Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I did not know Fil ,but I have experienced painful losses. It is never easy and we are always left with the question of Why? I used to ponder the Why in life and it never led me anywhere, except deeper into my depression. As I grow older and learn more about this life I have come to believe more fully and richly in God and the fact that he is All Powerful. To that end I then have no power, other than that which he allows me to. All things then happen in His time according to His plan, even when they do not make sense to me. That doesn't take away the loss or the pain, but I have solace in my belief that He is in charge and there is a logic to the universe.

As I was recently losing a relationship that was dear to me, a friend offered me a questions. "Matthew, what is the opposite of life?" He asked. I replied, "Death?" He proceeded to share with me that as a spiritual being we are eternal, therefore there is no opposite to life. Death he said, is simply a part of the journey and required in order for us to move on to the next part of life.

I wish all those who were close and dear to Fil the very best and will pray that you found strength and hope in God to help guide you and deal with this very real and very devastating loss.

Matthew Rydzfski
Friend of Paul Philipps

August 11, 2012

May the memory and sacrifice of Police Officer Filberto Cuesta Jr, never be forgotten. Blessings and hope to his family, always. Police officers are the bravest of the brave. May we never forget that.
Bonnie T. Gardner

Bonnie T. Gardner
friend of fellow police officer

August 11, 2012

Your service and dedication were a reflection of who you were. May you rest in peace. My prayers go out to Officer Cuestas family.

Retired Officer Robyn Battaglia
Parsippany PD

August 11, 2012

Your service and dedication was a refection of who you were and you will never be forgotten. Prayers go out to the friends and family....Rest in peace Officer Cuesta

Retired Officer Robyn Battaglia
Friend of Deputy Chief Paul Phillips

August 11, 2012

Thank you for your time, courage and service. Your memory will always live on. You and your family will be forever in our hearts and prayers!

Michele (Shelly) DeMartino
Friend of Chief Phillips, Parsippany NJ

August 11, 2012

One thing about being a cop - the joys of our success is short lived, but when one of our own is taken in the line of duty, we all feel a sence of immeasurable pain forever.

I did not know you, but I love you as a brother even though you are gone. Take care my friend, and trust the angels that are here for your family. Peace be with those that were hurt by your being taken...

Sgt. Ken Weeks, MCPD, MCLB Barstow
Barstow PD, Retired

August 10, 2012

To the Cuesta family, know that when one of us is lost, we all feel the pain no matter haw many years have gone by. Please know that my prayers and thanks are with Officer Cuesta and with you.

Officer Laura Teeple
United States Park Police

August 9, 2012

RIP borther, You are gone but not forgotten. Thoughts and prayers go up for your family on this anniversary.

Sgt. B. Morris
Texas State Police (DPS)

August 9, 2012

Thank you Officer Cuesta for your service and selflessness. To the family and friends of Officer Cuesta-my thoughts are with you on this anniversary.

Sarah Philipps
Niece of Paul Philipps

August 9, 2012

For everyone who shares a sadness today and yet an Honor in remembering Fil Cuesta:
6 months, 5 years, 14 years; Time does not heal.... Tears are words from the HEART that can never be spoken. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal. To have a special Love like the one Fil & Sylvia have is a blessing from God. I FEEL this Love everytime Sylvia shares a story about Fil with me. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a Treasure. Thinking of you today, you touched so so many people in your short life. You will FOREVER LIVE in our Hearts. R.I.P. Fil you would be so Proud of your 3 Ladies, this I know already cuz you are watching all of us from up above. Sending Prayers to Sylvia and the girls!

Rebecca Escobar
Your cuz on your mom's side

August 9, 2012

We each do this job with the question in the back of our mind " When the moment comes can I commit to my creed, and face this obligation no matter the price?" you my brother answered the call? I pray for you and your family to find the peace you have earned. Someday I hope to meet you on the streets of heaven and shake your hand. Until that time, rest easy brother we have the next tour covered.

Ret. Det. Joe Gasco
Parsippany Troy Hills PD

August 9, 2012

My deepest love and heartfelt feelings go out to the Cuesta family. Fil seems to inspire powerful feelings in everybody, even people he did not personally meet. I am thankful to know there are souls like Fil in the world, whether they are still with us or in Heaven. Thank you, Fil.

Megan Frederiks
Friend of Paul Philipps

August 9, 2012

To the Cuesta family and all who knew him,

I did not know Fil nor have I experienced such a painful loss, but I am abruptly and deeply moved by the amount of love displayed here in honor of him. I do not doubt he was an amazing person to have loved. The warmth from everyone that has come together in his memory is a powerful reminder to me that GOD IS HERE. I sincerely hope and pray that this love—God’s love—touches and comforts you in this difficult time.

Thank you Fil.

Kimberly Tanella
Friend of Paul Philips

August 9, 2012

It's not how you died that made you a hero, it's how you lived your life. You are forever in the hearts and memories of your family and fellow police officers. You and your family will remain in our prayers on this grevious anniversary.

Capt. Jeffrey T. Storms
Parsippany Police Department

August 9, 2012

Officer Cuesta, Even though I have never met you I know everything about you. Your death followed my son Officer Steve Gajda in 1998. Over the years I have watched your parents grieve for you and miss every second of the time they lost with you. Sylvia never stopped loving you. To this very day she still honors your memory with dignity, pose and grace. You were very lucky to have found such a dovoted wife. Now lets talk about your daughters... WOW they have grown up to be such well mannered young ladies. Beautiful on the inside and out. Sylvia has taught them everything they need to know about their daddy. She also share every memory of you with them. Fil, I'm sure by now that you, Brian Brown and my precious Steve have become the best of friends. Continue to watch over us all and save us a special pleace in heaven. I have written a book and dedicated it to Steve, you and Brian Brown. I will have the final manuscript back from copyediting within the week. I pray that my book will help other families who may someday have to face a devastating loss. R.I.P.

Christine Hester
Mother of Officer Steve Gajda

August 9, 2012

I've never met Officer Fil Cuesta Jr., but from reading all the reflections from of his supporters I really got a feel of who he was as an officer and a person. He was loyal, a known hero, and a beloved family man. The people of the community are greatful for all the work you did and the sacrifices you've made. Thank you!

Joanne Evangelista
Friend of Deputy Chief Paul Philipps

August 9, 2012

Dear Cuesta Family,
My sympathies for your loss. Your husband/son/father is a hero and his service will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.

August 9, 2012

John Cesaro
Parsippany, NJ

August 9, 2012

Thank you, Officer Cuesta for your service. We will never forget and will forever appreciate your ultimate sacrifice. Thinking of your family and friends on this sad anniversary.

Pat

August 9, 2012

Your heroism and bravery will always be carried on through the lives you touched.

Candice Soprano
Friend of Depty Chief Paul Philipps

August 9, 2012

We honor the sacrifice of a true hero, LAPD Officer Filberto Cuesta, Jr.
May knowing that others care bring comfort to his family and friends.

Lil and Doug Lightbody
Friends of Deputy Chief Paul Philipps

August 9, 2012

Thank you brother. Your bravery, service and dedication will never be forgotten. You and your family will always be in our prayers.

Officer Earl Kinsey
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department

August 9, 2012

We owe so much to you and your family for your sacrifices. May the reminder of what you gave up, help us to never take the service your brothers and their families for granted.

Memory Eternal:

Cyril ("David W.) Quatrone

August 9, 2012

It is men like you who make our world safe, not only for ourselves, but for our families, our mothers, fathers, children, grandchildren, uncles and aunts and sundry cousins and all those others who fill our lives. You gave up your life and left your own loved ones behind, no greater sacrifice can one ask for from any one man.

You will be remembered and mourned, not only by those loved ones you left behind, but by the thousands of people whose lives you touched during your short life here on earth. May your life in the other world be safe and happy as you look down and see the rest of us going through life without you.

Rest in peace, always

Nargis Kheraj
friend of a friend, whose life you touched

August 9, 2012

Thank you for your courageous sacrifice. Thoughts and prayers to your family and God bless you Brother.

Ptl. Alfred Keiser
Parsippany Troy-Hills Police Department

August 8, 2012

Officer Cuesta's family....
My deepest condolences for your loss of a brave man who served the public with honor. God Bless you and Filberto.

Tom Wyka
Friend of Deputy Chief Paul Philipps of Parsippany

August 8, 2012