Officer Down Memorial Page

The 30th Anniversary of Patrolman Carrisalez
murder is coming up soon. I have much respect for him and the men and women who protect us. I would like to personally pay my respects to him. Can anyone tell me where he is buried?

Lionel Alva, Jr.
June 9, 2011

I saw your picture on the Los Fresnos PD wall when I went there last year to magistrate a prisoner. Trooper Rucker is buried 5 feet from my grandfather. I visit his grave often and see the simplicity of the old days. I was one year old when this tragedy happened, but as a man who took up the shield and gun it feels close to home. I hear the prisoners talk about going to Carrisalez when I transport them and they dont know the story...but I do. Its honor and courage that drive us and that drove you...until that day.

R.G.
San Benito Police Dept
December 1, 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
February 14, 2008

I salute you, Sir, on the 26th Anniversary of your tragic and brutal murder. Thank you for your bravery, dedication and sacrifice. May all your family & friends take comfort in knowing you will FOREVER be a hero and NEVER be forgotten! The slime ball that murdered you was a cop hater in the worst way, and I am glad that TX put an end to his reign of terror in 1993 at Hunstville!

DET SGT, Retired
AR
October 7, 2007

today on the anniversary of your death we remember you and thank you Sir for your service.

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Mancaheter, NH
October 7, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
June 19, 2006

Officer Carrisalez,
On today, the 24th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Los Fresnos. It took, 12 more years, but your murderer got the justice that he deserved.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

October 7, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies.....

God bless, hero. Rest in peace.

A grateful citizen.

October 7, 2004