Officer John A. Valenzuela South Tucson Police Department Arizona Monday, May 17, 1993  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

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

Officer 11169

2008-05-17

Officer Valenzuela,
On today, the 15th anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of South Tucson. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

2008-05-17

"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
2007-08-01

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Valenzuela. May God give you comfort.
Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia
2007-05-17

Brother Valenzuela,

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

2006-01-21

To the family left behind- God bless you all.

Sgt. Brooke Moore
Pima County Sheriff's Department
2005-08-03

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, hero.

2005-05-17

I had the honor of working with John Valenzuela. He was a fine officer and wonderful person, and he is greatly missed.

Dan Brooks
Former Communications Supervisor
South Tucson PD

Dan Brooks, Senior Surveillance Officer
Pima County Adult Probation
2005-04-05

It's been ten years today since your tragic death and I just felt that I should say that you were a fine officer for the city of South Tucson and that you have not been forgotten. There is now a youth center that bears your name on it, which means that the citizens of South Tucson have not forgotten you either. May God bless and walk that beat in heaven for us that one day shall join you.

Public Safety Specialist Casey Jennings
Pima County Sheriff's Dept. Tucson,AZ