Officer Down Memorial Page

Hi Baby,
I think about you every day and miss you more and more, I will be walking in Downtown Phx tomorrow with Tom & Kathy to honor you and and your service to the Phoenix Police Department as well as all the men and women in Law enforcement at the annual Memorial walk 05-19-12, continue to watch over us as we continue on our journey until we meet again, I LOVE and MISS you so much XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Ellen Cortez
MOM
May 18, 2012

I've been thinking about you all day Georgie as I was looking at pictures of your Tio Danny's son, your baby cousin, Nicolas George. Even though my brother's son carries your name, you will always be the one and only Georgie in our lives. Justice was served mijo but you are still gone and the only way we go on without your presence is knowing you are in a beautiful place. Your boys are beautiful just as you are. As we ring in another year without you, I close my eyes and remember hearing you say probably the only Spanish word you knew how to say....Tia...and it brings a smile to my face, love you mijo.
Tia

Sara Cortez-Navarro
December 30, 2011

George,

I came to your squad a couple months after you left. The squad misses you.

Your memory lives on and justice has been served.

83F
Phoenix P.D.
November 5, 2011

Happy Birthday George!

Your father-in-law,

Capt. Tom Tyo
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (Retired)
October 26, 2011

George,
Yesterday we honored the 4th anniversay of your passing by going out to Fajita's with Tiff and the boys. We miss you very much as do many others. The boys are getting big and talk about you all the time. Football will be starting soon and Koltan is very excited. You keep watching over us from up there and we will keep taking care of things here. Until we meet again, goodbye for now!

Your father-in-law

Captain Tom Tyo
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (Retired)
July 28, 2011

In 16 days It will be four years since your EOW 7/27/2007. George the reason why I write to you today is because I was on my computer listening to the media player and a song came up and reminded me of you. Every day I get reports of an officer getting injured or killed in the line of duty and I thank ODMP for creating a space to where people like you who give there all to their community can be remembered regardless of any factor. So many things have changed in the department since you have left including our former chief Harris who has left.

It's men and women like you who risk the ultimate sacrafice every single day the come on duty. Once we strap on that vest, put on our uniform, and hook up our duty belt we stroll out to our patrol vehicles in hopes that our presence will deter those who commit criminal acts. Why must the innocent die? I ask myself that every single day of my life but in the end I know that you are still with us watching over your children, your wife and extended family and friends but it hurts to see that you can't be here to still end up making a difference in our community.


10-7 8232 You Will Be Greatly Missed Don't worry I'm going to your memorial service so I will say hello to your wife and kids for you george. Just continue to watch over us. Love Cortez

Sergeant Jermaine L Cortez
United States Marine Corps
July 12, 2011

Four of my birthday's have passed and there isn't a single day where I forget the ultimate sacrafice you made to keep my community safer. I joined the corps to provide a service to my country and everytime I see that phoenix bird it reminds me off all the officers killed in the line of duty since 2004. 8232 we all miss you very much and you will never be forgotten for you are an angel among all the other officers and goverment personell lost to service as a result of negative actions. 10-7 Goodnight Sir you will be deeply missed

Gunnery Sergeant Jermaine L Cortez
United States Marine Corps
February 18, 2011

George,
Edward Rose has been sentenced to death for taking you from us. We miss you very much and only wish that you could now come back, but we know that will never happen. You had many fine friends and officers in the court last Tuesday when the verdict was read. The boys are doing fine and Tiffany is doing a fine job raising them. You must be so proud watching them play football, they love it especially Koltan and even Gunner is coming around!Everyone misses you so, we know you are in a better place, we will meet again. Rest in peace now, keep things in order there and watch over us here.

Take care and we'll stay in touch!

Your father-in-law

Captain Tom Tyo
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (Retired)
October 25, 2010

On 10-19-2010 I sat with your wife, children, mother, and in-laws in a courtroom filled with lots of people who loved you. On that day we watched as the jury handed down their verdict of "death penalty" to Edward Rose. I saw no remorse on his face, no sense of guilt. I saw a lawyer who is a poor excuse for defending the law and the people stand beside him. I saw tears and smiles and a sense of winning for some who sat there. It was a relief that the jury agreed that this person did not deserve to live. All the good times came back to me. The fun we had in intake. The laughs that you gave us. The smiles that you put on our faces. I have begun to get to know Tiffany farely well over these last 3 years of hell she has been put thru. Your children are beautiful and they continue to grow daily. Your father-in-law and I talk often and I am so grateful to them that they allowed me to be part of that day in court with them. The tears flowed over and over as the judge handed down the sentence to Edward Rose. I miss you a lot and cannot believe you left this Earth so soon. I will continue to check in on your wife and kids as everyone else will do as well. We have her back here. Please continue to be our silent partner there, please help all of us go home safely at night. I know we will meet again, one day we will have that laugh again. Until then may you sit by HIS side and watchover us. Thank you George for being my friend. Thank you George for making the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you George for your service to our community. You are missed and loved by all! Until that day, JJ

Officer/Investigator Jenny Jenkins
MCSO/FRIEND
October 24, 2010

Was reading news and came across your story due to the guilty verdict of your killer. I am glad to hear justice is served. Nothing will bring you back, but your memory will live forever. My prayers are with your family and coworkers left behind.

Police Officer
San Antonio PD
October 19, 2010

Although we never knew one another I'll never forget your funeral and memorial service. When your tour of duty ended on earth you and I were the same age, both Police Officers for the same amount of time and had previously served as county Corrections Officers for the same amount of time. I'll never forget how I kept thinking I could have been you that day. Little did I know that almost four months later to the day I would be in a fight for my life. I truly believe you helped me that night defeat the same evil you had faced.

Today justice was handed down to your killer. Rest easy now my brother.

Officer D. Dreher #48363
Tucson Police Department
October 19, 2010

Today justice was served and a cop killer is sentenced to death. God speed Officer Cortez. Rest in peace brother.

Anonymous
October 19, 2010

God Bless Ofc. Cortez's family, friends and Dept. You will never be forgotten!

Retired Sgt.
City of Miami PD Fla.
October 19, 2010

George,
It was 3 years ago today that you were taken from us. The boys, Tiffany and your mom miss you very much as do we all. Justice will be served, but that will not bring you back. You will always live in our hearts and minds.

Until we meet again.

Your father-in-law

Captain Tom Tyo (Retired)
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
July 27, 2010

Three years ago today brother...we will not forget. Rest easy George, we have the Watch

Ofc.V.Cole
Phoenix PD, Brother in Blue
July 27, 2010

Wow George it has been almost 3 years now. I cannot believe it! you are still very much missed and loved. Tiff has done such a great job helping us to all never forget! What a strong woman you married. I miss you and miss the funny jokes and pranks you would pull at MCSO! You are missed greatly!

Officer Jenny Jenkins A8092
MCSO/Friend
July 4, 2010

George. We never met. I had the pleasure of meeting your wife on a couple of occasions and she always spoke highly of you.. 1 down 1 to go. Go easy brother.

RJ
MCSO Deputy
May 27, 2010

George,
You must be so proud of your boys just finishing their first season of tackle football. Koltan was awesome and was named MVD of his team, the Young Guns! Gunner also was out there giving it his all, but at only 5, he has a little more growing to do, but he will be tenacious when he comes around! It was fun to watch Koltan taking care of him, lining him up in the hole where he was suppose to play! Take care buddy, say hi to all those who are with you. We love you and miss you very much, you will never be forgotten!

Your father-in-law

Capt. Tom Tyo (Ret)
Maricopa COunty Sheriff's Office
May 25, 2010

Norma Lopez, one of the defendents in Officer George Cotez's murder was finally sentenced today, she plead guilty to 2nd degree murder with a range of 16-22 years in prison. Judge McMurdie handed her the maximum of 22 years for involvement. The actual gunman Edward Rose will be tried for 1st degree murder June 07,2010, justice is finally being served. Love & miss you baby...XOXOXOXOXO

Mother
April 10, 2010

My Baby,
I miss you so much my heart aches, you are in my every thought and all my prayers...we finally go to court tomorrow for sentecing for the girl involved, Judge McMurdie could give her 16-22 years, no amount of time will ever be enough for her to pay for what she did to you. You will be forever missed, all my love sweetie.
Love Mom...XOXO

ELLEN CORTEZ
MOM
April 8, 2010

I was thinking about you today. You're not forgotten.

Officer
Phoenix PD
February 11, 2010

Happy Birthday George!

We miss you very much.

Capt. Tom Tyo (Ret)
Maricopa COunty Sheriff's Office
October 26, 2009

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Cortez and we honor his distinguished service to the cause of justice and peace. Sadly, our nation has lost one of its finest citizens, a community has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage who they will love and respect forever.

To the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Cortez, I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to move on. Just as you were always with him when he walked the beat or patrolled the streets, know that he will always be with you - wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Cortez is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family, and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Special Agent
FBI New York City
July 25, 2009

George,
We are coming up on the 2nd anniversary of your leaving us. There will be a memorial service in your honor on Monday, July 27th at 6:30 at Resthaven Cemetary, your final resting place. Tiffany will not let the boys forget you and what you stood for, we are all proud! All friends, officers, deputies, and detention officers are invited to share in this memorial.

Capt. Tom Tyo (Ret.)
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
July 8, 2009

Hello George this is your old friend stopping by to wish your family and you a happy fourth of July. Its almost been two years since you been gone and I still can't believe that happened to you. I'm following the court dates set for the suspects involved in your murder. I was celebrating two birthdays when I got that terrible call telling me to come to the hospital. Pretty soon I will join the PPD you are a true hero brother and you will be forever missed.

Jermaine Cortez
United States Army
July 3, 2009