Officer Down Memorial Page

I was working at Shipley’s Donuts the night of the incident. He arrived at the drive thru window and I gave him a cup of black coffee before he went to work at the civic center. He was all smiles and ready to go to work.

I felt so tired as I saw him pull out of the parking lot towards the civic center . I was in the mist of a 16 hour shift that night. I thought to myself I should get a job like his. Late that night I got an anonymous call telling me the bad news. When I found out I wanted to help out with whatever I could. I waited for my help to arrive at the regular scheduled time, 2:00am. When my co-worker arrived I told him to mix up ten dozen glazed donuts so I could drop them off at the Police Station around the corner. By 4:00am the donuts were at the station.

Anyhow, the months of the year went on and I could not wait for a vacation. Finally my turn came to go on vacation. And all I can say is I went on vacation and never went back to work. Nothing in particular, but after seven years I was just tired of making donuts. So, I applied with the Great State of Texas was hired and went to the Academy.
After a real tough schedule graduated the Academy at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. I was assigned here to the valley at guess where? Reynaldo V. Lopez State Jail, a brand new unit for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice named in his Honor. I want to say Thank You! to Rey for making a positive influence in my life. Thank You!

E.P.T.
March 18, 2012

I was working with Officer Lopez the night he was killed. I will always remember Officer Lopez as a hard working, true family man and a good friend. he and I always worked together well. I lament that such a good man could be taken from this world in that senseless way, but, being a christian believer, I know he is looking down on us from heaven, praying that no other innocent lives are taken unjustly.may God bless Rey's family...

urj
January 16, 2012

You are not forgotten Rey. It was an honor to have worked with you. God Bless you and your family.

July 10, 2011

Joe Eufracio
former McAllen Police Officer
July 10, 2011

Rey, I always remember you when I drive by McColl Rd & FM 495. I always glance towards your home. You are not forgotten brother. Just like the old times, Rey, no one else wrote more tickets or logged in more city miles while on patrol. You were and are one of a kind... a Police Officer.
See you in due time. "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." You've gotten there before us, RIP. Thanks for all the fond memories.

Rudy L. Villarreal-
Retired-Former McAllen Police Officer
October 20, 2010

Officer Lopez, Thank you for your service. God bless you and your family.

SSA Ellen Pierson
US ICE
September 29, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the seventeenth 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 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
July 10, 2010

I think of you often Rey. Thank you for your service.

Sr. Police Officer Jim McFarland
Houston Police Dept. - Former co-worker
May 24, 2010

Ofc. Lopez,

I grew up in McAllen and now live in Washington State where I am a police officer. I wanted to take the time to thank you for your tireless efforts making my home town safe. We are forever indebted to you. Rest in peace my brother.

Steve Araguz
Police Officer
Toppenish PD.

Police Officer
Toppenish PD
May 11, 2009

I never had the honor of meeting you. I was hired shortly after. I did have the honor of listening to the senior officers mention your hard work and commitment to your discipline. Semper Fi brother

Rene Avendano
Mcallen Police Officer/USFWS
March 29, 2009

The years go by but the images of faces remain the same. The days and nights of patrolling in a growing city still are as clear and bright as ever. The good times as well as the bad times.
Your wife and kids
It is very sad to see anyone go but when its a good officer and a friend it so much more. Rey was tough and followed all the rules. A brave and honest man,dad and officer

Jesus Davila friend and ex co worker
neisd San Antonio
May 22, 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 14, 2008

PSALM 23
The lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley in the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. thou annointest my head with oil. my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the lord forever.

God bless you Rey, Rest in Peace.

Officer Daniel Cruz
McAllen Police Dept.
January 25, 2007

Its been over 10 years when this happened, but it seems like yesterday. Rey the guys at the station miss you and you will always be remembered brother.

Police Officer Santiago Galvan Jr.
McAllen Police Officer
January 14, 2007

Our Lord give you sweet sleep.

July 10, 2006

I know that you are in a Better Place and that you are looking down at your Loved ones.Heros never die and that is what you are!May God Bless you forever!Love:Marcie

Marcie Alvarado
Even Though I did not know him But all officers are Friends
April 15, 2006

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, hero. God bless.

September 30, 2004

Rey, you shall always be remembered by the officers of McAllen Police Department. You enjoyed your work and you were the only guy who could easily put over 100 miles of city driving on the patrol car and write and issue so many citations. Your missed! Rest in God's arms.

Rudy L Villarreal
Retired co-worker McAllen P.D. USBP, Federal Court
September 18, 2004

What a tragedy. Rest easy Officer.

Anonymous