Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Aguilar,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Santa Ana. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 30, 2023

Thank you for your service and please know that sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

June 30, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 20th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

June 30, 2018

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 4, 2015

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones today as they face another anniversary date of you being called away. You will never be forgotten by those that love you. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones.

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

June 30, 2012

Sgt. John (Compa) Aguilar is and was my best friend. On June 30, 1998, we lost John due to a “job related illness” because of working in the field of narcotics (Meth labs). He served his community to its fullest and he loved his family dearly.

Several years ago, I was honored to attend his induction into the Fallen Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. Due to the tireless effort of several respected Law Enforcement Officers (friends), on May 6, 2012, Sgt. John Alfred Aguilar will be inducted into the California Peace Officer’s Memorial in Sacramento, California.

I just wanted to let those know that John was respected and loved by many. He was taken too soon but the Lord Our Savior needed his services elsewhere. John, it will be an Honor to once again be with your family and friends, to pay tribute and to represent your name in your honor.

I wanted all to know that YOU impacted those around you. Because of your leadership and dedication to law enforcement and for those to strive for an education, your wife Teri, has carried your wishes to its fullest. Your daughters, son in-laws and your grandchildren have rallied around you. You would have been proud as to their success and your growing family. They have carried your name with respect and strive for the best through education and good living. Compa John, we all miss you, Q-VO!

Investigator Louie Martinez III
Orange County District Attorney, Best Friend

January 27, 2012

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Aguilar. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 22, 2012

I didn't know Sgt. John Aguilar, but heard of him from his daughter who I went to Santiago Canyon College to study Spanish. When I found out about his passing, I decided I needed to pay my respects, and seeing how many attended his service, he earned alot of peoples respect as well. I wish I could have met Sgt. Aguilar, but welcome the chance I may have to meet someone who knew him someday.

Respectfully
P. Brazi
former Maywood PD Reserve Officer

Pete Brazi
Former Maywood PD Reserve

August 30, 2011

Today is my uncle's eleven-year anniversary and it seems like yesterday that he passed away. I'm sure he's looking down at all his family and is very proud of all of his girls and enjoying the growth of his family with all his new grandchildren. My uncle is forever loved and forever missed!!! Love you Uncle Johnny!!!

Andrea Aguilar
Niece

June 30, 2009

"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 6, 2007

Sgt. Aguilar may you rest in peace always.
Goldenwest Academy #117
N.A.R.T.A #14

Officer B. Campbell #600
Cottonwood PD AZ

November 22, 2007

Sgt. Aguilar it was a pleasure and honor to have worked with you. Rest in Peace may God bless your family and put peace in thier hearts.

Police Officer Daniel Masip
Santa Ana Police Dept.

October 20, 2007

John was a cop's cop. The best. Loved his family, his job, and life. I miss him. I often see places where John and I worked together as partners. It now brings a smile to me knowing I was lucky to have been his partner and friend.
I'll always miss ya Johnny!!!!

John Kenney / Retired SAC
California Department of Justice

July 24, 2007

To Sgt. John Aquilar, his loved ones, and his fellow officers:

On this the eighth anniversary day of your tragic death, please know that you are remembered and honored today.

Reading the reflections left for you lets me know how well-loved and well-respected you are, and how dearly you are missed.

I share the agony of your loved ones as I lost my beloved youngest son when he was murdered during a foot pursuit of two robbers on April 23, 2005. I am awed by your courage and dedication, and your death serves as a reminder that law enforcement officers face many dangers as they perform their job to protect and serve.

John, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Sgt. Aquilar. Your memory is honored and revered today and everyday.

This respect is sent with the utmpost respect for the service John gave to his country and to his community as a police officer, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on June 30, 1998.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

July 1, 2006

Rest in Peace Sgt Aquilar.May Our Lord continue to comfort and strengthen your loved ones, friends and brother and sister officers.

June 30, 2006

Today is June 30,2006, eight years since you left us. I just happened upon John's page as I checked the officers killed on June 30th. I worked with John at Orange PD before he transfered to Santa Ana. Just wanted everyone to know that he was a great person who you always could depend on.....God bless him and his family.

June 30, 2006

Thank You Sgt. Aguilar For Your Years Of Service May The Lord Lead Your Family, Friends, And Specially You Sir. Rest In Peace

A Citizen

June 12, 2006

I was a police explorer with the Santa Ana Police Department in the early 1980's. I would like to express my condolences and respect to Sgt. Aguilar and his family, as well as his fellow officers. It always saddens me to hear about stories such as this. Thank you to all of law enforcement in Santa Ana, as well as the rest of our United States for the enormous sacrifices you continue to make daily. God bless each and every one of you. Debbie Judd, Buffalo, New York

Deborah LaVilla-Judd, citizen

November 18, 2004

It's because of Officers like you that has made Santa Ana a safer place to live in!

You are what they call "A Hero".

Anonymous

February 28, 2004

I will remember this fine officer in my prayers . I visited Santa Ana in 2000 and was very impressed by the officers there . May he rest in peace .

Garda Kenneth Harrington
An Garda Siochana , Ireland

February 25, 2004

I am saddened to learn of the death of SGT Aguilar. I didn't know him but I know the sacrifices made by those who work undercover. I worked several years for the MD State Police and was forced to retire after chemical burns to my lungs. I was lucky! No one truly understands that there are many hazards to the Law Enforcement Officer beside being shot. I will keep John in my prayers and I pray for his family and friends that they too will find peace. I am enclosing a copy of a poem that I wrote when a friend of mine was killed on duty. GOD BLESS.

UNDERCOVER
No crisp uniform of honor did he wear
Nor golden badge of glory did his chest bear
Only troubling thoughts of money, guns and drugs
Fighting back the tears as he collected his nightly hugs

In this secret life he chose, he clearly was the best
But his uneasy path was much different then the rest
He knelt in prayer with his family at night
Before he quietly went out to carry on his fight

They kept a scrapbook of his many feats
But his true worth is not captured on these sheets
He knew that he was a soldier in a losing war
And his return to those who love him was unsure

His futile fight to save a city block by block
Resulted one night in that tragic knock
His friends sadly called upon his loving wife
With a tearful message of how he lost his life

One last time his brothers gave him praise
But only half way up Old Glory did they raise
And in the end the bugler played his solemn tune
With prayers that his soul will enter soon

Cpl. Robert R. Heuisler
Maryland State Police (RET)

February 23, 2004

Rest in peace, Sergeant Aguilar. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends, and co-workers at the Santa Ana Police Department.

Phil & Joan Allen, Retired
Michigan State Police

February 20, 2004

Sergeant Aguilar,

Your reward for years of selflessness and bravery was tragedy, yet I imagine you knew the risks. Hence, there is no alternative definition for you- only HERO.

Rest in peace.

Deputy Ross Mueske
U.S. Marshals Service

February 18, 2004