Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Heavenly Father, You are Compassionate and Merciful. None of America’s Peace Officers leave home without the fear of not returning at the end of their watch. It is a fear that is lived daily. Unfortunately, the worst does sometimes come to pass, and lives are left shattered. Lord God, bless and keep the hearts and souls of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. Soothe their pain and bind up their emotional wounds through the wounds of Your beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In His name, and by His authority, I pray. Amen.

Encouragement, Comfort, Support, and Hope from the Law Enforcement Officer's Christian Standard Bible:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
[Matthew 5:9 CSB];

"Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff - they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 CSB];

"No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends."
[John 15:13 CSB];

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 CSB], and;

"Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." [Luke 23:43 CSB].

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 22, 2025

I saw your memorial sign on the highway today. I have never been to LA, I have no connection with US, I have no reason to feel so moved when I read your story. I spent 5 days in LA on a business trip but I will take home with me your story, and strength and togetherness shown by your community. Your memory lives on in people who never knew you.

Alan
No relationship

May 3, 2025

Thank you for teaching me how to ride safely. Because of the training I received from you, my life was spared! You taught me to clear each lane of the I-405 when moving from the #5 to the #1. You said doing so was important because I might not see the car in the #1 when only looking once from the #5.

Sure enough, while out patrolling the same area a year or so after our training, I was tempted to move from the #5 to the #1, but could hear you speaking to me to clear each lane. I cleared from the #5, #4, #3, and thought, “thats good enough…”

As I was ready to move from the #2 to the #1, I looked over my left shoulder to make sure it was still clear, and wouldn’t ya know it, a vehicle in the #1 was right there! It was traveling well over 100 MPH and had I not looked, I would not be here today!

Miss ya brother!

G. Garcia
Honorably retired Highway Patrolman (1991-2020)
USN Veteran

June 22, 2024

A lot of school field trips I’ve went to recently, we would go up north the I-405. Every time we pass by the area where Officer Ortiz was, I can’t help but think of how his family is now, and maybe if he’s still watching from above. Up in the sky, with the stars. I am thankful for Officer Ortiz’s service with the CHP and for the safety of all drivers. I always think about his story when I go somewhere new through the 405. <3

Anonymous
Citizen

August 21, 2022

Driving on 1-405 and thinking of Mr. Ortiz and his family ❤️

Bri
Driver

July 31, 2022

Just passed by your memorial sign on the freeway, i never knew you but every time I pass the sign I think about you. You are remembered and respected. ❤️

Anonymous
Random driver

May 22, 2022

Just passed by your memorial sign on the 405. RIP brother.

Officer Dave Brown
CHP retired

April 27, 2022

Officer Ortiz,
Just passed the spot where your watch ended.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

James McNamara
Citizen

August 26, 2020

Officer Ortiz,
Just passed the spot where your watch ended.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Jim McNamara
Citizen

August 20, 2020

Officer Ortiz,
On today, the 10th 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. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 22, 2020

Semper Fi Brother......your loss was tragic and you will always be remembered. God Bless you and your family and rest assured that your legacy will live forever.

State Traffic Officer 7185 Mike Becze
California Highway Patrol, South Los Angeles 1969-1971 US MARINE Sgt 1

June 22, 2020

Hello Phil, Happy New Years 2020 !

Its been a while, since i.ve been here.....

Ive certainly never forgotten you.....

we were beat partners for many years
and although we had many disagreements......I always respected you !

I Miss you my Friend.........

Brian Bucklew, CHP officer #12734
CHP

January 7, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Ortiz.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 2, 2019

Phil, there is not a week that goes by that I don't think of you - As I glance at a PSD picture that you are in that I have on a bookshelf. I can't believe that it's going to be 9 yrs since you left this world. Phil you are not forgotten! This May I will participate in the Police Unity Tour (300 mile bicycle trek from NJ to DC) and I will be riding in your Honor.

Sgt. Mathew Armenta Ret. 12285
California highway patrol

April 1, 2019

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

October 6, 2018

Phil- who I used to refer to-as, "ORTIZ !!!" back in the Academy, was a GREAT Guy and I'll miss him dearly. He was a dear Friend. We had, what could be described-as ... "A serious appreciation of one an other's sense of humor". It got us in trouble once or twice ... but it was always worth the laugh. They were good times. They are good memories. That was 36 years ago ... and I really can't picture your face without a smile on it.

I consider it both an Honor and a Privilege to be able to have called you my Friend.

You will always be Missed ... But You will NEVER be Forgotten.

Rest Easy, Brother ...

Officer Thomas Stravers #10400(Ret).
California Highway Patrol

October 1, 2018

I just saw the Memorial Sign while passing through the L.A. area visiting from San Diego. I was totally hurt and saddened to say the very least of his passing.

I wanted to say to the Family my Heart felt Sympathy goes out to you. Our four years of service together at the Central LA Area office was a true pleasure. At a time in which females had not been on the department long, he was always respectful and helpful to myself and my fellow female officers. I appreciated him and thanking your family for allowing our CHP family to share him. Phil, thank you for your years of service of protecting the public, me your fellow sister, and your brothers. To Phil’s family, I'm deeply sorry for your loss.

Officer Paula (Jefferson) Todd, #10993
California Highway Patrol

September 26, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

June 22, 2018

I Saw the Memorial Sign and wanted to say to the Family my Heart felt Sympathy and I may not have had the pleasure of meeting him in person I appreciate your family allowing the world to have had his Dedication in choosing to Serve and Protect. I'm deeply Sorry for your loss. Thank you.

Mary Locus

June 16, 2018

I miss you Phil !
we shared many Breakfast.s together !

we had our share of arguments....

but WE WERE BEAT PARTNERS !

Officer Brian Bucklew # 12734
California Higway Patrol

March 17, 2018

"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 19, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 22, 2015

Officer Ortiz,

I was truly blessed to attend your funeral on behalf of the Texas Highway Patrol. Although a few years have passed, I will never forget the image of your fellow motors shutting down LA traffic for your procession. What a sight they were. You surely must have been proud to have ridden with them for so many years. I was truly honored to ride partnered in a CHP black and white, and to hear the fine eulogy given by your incredibly strong and graceful wife. Your memory will always have a place in my heart, and I pray for peace and comfort for your fine family.

Sgt. Thomas Moore
Texas Highway Patrol

September 24, 2013

Phil- I am sittng at my desk, looking at a photo from the late 1980's on a PSD assignment, and you are in the background. It is a constant reminder to me of the ultimate sacrifice that you made as a CHP motor. So many memories Phil, you were always a model officer. I was at the academy last week, and touched your nameplate on the memorial. So many names, so many from our era. You are truly missed, my friend.

Special Agent Thomas Anzelmo
FBI (former CHP motor #10595)

September 19, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the second anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 28, 2012