Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My brother in blue we worked together at Wilshire Patrol Station. On the day you were shot and murdered I was saddened and angy. You gave the ultimate sacrifice and I know you are with GOD protecting the Heavens above. I miss you brother and I ask you to watch over us all, your LAPD family, as we continue to stop the evil down here that plagues are community.

Alex Kordis #31667

Officer Alex Kordis #31667
LAPD

October 28, 2006

Mario, it has been nine years to the day and almost to the exact hour as I write this. I was walking inside to Wilshire Station. You were parked just outside the back door logging on to start your shift. We acknowledge each other with a slight head nod.

A few minute later, I can still remember the call "officer needs help shots fired." The station emptied out and we all responded to the scene. Officers from all over responded. The scene was crazy. One suspect dead at scene and your were transported to the hospital. Word had spread that you were shot. I remember thinking will Mario be home for Christmas. The sad answer came later as dusk fell.

It was truly a shame that you were taken from your family and the Los Angeles Police Department so early in your career.

I still remember working the front desk with you and your hard work ethic. You will never be forgotten.

Thank you for your sacrifice!

Sergeant Kevin J. Royce
Los Angeles Police Department

December 22, 2005

12-8-05

Mario,

I can't believe it has been nine years. I still, vividly, remember the night you died. I was in the process of taking the money for a food run (I was Phase III and a U boat) when your partner put the call out. I grabbed someone's money (can't remember who now) and ran out the back door of Wilshire station.

I saw you being transported in the black and white. I'LL NEVER FORGET THAT. I commended him them and still commend the Sgt. who made that call. I only hope to be taken care of in that way if ever it is me.

I remember having to make the call to my friends and family that "it wasn't me". I sobbed through every call.

I volunteered to stay with your family one of those nights. I slept in your son's room. Your wife slept holding your shoes. I remember parking in front your house and thinking about your life plans and dreams when you bought your home for your family. I remember the decorations for Christmas and your adorable son. He is much older now and it sounds like he is doing well. I remember he broke our hearts at your funeral when he gave your flag the slow salute. Standing tall and proud...his little hand.

I think of you often, Mario. Your partner too, I hope he is well. You were my first experience of being there to lose an officer I knew. Unfortunately, there have been others. You all take care up there in that big R/C in the sky! Look out for those of us still here...suspects are still stealing 12 packs and we still have to chase them. YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN, MARIO!!!

PII J. Howlett #32279
LAPD/NEWTON

December 9, 2005

Mario you never knew me well. I watched you while on probation at Rampart and knew you would be a great Police Officer. Today I thought about you and the sacrafice you made and I honor you, your family and your memory.

Police Officer II Warren Pulley
LAPD

December 8, 2005

I think of you often Mario. Probation at Rampart wouldn't have been fun without you. God Bless you always.

Police Officer II Stefanie Fryer
LAPD

November 27, 2005

I remember the day I met Mario, The first day of the Police Academy, how proud we all were. I remember the day we graduated and "hit the streets", how proud we all were. I remember the day we carried him to his grave and layed him to rest, how very proud we all were. Proud of the honor. Proud of Mario, and who he was.

To this day, I am proud. I'm proud to have been blessed enough to know such a great Police Officer, Husband and Father.

I miss Officer Mario Navidad. Time takes away the pain, but not the hurt.

Mario shaped the person I am today. The way I am at home with my family, and the way I am at work. I thank him for that. He's made me a better person.

We will never forget this great man.

Every December I wear Mario's Memorial braclet. I wear it in tribute to him.

Christmas time ("Navidad" in Spanish) is not just the time we celebrate the birth of our Savior, but for me, it's the time we celebrate the life of Police Officer Mario Navidad #31588.

See you on the other side my brother.

-Golden #31566

Police Officer
Los Angeles Police

November 18, 2005

It's been nearly nine years since End of Watch for you Mario, but it seems like only yesterday that we were talking in Wilshire's locker room as you were going home to your family and I was covering the division for your Christmas party. Your departure from us was far too early and has caused a great deal of introspection in my life. The day after you died, I seriously thought about quitting the job, but deep down I knew you would have none of it. You didn't become my friend and provide encouragement to me in the academy to have me quit. If anything, you have given me a reason to continue to fight the good fight; to try and make this place a little better for kids like Brandon and Melissa. You are always in my thoughts and prayers and a rubbing of your inscription at the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial is on top of my computer monitor at work lest I ever forget. I will never forget brother.

Detective Greg Stearns
Los Angeles Police Department

November 17, 2005

Mario -

I remember every detail of the night you died. It was hard to see you that way, since I had watched you pass probation and move on. I still see the bench you sat on in roll-call and think about you sitting there, alive. Yours was the first (and not the last) cop's funeral I helped plan. I'll never forget you. Sleep well, brother.

Sgt. K. Moreland
LAPD

November 10, 2005

As we come into the holiday season and the anniversary of Officer Navidad's passing I hope that his family finds some comfort in knowing that he IS a TRUE HERO. He will always be remembered for what he gave so others would remain safe. God Bless your family.

OHIO
11/09/2005

November 9, 2005

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.

December 22, 2004

I remember a good family man. I remember his smile. A quiet warrior. He worked hard to take care of his family. Mario will always have a space in my heart. Mario's memory will always inspire me to be a better cop and father. I am grateful to have known him. 06/07/2004

Police Officer ll Javier Navarro #31587
Los Angeles Police Department / Central Div

June 7, 2004

Everyday I reflect on what a great man you are and it hurts me to know that you're no longer with us. Yet I still see you incarnate in the features of your daughter the demeanor of your son, proud just like their dad, proud of their dad. I just had a little girl and my goals are parallel to yours,  I can't help but to cry everytime I hear the bags play taps, the volleys or the bugle, I hear it everyday at work and reminice of that day. I just pray that I may achieve what you achieved and that through myself vicariously may your ultimate goals be fulfilled. Te extranamos mucho y siempre estas en nuestros corazones. lol Miguel Angel Gonzalez your brother in law.

Gonzalez
1/3 US Infantry Presidential Escort

There are days that take a lot out of us on this job, and many a time it is difficult to pin the badge back on and continue the fight for those that need us. I know you would want us to carry on. We miss you and will always remember bro.

Police Officer III Marco Rodriguez
Los Angeles Police Department