Officer Down Memorial Page

I remember the incident as your academy classmate and I responded from another part of the city during rain and very slick roads. The best thing I could remember from that night was how you were described by your classmate, Arturo Vargas. He told me how you lived your life as a great person and true friend. How funny and sincere you were always in your academy and how close the entire class as a whole. I hope you will watch over the rest of us until we meet you again.

Chief Patrick Gandara
Arnett Police Department, Oklahoma
February 16, 2012

Its been six years and it feels like yesterday when I got the news. Everyday since I have been trying to be a better person and a better officer because of you. Thanks and we miss you.

Officer M.Collaso
El Paso Police
September 25, 2010

On the 4th anniversary of Officer Barcena's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Officer Barcena is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department
September 25, 2008

Rest in peace buddy. You are gone but not forgotten. I am sure your memory will live on forever in the hearts and minds of El Paso's Finest. Never forget...

Sergeant Chris DiToro
NYPD
September 25, 2008

To Officer Angel Andrew Barcena and his loved ones:

On this the fourth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

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, Officer David Barcena. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Officer Barcena gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 25, 2004.

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

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05
September 25, 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 6, 2008

~~~~Never forgotten~~~~ God Bless your family & friends.

September 25, 2007

May officer Barcena rest in peace. Today is the 3rd anniversary that he gave the ultimate sacrifice. Although, I did not know him personally, I have the highest respect for him because of his brave actions 3 years ago.

Police Officer
El Paso, Texas Police Department
September 25, 2007

Today is the Anniversary of your Death, though your time on this earth ended on September 25, 2004 your memory lives on forever. Know that we your Brothers and Sisters in Blue continue the fight.

Sister in Blue
El Paso Police Department
September 25, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 3rd anniversary of your EOW. There has not been a day over the past 3 years that they have not thought about you. You will be in their thoughts when they wake each morning as their first thought of the day and you are the last thought when they drift off to sleep at night. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and heroes never die.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gorodn, EOW: 8/8/04
September 25, 2007

~~~When Tomorrow Starts Without Me~~~

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see; If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today, while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say. I know how much you love me, as much as I love you, and each time you think of me I know you'll miss me too; But when tomorrow starts without me, try to understand, that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand, and said my place was ready in Heaven far above, and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye, for all my life, I'd always thought I didn't want to die. I had so much to live for and so much yet to do, it seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad, I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday, I thought, just for a while, I'd say good-bye and kiss you and maybe see you smile. But then I fully realized that this could never be, for emptiness and memories would take the place of me. And when I thought of worldly things I'd miss come tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow. But when I walked through Heaven's gates, I felt so much at home. When God looked down and smiled at me, From His great golden throne, He said, "This is eternity and all I've promised you. Today for life on earth is past but here it starts anew. I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last, and since each day's the same day, there's no longing for the past. But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true. Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do. But you have been forgiven and now at last you're free, so won't you take my hand and share my life with me?" So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right there in your heart.

daughter of an officer
September 20, 2007

Andrew

My dear sweet and special Andrew who was always there to lend a helping hand or helping ear. I will always hold a special place in my heart for you. You will never be forgotten. You are my hero. Thank You!

Beate Burdett
Friend
April 24, 2007

Dearest "little brother"
When you died, it was the first time most people, even those close to us, realized that you were my cousin, rather than my brother. This Christmas is the second Christmas without you, and it has been especially difficult for me and for all of us. It is Christmas Eve, and I am too emotional to travel to face anyone, and so I thought it best to write a reflection.
My dearest Andrew, please know that after your untimely death, your Aunt Yolie and Uncle Richie have taken special care of your father, who was the most important person in your life.
God bless you Andrew and I hope that you will save a place in Heaven for me. I miss you so much.
Cousin Richie

Richard Barraza Jr
Cousin
December 24, 2006

Angel, a day doesn't go by where I don't pray for Kumi and your family. I miss you friend. I wish you were still around to call and email me, but there is silence. I am blessed with all our cherished memories of our wonderful friendship and left with a void of future high school and UTEP reunions. Angel, you were one of the best friends I ever had and no once could ever replace you. I miss you.

Carol Barraza-Hilliard
Good Buddy
November 20, 2006

The Final Inspection

The Police Officer stood and faced God,
Whose time shall always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you policeman,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
So if you don't, I'll understand."

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the police officer waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

~Author Unknown~

SGT *WSRC
El Paso Police Department
October 3, 2006

Andrew we will never forget you. I am honored to have been your classmate. My condolences and prayers go out to your family.

Officer D. Esparza
EPPD/CLASSMATE
September 30, 2006

Dearest Buddy Andrew,
I can still remeber the first day I saw you on our first day of class sitting right in front of me. Me being the biggest and you the smallest of all. Though it didn't take me 30 minutes into the class to know your name and the kind of heart you had. I can still picture you turning around to me before every exam and telling me with your tiny right thumb up" Don't worry buddy your going to be fine, I beleive in you", you knowing how I struggled with exams and truly giving me confidence. I will never forget the day that I crashed into you caring the dummies on our shoulders during PT and sending you flying about 10 yards but you with your big heart and strength popped right up , a little dazed, and told me that was a good football hit. Brother, I want to thank you for giving me the strength and will to finish the academy, but foremost I want to thankyou for letting our friendship get so close as if we were brothers. I have you in my heart and thoughts every second that goes by. I proudly wear your blue bracelet with your name on my right wrist and will always till the day I retire. Thankyou for all the memories because you made those six months of my life that we spent together the most charitable. I know your looking down on us brothers every day and I can't wait till we meet again. Thankyou for being that special friend everybody needs and I am honored to have shared my life with you for six months. May god bless you and may your name live on forever. I miss you Buddy and I love you!!!!! 104th Police Academy!!!

M.Gomez #2410 E.P.P.D Classamate 104th
E.P.P.D.
September 26, 2006

"Blessed are the Peacekeepers, for they shall be called the children of GOD."

Rest in Peace Angel and forever watch over us until we all meet again in the Kingdon of the Lord.

Patrol Officer
El Paso Police Department
September 26, 2006

The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God (Eileen Elias Freeman). Officer Barcena though I know your death was tragic, I take comfort knowing you are rejoicing in the kingdom of Heaven receiving your just reward and watching over all of us who are left to protect and serve. May God keep you at peace for all eternity.

Sister in Blue
E.P.P.D
September 26, 2006

OFFICER BARCENA
THANK YOU FOR ''PAYING THE ULTIMATE''PRICE.YOU SACRIFICED YOUR LIVE FOR THE PROTECTION OF OTHERS.I AM THE MOTHER OF A POLICE OFFICER.I CONSIDER EACH AND EVERY POLICEMEN AN ''ANGEL IN BLUE''.I ADMIRE AND RESPECT EVERY SINGLE OFFICER, AND NITELY PRAY FOR THEIR SAFETY.
OFFICER BARCENA ''THANK YOU''MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY WITH FAITH, AND STRENGH.
YOU ''OFFICER BARCENA''ARE A TRUE HERO...AND AN ANGEL IN BLUE...THANK YOU.
IRENR CAMPOS

IRENE CAMPOS
MOTHER OF A POLICEMAN
September 26, 2006

Resst in peace Angel.

B. Mitchell #2017
EPPD
September 26, 2006

I remember your first day at the WSRCC. You and your classmates walking through the station during your orientation made many of us "veterans" smile. We weren't smiling so much at the antics of the "rooks" with so much to learn as we were remembering our own first, timid steps at our own first assignments. You seemed so eager and ready to go out and help someone, anyone. We will always remember you and your true belief in the fact that one officer can make a difference.
I can still feel your presence, brother. I know you are still making a difference, always.

Police Sergeant
EPPD
September 25, 2006

Andrew,

You will never be forgotten. Thank you for serving our community. Even though it was short lived you did make a difference on my life as well as other police officers. I did not personally know you but you were part of the family of the EL Paso Police Department.

You will never be forgotten Andrew and will always been in our hearts and minds.

We know you are still serving as a police officer but just in another place by keeping the peace in heaven.

THank You Andrew

Officer D. Zamora #2170

Patrol Officer Danny Zamora
EPPD
September 25, 2006

On the second anniversary of Officer Barcena's death our class spoke of and remembered him today. May God bless you Officer Barcena as you and the Lord watch over us.

108th Academy class
El Paso, Texas Police Academy
September 25, 2006

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 2nd anniversary of your end of watch. I know the many broken hearts that have been left behind and the daily struggle they live to get through each day. All any of us can do is take one day at a time. I only wish you could have had more time to pursue your dream of being a police officer. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten. Keep watch over your loved ones and protect them from harm, also those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father
September 25, 2006