Family, Friends, and All Others Remember . . .
 
Photograph: Chief of Police Ernest V. Mendoza
Patch image: Needville Independent School District Police Department, Texas

Chief of Police Ernest V. Mendoza
Needville Independent School District Police Department
Texas
Friday, January 19, 2007

 Leave a Reflection
 Return to Memorial
 Print This Page
 Continue Building Book
 Page:


This man was my grandpqa i miss him very much when he passed away i was about seven years old i was very sad i am now ten years old and i still think about him and i also see him in my dreams

kameron mendoza

2009-03-15


Forgive me for missing the anniversary of your E.O.W., but I felt as though I could not continue to read about so many tragedies. I now realize the visit each day to leave a word of encouragement and hope to the loved ones of others, helps me to remember that I am not alone with my pain and heartbreak. So may I say to your friends and loved ones that my thoughts and prayers are with them now and always. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol and may they know you will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

2009-02-19


Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on this day and every day. There are no magical words I can offer to help ease their grief except to take one day at a time and for them to do everything in their power to keep your memory alive. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

2009-01-19


We just wanted to send our love to Chief Mendoza's family. We know what you are living and we know how hard and how painful each day is.
Our family has made it through the last four years by relying on each other for support and comfort.
I didn't know the Chief, but just by looking at his picture-he looks like he was a wonderful person-what a great smile.
Please know that we are thinking of all of you and we hold you close in our hearts-

The Family of Deputy David P. Grant
EOW/5/31/04
Tuolumne Co. Sheriff's Dept.
Sonora, Ca.



2008-06-14


I will be riding in rememberance of Chief Mendoza with the VA Chapter of the Police Unity Tour 2008.

Chief Mendoza,
Although your watch has ended your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your brothers and sisters. I hope my ride will honor your memory and service.
God bless your family, friends and fellow officers and may they find peace.

Martha

Officer Martha Parkhurst

2008-04-28


The Mendoza Family. I am sorry for the loss of Ernie and believe me , we are all hurting. We lost a good cop, a good man and a great friend. It was an honor knowing Ernie when I started as a Police Officer at Waco PD. Ernie, we miss you Bud.

Chief Abel Sanchez Jr.
Robinson I.S.D Police Dept

2008-04-16


Ernie touched our lives. We shared holidays, laughs and many good memories with him. We had and still have the utmost respect for him. We miss him and wish our thoughts of love and prayer to his family on this one year anniversary of his passing. God Bless! Ray, Michelle and Matthew



2008-01-19


On this one year anniversary of your EOW, we are thinking of you, your family, friends and co-workers.

You are missed very much as seen in many of these reflections. Please watch over your wife, as she continues to grieve. Give her the strength to make it day by day.

Today, on this day, comfort her and your family, you are a True Hero and will not be forgotten!

Craig Figgins
Brother - SGT Dan Figgins St Charles, IL EOW 4/9/05

2008-01-19


~Never forgotten. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

2008-01-19


Chief Mendoza,
The one year anniversary of your EOW is upon us, and citizens are remembering your sacrifice, one that no one should ever have to make. Please continue to keep watch over your family, as they live out your legacy of bravery and strength. You are a hero on earth and in heaven.

Pennsylvania citizen

2008-01-17


YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

2008-01-11


"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

2007-11-12


You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Van Den Berghe
NH

2007-10-18


~Never forgotten~ Rest in peace. God bless your family.



2007-09-16


Susie,
I am very sorry about your family's loss.
I have many friends starting their law-enforcement careers and, as such, have spend some time looking through the pages of fallen heros. The tears that came from reading the loving memories and memorials about your husband inspire me to pass my deepest condolences and love to your and you children. It is my sincere hope and prayer that your children can read this someday and tearfully remember how great their father was and how lucky they are to have had such a man raise and influence them. Good luck to you.

Ben
Fortunate Citizen

2007-07-19


My fallin brother. Its been nearly six months since I responded to that horrible accident. I remember it like it was yesterday. But what I also remember is that I got the pleasure of working with a true professional. One I will miss dearly. You will never be forgotten from our hearts and memories and that goes to your family as well.

Detective C. Rader
Needville Police Dept.

2007-07-02


I haven't spent a lot of time this year reading the memorials of the fallen officers, mainly because it saddens me that so many great men and women have fallen. It's a terrible thing that so many great lives were cut so short. As a fallen officer survivour, my heart goes out to all those that knew and loved Chief Mendoza, especially to his wife. Know that you are not alone in this journey that you walk and that Ernest will not be forgotten here in Winnipeg.

Chief Mendoza, thank you for helping to make this world a safer place. If you run into my late fiance Dennis up there give him a hug for all of us down here. It's been just over four years and we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne
"Forever Loving & Missing 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

2007-07-02


My thoughts and prayers to your wife, children, family, friends and co-workers. May God give you all comfort.
The memory of a good person is a blessing- Proverb 10:7
My heart goes out to you all.
Heros are never forgotten. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

2007-05-15


Rest in Peace brother! Heart felt condolence to your family!

Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside, Ca PD

2007-05-13


Rest in peace Chief, we'll take it from here.

Ofc. Michael Cavett
Gainesville Police Department

2007-05-04


Honey,
I can't tell you how desperately I miss you. Sometimes, I feel I can barely breath. Each morning, when I awake, I am faced with the thought "today is another day I have to live without my husband." I am trying to be as strong as I can be......I'm lost without you. You are my hero....our babies miss you so much..... we are so sad. Your loving wife, Susie Q

susie mendoza
your loving wife

2007-04-12


My deepest sympathies to you and your family during these days. Jan. 19 is my birthday and now, after reading this, I will always remember to whisper a prayer for you when this day rolls around. In the meantime, know that officers and their families across the nation are holding you up in thoughts and prayers every single day. I will pray specifically for your strength and wisdom every day as a mother, and for God to give you special grace and peace as you carry on one day at a time. May you be comforted by those around you who love and care about you.

Sincerely,
Carla H. Lyon, widow of Asst. Chieft Deputy Keith Lyon, EOW 05.09.06, Knoxville, TN



2007-04-05


Mrs. Mendoza and family:

I had the honor to be in the escort from the church to the burial site. When we passed thru Needville it was very moving to see all the people lining the route showing you and Ernie the utmost respect. This was "Fruit" of the great impact Ernie made on the community during the past decade of service for the children of Needville ISD. His memory will forever live on in their lives. He was their Hero.

In Christ <><
Mr. Jaimie Buis

Chief Buis
Tidehaven ISD Police, El Maton, TX

2007-03-28


Rest Easy Brother...God keep you in his loving arms.

Sgt. Michael Gromatzky
Collin College Police Dept. TX

2007-03-27


You were always there for everything, from escorts to athletic games to troubled students. You were an excellent role model and will be missed. Thank you for you service.

Officer Jennifer Gasser
Auburn Police Department (AL) and former student

2007-03-21


Return to top

No Reflections may be electronically reproduced without permission from the ODMP. Please use this contact form for further information or to report violations.

 

Terms of Use | Privacy Statement | Contact Us
Copyright © 1996-2009, The Officer Down Memorial Page, Inc.Back to ODMP Homepage