 | Police Officer George Valentino Cortez Jr.
Phoenix Police Department
Arizona
Friday, July 27, 2007 |
Happy Birthday George!
We miss you very much. Capt. Tom Tyo (Ret)
Maricopa COunty Sheriff's Office
2009-10-26
We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Cortez and we honor his distinguished service to the cause of justice and peace. Sadly, our nation has lost one of its finest citizens, a community has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage who they will love and respect forever.
To the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Cortez, I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to move on. Just as you were always with him when he walked the beat or patrolled the streets, know that he will always be with you - wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Cortez is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family, and your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Special Agent
FBI New York City
2009-07-25
George,
We are coming up on the 2nd anniversary of your leaving us. There will be a memorial service in your honor on Monday, July 27th at 6:30 at Resthaven Cemetary, your final resting place. Tiffany will not let the boys forget you and what you stood for, we are all proud! All friends, officers, deputies, and detention officers are invited to share in this memorial. Capt. Tom Tyo (Ret.)
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
2009-07-08
Hello George this is your old friend stopping by to wish your family and you a happy fourth of July. Its almost been two years since you been gone and I still can't believe that happened to you. I'm following the court dates set for the suspects involved in your murder. I was celebrating two birthdays when I got that terrible call telling me to come to the hospital. Pretty soon I will join the PPD you are a true hero brother and you will be forever missed. Jermaine Cortez
United States Army
2009-07-03
OFFICER CORTEZ, YOU LIVE ON WITH OUR TRAINING AND TEACHING! WE USE YOUR SACRIFICE AS AN EXAMPLE TO OUR POLICE RECRUITS THE DANGERS OF ALL CALLS, HOWEVER MINIMAL! GOD'S SPEED! KENNETH MEAD
LVMPD
2009-05-28
I saw Officer Cortez's wife and in-laws in court today supporting an officer in an unrelated case. I did not know Officer Cortez, but he must have been so special to have such a genuine and loving wife. She spoke so beautifully about him. Anonymous
2009-03-27
Rest in peace my brother, may your sons always honor you as the hero that you are. OFFICER
MESA PD
2009-03-07
"No more the bugle calls the weary one.
Rest, noble spirit, all thy work is done.
I will find you and know you among the
good and true.
When a robe of white we're given
for our faded coats of blue." Ret. Sgt. Bill Rice
Phoenix police Department
2009-03-02
It has almost been two long years since you have been taken away from us. This day is special to me and very special to your wife Tiffany. I pray each and everyday for the family you never got a chance to say goodbye to. You are a very brave warrior and you are a really good friend. I remember all the times we use to play football together. You are very special to all of us. You are now a angel who is watching over all of those who knew you and to those very important loved one's you left behind. I am attending all the court dates for those people who killed you in the " Line Of Duty ".
You are a brave warrior and you were once a very brave Police Officer who protected the streets of Phoenix,Arizona. We still live our lives but we think of you each and everyday. We all hope to be reunited with you soon. For now keep a eye on us and don't be afraid for us. We are safe because the brother's and sister's of the PPD are working even harder to keep the streets safe. Your sons will want to grow up and most likely do the same job you have done. Rest easily George and we hope to see you son. (FMR) Sgt Jermaine Cortez (USMC)
United States Marine Corps
2009-02-14
RIP.Your memory lives on and will not be forgotten. Anonymous
2008-11-12
George,
I just wanted to say how proud we are of the boys. Koltan is playing flag football and you must be so proud of him too. He was so excited to pull 2 flags last Saturday, he really loves it. And now Gunner is playing t-ball and just had his first game. I had never watched 3 year olds play, it was so funny! Tiffany is taking good care of them and we all miss you so much. Please watch over us and keep those boys safe.
See you again,
Tom. . . Capt. Tom Tyo (Ret.)
Maricopa County S.O. (Father-In-Law)
2008-10-20
George,
just stopping by to say hey. miss ya man. You havent been forgotten, and you never will. We miss you out on the streets. Watch over us, we need it.
To tiffany, and the boys...Phoenix police will always be here for you. If you ever need anything just ask. I'll be down in central city. Officer
Phoenix PD
2008-09-19
IT HAS BEEN A YEAR AND TWO DAYS SINCE YOU WERE MURDERED, I STILL REPLAY THAT DAY OVER AND OVER IN MY HEAD. I STILL CAN NOT MAKE SENSE OF IT. JUST KNOW THAT WE HAVE NOT FORGOT ABOUT YOU AND WE NEVER WILL.
TIFFANY IF YOU ARE READING THIS KNOW THAT THE PHOENIX POLICE DEPARTMENT ARE STILL HERE FOR YOU AND YOUR BOYS.
GEORGE KEEP WATCH OVER US FROM ABOVE.
An Angel in the sky must leave his place of rest,
Gently tucking his wings beneath his armored vest.
For Duty has called, there is much work to do
Little did he know, this one is dressed in blue.
Arriving on the scene, he knows just what to say,
"Follow me, fallen brother, I'll show you the way."
"Your duty has ended, your work is now through."
"Come hang your hat beside mine, I'm a cop, too."
Rest in Peace JUST A FELLOW PHOENIX OFFICER
PHOENIX POLICE
2008-07-29
Officer Cortez,
It's only been one year since you were taken from us, but I will never forget that day because soon after I started my law enforcement career in Maryvale where you worked. I didn't know you myself and wish I could have met you because I've only heard great things from numerous other officers.
You lived your life with a purpose and stood for what is right. You are greatly missed by all. Rest In Peace brother. Maryvale Precinct "8 The Hard Way" Police Officer
Phoenix PD
2008-07-28
Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice for our community. May God bless your family and comfort them with the memories of the love you shared with them. Dana
2008-07-28
You are not forgotten Brother. Your family, friends and fellow officers are in our thoughts and prayers. AZ Narc
2008-07-27
George,
Its been a whole year since that horrible day, I just want to let you know that we are still thinking about you, watch over us in 8, we know you will Police Officer
Phoenix PD
2008-07-26
My Angel
We all think about you everyday and miss you so much, we know with great comfort that you are watching over us and protecting us from above, however all the while needing you so much. I see more of you in Koltan & Gunner every day, they talk about you all the time and know that you would be here if you could, but that God needed you more, and he must have to take my only child back home, I know we will see each other again, until then just know you are always in my thoughts and I love and miss you so much......
Love Mom
XOXOXO Ellen Cortez
Mother
2008-06-24
George,
I always looked forward to stopping by your office at Enforcement Support and listening to the recent joke or story you had to tell. Or when we would work overtime together at Madison or Estrella Jails... "Fun times" You helped me become a better Officer. Quite sometime ago I left MCSO and began a career in health and fitness, and an a General Manager at a gym in Glendale. Many of my staff knew you from high school and they talk about you often. You touched many lives and I am proud to have known and served with you.
You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Shyler Seamons, Former Detention Officer
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
2008-05-28
You haven't even been gone a year so I can imagine how painful this must still be for your families. I was surprised at how young you were and to have already worked in L.E. for 4 years. You received your calling early! I am so sorry for your loss, especially in such senseless circumstances. I hope justice is done, but if not, I know that vengeance is the Lord's and He will repay! He is not only loving, but He is just. My heart goes out to those missing you and we are remembering you on this Memorial Day week-end. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Gone too soon!
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA
2008-05-25
much love brother, cause of warriors like you are loves ones are safe at night. ofc pitones
LAPD
2008-05-19
Officer Cortez, We were at the State Memorial this past Monday when they read your name and engraved it on the Wall. It was my honor to have met your wife in the bathroom. What a wierd place to have met I know ,but my heart and soul went out to her and your sons. She is so young and beautiful and yet she wears the sadness as all of us widows do when our man leaves this earth and leaves us alone to deal with life and all lifes shortcomings. I wish your family all the best, and of course I hope you are looking down on them and smiling. I know you have met my wonderful husband Ray, I know you all were there Monday night.And Ill bet because we have a daughter your age he feels he needs to watch over you and protect you as he did our daughters:-) God Speed Officer Cortez, Rest In Peace.
Love, Christy Rios and children.
wife of fallen officer Ramon M. Rios Jr. D.P.D. 520 E.O.W.9/04/05 Christy Rios and Family
Wife of Ramon M. Rios D.P.D. 520 E.O.W. 9/04/05
2008-05-09
The boys and I LOVE and MISS you so much!! We talk about you all the time and they know you are our special angel watching over us!! Miss you baby!! XOXOXOXO We love you!! Tiffany Cortez
Wife
2008-04-06
Not a day goes by that I don't miss you. The tears still flow regularly. You make me proud warrior. I love you. Mike Jacques
Uncle
2008-02-04
I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Officer Cortez. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.
From reading the reflections left for George, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember George's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that George's life was about so much more than the way he died. George will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.
Officer Cortez, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been almost five years but we still miss him terribly.
Wishing you brighter and better days,
Jocelyne :)
"Forever Remembering 26-3" Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)
2007-12-30
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