Officer Down Memorial Page

08/20/2011

I first heard about Sergeant Mosqueda's death in 2001 when I started out as a new-21 yr old cop. I was assigned to the Southeast district where the Mosqueda center is located. I would drive by the center on patrol all the time; I would think about his sacrifice to prepare myself for the dangers I may face.

I will not forget him nor will I forget his sacrifice. His death is not in vain. I will honor his memory by doing the best job that I can, on the streets of south Fresno just like Sergento Mosqueda. God bless him and God bless his family on the 38th anniversary of his death.

Officer Bernie J. Vizcarra
Fresno Police Department--Southwest District
August 20, 2011

Grandpa I wish to tell you some how that you were loved deeply and even though I have never met you. I love you more than words could share. You are a great part of our family. I can only hope you found peace in knowing you made a difference.

Latasha Mosqueda
Granddaughter
February 18, 2010

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Mosqueda. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
October 23, 2009

As a parent my children visit and use the services provided at the "Mosqueda Center" I did not know who it was named for, now when I hear of activities at the rec. center, library,field or pool I will know I am on sacred ground. God bless your family, the blood and blue.

A Iness
mother, resident of fresno
August 23, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 33rd 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.


Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

Anonymous
August 20, 2009

SGT MOSQUEDA I NEVER MET YOU BUT I WANT TO SAY I DID.WHILE GROWING UP AS A PIMPLE FACE KID I REMEMBER YOU DRIVING THROUGH MY NEIGHBORHOOD MANY TIMES.WHEN I WOULD SEE YOU DRIVING BY YOU WOULD GIVE ME A SMILE AND WAVE WHILE YOU CONTINUE ON YOUR PATROL.I REMEMBER YOU AS A REALLY NICE OFFICER...ONE OF THE BEST AS FAR AS I WAS CONCERNED.I WANT TO SAY THAT YOUR PRESENCE OR JUST KNOWING YOU MADE AN IMPACT ON MY LIFE.BECAUSE OF YOU I TOO HAVE CHOSEN MY CAREER IN LAW ENFORCEMENT.LOOKING BACK I SAW A VERY COMPASSIONATE MAN AND A GREAT DAD.ITS BEEN 35 YRS AND YOU ARE STILL REMEMBERED.I THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION TO YOUR PROFESSION.YOU MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.YOU MADE THIS COMMUNITY A SAFER PLACE FOR ALL OF US.YOU ARE A TRUE HERO AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

AL LLANOS
FRESNO PD RET.
November 19, 2008

I had the privilege of growing up knowing the Mosqueda's. I helped both Sal and his son Ronnie sell snow-cones at Kearney Park on hot summer weekends. I also was able to attend a Rolling Stones concert at Ratcliffe Stadium when Sal was provIding security.

I have often thought about this tragedy and am pleased to leave my remembrance .

Mark Benson
Neighbor
May 14, 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
August 28, 2007

Sgt. Mosqueda, I just wanted to let you and your family know that I am honored to have the same last name as someone so willing to lay their life down for what is right. I'm not sure how or if we are related, but I will take great pride in representing the name ast the next generation of Mosqueda Officers. Rest in Peace, and God Bless. One day I will have the chance to meet you.

Joe Mosqueda (soon to be officer)
October 2, 2006

I was a little girl walking home from the Fulton Mall and you stopped me by Van Ness and Hamilton Avenue and you were kind enough to give me a ride near my home and a lesson about walking by myself in the streets. I was only ten years old. I never ever forgot your kindness or your name. And seeing your smile on this pictures brings back your kindness and they time you took out to care enough to make sure I got home safe. I am almost 50 now but I will never forget you.

Mona Jackson
Citizen
June 9, 2006

I was only 9 years old when my father informed me that his friend Sal had died. I remember cutting the article from the newspaper and pasting it onto a green bottle. I was always curious what it would have been like if I had the opportunity to meet you. You are a true hero in every sense of the word. We will meet someday.

Lieutenant L. Rodriguez
CA. Dept of Corr. and Rehabilitation
March 20, 2006

Sir,
I was a little boy when you passed away.

I lived across the street from where you were killed. I can remember my father running inside and telling us that an officer had been shot.

You died a true hero sir, the people of Fresno will never forget.
Rest In Peace.

Cpl. D. Johansen
Federal Reserve System Police Services
December 11, 2004

06/03/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Sgt. Mosqueda.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.
June 4, 2004

07-10-03, MAY GOD BLESS. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER IN BLUE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.