Officer Down Memorial Page

Ray was a very unique person, a great believer in the rights of an individual. One of my fondness memories of Ray was his stopping and giving me a ride up to my house as I came from Wrestling practice at Vernonia High School.
My father, Bill Rhoades always regretted not being the one on duty in Ray's place. He was sitting at the Vernonia Police Station waiting to relieve Ray when the call came in. Dad was never quite the same after that day, but he always spoke highly of Ray until his own passing several years ago.

Mack 'Bill' Rhoades
Friend
April 10, 2012

I WAS A VERY YOUNG LITTLE GIRL AND HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS GOING ON WHEN WE ATTENDED YOUR FUNERAL...BUT NOW THAT IM A GROWN MOTHER OF 3 KIDS I OFTEN THINK OF YOU AND MY GARCIA UNCLES WHO HAVE PAST AND MOST OF ALL MY DADDY ..YOUR BROTHER I HOPE YOU ARE ALL TOGETHER AND RESTING IN PEACE..I LOVE YOU ALL AND I SADLY MISS EACH ONE OF YOU..SLEEP WITH THE ANGELS

CAROL GARCIA DURAN
NIECE
December 28, 2011

Chief Garcia, thank you for your service and dedication. You will not be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO
February 24, 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
January 15, 2008

though I was not born at the time of your passing, I know first hand what kind of man and hero you were and are to your family and friends. You have always been larger than life to me and a real hero, thank you. I am very honored and proud to hold your badge and medal of honor and pass your memory down to my children.

Troy Garcia
Nephew
November 18, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your police and military service.

This writer is pleased thata you were aable to service justice for yourself.

Pat Van Den Berghe
October 13, 2007

I was a young boy of five, and I remember your funeral like it was yesterday! Tio (uncle Billy) even though I never got to meet you, I have a sadness in my heart on how you were taken from our family, yet I am very proud to know you served our country as a great serviceman and even a greater Chief of Police!

Love forever

Your nephew Michael Garcia Sr.

Legal Analyst
Nephew
June 30, 2006

I read this site often, to remind myself of the heroes that have gone before me, and this one always strikes me as sad. Chief Garcia was an ordinary hero, a guy who spent and gave his life being a better man than most can aspire to. I respect him and honor him.

deputy redman
Polk County SO
March 26, 2006

Chief Garcia,
On today, the 34th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice, not just for your community, but for our Country in Vietnam.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

October 1, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers go out to This Officer, as well as the Family, Friends, Department and Community.

This is a loss that will never be forgotten. Hours will turn into days, days turn into weeks, weeks into months and months into years but, the difference that these officers have made will last forever.

We lost Our Deputy Morris Taylor on September 14, 2002. When he joined the other Angels in Blue.

God Bless Our Law Enforcement Officers and Those Who Love Them.

Jack & Tracy Van Dolah
Former LEO/U.S.M.C. & Wife in Sutherlin, Oregon
May 22, 2005

God's peace be with the Garcia family. What a tragedy they had to deal with. I am certain Mrs. Garcia has done an outstanding job raising their daughter into a fine woman. Rest in peace, Officer. Gone, but never forgotten. Your heroic actions are symbolic of what it takes to be a police officer.

Mich Resident
August 28, 2004

The Garcia family will always remember you. We are so very proud of you. You will always be in our hearts.

The Garcia Family

della garcia
June 8, 2004

You have not been forgotten, 32 years after your sacrifice and will always be remembered. Chief Garcia will always be a hero and remind police officers that they must serve proudly and with integrity in memory of all officers who have given their lives for us. Rest in peace, you earned it. Thanks for your selfless service and sacrifice.

Pat
Baltimore, MD
October 20, 2003