Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Tony was like my dad and I miss him very much, it's been four years but my heart still hurts because he's not here with us anymore. He lived with me and my family. He's like the only dad I ever really had. My mom and dad divorced when I was little and he was never there for me very much. I called him my Papi because he always took care of me like I was his own.

I would like to share so that everyone knows what a special person he was and how much joy he brought into our lives.

I remember everytime a holiday came Papi and mom would always sit down with us and do arts and crafts. He would cut, glue, glitterize and joke around with us. Sometimes we would bake cookies and he would help frost and sprinkle them.

On New Years and Halloween, Papi would set up his D.J equipment and mom and him would decorate the whole house, we had tones of fun. We invited our friends, it was a kids only party and Papi played music and laughed with us all night.

Another thingwe did was take lots of fun and exciting trips. We would go to places like SanFrancisco, Lake Tahoe, Davis and the Science Museums.

When we would go to San Francisco, we went to the Golden Gate Park. Papi would play with us on all the playground stuff. There was an enormous spider web there that he climbed up with me and a huge cement slide that we slid down with card board boxes, Papi put Ale on his lap and we went over and over again. He pushed me on the swings and climbed a giant wave with us. We pretended we were surfing.
When we went to Tahoe we listened to a special CD he made for us of funny songs, one was called the gummy bear song, which was my favorite. When we got there we had a lot of fun playing in the sand. Papi and all of us made a big sand castle and then we all jumped on it, he played football with my brother John and sat with mom on the beach.

When we would go to Davis Park, Papi would play soccer with me, we would sit on the dock and feed the ducks that were there in a big pond, then we would all walk the trails.

Besides playing soccer with me and teaching me different moves, Papi taught me how to roller skate too. On my seventh birthday when I got my first pair of rollerskates, he told me to get into my skates and he put his on and we went outside. He showed me which position to put my feet in and then he skated first to show me how it was done, when it was my turn he stayed next to me until I got the hang of it.

Sometimes when we go to Costco, he would pick me up and twirl me around and around, he would make me laugh. And when my little nephew Isaiah would start to get cranky, Papi would tie his shoes laces together as he sat in the shopping cart or he would pick him up and run really really fast with him up and down the isle. Isaiah would just laugh and laugh.

At dinner we always had a good time making it together, everyone would help do something. One time Papi tried to make hamburger patties but that did not work out, they came out very small. One time my sisters Ale and Jessy piled all their peas on their chicken patty that was covered in gravy and when Papi said, "Ale, Jessy stop playing with your food." Ale and Jessy replied. Papi we are not playing with our food, it taste good that way! So Papi did the same thing and said, "MMMM" it does taste good!" Not only did we have a good time together but Papi was always very caring, everytime Ale would come over and we would ask her what she wanted for dinner, she would always say. " BBQ chicken, it's my favorite!" and Papi would always go and BBQ it for her.

Sometimes its the simple things that makes you know someone cares and loves you. Papi would always tell me to go brush my teeth. One time he asked me if I brushed my teeth and I said "Yep". He said hold on and went and got a yellow phonebook. He held it up to my face and tole me to smlie, then he said, "Yep, you brished but you still need to improve". He was always so funny and he always made everything so fun. I miss him not being here anymore.

Tony, my Papi was a very fun, loving and caring person, not only was he a good dad to me but he was the best dad to Ale and Jessy. Papi loved the girls so much and he always took such good care of them! If one of them fell down and got an ouie he would swoop them up, run them upstairs to the bathroom, set them on the counter and put neosporin and a bandaid on them and say, "It's ok mama, It's ok mama." Every night him would make them brush their teeth and make sure they had a bath. Before we went somewhere if mom was doing something he would brush their hair and help them get their jackets and boots on.

A lot of dads really do not care about playing with their kids or spending time with them but Papi did. When we would go into our weight room and Ale would see Papi punching the punching bag, she would say, "Me too Papi, me too Papi " he would lift her up and let her punch it too, then he would take her down and show her how to position her little fist in a boxing stance and they would play box. Papi a;ways got knocked out and when he would fall to the ground Ale would giggle with laughter.

Other times he would sit with baby Isaiah on the pool table and give him his own pool balls to play with, then help teach Ale and Jessy how to play. He would show each one how to hold the pool stick, always being patient with them as they would yell out, "My turn Papi, my turn!"

When me or my sisters needed help with our homework, Papi would sit with us. Sometimes my sister Lindsey would have a hard time and get fustrated with herself and call her self names but Papi would always stop her and tell her that she was smart and that she could do this, then he would sit down with her and help her until she felt better.

He went to all of our teacher meetings and volunteered for my sister Lindsey's class where he went and gave a speech and he went to all of our Dr appointments with us.

Mostly I remember going to the library with him, my mom and Ale and Jessy a lot. He would sit and read books with them.

When Papi died I was so sad. I remember laying in my bunk bed and I could not stop crying. I was crying and crying and my God Grandma came in and stayed with me. Everybody was sad. My mommy would stay in her room and would not come out and at night I could hear her sobbing. I would start crying because she was crying and I missed my Papi too. My God Grandma would come and pick us up and take her to her house to do things but nothing was fun anymore. We had to move and my mom had to work a lot. It was just me and my my brother and sisiters and we could not see Ale and Jessy anymore. This made me really sad because they are like my sisters and now they are gone too, it's like our whole family has been ripped apart.

I miss that my Papi is not around to tell me to brush my teeth and tell when to go to bed, to help me with school work, be with me at my eye doctors and my parent/teacher conference. I miss the piggy back rides and when he would pick me up and twirl me around, I miss flying kites with him, playing at the park with him, roller skating and playing soccer with him. I miss him talking to me and making me feel happy when I am sad, I miss him encouraging me to believe in myself and teaching me new things. I miss just knowing he was around when I needed him and seeing how happy my mom was when she was here but the biggest thing I miss most is seeing his smiling face and hearing him laugh. When he was here with me I knew everything was safe and everyone would be ok.

I love you Papi.

Jenna Yu
Daughter at heart

June 5, 2012

It has been 4 years now my love, and time has passed for many, the memory of your death has slowly faded for some but for me it does not, for me it is as if time has stopped.... It is as yesterday

I can hear Penada on the phone telling me, it's ok...its just a shoulder wound, he's going to be ok..I remember hurriedly going up to the bathroom and collecting a few things for us, thinking we would be in the hospital together for a while, I pictured you in your bed and me beside you. I figured we would be there for a few weeks. I remember how frustrated I was waiting for a girlfriend to arrive to take me to the S/O....the Tahoe was there and all I could think of was how fast could I get to you. I had always dropped you off but this day you had taken it. I remember arriving and running for the vehicle, it was as if I were in a dream and my legs could not run fast enough. From out of no where came a female, it was Failey, she grabbed me and spoke to me calmly, I insisted I had to go....I had to get to you. She made me go with Jen and I remember how frustrated I was again that we had to sit for a moment listening to the radio...please just drive, just drive, Jen just drive. Final we were in route, we were on our way to you and over the radio we heard the helicopter had been rerouted to woodland and not UC Davis. I remember the relief coming over me thinking that you must be ok for them to be taking you there instead of UC Davis. Still the anticipation of me getting to you was still there...we could not drive fast enough. We went to the counter and it seemed as if we stood a life time waiting for a male nurse to come and talk to me, he told me that they were doing everything they could for you..I asked if they had to breath for you and he replied yes...and somewhere in the back of my mind it all became confused. I thought you were ok, that it was just a shoulder wound like Penada had said, that for some reason they just had to medicated you, put you under and breath for you to make it easier on you. Why did I think that, what was wrong with me? We walked away and I remember the anger of helplessness I felt, I yelled, I screamed, how powerless I felt. There were more of us now and we walked outside, it was dark and you could feel the fear of the unknowing.... Their faces are still burned in my mind. I see Matt...... I hit the dumpster over and over, Jen stops me and we just sit....right there, just waiting, for what we don't know. We are just suspended, as if God has put us in a time out. I see Bruce, he walks this way, his eyes are on me. Im scanning his face for some sign that will tell me that every things ok but I see nothing, His face is blank as he tells me the Dr would like to talk to me. We're all walking now, we're all walking together in the dark towards the direction of the E.R. As we go in I walk up to the desk and I will never forget as long as I live the voice of the nurse who cheerfully says to me, he's in room 2 C. Just like that, he's in room 2 C, like every things ok. Relief came over me, every things going to be ok now, he's in a room waiting to be taken in to surgery, he's sedated, their breathing for him and every things going to be ok. We're lead into a room but to my surprise your not there but thats ok because I know they have you over there across the hallway...your in a bed waiting to be moved to surgery, theres just to many of us to go in there and the Drs going to update us and brief us here. As we stand there the door to the room is open, I see two nurses across the hallway and I over hear them say, he just had to much blood in his stomach. I dismiss it..it's not you, I know it's not you. We wait and then a tall Dr comes in, he looks at me and begins to tell me we worked really hard and we did everything we could and in my mind I think he's going to tell me next that they've sent you on to surgery but then he slowly takes my hands in his, looks me in my eyes and says I'm sorry, we did everything we could but we just couldn't save him. I stared blankly at him, trying to process what he said but no my brain knew differently, wasn't it Penada who had assured me over and over that Tony was going to be ok, hadn't the helicopter rerouted because he wasn't as bad as we had thought, hadn't they medicated him and been breathing for him to make it easier on him and hadn't the nurse cheerfully said, he's in room 2 C? What was he saying...Oh my God, what was he saying, I looked at him and ask him if he was lying to me? At that moment the world stopped, reality stopped, how could someone be alive one minute and then just be gone, all that they are just stops to exist. Where was he, where had he gone? I couldn't understand...I was so confused. I knew I needed to be with him, he would want that, we were always together, there were no place we were without each other and now more than ever every ounce of soul screamed to find him, to be with him. I asked if I could see him...someone muttered the word no and said that he's a crime scene but from out of nowhere a nurse spoke up and said, we have been all over him, touching him everywhere, surely it wouldn't make a difference if she saw him. As a group we walked across the hallway to where he laid, they stood back as I walked to him. His eyes were opened and I asked them if they could close them, it took them twice before they did. I walked to the other side, he was so lifeless...where had he gone, where was my Tony? Where was that person who was so full of life. I reached down and stroked his hair and softly kissed him. His feet were uncovered, he hated anyone seeing his feet, I covered them.

For many time passes my love and the memories of you fade but for me time holds still, you are always there lingering, smiling at me, waiting patiently for me. I will never forget this night that God called you home, it will always be imprinted in my mind, I will never forget this day. I have sealed it tightly in my hearts deepest chamber along with all the memories that we made, along with all the life that we had. I am no longer anger and I am no longer confused, I know why you had to go...and I know now why you were chosen over me. I am at peace now with it. Kiss her for me, hold her tight and let the warmth of your energy flow through her, tell her its me she's feeling, stroke her hair gently and kiss her little forehead, take her hand in yours and tell her I love her. Tell her, I sleep with her blanket every night.

Me & Yu Forever and a day

Julie Yu
Fiancee

June 2, 2012

Rest in Peace, brother. You will never be forgotten, and always honored.

Trooper J. Whiteside
PA State Police

March 13, 2012

Thank you Sir for your bravery, courage and for making the ultimate sacrifice while doing your job. You are a true hero in every sense of the word and I thank you.

Sgt. T. Henshaw
Bell Gardens Police Department, CA

March 7, 2012

God bless you Deputy Diaz for staying in the fight. Your actions that night honor us all.

Your killer has been sentenced to death.

Officer J. Craven
Silver Spring Township (PA) Police Dept.

March 6, 2012

Rest In Peace Brother.

Sgt. Jarrod Wilson / K9 Officer
West Virginia Division Of Corrections

March 6, 2012

Miss you my friend, rest in peace brother.

Deputy Brian Griep
Yolo County Sheriff's Office

February 26, 2012

"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord"

Leiutenant
Holy Roman Catholic Church

February 24, 2012

Tony, I was on vacation in Florida, enjoying the start of my retirement, when CNN showed a Deputy had been shot. I immediately called dispatch while a dozen faces flashed through my mind. Never did I imagine it would be you, who was always so careful and thorough on car stops.

Your family and friends have made a close circle around the kids during the trial. They will continue to be surrounded even now that the final verdict on your killer has been upheld.

The Yolo County Retired Peace Officers Association is finalizing plans for a granite memorial to all of Yolo County's fallen officers. The public location is still in negotiations, but hopefully this year it will be prominently installed.

Your name will never be forgotten.

I hope and pray that your name is the last one that will be engraved on this monument in my lifetime.

Rest In Peace

Sergeant Susan Lundquist
Woodland PD - retired

February 20, 2012

I went to the police academy with Tony. He was a great guy. I hope this verdict brings some measure of peace or a sense of justice to his kids.

Kerry Bernard, Criminal Investigator

February 8, 2012

I did not know this officer, but any time I hear "Officer Down" anywhere in the world it makes me cringe to know that we have come to this low of a society that people will shoot anyone with a badge.

As a volunteer firefighter of two years, it makes me wonder how many firefighters have also been killed because of this type of thing on the way home from a shift.

Tony: Thank you for all that you did in your four years, you will never be forgotten! To the rest of the police officers all over: Please evaluate a situation before moving in and be safe!

Adam Jeske (Former Volunteer FF)
Lower Yoder Volunteer FD (Johnstown, PA)

February 8, 2012

I didn't know Tony, but every time I hear of the loss of a police officer an arrow pierces my heart.

Thank you for your dedication and your outstanding service to your community.

RIP brother

Retired Sergeant
Santa Cruz OD

January 26, 2012

Rest in Peace, Deputy Diaz. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 23, 2012

Hi Tony,

I want to thank you for the times that you spent with me when I used to play soccer,for your coaching and guidance... for all the times that I needed a ride to the games and also for letting me help when you were working on your mini-truck.. I hope that now you are resting in peace and watching over your family, friends and fellow officers. RIP Tony!!!

Raul Estrada and family
Pasadena Ca

Raul Estrada
old Friend from Dixon..

November 22, 2011

en mimmente en mi corazon en cada paso k de siempre estas tu pork te amo y te amo=asta k sea mi dia k este con tigo te amo ahora y siempre tu hermana

diaz

November 18, 2011

Its been a few years since the tragic day that we lost you my friend my brother and it still hurts the same.You know what a wimp i am and have always been im sorry i havent been able to visit yor grave site yet im sorry because i cant do it it would be to much for me it would be,facing reality and i would rather think you are out in the world somewhere being happy and making someones day with your beautifull smile.I miss you always my friend,my brother you will forever be in my heart.And i will never ever forget you i promiss.Thank you for all the things you did for me thank you for always telling me life wasn't a bitch haha and telling me life was how we make it.I love you Tony your friend in this life and in the other.Smiles, a big kiss and hug my friend to you in the heavens above.

clara cordova
child hood friend

October 21, 2011

Thank you for your service and sacrifice Deputy Tony Diaz. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends, and department.

Sergeant Jerry Ruble
Williamstown Police Dept. Williamstown, WV 26187

October 5, 2011

GOD BLESS TONY AND HIS FAMILY....EACH TIME A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER IS KILLED A SHOCK WAVE IS SENT THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY. I WILL PRAY FOR TONY AND HIS FAMILY.

DETECTIVE L CAMERADA (RET)
NYPD

October 5, 2011

Tio, I have been thinking of you more and more recently. Especially when I am spending time with your girls. Silvia and the girls are doing so well. I attended Angelica's high school graduation and we are all so proud of her. I wish you could see Chacho's daughter she is so much like you guys; another "venitas". Tio, I am so lost without your advice. So many things are changing in life and you were always there to hold me up. I miss you so much. I can't believe it's been 3 years of your passing and that man still has not had his day in front of the judge!! I truly hope that you ARE resting in peace and that none of the nonsense going on down here bothers you up there.

I love you, your niece- Susana

SSG Susana Alejandre
U.S. Army

June 26, 2011

Three Years ago today Tony was taken from our lives and it still hurts just like it did that night. We all miss you tony and think about you everyday. We still talk about all the good times we had with you and know you are always in our hearts and 10-8 with each one of us.

Deputy Jason Whitehead
Yolo County S.O./ Friend

June 15, 2011

Tony,
I'm sitting on my patio enjoying this HOT Las Vegas evening, and for some reason I started thinking about you. I decided to look up your ODMP site and then I saw your EOW date...it's tomorrow. Not a coincidence. I think of you, and Ken Fisch, quite often. Rest in Peace Tony. Give my Arturo a hug for me, will 'ya :)
Mari

Dep. Mari G. Alvarez-retired
yolo county sheriff

June 14, 2011

On the 2nd anniversary of Deputy Diaz's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Deputy Diaz is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

June 16, 2010

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. Continue to keep watch over all of them. You will never be forgotten as true heroes never die. Thank you for your dedicated service to others.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

June 15, 2010

We just had our 20-year DHS reunion this weekend Tony. It was there that I found out about your shooting. Your portrait from OMDB was prominently on display and all your DHS classmates love and miss you.

Officer Robert Hallanger
DHS/ICE and Classmate

August 24, 2009

Deputy Diaz, I know you are resting in the loving arms of our God. I had visited this site within twenty four hours of your murder. I didn't know right away where Yolo County was exactly. I had heard of it but just couldn't remember. Then tonight I was looking at the website for your 20th high school reunion and it suddenly hit me. I had talked to you in high school about being a Marine. I was the Marine recruiter in the area where you went to high school. My heart just sank when I realized that I knew you even if I hadn't seen you in many years. I am proud to have known you if but for only a short while. I will always be proud to know that you and I walked the same path in life. Rest in peace, Warrior. Semper Fi.

Sgt Al Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, AZ

August 7, 2009