Police Officer Arthur Del Gaudio Jr. Phoenix Police Department Arizona Thursday, April 22, 1976  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

To all my brothers and sisters involved with Art's memorial,
I can't begin to find enough words to express my deepest gratitude and love for each and every one of you. Your respect, your presence, your hard work and devotion to our fallen officers and their families will never be forgotten. You will all remain in my thoughts, my heart and my prayers every day.
Thank you all so very much for being there for the ceremony and special thanks to everyone involved in helping me to be there.
You have my love...always.
Beth

Beth DelGaudio-Selinger
Widow
2008-06-14

I can't believe it has been so long. It was a real pleasure to see Beth at the dedication.

Police Guard (ret) Kathleen Morrison
Phoenix Police Dept
2008-06-10

I was working east side, while the dispatcher on north side
was working a pursuit. One call came in (961-Accident-NO INJURIES) at 10 St. and Rose Lane. I couldn't put the call out because north side took my frequency for the pursuit. After that pursuit ended in a crash, I sent an officer to respond to the 961. Upon arrival, he advised, "this is a possible 963 (traffic fatality) of two police officers. Officer Ted Music was saved, but we lost Officer DelGaudio. The details of that crash are still with me today. No doubt that the pursuit caused the crash and delayed our response. Later that morning, the officer on the scene called me to tell me that Officer DelGaudio has a peaceful look on his face. That was very comforting.

Maureen LaPointe, Police Dispatcher
Phoenix Police Dept.
2008-06-06

Art was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor; strong but gentle, full of fun but practical, in love with his beautiful wife, excited about having their first child, and building his home and life. To this day, the first thought that comes to my mind is always 'it wasn't supposed to happen', not to Artie or any Class 127 officers. Maybe to someone else but not to us. Tragedy is so unexpected, grief so deep, and time so long. We remember you Art with loving and happy memories. Maybe that is the gift you gave - a reminder to appreciate each day.

Det. Suzanne Shaw 2962
Phx PD
2008-06-06

I remember that night Art......the other Officer involved in that tragedy and I were classmates in the academy several years before. You are not forgotten brother.....

"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
2008-05-29

I STARTED MY WONDERFUL CAREER AT PHOENIX IN 1967 AND LATER MOVED OVER TO DPS. I NEVER SHARED TIME WITH U ART. WE WERE ALL SO BUSY WITH IMPORTANT THINGS AND NOW I SEE MY TIME MAY HAVE BEEN USED TO KNOW THE HEROES AND I'M SAD NOW WHEN I SEE FALLEN OFFICERS ANYPLACE. ART U DID COUNT AND WE SHALL NOT FORGET ALL THE BAD GUYS WHO CAUSED SUCH PAIN. WE MUST CONTINUE TO RECOGNIZE OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN THE BADGE. FAMILY NEEDS TO KNOW WE CARE !FOREVER AND EVER !AND I WANT U TO KNOW ART MY BABYGIRL AND A SON IN LAW ARE BOTH SERVING IN POLICE JOBS. YES ART I WORRY ABOUT ALL. GOD BLESS AND THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE.

LARRY CAPP
FORMER PPD NOW RET'D FROM DPS
2008-05-28

I worked with Beth at the time of Art's death. We both worked at Payless Shoes. I remember being invited to Beth's home for Art's special spaghetti sauce.
I remember Art being a sweet, funny man. Beth was pregnant when Art passed away. My heart broke for her and their family. I was so happy to read, a few years ago, that Beth's daughter had graduated. Has it really been that long ago.
My best to Beth. I'll never forget Art and I still think of him often.

Kay (friend)

2008-05-28

Artie - Although it has been many years, my memories of us as kids on Ohio Avenue in Massapequa, New York are vivid. It has always been a comfort for me to remember happy times growing up with you and my brother,Regan and Joey Abrado and Johnny Depp, and even Warren Ray. We had some great stick ball games on Ohio Avenue and my dad has some cherished photos of us as kids. Although we all went our seperate ways, I remember the good times we had. Thanks for your service, and sacrifice, I am very proud to say I knew you. Gary T. Voit

Gary T. Voit
Childhood friend
2007-12-13

"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

Brother Art, I remember the day you left this department to join God's department in heaven very vividly. As a detective in that bureau several of us cried when we were told of your loss to our department. It is difficult to relive that moment but you and your love for your family, your brothers and sisters in the badge will always be with us. God's law enforcement gained an honorable member that day. May He bless you, your family forever. Have a dance with Jesus for me.
In Christ, Tom Bradley, Arizona State Chaplain FOP

Tom Bradley, Retired
Phoenix AZ PD
2007-10-22

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

Officer 11169

2007-03-15

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Del Gaudio 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. Today, because of the sacrifice Officer Del Gaudio has made, the house of freedom is stronger, sturdier, and more secure.

To the family and friends of Officer Del Gaudio, 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 Del Gaudio 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.

SA Thomas Doyle
FBI New York City
2007-03-09

We Remember The Officers

We remember the officers who changed our lives,
The men and woman who protected us day and night,
People who respect for their dedication to the cause,
For when faced with danger, they never even pause.
We remember the officers who always stood true,
Whatever the color of uniform, brown gray or blue,
With pride and integrity they say "To serve and protect",
For the giving of their life, we offer our respect.
We remember the officers who we never really knew,
Persons strong enough to answer the challenge are few,
With heavy hearts we mourn the officers in eternal rest,
There's more to these people than the badge on their chest.

Reserve Officer Mitchell
Wyoming Police Department
2006-10-24

It has been over 30 years my love. I often think back on the night I said good-bye to you as you went to serve your final shift. As I reflect on it, there are so many things I would have wanted you to know, so many things I would have said and done. Every day that goes by, your face appears before me, your voice and wonderful laugh echo in my ears and the memory of how safe I felt in your arms lingers around me. I tell everyone that enters my life, don't let a day go by without telling your loved ones how much you cherish them and what they mean to you. To live with regret for unsaid things is so very difficult.
I will see you again someday my darling and all the pain and emptiness of life without you will dissapear. I love you still and will for eternity.

Beth
Wife
2006-10-23

I am the child that my mother was pregnant with when my father was killed 30 years ago. I am honored to be the daughter of someone that is so respected and is remembered by those that knew him and those that never even met him. A sincere thank you to all the law enforcement men and women that put their lives on the line every day.

Andrea
daughter
2006-05-31

I turned 7 years old on the day you gave your life in service to the public you swore to protect. I grew up in the Phoenix Metro area, and I thank you for your service to the public, to which I belonged. You did not die in vain, for it was through your sacrfice the Unlawful Flight law came to be. I will never forget you and your sacrafice. Your family, friends, and those who knew you and served with you in Phoenix blue will always be in my prayers.

Ofc. Kelly McClain #380
Chandle PD, Chandler AZ
2006-04-14

Officer Del Gaudio and I share the same last name but are not related. I am honored to share that name with a man who put his life on the line for our safety. May his soul rest in peace and may his child be blessed as well.
Lou Del Gaudio

2005-12-03

We will never forget.

Phoenix Police #5817

2005-04-22

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer. Today, April 22, 2003 we dedicated the shift to the memory of P.O. Arthur Del Gaudio Jr., who died on this date 27 years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Officer Del Gaudio's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC