ortiz thank you for your service. God bless you.

Rest in peace Sir!

Mahomet, IL Police Dept.

June 28, 2005

My prayers are with all of Deputy Ortiz's family and friends.
We have lost another brother in blue and hero. Rest in peace brother.

Sgt. Teena Gooding
USCPD

June 27, 2005

On behalf of the members of the Washington DC Metropolitan Police, We send our deepest condolences to the members of the LASD, as well as the family of Deputy Ortiz, Our nations capital is in mourning with you, our fellow brothers and sisters in LA. God sped Sir.

Officer
Metropolitan Police Washington D.C.

June 27, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Thank you for your service.

Trooper
Minnesota State Patrol

June 27, 2005

im sad to hear another brother has passed may god be with your family. thank you for your service. rest in peace.

D/S shawn ward
york county sheriffs office va

June 27, 2005

God bless you and your family thank you for your service. We love you. When will it ever end!!!!!

June 27, 2005

For your ultimate sacrifice, thank you for searving while wearing a badge. Best wishes for your family.

Cpl. Sean Oliver
Palm Beach County Sheriffs

June 27, 2005

On behalf of the members of the Sutherlin Police Department, I send to you, our heartfelt condolences and prayers in your time of sadness. May your fallen officer’s legacy live on in the memories of his friends and family. Rest now brother, after a job well done. We’ll take it from here.

Corporal Justin Marquis
Sutherlin Police Department, Sutherlin, Oregon

June 27, 2005

Rest in peace Brother Jerry, you are a true hero and will never be forgotten for you service and courage.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham Retired
Sand Springs Okla Police Department

June 27, 2005

My heart goes out to your family. Your pain has to be unimaginable with both of your officers. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Also know that you do not walk alone in your journey. MI-COPS staff were like my guardian angels. Let those organizations be there for you...unfortunately they know all too well what you are feeling.

No words can make this any easier, but know you have a huge group of people sharing your pain. We survivors are like a huge family, as is the Law Enforcement Family.

May God Bless you and help you with your burden of pain.

Mary Fisher

Mother of Deputy Kevin Sherwood
Clare County, MI EOW 10/09/03

June 27, 2005

I have lit a candle for you everyday at my church since the day you were taken from us. Thank you for your service to our community, you will always be in our hearts.

Sgt. Roy Beyer Retired
LASD

June 27, 2005

To the family and friends of Deputy Ortiz and the members of the L.A., County Sheriff's Dept. I am stunned beyond disbelief to read the memorial page to Deputy Jerry Ortiz and discover that this family has had to face the same horrific circumstances earlier this year. Last week I had left a reflection for the loved ones of Manuel Gonzalez to express my grief for their loss. It defies comprehension how this can happen twice in the same family. Deputy Ortiz was the same age as my son, Officer Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg Police Dept., who was shot and killed this April. These three young men had a lifetime ahead of them which they were robbed of by the senseless brutality of criminals. My heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved one and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in the Bay Area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I know you will receive the same support. It makes the unbearable less torturous. When the killers of each fallen officer murders our loved ones, it has a devastating impact on all who loved and cared for them. There are so many children whose father has been taken from them, including my unborn grandson Cody, and so many spouses, like my daughter-in-law JoAnn, who have lost their soulmates and lovers. I pray for your solace, but I also pray for justice for the victims/heroes and each of their families, friends and co-workers. Heaven may have another hero, but how I wish it wasn't so.
Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer

June 27, 2005

I had not known you for long Gerry, but when I heard about your death it hurt. I will miss our phone conversations about all of the bad guys you helped to put away. I could rest easy at night knowing that there were great cops like you on the street. You will be missed more than you know. God bless and keep smiling Deputy.

To the Ortiz family, may God bless you during this difficult time.

DPO Dawn Contreras
Los Angeles County Probation Dept.

June 27, 2005

rest easy brother, The watch is ours now.

Officer
Atlanta Police

June 27, 2005

May God bless you and your family. I know there will be difficult days ahead, but if you believe in Jesus, you will see Jerry again. I went through the loss of my brother two months ago and and Jesus helped me. It troubles me to see this happen, but Jerry is a true hero and I thank him for his service. May you rest in peace in eternity, Jerry.

Kevin Cannon
Brother of Keith Cannon EOW 5/4/05

June 27, 2005

Jerry, I had the pleasure of knowing you since 1990 until I left Lakewood station and LASD in 2003. The smile in the photo is the same smile you had everytime I had the pleasure of saying hello. May God bless you and your family and all the Law enforcement community.


Former LASD/Lakewood Deputy

June 27, 2005