Officer Down Memorial Page

I have not forgoteen Alvin, you will always live in our hearts and memories. See you on the other side one day brother.

Ofc Alvin Santiago
Chicago Police Dept.
May 23, 2012

Rest in Peace, Detective Perez. Your sacrifice is not forgotten

Officer 11169
April 21, 2012

Alvin my Brother
I spent Jan 17th missing my Mother and you. Both of you left us on that date ten years apart. I attempted to hold back the tears buts failed. You both were a huge part of my life and are missed very much. I know you both are looking over us. Bless you my friend I miss you.

Capt. Joseph Dooley
Arizona State dept.
January 19, 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.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 17, 2012

Dear Alvin
By reading your wifes reflection its hard to believe its been 8 years. Wow I see the kids are getting big. I also see that you are still doing many good things. your children i'm sure they're very proud of you. I miss you now and always Alvin

Lt. Joseph Dooley
Arizona State Dept.
October 27, 2010

This September marks the 8th year H.I.S.L.E.A. will honor Al with awarding a scholorship in his name. The "Alvin Perez Memorial Scholarship" is given to a student persuing a degree in teaching. Al had been hired to teach Criminal Justice classes at Triton College in River Grove, IL. He was to begin a week after his fatal accident.

God knows why Al was given to me for 7 short years, but I will carry him in my heart forever. Our three children, 14 & two 10, are told stories often and reminded of how much of their Papi they carry with them.

Al, I miss you so much, I look forward to the day we are reunited.

Marjorie
Wife
September 13, 2010

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

Alvin,

I just found out about what happened 1 week ago. My heart
hurts still... I remember that you were dedicated to everything you set your mind to. I remember your artistic quality and your sense of humor was the best. You've been heavy on my heart and that's the reason I tried to find you. I've always been so proud of you, even when were 16 and nieve, you made a mark in my heart and I pray that the world knows just how special you were. You said on a picture you mailed me "sailors have more fun", I know the angels smiled the day God brought you home. I will always have love for you. You were the best.. I miss you still

Melody Scalf
Your old friend
February 14, 2009

Dear Alvin,

I can remember the times when our families got together in the summertime thanks to Joe(Oak Park Police). I want to Thank You for your sacrafice.
May GOD Bless You and your family.

Det. Robert Myint
Aurora Police Department
May 16, 2008

Thinking of you ..I thank you so much for helping me with the hard times in my life growing up. You never gave up on me. Thank you Al.

C
Friend
March 11, 2008

Dear Al,

Although 6 years have gone by, you are still remembered. God bless you Al, and your loving family.

MSgt. Milan Bojovic
Bellwood P.D.
February 2, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
January 6, 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
December 29, 2007

The exterior of my home is decorated in all blue lights. One of those lights has been assigned to you to honor your memory and it will be lit every night from now until New Years. You are a true hero.

Bob Gordon
Father of CPD Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
November 27, 2007

You were one of the best examples of a good cop. I always enjoyed my job when you were working for me, always kept me busy because you were always making arrests. You and Rob Hatch were the only two guys I had a hard time keeping up with when we would work the bike detail and now your both together. Maybe we can all ride together again some day. In the meantime, rest my brother, and my best to your family.

Sgt T. Palermo
Bellwood P.D. ret
November 11, 2007

Loving Friend
Time may go bye but you always remain I my mind and in my heart. I will pray for the day our paths meet again.

I miss you brother

Sgt. Joseph Dooley
Arizona State Department
November 10, 2007

DETECTIVE PEREZ, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
November 4, 2007

Although when you passed I was only 7, I remember your bubbly personality. My dad, Robert Hatch would always talk about u. He is now with u n a better place. I kno u all r watching over me. U both r truly missed. ~Kimani Hatch~

Kimani Hatch
October 24, 2007

your missed

October 22, 2007

AL, YOU ARE MISSED AND REMEMBERED. YOU ARE ONE OF THE MOST COLORFUL CHARACTERS I'VE MET ON THE JOB. I KNOW YOU KEEP WATCH OVER THOSE OF US WHO ARE STILL ON PATROL. GOD BLESS YOU.

OFC RON STANFEL
BELLWOOD PD
November 18, 2006

Ever single day I drive on the expressway and pass the traffic crash location that took my brothers' life, I think of the wonderful memories that we (the bellwood police officers) had. I will never forget Pistol Perez.
Thank you for your service and thank you for watching over us.

Officer Beck
Co-worker/Friend
October 30, 2006

DEAR ALVIN,
I CAN REMEMBER THE TIME ONE SUMMER NIGHT WE CHASED TWO ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS ACROSS MANNHEIM RD. AND WE CAUGHT THEM IN A BACK YARD ON FREDERICK ST. SO MANY YEARS AGO. I ALSO REMEMBER WHEN WE WORKED OUT AT THE MAYWOOD GYM AND WE HIT THE WATER HEAVYBAG SO HARD WE MADE WATER SPRAY OUT OF THE HEAVYBAG. THOSE ARE THE MEMORIES AND THOUGHTS THAT I WANT TO REMEMBER. TAKE CARE CARNAL, I'LL SEE YOU DOWN THE ROAD. YOUR FRIEND MARK

LT. MARK KOSEVICH
HILLSIDE POLICE DEPT.
May 19, 2006

TO ALL WHO REMEMBER MY BROTHER THANK YOU. I KNOW NO ONE WILL FORGET WHAT A GREAT OFFICER HE WAS AND AND A GREAT FAMILY MAN. WE ARE ALL PROUD OF JR. AND EVERY DAY HE'S IN OUR MINDS.HIS CHILDREN WILL ALWAYS KNOW THEIR DADDY IS A HERO.
YOUR LITTLE SISTER,
LILY

ILIANA PEREZ
January 21, 2006

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 Alvin did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Alvin be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Detective Perez'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 Alvin but, I am certain he was well respected and well loved. Alvin will live on in the hearts of all the lives he touched. You were all blessed to have been able to know and love Alvin, even for a short time. I pray that Alvin will continue to watch over us along with all the other fallen officers all as only they can.

Thank you Detective Perez 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

To the Family and friends of Alvin,
I knew Alvin when he was a teenager in chicago. He would walk by Essannay "Show-It" on his way to Ann's sandwich shop. We would joke around. I kept telling him to stay in school. He did. We hired Alvin to help Bill in the change-over department. Bill Nevins encouraged Alvin to join the military, which he did. Alvin joined the ranks of the Bellwood Police Department and became a detective.

All the way, he made everybody he touched proud to have known him. I hadn't seen Alvin in a while. Then, while doing traffic control for the Special Olympics' Law Enforcement Torch Run, there he was. Running and pushing a stroller! After the run we reminiced about the old days on Grand avenue. He rememberd me shooting a rocket across the expressway at his apartment on the trhird floor and it landed on the porch! Nice shot! I almost forgot that.

Alvin, you are truly missed. My faith tells me we will meet again. I'll bring the fireworks!

Director Michael F. Muto
Village of Lyons Emergency Services
June 16, 2005