Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Jose Oscar Rodriguez-Reyes

United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police Services, U.S. Government

End of Watch Wednesday, April 24, 2002

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Jose Oscar Rodriguez-Reyes

RIP sir.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

August 11, 2023

Officer Rodriguez-Reyes,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but also when you served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 24, 2022

I can’t believe Jose Oscar is gone. I met him in Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico. Was a good friend. Even thou is almost 18 years later I fill so touch. I didn’t know, just found out.

Rev. Dr. Luz E Maldonado
I’m a pastor

September 13, 2020

Father love you ❤

Christian Rodriguez
Hijo

November 18, 2019

Descansa en paz. Rest in peace.

Lieutenant Raymond Flores
NYPD (retired)

April 24, 2019

Right above the seal of the US Department of Veterans Affairs in this picture is he, my Blue Blood Brother now in Heaven Jose O. Rodriguez Reyes!

April 24th 2019@ 1950 hrs, marks the 18th anniversary of the death of P.O. Jose O. Rodriguez Reyes, a VA Police Officer the first Federal Law Enforcement Officer shot and killed in the line of duty in The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, shot at the San Juan VA Medical Center. My Blue Blood Brother, who the very same day was observed reading Holy Scripture at 1600 hrs in a desk at the main lobby!! We were the best of friends, joined in prayer circles, shared lunch and dinner, and old war stories from the Puerto Rico State Police. You my brother will never be forgotten!!!

Jose O. Rodriguez was a people person always going above and beyond for veterans, employees, and the general public, a man who survived Vietnam, left the PR State Police due to the amount of ambushes of fellow SPD officers, was a country boy from the mountains of Canovanas, Puerto Rico!!

"The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, 'The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!'
The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD.


Lamentations 3:22-26; 31-32
For the Lord does not abandon anyone forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion according to the greatness of his unfailing love."

Héctor L Guzmán Rivera (VAPD Retired)
US Department of Veterans Affairs PD

April 22, 2019

Officer Rodruguez, your 18 years of service was not enough. I wish we could have kept you at your post for all the years until you retired. God Bless you for your dedicated service and may your eternal rest be ever peaceful.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

April 24, 2018

It is Ironic that today as we celebrate Police Week it will be me who makes the Invocation, and as I reflect on Officer Rodriguez's life I feel very honored and humble to be the one who will pay the respects not only to his legacy but to all those whom we've lost in the line of duty. Long live Officer Rodriguez, your fellow Officers here in San Juan and all over the Country will never forget you.

POLICE OFFICER
VA POLICE DEPARTMENT

May 12, 2014

Even though we never met, I have always heard great things about you from mom. It truly is an honor to be on here and read all the thoughtful notes people have placed. I wish we had a chance to meet, and I know your watching now.

Luis

March 26, 2014

April 24th 2012 @ 1950 hrs, marks the 10th anniversary of the death of P.O. Jose O. Rodriguez Reyes, a VA Police Officer the first Federal Law Enforcement Officer shot and killed in the line of duty in Puerto Rico, shot at the San Juan VA Medical Center. My brother in Christ, who the very same day was observed reading the Holy Word at 1600 hrs in a desk at the main lobby!! We were the best of friends, brothers in Christ who joined in prayer circles, shared lunch and dinner, and old war stories from the Puerto Rico State Police. You my brother will never be forgotten!!!
Jose O. Rodriguez was a people person always going above and beyond for veterans, employees, and the general public, a man who survived Vietnam, left the PR State Police due to the amount of ambushes of fellow SPD officers, was a country boy from the mountains of Canovanas, Puerto Rico!!
"The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, 'The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!'
The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD.
For the Lord does not abandon anyone forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion according to the greatness of his unfailing love."
Lamentations 3:22-26; 31-32
May the Lord grant strength and eternal comfort to Nancy and her 6 kids!!!!!
Hector L Guzman Rivera

PO Hector L Guzman Rivera
US Department of Veterans Affairs Police Gainesville Fl

April 24, 2012

As a vet I see a lot of the VA cop's I have always viewed them as our protectors. Watching over us. The senseless murder over what his gov issued sidearm. RIP Ofc

Michael Wienkoop
OIF Vet

September 28, 2011

Officer Rodriguez-Reyes, today marks the 7th anniversary of your senseless murder at the hand of two filthy thugs. You served your country on U.S. soil by helping to protect those who served their country all over the world. These brave men and women who use the services of V.A. hospitals as well as those who provide those services need protection and you did so valiantly. You are a hero.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Hermano.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

April 24, 2009

Thinking of your loved ones today and everyday. I know the daily struggles they face without you and the terrible pain within their hearts. God, wrap your loving arms around them and help them with their grief and let them feel your presence.
Your sacrifice has not been forgotten.

Brenda Lucas
Mother of Chief Anthony D. Lucas, EOW 2-4-2005

April 24, 2009

Jose,

I had just read what Hector had said, we talk about you you know, and typed his name on your message. You are not forgotten.... you did so much, gave so much. Rest in peace brother, we WILL take it from here.

PO Heckman-Sauer
Dept of Veterans Affairs

April 12, 2009

Hector, it has been seven years since you gave your life, and you are remembered today as if it was yesterday. Your death brought changes to your family, your friends and the department, even your state. Your service to your country, your department, your veterans, will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace brother, we'll carry on from here.

PO BJ Heckman-Sauer
Dept of Veterans Affairs

April 12, 2009

Years may go by but you will never be forgotten, you made awsome possible contributions to the San Juan VA Medical Center and consequently the US Department of Veterans Affairs, but not only there you were also known as an awsome State Police Officer in our Commonwealth of Puerto Rico State Police.

Today on the books in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is a Peace Officer Amendment signed on the second anniversity of your sacrifice where federal officers as we are finally considered "Peace Officers" by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico! Your legacy lives on my brother!!!!!

PO Hector L Guzman Rivera
Coatesville VAMC Pennsylvania

August 8, 2008

Officer Rodriguez-Reyes,
On today, the 6th anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

April 24, 2008

It has been six years since the end of your watch and you are not forgotten. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

April 24, 2008

Hero's are never forgotten! Continue to rest in peace brother.

Police Officer - Paul Bodenhamer
Dept of Veterans Affairs

April 10, 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 31, 2008

Ofcr. Reyes, thank you for your service! Rest in Peace. I hope your friends, family and co-workers never forget your courage and honor your memory!

M. Bondi
Former USVAPD #2326

September 28, 2007

I WAS STATION IS VA SAN JUAN PUERETO RICO, FROM OCT 2003 TO OCT 2006, DURING MY WATCH ALL CO-WORKER IN SAN JUAN JUST SAID HOW GOOD FRIEND OFFICER RODRIGUEZ WAS. EL OFICIAL RODRIGUEZ TOCO A MUCHAS PERSONAS EN EL HOSPITAL DE VETERANOS EN SAN JUAN Y A TODOS SUS COMPANEROS. AL DIA DE HOY TODAVIA SE HABLA DEL CONPANERO RODRIGUEZ. QUE DESCANSE EN PAZ Y EL SENOR LO TENGA EN SU GLORIA.
/V/R OFFICER GIRAUD #3715

POLICE OFFICER GIRAUD
VA POLICE

July 30, 2007

We honor you for you bravery and dedication. You will be truly missed by all of us. We are one big family and when one of ours falls, a peice of all of us goes with him. You will always be in our thoughs and look forward to seeing you again when we all come home. Rest in Peace my brother.

Sergeant R.L. Thompson
USVAPD

April 25, 2007

Always remembered by your brothers from Boston.

Michael Giannetti
VA Police, Boston, Mass

February 3, 2007

You discharged your duties for eighteen (18) years and gained the admiration and respect of all those you served with. You will always be remembered as an Officer who paid the supreme sacrifice. You brought great credit to your family the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and upheld the highest traditions of the Law Enforcement profession. God Bless you and your family.

Retired Police Chief
U.S. Dept. Veterans Affairs Police

December 31, 2006

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.