Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Juan, I have not left a reflection yet. I did not know what to say. My friend Ed , worked with you. I remember you sitting on I 10 near Miracle Mile. You wore your vest european style. I went to the police academy in 2001 in Snowflake, Arizona and I think of you often. My lunch box has 3111 and December 9, 1998 on it. VON CON DIAS.

Mark

December 11, 2020

Your still in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for all the times you backed me up on stops, arrests, and search warrants while with Pinal County Sheriffs Department. Continue to Rest in Peace.

Richard (Dick) Goodridge
Fellow Law Enforcement

May 27, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Cruz.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 3, 2019

Officer Cruz,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Arizona. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 9, 2018

Hi Daddy,
It is once again National Police Memorial Week. Fifteen years ago this week, your name was added to the wall of our nations finest & bravest police officers. I have not had the opportunity to see your name on the National wall but I have seen your name on the DPS wall in Phoenix and your memorial stone placed at your home DPS office here in Tucson. Seeing your name carved into the stone of each Police memorial landmark makes your death so much more real. You see, even after fifteen years, I still pick up my phone to call you with any news about our daily lives and whenever I have a question that I normally, and naturally, would ask you. When my kids ask a question I don't have an answer to, I catch myself telling them they should ask you because you would know. You will always be a part of our lives through stories, pictures, and because you are part of the core of our existence. Rest peacefully, Dad, and save us a place in heaven.
Sleep with little angels...

I miss you, daddy...I love you forever!!
Marissa

Marissa Cruz
Daughter

May 14, 2014

My name is Dan Settle and I am an instructor for a high school criminal justice academy. I am also a retired sergeant from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. Today, one of my students did a research project on Officer Cruz. I wanted you to know that his story was heard by all 136 of my students and none of us will forget his sacrifice. May you find comfort knowing that others truly appreciate the service of all peace officers.

Dan Settle
Retired San Diego County Sheriff

May 8, 2014

Dear Tata,
I know you've never met me but just to let you know I'm Celina's first child my name is Celeste. I've hear alot about you and really would have liked to meet you but I hope your having alot of fun up in heaven say hi to everybody for me

love,
Celeste Luna

Celeste Luna
Grandaughter

October 3, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

February 6, 2013

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

November 14, 2012

Thank you Officer Cruz for your dedicated service to Arizona and to our country. May your name and memory be everlasting.

Lieutenant
Dept. of Defense, Retired

October 6, 2010

Merry Christmas! I miss you!
I have been thinking alot about you , sometimes that means that person is thinking of you and that is why it becomes part of your thoughts.
Hope it is whats happening!!
Either way, thank you for being in my thoughts and bringing back memories that truly made me smile and the happiest I had ever been!!

Anonymous

December 25, 2009

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 the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you. The pain and pride are both forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 9, 2009

Juan,
You were a very special person in my life.
I remember the first time I met you , you charmed me.
You have a special part in my heart forever.
I cannot tell you the pain I felt when I heard the news, and how it has affected my life since.
There is so much no ones knows but us, about the time we shared.
The day of your funeral, was the worst day I have ever had in my life, and forever will always be.
I don't need to say more, you know

Anonymous

November 11, 2009

Juan,
It's been ten years since we last spoke on that cold December night you were taken from us. I keep your family in my prayers and I know you're watching over them and those Patrolmen who are out there like we once were.
You are not forgotten

God bless

Jon Talakte

Jon Talakte

December 10, 2008

Hi Dad,
It's 10 years today and it feels like it just happened. I miss you so much it hurts every day that you are not here. I know that you are in heaven watching over us. I hope you are resting peacefully. I still wish you were here. I love you daddy!!

Sleep with little angels!
Love, Marissa

Marissa Cruz-Long
Daughter

December 9, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 5, 2007

While it is commendable that the state constructed a memorial, it seems unfortunate that a 11 year sentence was deemed as justice especially in view of the negligence involved with DUI/DWI.

I feel sorry for the family - I know that I wouldn't be satisfied with such a light sentence. Please accept my condolences and thanks for serving your community.

Security Officer
Connecticut

December 1, 2007

"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

November 14, 2007

Your page was featured as the hero when I signed on today and visited your page and wanted to leave a reflection. You are a true hero. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones who miss you every day.

"I pray that our heavenly father may asuage the anguish of your bereavement and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom." Abraham Lincoln

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

October 4, 2007

Hi Daddy!
It's now 8 years 4 months and 2 days.....yet it feels like December 9, 1998. I know that you and Mom raised us to be strong and honorable. I do try my best to be strong. I put my smile on everyday and do my best to make everyone around me happy. I know that I will never feel completely happy again. You were such a big part of our daily lives. I miss you so dearly! I don't ever want to forget the sound of your laugh or your voice. I think of you everyday and pray that you are resting peacefully in heaven. I miss you so much Daddy! I still need you here! Thank you for being the most inspirational man in my life....for being the best DADDY!! I love you!!!

Marissa Cruz-Long
Daughter

April 11, 2007

Rest in Peace, Officer Cruz. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 14, 2007

My Tio was one in a million. The day he died he took a piece of my heart because my tio was an amazing man who
loved to help anyone in anyway he could. Tio Juan was so gifted in many ways and his eyes told a story that no one could understand but him. Tio Juan I know your watching down on all of us and I just wanted to tell you not a day goes by that I don't stop thinking about you. Keep playing your guitar in heaven and I love you so much and I miss you .

Korin D. Cruz
Niece

May 22, 2006

Brother Cruz,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables LE Motorcycle Club

December 13, 2005

THE POLICEMAN'S LAST ROLL CALL ...

THE POLICEMAN STOOD AND FACED HIS GOD, WHICH MUST ALWAYS COME TO PASS. HE
HOPED HIS SHOES WERE SHINING, JUST AS BRIGHTLY AS HIS BRASS. "STEP FORWARD
NOW, POLICEMAN. HOW SHALL I DEAL WITH YOU? HAVE YOU ALWAYS TURNED THE OTHER
CHEEK? TO MY CHURCH HAVE YOU BEEN TRUE?"

THE POLICEMAN SQUARED his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a Saint. I've had to
work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough, and sometimes I've been
violent because the streets are awfully tough. But I never took a penny that
wasn't mine to keep, though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills just
got to steep. And I never passed a cry for help, though times I shook with
fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept many unmanly tears. I know I
don't deserve a place among the people here, they never wanted me around
except to calm their fear. If you've a place for me Lord, it needn't be so
grand. I never expected or had too much, but if you don't, I'll understand."

There was silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod. As
the policeman waited quietly, for the judgement of his God. "Step forward
now, policeman, you've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven's
streets, you've done your time in hell."

Author Unknown

May you be at peace in the arm's of a loving Heavenly father.

Anonymous

December 12, 2005

Dad,
Today is the 7th year of the anniversary of your death. I didn't sleep last night. I tried to go to bed early so I wouldn't do the "countdown" like me and the other kids do every year.
I just wanted to say that I've always remembered you as my father, but especially as an officer. You truly lifted the standards of what an officer should be. I remember that time at Circle K when a lady was scolding her little girl for crying for a lollipop and told her she was going to tell you to take her to jail. You bought the lollipop, knelt down, gave it to the girl, and told the girl not to be afraid of police because they were her friends. I was so proud to have witnessed that.
I was so proud of you no matter what you did. You will always be my hero.
I love you Dad!
Love,
Your Poodle

Celina Cruz-Luna
Daughter

December 9, 2005