Officer Down Memorial Page

Ronnie, its been been 13 years. Seems like yesterday you were a rookie and working dope. I remember helping you put your wig and disguise on in the locker room so you could go out and do what you loved to to best. I laugh every time I think about you getting "ghetto." You did a fine job my friend. We will never forget you. I know that you Gerald, and Mad Dog are sitting up there and watching over all of us....and all of us officers, former and present, from Garland and nationwide remember your sacrifice for us and others. We wont forget. Thank you for being a friend to all of us who worked with you. Thanks for the laughs you gave us and the smiles we all shared. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You were "family" then and are now...We dont forget....We all miss you my friend, but we know you are safe and you and Gerald and Mad Dog are keeping watch....Thank you.

Jay DeSisto
Former Garland P.D. (#215)
September 10, 2011

Daddy,

It's been awhile since I've posted on here. Life has been changing.. Your two grandsons keep me busy and laughing just like I did so often with you. I wish you were here for the little memories.. Those are what seem to be the hardest for me...Not meeting the boys, no birthday parties, showing them big ole' boots or even simply hugging them! I must say between you and God y'all sent me an amazing husband and children. Fathers Day is Sunday. It's been alot harder this year, I seem to have more time to understand the whole grieving process better now that I'm older. I see how it affected mother more now as a wife and mother. I know Gods plan is bigger than my own but I sure can't wait to see you again! We will go visit you on Sunday.. I know you will be there watching over us.. Take care of the streets of heaven! Sleep with Angels Dad! 

-I love you! 

Natalie Lerma Stewart
Daughter
June 18, 2011

Thought about you today and came to "see" you again. I have a hard time reading your daughter's reflections. I have kids, too, and I cannot imagine something taking me from them and how much they need me.

I hope you are sitting well there and get to "sneak" on by to look in on the Family from time to time.

We had some good times. I remember them well.

GPD-245
Former Officer, Garland PD
July 29, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 11th anniversary 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 murdered in tthe line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

You are loved and missed by so many, especially your daughters. Your family is in my heart's embrace.
Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous
September 22, 2009

Daddy,
Its very weird to look back at all the post that i have done and see how much i do truely miss you. There is not a day that goes by that i dont think about you and know that your watching over me. This school year will be hard because you wont be able to see me leave for prom or even see natalies wedding. I want you to know that i always think about you and always strive to make you proud of the young woman that i am and will continue to be. I love you daddy.
Sleep with angels,
Em

Emalie
Daughter
August 3, 2009

daddy....

10 years and you still are not with us anymore...
it still feels like yesterday when i last saw you...
i cant believe that i was 5 and now im 15....
i was in kindergarden and now im a sophmore in High School
ill be 16 really soon and it is so hard knowing that you are not here with me...
i just want you to know that i love you and you will always be missed by me...


Sleep with angels!!!


i love you so much!

em

Emalie
daughter
September 22, 2008

A decade has passed since you were called away but you have not been forgotten nor will that ever happen for you are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones and protect them from harm. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
September 21, 2008

Today I was looking through the "Today In History" section of the ODMP and came across the memorial for Ronnie Lerma. I did not know Ronnie but I knew a few of the Garland PD jockeys. I retired from Irving PD and spent roughly half my career on scooters. Garland had some exceptional riders that would compete in the police motorcycle rodeo competitions.
I attended the funeral service for Officer Lerma and as always, when a motor officer is taken away, his fellow motor jocks come out of the woodwork in a show of support. Ronnie's service and motorcade was no exception. Motor officers are a tight knit bunch and I was proud of being able to ride.
It is my prayer that the family, friends and co-workers of Ronnis Lerma experience the eternal love and endless blessings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May God richly bless them and keep safe from harm the men and women of the Garland Police Department.

Special Ranger Doug Hutchison
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
September 21, 2008

Well its Mothers day...and also your Birthday...
its really hard not being able to tell you to your face "daddy happy birthday"
but i know that your watching over me!
We are gunna go see you later and then we are gunna take care of momma so that she has a good day as well!
i love you very much daddy!!

Emalie

P.S Sleep with angels daddy!

Emalie Lerma
Daughter
May 11, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
February 7, 2008

My deepest sympathies to you in your loss. While words are never enough, know that your family will remain in my prayers, and that I am praying specifically for God to comfort you and give you peace during these days. Officers and their families across the nation are holding you up - remember the happy days, honor his life and service to his community, and determine for YOUR life to make a difference, as well.

Deputy Shane Williams
Dallas Co. Constable's Office Pct.2
February 1, 2008

Hey daddy...
We are coming up on anouther Christmas without you and as always you are still very much apart of my life. I will miss not being able to run and get your to see what Santa left me and Nat. Its really kind of odd that i aually got my permit and i mean thats wierd because when you left us i was only 5...i do miss you daddy! I will be thinking of you like always!
~*i love you*~
Em

Emalie Lerma
Daughter
December 22, 2007

It has been 9 years tomorrow! Rest assured brother I will be at your graveside at the precise moment you were taken 9 years ago. You have left your mark on all of us and you shall never be forgotten. I will reflect on your life and the impact you made on mine. There has been no finer man, Father, friend or brother than you Ronnie.

Your daughters, wow. They have grown into wonderful and fine young ladies. I know your chest is swelling as you watch over them. You know that they strive to please you to this very day and miss you more than ever. Rest brother until we are all together again.

Steven W. Jones
Dallas SO
September 20, 2007

Today a plano Motor officer was killed. It made me think of the first motor funeral I went to when I was on motors. Your name always sticks with me thru the 10 years that I have been on motors, though I never knew you. God bless your family. It sounds like you have two wonderful daughters, I know you must be proud. Ride On brother.

Ofc. Gregory
FMPD
July 7, 2007

To a Brother in Blue, gone but not forgotten - it was always a pleasure to work with you! Thank you for serving the " GREAT STATE OF TEXAS" (as you would say). I know God can not bring all of us home safe at the end of our shift , so I count my blessings and cherish life. You are a great man & have a beautiful family that you were so very proud of... May God continue to give your family strength. Watch over all of us & may God grant us the wisdom, strength,skills & courage to do our job safely. we miss you-
previous dispatcher for you-
B.Werner

Officer Brandi Werner (Arredondo)
Frisco Police Department
April 28, 2007

Its come and gone again how come Christmas is so weird without you i try so hard to make it seem right but i still miss you being here! i love you and i know that ur havin the best Christmas because your with God and i want you to shine down on us!!
Love,
Emalie

Emalie Lerma
daughter
December 25, 2006

Hey daddy, so its been awhile, Its been 8 years since i last saw you. and i miss you soo much! Life is different and as em said it gets harder and easier at the same time. I miss you more than anything. i cant wait till God calls me home...I am truthfully tryin to be the little girl you want me to be. its hard and im trying! Just talk to God for me dad! I'm making some huge decisions that i wish you were here to help with! I love you more than anything Daddy!! Sleep with Angels!!!

Natalie Lerma
His Daughter
October 9, 2006

Daddy itz been a little over 8 years now and i miss you just as much as i did the day that mom told me that you wouldnt be comeing home anymore. It seems that every day gets harder and easyier at the same time. I can see you in myself and i hope that i never disapiont your name. You were the best dad that a girl could ask for and i will always be proud of you. You are and will forever be my hero and i cant wait till i can go to heaven and i see you there. Daddy watch over me and make sure that im doing as im suposed to. I love you and miss you SOO much!!
Love your Baby girl,
Emalie

Emalie Lerma
Daughter
October 8, 2006

Ronnie,
I never knew you, and likewise, you dont me. But i know your daughters, and they are gorgeous. They love you so much and miss you terribly. I know it is hard for them, but you are their hero and that is saying alot. They are so brave and strong, and i know they must get that from you. your girls are amazing. They share your legacy with everyone, even people who never knew you--people like me. But i want you to know i respect you and that i truely believe you will never be forgotten...
Katy

Katy (just a girl)
September 30, 2006

My son and I went to the cemetery today as I do every year on this day. Your daughters were there and I was so glad to see them. My son Ronnie, of course was thrilled to see them also. My son took your picture and memorial bracelet to school last Friday. They had show and tell and he wanted to tell his class about you. Rest assured he will know what a great person and friend that he is named after. We miss you greatly!

S. Jones
Dallas SO
September 21, 2006

Ronnie,I'm sitting here trying to find the right words to express how proud I am to have been your friend. I hav'nt left a reflection untill now because I knew my words will never be able to express the loss we all felt at 10:51 Sept 21st,1998. We all miss you and think about you often. Thanks for always being there,and for being my buddy and partner. I just wish I could've been half the Officer you were. Keep watching over us my friend. I know that you do.

KC
Friend
September 21, 2006

It has been 8 years since your tour of duty ended and you have not been forgotten nor will that ever be the case as your loved ones will keep your memory alive as will the Blue Family. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones. My thoughts are with them on this day.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father
September 21, 2006

Ronnie,

It's been eight years! You are in my thoughts all the time. I smile every time I see your wonderful daughters. You would be so proud of them both! They are great.

Know that many people were touched by you in so many ways. Your memory is strong and lives as does your influence. Keep a watch over us all Ronnie!

S. Jones
Dallas S.O.
September 21, 2006

Ronnie,

Your girls came by tonight and they are not babies anymore. They are young ladies and you would be proud of them. I will call your folks tomorrow and let them know that we still think of you and them. Keep watch over us Ronnie. I know your having a better Christmas up there with God than we are down here.

SJ
December 24, 2005

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM HEAVEN

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart
But I am not so far away, We really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones, You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do.
For I can't count the blessing or love he has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

(Author: Unknown)

December 24, 2005