Officer Down Memorial Page

Henry was a great guy and funny as heck. He trained me in 97 and I considered him a friend. We weren't really close, but when we'd run into each other at work it was always a warm reunion full of laughs. What a great guy.

The depth of the faith in Christ Henry and his family have was demonstrated in the strength displayed at his funeral. While his loss is a tragedy, our Lord has used the example of his life for so much good. I am one small person and Henry's faith continues to inspire me to walk close to Jesus and let Him guide me to serve the public by serving God first. Thank you for helping me to keep my focus on the Lord, Henry. May God continually keep your family close and bless them. Miss you bro.

Sgt. Matt Wilson
LVMPD
February 2, 2012

I attended your funeral Sergeant. It was the first one since I became a police officer. The honor and ceremony of the day was emotionally overwhelming and I cried standing in front of the church and through the prcession to the cemetary.

Even through I never met you, know that you showed me what paying the ultimate price is and that I am firm in my beleif in myself in doing the same if needed. I honor you in this small way.

Officer F. Bradley
FMPD Arizona
February 2, 2012

No amount of words can ever help your families sorrow and the ultimate sacrifice that you have made... Our hearts and prayers go out to your family and loved ones.

Joseph Schmitt 3411.. Suzi Owens
LVMPD--RN
February 1, 2012

We will never forget. Thank you for your sacrifice. We continually pray for all officers and their family's everywhere. May beautiful memories of your life fill the hearts of those you love today.

Jonelle H.
Wife-LVMPD
February 1, 2012

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones and close friends. Continue to keep watch over all of them. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
February 1, 2012

5 years have gone by too fast. LVMPD continues to miss you and honor you, Henry

Anonymous
February 2, 2011

I read this story, and wanted to pay respects to Officer Prendes and family. Jeff Jaynes Arizona Highway Patrol near Grand Canyon.

Officer Jeff Jaynes
Arizona Highway Patrol
July 14, 2010

Henry,

In just a few days your baby girl graduates from high school. I can’t believe how fast time flies. She has grown up to be such a lovely young lady. You did a great job raising Kylee and boy would you be so proud of her accomplishments.

God bless

Jackie
friend
May 29, 2010

On the 4th anniversary of Sergeant Prendes' 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. Sergeant Prendes is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department
February 1, 2010

I learned of your story by reading of it in the book "True Blue". My heart goes out to you, your family, and your department. The story of your heroism will live on long after we leave this earth. God bless you for the sacrifices you have made.

SSA Hernandez
NYPD School Safety Division

SSA Hernandez
NYPD
May 18, 2009

Hello Henry. Its been a little over 3 yrs since you God decided to take you home. I just wanted to let you and your family know that i will always remember you..you are like a "big" brother to me..you gave me good advice,always busting jokes,full of life..and you were devoted to your girls,and a great father! i know that we had our differences at times,but i dont think i ever told you that ive always looked up to you as a "big" brother..and you will always be in my heart. when i learned of your passing,my heart just sank to the bottom of the sea...all i could think about was how Bobby would react or do...tears ran down my cheeks,and i wondered how in the world can we live without you?? but i know now that your in God's precious hands,and your resting in peace..and i hope that "Dad" is with you in Heaven as well..if you see him,tell him i said hi.I visit your gravesite every year on the day you passed..and it makes me feel good knowing your final resting place,is WHERE YOU BELONG,IN HEAVEN. I love you big Bro...

gina ozuna
family friend
March 26, 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 19, 2009

I just wanted to say that you, your family and fellow officers are in my thoughts and prayers. Even though we never met, you are family to me and I will miss you. It
is comforting to know that there are Angels like you up there watching over all officers and their families. I, for one feel safer knowing you are watching over us all.
Rest in Peace--YOu will NEVER be forgotten. Heroes Live Forever....

Belinda Chappell, Huntsville, AL
Proud Wife of Officer Mitchell Chappell
February 10, 2009

It's been three years ago today that you were taken from us and are now in the arms of Jesus. I'm sure it's everything you ever imagined.
Today is also Super Bowl Sunday and Dawn had the annual Super Bowl gathering. We all took time to celebrate your life with the video from your "Celebration of Life" from the day of your services. Dawn spoke to everyone there about the importance of having Christ in our lives and how much you loved God. She had a hard time, but she made it through. She made us all proud of how committed she is to keeping your memory alive. Your golf tournament will be March 27th this year to help raise money for "Henry's Place". The camp you dreamed of for underpriviledged kids.

I miss you friend. I miss your unwaivering smile and your immense sense of humor, but mostly your love of people and for the Lord. I know where you are and that gives us all great peace. You are loved.

Lynda
Friend of Henry's
February 1, 2009

Henry,
It has been 3 years that you've been in Heaven with Jesus. I just read the article about Dawn in the Christian Standard. Her faith is remarkable.
Sgt. Prende served proudly and was deeply loved and respected by those who
knew him. It is a tragedy to lose him. We never know when our lives on this
earth will end, but we can make a reservation in Heaven now and assure us a
place when God calls us to Himself. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life
(John 14:6) and He PAID the price for our sins on the Cross so we don't have to pay the penalty for our sins. Yipee! If we accept His payment by faith we can have salvation and spend eternity with Him in Heaven. It is not something we must earn, it is a gift. The most precious one we can ever receive. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith_and this not from yourselves, it is the GIFT of God_not by good deeds, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2: 8,9. For without faith, it is impossible to please God. And our faith must be in God's only Son, Jesus Christ.
You were a credit to the uniform, Henry. My heart goes out to your
loved ones left behind and may the Lord comfort them as only He can. I am
so thankful that you knew and loved our Lord Jesus. See you some fine day.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous
February 1, 2009

Henry today is 3 years of your untimely death. There is not one day I don't think of you and the girls. I promise I will continue to reach out to Brooke and Kylee for the rest of my life as you expected me to. I am here for you and them for ever. Love ya.

Jackie
February 1, 2009

To the family and friends of Sgt. Henry Prendes and his fellow officers in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department:

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to pay honor to Henry's memory on the third anniversary of the day Henry so tragically lost his life. His heroism, valor and bravery will be forever remembered.

May you be continue to be comforted by the support and caring of your law enforcement family, and other police survivors. We grieve for you and with you. Our family lost our beloved Larry Lasater when he was fatally shot in April of 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, so we know the anquish you are still experiencing.

Please know that the brotherhood and sisterhood of law enforcement and police survivors will always be by your side on each step of the journey.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the years of service Henry gave to his community and the citizens of Neveda, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 1, 2006.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05
February 1, 2009

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones and close friends today. Continue to keep watch over all of them. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
February 1, 2009

Henry -

I just learned of your passing today, and it brought tears to my eyes. I have fond memories of us hanging out with the gang in 6th grade at Madison. You were a great friend and a wonderful person. Best wishes to your family. The world is a lesser place without you.

Kristi Carlson
Childhood friend
January 5, 2009

Henry,

There is not one day that goes by that you and your family are not in our thoughts and prayers. I'll never forget that tragic Wednesday when I got the phone call from my husband that you had been killed. Henry, I had never met you and for that I am very sad but you have been a strong part of my life ever since. I left my safe banking job a different person that day. The reality of being the spouse of someone in Law Enforcement became very real to the dangers that you all face, on duty and off. Because we all know that you are really never off duty.

I found this poem (author unknown) that I think really shows what you sacrificed that day. Another day at work for our brave officers can become a life changing day to those left behind. God bless you, Dawn, and the girls. We love you.

In the Simple Performance of Duty

In the simple performance of duty,
he pinned on a badge,
checked his gear with a practiced eye,
and kissed his loved ones good-bye.

In the simple performance of duty,
he reported for work,
joked with his buddies at roll call,
and made his last trip down the squad room hall.

In the simple performance of duty,
he answered the call
to help the helpless, to find the lost,
no matter the danger or how great the cost.

In the simple performance of duty,
he lay down his life,
for those in peril he tried to save,
our brave friend went to his grave.

In the simple performance of duty,
we honor his deed,
as we carry him to rest in a flag-draped casket,
long after the world has forgotten, we shall never forget.
Never judge or regret, what he did, In the simple performance of duty.
Author Unknown

Vicki Tavarez
Proud Wife of Capt. Mark Tavarez

Vicki Tavarez
January 2, 2009

Sir I didn’t know you as much as I wish but you were my nabiour I have been in your old house and I have talked to you I was a friend of your daughters I went to school with them I reamber playing in your RV thing that was on the side of your house when I was in 4th and 5th grade. I’m 17 now I am a LVMPD EXPLORER I still remember you and your family but you guys probably don’t remember me it’s been a while. But I want you to know I will never forget about you and your family I still live on Winter Solstice Ave just a street over from your old house. I went to SOUTHERN NEVADA LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL before it was built and they honored you and other officers I saw your daughters but just for a second so I didn’t get to talk to them.

Sir, I will become an officer and your memory will help me achieve my goal God bless you and your family.

John Squeo Las Vegas Metro Explorer
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Dept.
November 6, 2008

I just learned today of your passing. Shock, disbelief, and sadness do not even begin to describe what I feel. The first time we met was in the 6th grade at Madison; we were in the same homeroom. Over the years of our childhood, our paths crossed with a class here and there from Fremont, to LVHS, and on through to college. You always had a twinkle in your eye, you always had a kind word for everyone,and you were always well liked and respected by your peers. I'm not at all surprised that you were an outstanding officer; because you were always an outstanding person. God Bless you and your family.

Lynn Malone
Childhood Aquaintance

Lynn Malone
Childhood Aquaintance
October 29, 2008

To my friend Henry,
Henry you were a good man and a solid officer. I was saddened the day of your passing.I remeber the days we worked together at Northeast Area Command. You were a hard working officer and fun to be around. Thank you for those memories.I'm glad to know that your relationship with Christ was strong, and you had given yourself to the Lord. Our time on Earth is temporary, but Salvation is eternal. Rest in Peace my friend, in the arms of the Lord.

Thomas A. Carpenter
Las Vegas Metro P.D.
October 14, 2008

I was bragging about you today of what a great training officer you were in 1995. It seems so long ago but your smile is fresh!!!!!! You are missed H.P. and thought about everyday.

OFFICER DOREEN HUNT
Las Vegas Metrolpolitan Police Dept
August 30, 2008

It is obvious from the amount of listings on this page that a mans legacy lives on after his departure. Having known Sgt. Prendes back in high school, this is no suprise to me. Even then, Henry had the ability to make things happen.

God bless Sgt. Prendes and his family.
Brice

Brice Dudley
high school acquaintance
August 25, 2008