Officer Down Memorial Page

...another night thinking about you .... I miss you alot & i keep asking myself why did you have to leave??? ...I need you ...we all need you!!!

....i try to let you go & acceppt the fact that things happen for a reason but i cant find any reason

I miss you alot

Anonymous
April 25, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 10th 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.

Your memory will always be honored and revered for time never diminishes respect. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I hold your family in my heart's embrace.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 16, 2012

There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of you. Even though I don’t remember much about you, I always cry myself to sleep. You were like a father to me. The only clear memory that i have was when I was being taught to sleep by myself. I was scared and was crying. It was late at night and I remember you coming home from work and I guess you heard me crying. You came in and I pretended to be asleep. I just know you leaned closer and i hugged you. Thats the only memory I have of being with you... I always ask the Lord to grant me at least one more memory. Sonia always tell me about the stuff you would with me. How i would sit on the steps of your door and wait for you to open. Or how we would watch scary movies and i would hide under the covers. Why can’t i remember this? I never even got to say bye. No one really talks about you, I wish they would.Everytime I go into your room I try to in vision it on how it was before. I miss you a lot. Every time we go visit your grave I can’t help but burst in tears. I try to hold it in but I can’t. I ask myself why you? I needed you and i still do. I’m afraid to open up my feeling about this to anyone & this seems to be the only way i can. I still don’t understand why you had to leave us. I wish you could see Sophi, Eloy, & Miguel. I know im lucky because I got most of your attention. I just wish i could have gotten an extra day of that attention right now. I just wish for another memory. People say that we should let go and let you be free, but I just cant. I miss you alot Eloy.

Anonyms
December 24, 2011

The pain of losing a brother in the field cannot compare to the loss your family has suffered. I'm sorry that you were taken. Rest in peace brother.

SBPA R. Colburn
USBP
August 19, 2010

I miss you terribly.

Esperanza Molina
sister
January 16, 2010

The days continue to turn into months and trickle into years. It has now been 7 years since we last saw your smile and heard your voice. The memory of that day is still fresh in my mind. As unfortunate as that sounds. It still seems like yesterday. Well, you were right Mercedes is growing and oh how I wish you were here to see it. We have an outlet mall and several other small businesses are popping up just like you always said they would. How unbeleivable is that. Faith - you always had faith and though it took 5 years after your departure to happen- It happened. FAITH. A 5 letter word that means so much.

Well the Mercedes Border Patrol Station also grew. They have moved to a larger facility. On April 30, 2009 they will have a Grand Opening one which we were invited to attend. They have a wall with pictures of officers who are no longer on duty. They would like for us to attend to represent you. To represent what they have lost I suppose. We however could never sum up or represent who YOU were for you were so unique. One of a kind!! Nonetheless, I will accompany my parents as this is the least I can do for them and for you. I love you bro. I miss you.

Gordia
Sister
April 19, 2009

Its been a while since you left us, but I know now you're in a better place, with that being said this was not at all how we thought it was supposed to be, but I know that some day we'll see each other and share some of those football cards you gave me, man .... bro your big heart will never be forgotten , the ones that new Eloy up close saw that behind that tuff guy look, was the most gentle person and friend you could ever ask for. God bless you sir and your beloved family. in Christ's love Erick D. ><> ><> ><>

Erick D.
Friend
April 19, 2009

Forgive me for missing the anniversary of your E.O.W., but I felt as though I could not continue to read about so many tragedies. I now realize the visit each day to leave a word of encouragement and hope to the loved ones of others, helps me to remember that I am not alone with my pain and heartbreak. So may I say to your friends and loved ones that my thoughts and prayers are with them now and always. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol and may they know you will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
February 23, 2009

My dearest friend,

It has been almost 17 years since we last saw and spoke to each other and regret that it didn't end in good terms. If I could go back to that day..it would be different. I would fight to keep you in my life instead of walking away. It hurts to think of all I missed out on. Your support, love and friendship. I hope one day, the Lord will give me another opportunity to see you and let you know how much I've truly missed you. Til then, I'll keep you in my heart and in my prayers.

Hernandez Family - I know I will never know the true extent of your loss as he was not my son, brother, or husband but...stay strong in knowing all those who were lucky to have had him in our lives at once point or another will get an opportunity to see him again. We will all be able to see him smile and hug him once more. Til then, stay strong in your believes and in your love for one another. He wouldn't have it any other way!

Much love,

JE

Anonymous
February 4, 2009

I have been looking for Eloy for many years and just found this tonight. We met in August '87, at Primera Iglesia Bautista, when my church youth group from Houston came to Mercedes to do a mission trip. (Our group came down there every year.) Eloy and I became good friends and we continued to write to each other up into our early 20's. He always said he was going to be a Border Patrol Agent. We lost contact in about 1995 and, although I tried, I was never able to find him again. This news really saddens me and I am sincerely sorry for the loss his family has suffered. Eloy was a remarkable individual. He always knew how to make you smile and he truly did care about people. Even after all these years, I thought that I may still find him and let him know that I never quit thinking of him as my friend. To the Hernandez family, I know that you are very proud of you son, brother, husband. Please know that he is looking over each of you, and you will see him again, of this I am sure.

Heather (Upshaw) Leard
old friend
December 28, 2008

These days have been so difficult without you. Looking at damages sustained at our parents' house make me wonder. I wonder if our father would be sitting outside staring into nothing with glassy eyes. I see him and I know he's thinking of how you'd be helping him. I know you'd at least give him words of encouragement. I miss you so much, Eloy. I don't know why things turned out this way. Cloud had a baby girl and I look at her and wonder how you'd be spoiling her right now. My hear aches every time I think of you. I wish you hadn't been the one taking pictures of us everytime we'd get together. I want to see you....hug you...... I can't wait until we meet again....

No hay de otra.
May God grant us the strength to live without you.

Miss and Love You Always

Esperanza Molina
Sister
July 28, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
March 19, 2008

It has been over 6 years now and there is not one day that goes by that I don't think of my brother. The years have been bittersweet with many new memories being created and many thoughts that drift and wonder "what if" Everything would be so different if Eloy were here today. I am a firm beleiver in "everything happens for a reason" but the truth is that this event in our lives hasn't surfaced a reason yet. I am sure that Eloy did not go in vain and his courage and valor are noticed everyday. To all who remember Eloy and carry him in your hearts we thank you. He lives on in our hearts forever.

Gordia
February 27, 2008

It has been over 6 years now and there is not one day that goes by that I don't think of my brother. The years have been bittersweet with many new memories being created and many thoughts that drift and wonder "what if" Everything would be so different if Eloy were here today. I am a firm beleiver in "everything happens for a reason" but the truth is that this event in our lives hasn't surfaced a reason yet. I am sure that Eloy did not go in vain and his courage and valor are noticed everyday. To all who remember Eloy and carry him in your hearts we thank you. He lives on in our hearts forever.

Gordia
February 27, 2008

Six years may have passed but you have not been forgotten. You are a true hero. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
January 16, 2008

Here's to your memory. You were always a great friend.

SPA, Frank Salazar
Border Patrol
January 16, 2008

I still remember the night Eloy made his first big drug bust. He was very proud and the next day he aced his 10-month probation board. By doing that, he had passed the last obstacle to become a full-fledged agent and it was a good day for him. It is terrible when loved ones are taken from us unexpectedly. I pray that the Holy Trinity keeps watch over all border patrol agents, their families, and that Eloy is resting in peace.

Anonymous
December 7, 2007

I would never forget you, since you were a great cosuin, strong man and a role model for me. I would always remember you.

POLICE OFFICER J. FERNANDO MATA
COUSIN
October 29, 2007

I still miss you a lot til this day.

friend
March 14, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 5th anniversary of your end of watch. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol watching over the thin blue line. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
January 16, 2007

January 16th, 2007 marks 5 years

We will gather to remember you at 1:00pm at the Mercedes station.

January 13, 2007

Eloy, you are truly missed. My life has done a complete turn since you were taken from us. Do you take care of my baby that I sent? I have a baby whom I named after you...and he looks so much like you!! It's weird since you and I don't look that much alike. His feet are just like yours! He's a survivor, Eloy. He was born at 29 weeks of pregnancy and was released after 40 days from the hospital. I saw you there, thank you for helping me be strong when my baby needed me the most. You're still protecting us, thank you so much. I love you and miss you.....

Esperanza Hernandez Molina
sister
August 17, 2006

Agent Hernandez, May you always find some comfort in knowing that he IS a TRUE hero. I can tell by the many reflections he still receives that he A man of great honor. God be with you.

OHIO

November 8, 2005

My fiancé, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in SE Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Eloy did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Eloy be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Agent Hernandez's family, friends, and co-workers must have gone through in losing him. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. Please know that my thoughts are with you and that you are not alone in your "journey". Should you ever need anything please do not hesitate to contact me. (Dennis' department will also always know how to reach me.)

As a fallen officer "survivor" and a friend, please accept my condolences on behalf of myself and the McElderry family. I never got the opportunity to know Eloy but, I am certain he was well respected and well loved. Eloy will live on in the hearts of all the lives he touched. You were all blessed to have been able to know and love Eloy, even for a short time. I pray that Eloy will continue to watch over us along with all the other fallen officers all as only they can.

Thank you Agent Hernandez for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiancé Dennis for me.

Wishing you and all those who loved you brighter and better days,

Jocelyne :)

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)
August 28, 2005

Rest in peace brother.

V-28
USBP
January 16, 2005