Officer Down Memorial Page

Rest in Peace, Deputy Villegas. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
January 19, 2012

Four years have passed since the tragic loss and sadden new of your accident in the line of duty. Even til this day people have heard of your reputation and legacy, constantly asking me whan kind of person your were... words can not describe you.. They had to see it for themselves.. Every so often a few of our friends get together and remember the good times well all shared.. You will forever be missed.

Deputy
Riverside County Sheriff
March 21, 2011

Manny, today is 4 yrs ago that you left this world too soon. Im not sure if it is ironic or cruel that a brother lost his life this morning in our valley due to a accident. 4 years to the day that you had lost yours. Help him out up there in Heaven Manny.

Nancy
March 19, 2011

Hard to believe three years ago you were taken from us as a friend, family member, husband, father and hero. I will never forget the impact you had not only in my life, but in everyone that meet you. Until this day people talk about you and your achievements. People who never even known you stop and ask me about you.. Young deputies who just hear your name from the academy. You left a legacy in this life that will never be taken away from you. You are always missed and will never be forgotten..

Deputy Joshua Manjarrez
RSO / Friend
March 19, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
March 19, 2010

Still thinking about you often, but much more around this time of year. Three years have gone by and we all still feel the same. We miss you very much. Class #167 would not have been the same without you!

Former Deputy R. Witzel
RSO
March 15, 2010

Happy Fathers Day.

Anonymous
June 21, 2009

2 yrs ago today. It doesn't seem possible. You will never be forgotten Manuel. I keep you and your family in my daily prayers.

Kathy

K.Baltierra
Riverside County Sheriff's Dispatch
March 19, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. Keep watch over all of them and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
March 19, 2009

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion
Proverbs 28:1

God bless you and all who mourn you. May God give them the strength to carry on. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.
March 19, 2009

Two Years have gone by and it is still hard to believe that you are no longer with us in person....You will always be in our minds and hearts,, Your work ethic and the permanent stamp you left imprinted on our in this life will always be visible.you and your family are always in our minds. Rest in Peace Brother....See you in paradise...

Deputy Manjarrez
RSO
March 19, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
March 19, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the second 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 who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
March 19, 2009

Manuel just after losing you brother I got the Honor of sitting watch in front of your family's apartment, for two days. I met your son, wife , mother and rest of your family. theyre all great people and could not stop talking about how proud they were of you. Though i never got the chance to meet you, i know your son is the luckiest kid on earth to have a father like you. I know you'll be watching him and your family from above and hope my partners and I can do you justice everyday. allways in our hearts and memeories.

Deputy Sheriff M.Buelna #3962
Riverside County Sheriff/Moreno Valley
November 12, 2008

im honored to wear the same patches on my uniform. I did not know you, but you are still my brother. RIP

RSO
RSO / Corrections
May 28, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
April 30, 2008

A year ago today we lost a friend, partner, and hero. Villegas the legacy you left will never be forgotten.

Deputy Manjarrez
RSI/Friend
March 19, 2008

rip god's speed, merry christmas, fontana california resident

December 24, 2007

"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
November 12, 2007

Everyone else has already said what a great guy Manny was, and I really don't know what else to say. They are all right, he was amazing. The man was an athlete, a motivator, and an inspiration to all. He may have died a while serving his community, but he will always live as a hero in my heart. I had the pleasure of completing the academy with Manny, and in a few short months I realized what a truly great person he was. He stood out amongst us all, but he was always humble and willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

Integrity, Knowledge, Courage, Ohh Rah

Anonynous
October 23, 2007

I've met some of your academy comrades and they all spoke very highly of you. Thank you for your service to your country and your county...10-7 in heaven.

Deputy Sonny Cortez
RSO / Jurupa Valley Station
October 1, 2007

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Deputy Villegas, especially to his wife. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Manuel, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Manuel's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Manuel's life was about so much more than the way he died. Manuel will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Deputy Villegas, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been four years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)
September 19, 2007

Happy Birthday villegas!

Deputy Manjarrez
Riverside County Sheriff
June 26, 2007

KEEP HEAVEN SAFE FOR THE REST OF US. WE WILL ALL MEET FOR BRIEFING AT THE GREATEST STATION OF THEM ALL. REST IN PEACE

DEPUTY RAMON ESCAMILLA
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF/INDUSTRY STATION
May 23, 2007

Estimada Xochilt, me llamo Terry, y como tu tambien perdi a mi esposo en el cumplimiento de policia, me encantaria que me contactaras, somos una familia muy grande de policias y sobrevivientes.

Por favor, si puedo hacer algo por ti no lo pienses y llama.

Cuidate, y que Dios te Bendiga

Terry Miyares, surviving spouse
Officer Emilio Miyares, Hialeah PD. Fl 11/6/86
May 17, 2007