Officer Down Memorial Page

Sorry for your loss. I have been to two police funerals and it is the toughest thing I have ever been to!

911 Telecommunicator
May 4, 2012

We have many cops in our family and cringe at the danger they face everyday to help others. Officer Garza, you will be well remembered for your service as you are a true hero! Our thoughts and prayers to your family

Jill
October 28, 2011

I remember that day like it was yesterday. I was not working the radio that day but was sitting behind the dispatcher that was. It was a really tough day for all concerned. I remember Hector as always be very polite and respectful of his dispatchers. He is still missed to this day

Dispatcher
San Antonio PD
October 28, 2011

Sgt. Garza, your killer met his judgment today.

Rest well, sir.

Anonymous
Civilian
October 27, 2011

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge - Proverbs 14:32.

My heart aches for all who love and miss you, especially your children. May they feel your loving presence each day until you can be together again.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada
March 29, 2011

As the 2010 Wayland Baptist University "Hector Garza Memorial Award" recipient, words could never express what an honor it was to meet Ms. Garza and accept this award. Officer Garza, your memory lives on not only in the law enforcement family, but the exceptional educational institution that Wayland has offered both during your tenure and after you graduated. To you Ms. Garza and your family, may God bless you. To you Hector, you are an honorable man whom will remain a part of my law enforcement career and personnel life.

Detective Jeffrey A. Lowder
Converse Police Department (TX)
July 7, 2010

It will be 9yrs,but you are not forgotten,you were a friend,a special person who made people laugh & smile, with always a kind heart & expressed lots of love for your children & family. Even after all these yrs remember you still, remember what a great person & Police officer you were. Never got to say Goodbye & don't think ever will cause you are not that type of person only to say "until we meet in each other's path once again." May you continue to watch over all in need & those you loved & those who loved you. Hope your listening to your Beatle music & wearing one of your Hard Rock Cafe T-shirts with a smile down on us.

Anonymous
March 4, 2010

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. Continue to watch over all of them and those still on patrol. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
March 29, 2009

RIP.Your tour of duty on Earth is over but you will never be forgotten by those who knew and loved you.

Anonymous
February 21, 2009

hey coach i miss u and im still crying inside i miss u so much and ill be loving u till i die well see u later
coach

lorenzo fonseca
my coach
February 6, 2009

To Patrolman Hector Garza and his loved ones:

Please know that your memory is honored and revered today. Rest in Peace, Hector. I am praying for solace for your wife and children and your other family members today, and each day that they are on the survivors' path.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Hector gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 29, 2001.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05
October 13, 2008

I also crossed paths with him several times in the early nineties. He always struck me as a professional with a heart.

God Bless

Anonymous
July 16, 2008

Hey Dad,

I can't believe it's been seven years,I miss you alot there's not a day that goes by that i dont think of you. I miss your smile and making me laugh, you were and still a great dad. Mom say's when she look's at me she tell's me i look like you and smiles. I wish i could see you again. I miss you and love you take care of us in heaven.

Ryann Garza
daughter
May 1, 2008

Officer Garza, God's speed, The troops from west have it from here.. and They are "On the Way"

R. Contreras Jr. # 26 (Retired)
Waco Police Department
April 7, 2008

Seven years ago today. These domestic violence cases are the worst! You died at the hands of a sick,
twisted person who robbed you of the fruits of your
retirement and time with your families. You gave it all
and in a moment it was all taken from you! I don't believe you died because God needed you. I think His
best plan was for you to be with your family. You died
because of one man's sinful choices. Fortunately, Jesus has made The Way and we can choose to follow
Him instead. I hope you made that choice, too! Thank
you for your long and faithful service and for what you
meant to all who knew and loved you! Remembered still.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

March 29, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE, GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSE THAT LOVE YOU.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
February 26, 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 25, 2008

I HAD OCCASION TO WORK VICE ASSN'S WITH HECTOR. I DON'T THINK I EVER MET A MORE UPBEAT FRIENDLY GREAT GUY. WE DIDN'T WORK IN A DAY TO DAY RELATIONSHIP, BUT YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO FOR ONE TO KNOW THIS WAS TRUELY A GREAT GUY. I MISS HIM AND THINK OF HIM OFTEN.
ROBERT E. ANDERSON

patrolman
sapd
December 1, 2007

I really want to thank the Garza family for their self-service and I hopefully will be able to continue to carry such a flag after I graduate from Wayland Baptist...Thanks and God Bless

trevor baker
wayland baptist university student
September 24, 2007

Just read about your tragic death. We lost an officer to similar cirrcumstances a few years ago. Rest in peace sir, and may the lord bless your family.

Sgt Frank Banuelos
LAPD Southwest Division
August 25, 2007

I had the opportunity to meet your wife and two of your children last week. I wanted to tell you thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Stephanie Sikes
survvivor of Dennis Wright Sr EOW 11/17/2006
August 9, 2007

6 years ago your watch ended. Time has not diminished your sacrifice. Thank you for your many
years of service!
Lynn Kole
Washington State

March 29, 2007

You were so close to retirement, I only wish you could have enjoyed some of that time for you deserved it after such a dedicated career to law enforcement. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
March 28, 2007

Hector,
Your kids need you. Be with them in your glory, watch over them while they sleep, they will make you proud, they already have. I'm here for your wife, Gilda. We are bonded through our tragedies,but have become good friends. We will carry each other until you carry us into Heaven.

You will always be missed on the West Side of San Antonio. You have many fans
Love and prayers tonight for your family,
Kimberly Wheeler (widow of SAPD 1093) EOW 10-14-05

Kimberly Wheeler
March 28, 2007

Sometimes you get the bad guy and sometimes he
gets you.
The shot that killed you also killed a part of us.
It killed a part of your family, both at work and at home.
It killed your dreams, your hopes, your future.
But it must not kill our determination to make this
world a better place or our will to make a difference.
America's streets must be running red with blood with
all the deaths of leos. Every time I come here to leave
a reflection, I feel like my words get emptier and emptier. I am truly
sorry for your loss...a loss too great
for words.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

Thank you for your 25 years of service!!!
Lynn Kole
Washington State

February 3, 2007