Officer Juan Nieblas Cruz Arizona Department of Public Safety Arizona Wednesday, December 9, 1998  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

Juan,
You were a very special person in my life.
I remember the first time I met you , you charmed me.
You have a special part in my heart forever.
I cannot tell you the pain I felt when I heard the news, and how it has affected my life since.
There is so much no ones knows but us, about the time we shared.
The day of your funeral, was the worst day I have ever had in my life, and forever will always be.
I don't need to say more, you know

Anonymous

2009-11-11

Juan,
It's been ten years since we last spoke on that cold December night you were taken from us. I keep your family in my prayers and I know you're watching over them and those Patrolmen who are out there like we once were.
You are not forgotten

God bless

Jon Talakte

Jon Talakte

2008-12-10

Hi Dad,
It's 10 years today and it feels like it just happened. I miss you so much it hurts every day that you are not here. I know that you are in heaven watching over us. I hope you are resting peacefully. I still wish you were here. I love you daddy!!

Sleep with little angels!
Love, Marissa

Marissa Cruz-Long
Daughter
2008-12-09

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh
2007-12-05

While it is commendable that the state constructed a memorial, it seems unfortunate that a 11 year sentence was deemed as justice especially in view of the negligence involved with DUI/DWI.

I feel sorry for the family - I know that I wouldn't be satisfied with such a light sentence. Please accept my condolences and thanks for serving your community.

Security Officer
Connecticut
2007-12-01

"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
2007-11-14

Your page was featured as the hero when I signed on today and visited your page and wanted to leave a reflection. You are a true hero. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones who miss you every day.

"I pray that our heavenly father may asuage the anguish of your bereavement and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom." Abraham Lincoln

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
2007-10-04

Hi Daddy!
It's now 8 years 4 months and 2 days.....yet it feels like December 9, 1998. I know that you and Mom raised us to be strong and honorable. I do try my best to be strong. I put my smile on everyday and do my best to make everyone around me happy. I know that I will never feel completely happy again. You were such a big part of our daily lives. I miss you so dearly! I don't ever want to forget the sound of your laugh or your voice. I think of you everyday and pray that you are resting peacefully in heaven. I miss you so much Daddy! I still need you here! Thank you for being the most inspirational man in my life....for being the best DADDY!! I love you!!!

Marissa Cruz-Long
Daughter
2007-04-11

Rest in Peace, Officer Cruz. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

2007-03-14

My Tio was one in a million. The day he died he took a piece of my heart because my tio was an amazing man who
loved to help anyone in anyway he could. Tio Juan was so gifted in many ways and his eyes told a story that no one could understand but him. Tio Juan I know your watching down on all of us and I just wanted to tell you not a day goes by that I don't stop thinking about you. Keep playing your guitar in heaven and I love you so much and I miss you .

Korin D. Cruz
Niece
2006-05-22

Brother Cruz,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables LE Motorcycle Club

2005-12-13

THE POLICEMAN'S LAST ROLL CALL ...

THE POLICEMAN STOOD AND FACED HIS GOD, WHICH MUST ALWAYS COME TO PASS. HE
HOPED HIS SHOES WERE SHINING, JUST AS BRIGHTLY AS HIS BRASS. "STEP FORWARD
NOW, POLICEMAN. HOW SHALL I DEAL WITH YOU? HAVE YOU ALWAYS TURNED THE OTHER
CHEEK? TO MY CHURCH HAVE YOU BEEN TRUE?"

THE POLICEMAN SQUARED his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a Saint. I've had to
work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough, and sometimes I've been
violent because the streets are awfully tough. But I never took a penny that
wasn't mine to keep, though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills just
got to steep. And I never passed a cry for help, though times I shook with
fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept many unmanly tears. I know I
don't deserve a place among the people here, they never wanted me around
except to calm their fear. If you've a place for me Lord, it needn't be so
grand. I never expected or had too much, but if you don't, I'll understand."

There was silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod. As
the policeman waited quietly, for the judgement of his God. "Step forward
now, policeman, you've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven's
streets, you've done your time in hell."

Author Unknown

May you be at peace in the arm's of a loving Heavenly father.

Anonymous

2005-12-12

Dad,
Today is the 7th year of the anniversary of your death. I didn't sleep last night. I tried to go to bed early so I wouldn't do the "countdown" like me and the other kids do every year.
I just wanted to say that I've always remembered you as my father, but especially as an officer. You truly lifted the standards of what an officer should be. I remember that time at Circle K when a lady was scolding her little girl for crying for a lollipop and told her she was going to tell you to take her to jail. You bought the lollipop, knelt down, gave it to the girl, and told the girl not to be afraid of police because they were her friends. I was so proud to have witnessed that.
I was so proud of you no matter what you did. You will always be my hero.
I love you Dad!
Love,
Your Poodle

Celina Cruz-Luna
Daughter
2005-12-09

Juan, I'm sorry it took me so long to write to you. I stop by everytime I'm on this site. Everytime I stop by with D.P.S. or they come to my stop, I think of you. I have the fondest memories of the great Douglas parties. I still remember your singing and your jokes. I am truly blessed to have known you. I still try to keep in touch with my 2nd dad, Frank and my brother Frankie even though I don't make it down to see them that often. I just wanted to tell you, a hero like you will never be forgotten, especially since I got married on the anniversary of your death. Until I see you again brother, watch over us.

A. Carrillo Deputy Sheriff
Pinal County S.O.
2005-09-21

Juan,last month was your 6th year death
anniversary. You are sincerely missed.
I still remember well when we patrolled
Hwy 79, you with the state and I with
Pinal County,with my sincere honor and
respect I once again salute you.

(Former) Officer Johann Bayer
(Former) Arizona Motor Vehicle Division Enforcement
2005-01-13

Rest In Peace, Your sacrifice shall not be forgotten. God Bless.

Police Officer
Chicago Police Dept.
2004-12-08

God bless you and your family.

PO Doug Eatherton
St. Louis City Police

I can remember when I worked in the property section on graveyard shift at the Pima County Jail and you would bring in someone who you had arrested, which wasn't often, but the prisoner never gave you much trouble in the booking area. I was shocked when I found out that it was you who was killed in that accident. I know that you are in God's hands now and that you watch over us who continue to serve the public, whether you work the street, or in the jail. Your service will never be forgotten.

Casey Jennings
Pima County AZ Sheriff's Dept.

JUAN,
A DAY DOESN'T GO BY I DON'T THINK ABOUT YOU, HOW WE WOULD MEET AT HOUGHTON ROAD WHEN YOUR DAY WAS OVER AND MINE WAS JUST BEGINNING. I STILL REMEMBER THE DAY YOU INVITED ME TO YOUR SQUAD'S " INFORMAL " SQUAD MEETING.
YOU AND I WORKED THE SAME SHIFT THAT NIGHT, WE WERE BOTH ON " OT " AND WE WERE SUPPOSED TO BE HOME, BUT YOU TOOK THE WRECK AND MIKE AND I STAYED TO HELP YOU WITH IT. I'LL NEVER FORGET YOUR HUMOR, RIGHT UP TO THE LAST MINUTE WHEN WE WERE FINISHING UP THE MEASUREMENTS AND PREPARING TO OPEN UP THE HIGHWAY.
I'M SORRY I DIDN'T SEE HER COMING ANY EARLIER, I WISH I HAD SO I COULD'VE TOLD YOU TO GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY, BUT I WASN'T QUICK ENOUGH EITHER.
WHEN I LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND SEE MY SCARS, I THINK OF YOU AND THE NIGHT, WHEN ALL OUR LIVES CHANGED FOREVER AND WE LOST A GOOD FRIEND, FATHER, BROTHER, UNCLE, SON, SAVIOUR, HUSBAND TO BE, AND SOMEONE WHO IS MISSED BY ALL, ESPECIALLY ME.

I KNOW YOU'RE KEEPING HEAVENS HIGHWAYS SAFE NOW, SO I'LL DO MY BEST TO KEEP THE DRUNKS OFF OF OURS.

FAREWELL MY FRIEND

Officer Jon Talakte
AZ. DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Juan,
May you rest in peace Brother. I had been in a roll over accident that year on June 30th while on patrol! I almost burned to death. It must not have been my time, for just as I thought that it would be my fate to burn alive, two guardian angels, in the form of two teenage boys, came to my rescue and go me out. Just like in the movies, as I was carried away, my patrol vehicle burst into flames! My God, I thank you every day for giving me a second chance!
When I heard and saw on TV the manner of your death, I re-lived my accident again! I hope to God that you did not suffer, I pray to God that you were knocked out. I pray to god for your soul to rest in peace and look over us. You are missed by your friends. Rest in PEACE Brother.

Deputy Belia Fessenden
Pinal County Sheriff's Department/AZ

HE WAS MY UNCLE. SOMEONE VERY INTELLEGANT, VERY TALENTED, AND EXTREMELY MISTERIOUS. HE LOVED HIS CHILDREN. I REMEMBER A TIME WHEN HE WAS PLAYING THE GUITAR. HE ALWAYS PLAYED WONDERFULLY, BUT THAT NIGHT I HAD A LUMP IN MY THROAT.IT WAS AMAZING. LATER  I THOUGHT THAT I WAS JUST BEING SILLY, BUT THAT WAS THE LAST TIME I SAW HIM. I NOW LIVE IN TUCSON, BUT KNOWING THAT HE'S NOT OUT THERE PATROLING IS DEVESTATING. YET, I KNOW THAT HE'S WATCHING ALL OF US. MY UNCLE ALWAYS TOOK CARE OF US. MY LOVE GOES TO MY COUSINS WHO LOST THEIR FATHER, AND TO THE FAMILIES THAT CAN RELATE. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Lynda Cruz

I was in charge of the Sheriff's Department Mobile Command Center that responded to the scene at I-10 and Sunset the night of this incident.
I also drove the same unit to the re-enactmet the next night. Some of us didn't know who was in the accident-we were doing our jobs like all others. When we went home we all couldn't sleep and just went back to the office. At the briefing I realized that I had worked with this fine gentleman a number of times at "other agency assists". I stop and reflect on those two evenings many times at the "memorial" that the state built at the n/e quad of I-10 W and Sunset--PLEASE-ONE AND ALL GO SEE THIS!!
To the family-well thats another story-it seems my brother's ex-wife used to teach the Cruz children-go figure?   All my Love to the Family and the "family"!
God bless the cops!!

John Parsons
Pima County AZ Sheriff's Dept