Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Ronald Leon DeHerrera

Denver Police Department, Colorado

End of Watch Tuesday, April 1, 1997

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Ronald Leon DeHerrera

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

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

April 1, 2010

Always and forever thinking of you my sweet angel.

Christine
Sister

February 3, 2010

Always and forever thinking of you my sweet angel.

Christine
Sister

February 3, 2010

I love you brother. Peace be with you.

Christine
Sister

April 2, 2009

Just to say that you are on my mind Kiddo. Time has a way of bringing one an acceceptance of things meant to be. An understanding that peace is there if one strives to attain it. I have peace now, but this time of year is hard; with it comes a heartache that is hard to describe. Remember that you are always in my heart.

With Love, Aunt Chris

Christine Borrego
Aunt

March 27, 2009

My memory of Ron is always with me. He was my protector in my neighborhood. He was my protector walking to and from school. He was my friend, the kindest friend I could have ever asked for. We always kept in touch. I have fond memories of our last visit together as we sat on my front porch swing, sharing our experiences in life. Until we meet again Ron! You are often in my thoughts and prayers.

Ingrid
childhood friend

January 29, 2009

OFFICER DEHERRERA YOU ARE STILL REMEMBERED.WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR MAKING THIS COUNTRY A SAFER PLACE FOR ALL OF US. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO BECAUSE YOU GAVE IT YOUR ALL.AFTER READING YOUR MOTHERS REFLECTION I FIND THAT SHE WAS AN AMAZING WOMAN THAT ANY SON OR DAUGHTER WOULD BE PROUD TO CALL MOM. MY CONDOLENCES.

AL LLANOS
FRESNO PD RET.

November 17, 2008

Happy Birthday to my big brother. I miss you more than you know. I love you and I hope you have found peace on the other side.

Love Always,

Baby sis

Christine
Ron's Baby Sister

October 27, 2008

Ron, you and I had a brief relationship, both interested in music. You played bass, and very well, I might add. You would always smoke me on written music, but I would always out do you on knee-jerk jams. But then along came your brother, who proceeded to get a better lick off than I could, thus winning the contest, somehow, all in your favor. Tell God I said: See you soon, but not really soon. Prayers for Ron's wife & family, God Bless, Joe

Joe Verde
N/A

August 1, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 9, 2008

"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

December 9, 2007

May you rest safe with the Lord, may He ever bless you and your loved ones.

May 20, 2007

I love my big brother!

Christine
Sister

November 3, 2006

I knew Officer DeHerrera when we were students at Phillips Elementary in Denver. I left Denver in fifth grade and never saw him again, but never forgot him. I was in Denver last week and was thinking of old friends, so when I returned home I did I search for my fourth grade buddy and found this memorial to him. May he rest in peace, and may he never be forgotten.

Dr. Yvette Gullatt
Childhood friend

July 22, 2006

A while back, I read a very interesting book that compared life to a train ride or a series of train rides.

Life is like a train ride, it read. We get on. We ride. We get off. We get back on and ride some more. There are accidents and there are delays. At certain stops there are surprises. Some of these will translate into great moments of joy, some will result in profound sorrow.

When we are born and we first board the train, we meet people whom we think will be with us for the entire journey. Those people are our parents!

Sadly, this is far from the truth. Our parents are with us for as long as we absolutely need them. They too have journeys they must complete. We live on with the memories of their love, affection, friendship, guidance and their ever presence.

There are others who board the train and who eventually become very important to us, in turn. These people are our brothers, sisters, friends, and acquaintances, whom we will learn to love, and cherish.

Some people consider their journey like a jaunty tour. They will just go merrily along.

Others will encounter many upsets, tears, and losses on their journey. Others still, will linger on to offer a helping hand to anyone in need.

Some people on the train will leave an everlasting impression when they get off. Some will get on and off the train so quickly, they will scarcely leave a sign that they ever traveled along with you or ever crossed your path…

We will sometimes be upset that some passenger’s whom we love, will choose to sit in another compartment and leave us to travel on our own. Then again, there’s nothing that says we can’t seek them out anyway.

Nevertheless, once sought out and found, we may not even be able to sit next to them because that seat will already be taken. That’s OK, everyone’s journey will be filled with hopes, dreams, challenges, setbacks and goodbyes. We must strive to make the best of it no matter what.

We must constantly strive to understand our travel companions and look for the best in everyone. Remember that at any moment during our journey, any one of our travel companions can have a weak moment and be in need of our help.

We too may think twice or hesitate, even trip…hopefully we can count on someone being there to be supportive and understanding.

The bigger mystery of our journey is that we don’t stop when our last stop will come. Neither do we know when our travel companions will make their last stop. Not even those sitting in the seat next to us.

Personally, I know we’ll be sad to make our final stop, I’m sure of it!

Our separation from all those friends and acquaintances we made during the train ride will be painful. Leaving all those we’re close to will be a sad thing. But then again, I’m certain that one day we’ll get to the main station only to meet up with everyone else. They’ll all be carrying their baggage, most of which they didn’t have when they first got on this train.

We’ll be glad to see them again. We’ll also be glad to have contributed to their baggage, and to have enriched their lives, just as much as they will have contributed to our baggage and enriched our lives.

We’re all on this train ride together. Above all, we should all try to strive to make the ride as pleasant and memorable as we can, right up until we each make the final stop and leave the train for the last time.

Christine (Ron's Baby Sister)

April 14, 2006

To Officer Ronald DeHerrera and his loved ones:

On this the ninth anniversary week of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.
Reading the loving reflections about your beloved Ronnie gives us some understanding of what a kind and honorable young man he was.

To be killed with only two days on the job is almost beyond comprehension. I hope your academy graduation was everything you dreamed it would be, and I am glad you reached that goal you had set for yourself.

Ronnie, you stood ready to rescue us, save our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were prepared to always be there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you were ready to always meet our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Officer DeHerrera. I am humbled by your valor, courage, and dedication. I am so sorry your life was taken from you at such a young age when you had a lifetime ahead of you. How your loved ones must miss you and your devoted mother. Your mother's words touched me profoundly when I read them as I share the anquish she felt on losing a most beloved and adored child.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Ronald gave to his community and the citizens of Colorado, and to his country through his military service, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 1, 1997.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05


April 4, 2006

You are my knight and shining armour. You are the person I strive to become in this crazy thing called life. I know you have found peace on the other side. You are my rock of sanity and the light at the end of the tunnel. I love you my big brother!

Your baby sister!

Ron's Baby Sister

March 5, 2006

god bless

skip

February 5, 2006

I just wanted you to know that you are not forgotten. I came on the job shortly after you left us and your sacrafice has been an inspiration to me and many others. Rest in peace brother.

Police Officer
Denver Police Department

August 23, 2005

Ronnie,You are in my thoughts.One would think that after eight years all one's tears would be spent;not so and maybe not ever!This is a hard time for me,though I came to terms with your loss long ago,the week beginning March,26th to April 1st will always bring you close in the most profound way. Always in my heart.With Love, Your Aunt Chris.

Aunt Chris

March 29, 2005

It's been a while since I have been to this page, but today is mama's birthday and you came into my mind. It's been so long since I have felt your presence, but today I felt you and her both. Thank you for that. I really needed it. It's a reminder that I'm not alone. I love you my big brother. - Love, Sister

Ron's sister

December 10, 2004

Thank you for your smile on Sunday Kiddo....Your Spirit Soars! With Love....Your Aunt Chris

Christine Borrego
RON's Aunt

January 26, 2004

Rest in peace Blue Angel, you are not forgotten.

Andy

December 7, 2003

I never dreamed it would be me,
My name for all eternity
Recorded here at this hollowed place
Alas my name, no more face
"In the Line of Duty" I hear them say
My family now the price to pay
My folded flag stained with there tears
We only had those few short years.
The Badge no longer on my chest
I sleep now in eternal rest
My sword I pass to those behind,
And pray the keep this tought in mind
I never dreamed it would be me
And on my heavy heart and bended knee
I ask for all those hear from the past,
Dear GOD let my name be the last.
(author unknown)

Anonymous

People come and people go - some are bankers others police officers.  Since your very untimley death, 2 more of Denver's officers have been taken.  2 with years of experience.  They got to be police officers...they got to strut their stuff.  You only had your one dream come true.  God allowed you to realize what it was to be pinned a Denver Police Officer.



Does everyone know about the time you spent in the Service protecting our Country?  Does everyone know that you served the Federal Protection Agency (federal police)protectinng the governments prizes so proudly?  Does everyone know that you loved everyone you met deeply?  Does everyone know that you cared genuinely for your fellow man and refused to see them suffer?  Do they know that you kept dollars in your pocket to give to those who begged in case one of them was Jesus?  Do they know that Denver lost one of the best, compassionate, loving cops on that force. A replacement will be long coming.   NO - your colleauges have forgotten you.  it seems you made little difference to them.  You were just a Rookie Cop how could you be a hero?



YOU ARE THE REAL HERO - YOUR LIFE WAS ON THE LINE LONG BEFORE YOU WORE A DENVER BADGE.  WHEN SOME-ONE CARES ABOUT THEIR FELLOW MAN AS MUCH AS YOU DID - DEAD OR ALIVE YOU ARE A HERO. THROUGHOUT YOUR SHORT LIFE YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE.



SJ

Another Cop that knew you since Jr. High - Adams County.

I know what the world lost.

Anonymous

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.