Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

George,
It was the 4th day of the Academy when I heard how you were stolen from us. God accepted you and I'm sure your doing great up there, looking down on us, watching over us. As a BRAND NEW recruit that morning and hearing what happened, it touched every single one of us. I remember making decisions about how I would do this job and how I would make every day count. Now I'm an FTO and I'm training new recruits as they come into this profession. I promise to tell them about you and pass on what I've learned. I promise to instill in them how important it is to be safe, have fun, and make every day count as you did.
I wish I could have personally known you, but after two trips to DC and hearing all the stories, I feel like I do.
Watch over us George, we love you.

D/S
Orange County Sheriff's Office

October 25, 2003

It has been a tough year, George. Many things have changed as a result of that night. Your violent departure from my life has brought many aspects of my life into focus. We came to O.P.D. and met each other on that first nervous day. We learned, through everyone else, that we were very much alike. As we talked, we learned we also shared a lot of the same problems as well. You came to me when you needed an ear, another perspective. And you didn't hesitate to return the favor. I've visited you several times throughout the year, but it doesn't get any easier. I miss you. It's hard to put what I mean into words, but know, as I'm sure you do, that you are always with us. Rest in peace my friend.

Anonymous

I stood over myself while I worked Feverishly

"Come on we can make this work"

My Brother lay motionless

Lay slain on the cold asphalt

My Brother lay motionless for following his dream...our dream

"Come on you're not that bad" I lied

I felt my Brother's pain for he couldn't

I agonized

I gave him all the air in my lungs because he had none of his own

I called on every lesson, every lecture, every memory. I begged that there was something I forgot...

Something that would spring forward and give me the answer

I'm a problem solver but I could not solve this one

I couldn't make him stand

I couldn't bring him back

I called on every resource I had

And then I cried.

WE all miss you George but, I can feel you go 10-8 with me every night.

White

Deputy Jerold White
Orange County Sheriff's Office, FL

Hey baby! I miss you so much! I wake up every morning with thoughts of you and your smile. It is hard to forget how you were taken away from us but your passing was not in vain. I will serve with the integrity and love I saw in your eyes. You are ALWAYS with me... You hold a very special place in my heart! XOXOXO

Anonymous

It has been one month since George "Big Sal" Desalvia has been taken from his friends and family in such a senseless crime.George was such a inspirational person.As a high school friend he would always give you the shirt off his back.He would always go out of his way to help you.I will always remember George as being a bigger roll model for his younger brother Derek and myself.He was bigger then any sports star could ever be in my eyes.I start my journey as a cop   3-6-00.George you wwill always be there in my thoughts I will carry out the job with the same great sense of pride and humor you did.Please be my guardian angel buddy.you will be missed greatly.You where one hell of a great peron a even better friend,a wonderful father to 3 children,a husband to a beautiful wife but most of all ONE HELL OF A COP THE PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRAFICE TO HELP A FELLOW OFFICER.You will always go 10-8 when I do.Your greatly missed.

Leonard P.Hills
Fl. Dept of Corrections

brother,,,,,,,,all  i  can  think  of  to  say  is......    GOD       WITH  YOU!!!!   your   troubles  are  over! as  bad  as  it  is.........with    the    lord    by    your  side......all  is  good  brother! peace  be  with  you!

Chris  Proctor
Morganfield  P.D.

Hi George, well its been 7 months now and I turned on the TV today and heard a song that reminded me of how missed you are. I have sat here for months wondering why so much guilt in me, maybe it was the pain I assisted in delivering the night you two were gunned down or the sadness I knew would be left with your wife and children. I enjoyed every moment with your children that night, because it was my only way to say good bye and keep being a good friend. For the short time we knew one another I have been proud to know you, and hope that you keep watching over all of us. Hold your head high Mister and for God's sake wake up....I know I have put you to sleep again.....however it happens I will keep the humor and the joking insults you passed on to me each day and will remember and laugh about them. I only wish I could do another unit check and you would say In your slow deep monotone tone of voice....Onnnee Fiveee Twooo,,,tennnn foourr.  God bless you you will never be forgotten.....AM

AM
OPD

Hey honey.  It has been several months since you were taken to the peaceful heavens we all wait to visit.  I know you are well, and I know you are not alone. Tanja is there with you and I am positive you are both looking down on the rest of the FAMILY and providing us with extra strength and protection.  Both of you inspire me to reach for more, and finish the job.  I know I can do it ... I know I will! I love you both for giving me that determination.  I hope you are both aware of how many of us will never ever forget you, because you are both in everyones heart and soul. I miss you so much. I know I will one day see you again. God Bless!

Friend

End of Watch: February 3, 2000

I didn't know this young man, but after 28 years of law practice, I have been around this situation more timee that I like to recall. I am sure he was a brave young fella who gave the ultimate for his department and his fellow officer. Peace for his family and they will see him again.

Charles. H. Vaughan, Esq.
State Attorney's Office-Fort Lauderdale

BROTHER YOU HAVE PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.  I KNOW THE LORD WELCOMED YOU SAYING, "ENTER INTO MY KINGDOM GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT, IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED."  I PRAY THAT THE LORD BESTOWS HIS RICHEST BLESSINGS UPON YOUR FAMILY. A CLOSE BROTHER OF MINE WORKS FOR ORLANDO PD. PLEASE KEEP HIM IN YOUR CARE.  REST IN PEACE.

KURT THOMAS
AUSTIN  PD,   TX

George there isnt a day that I dont think about you! We went through the hiring process together and we were hired together. I'll never forget how much fun we had in orientation and how much you laughed at Darren's jokes and my sarcastic remarks. I can still see the tears in your eyes from laughing so hard and I can still hear the sound of your laughter.You always said that Darren was one funny guy. It was the three of us. It was one of the best times of my law enforcment career. Though you have been tragically taken away from us, you will always live in our hearts and in our minds. Your memory will always be alive in us. I thank god for blessing me with your friendship. You have and will always inspire me to be better today than I was yesterday.

A.B 11550

Anonymous

Its now been 4 months and the memories are flooding me, its a shame that you don't know just how much a friend means until they are gone, George I still get angry everytime I think of that night, the night I lost a friend, and it hasn't gotten easier, I miss seeing you in the halls, and I miss you picking on me. Please my days are coming where I must fill the shoes please Watch over me,,,,Never NEVER will I forget you

Anonymous

I knew him as Big Sal.  We were stationed together at Ft.Myer and we were in a five man traffic accident investigation section.  I was in the Army a little longer than him when he arrived in the section but his level of proffesionalism far exceeded his experience level or rank.  Big Sal was the clown of the section, always had a joke for me or Wheatley and always made us laugh.  I enjoyed the nights on patrol with him will remember the fun times we shared.  I am in the Police Academy now.  I took a break from the Law-Enforcement field after getting out of the Army.  I guess the love of work pulled on me hard enough to bring me back.  My instructors there told us to check out the ODMP.  I never would have dreamed that I would see a friend here.  I guess none of us expect that.  I will think about Big Sal making the ultimate sacrifice and I will think about Cynthia making the big sacrifice as well.  My heart goes out to her and her children.  The law enforcement community lot a great man when Sal passed on.  Good-bye George.

Charles Shikle
Hartselle Police Dept

It seems that the men and women of OPD have paid a high price for the safety of that city's citizens lately. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Officers DeSalvia and King, who also died recently in an on-duty automobile accident. I pray that the citizens of Orlando will remember the sacrifice of these brave officers and will take the opportunity to express their gratitude to the brothers and sisters of DeSalvia and King who are carrying on the work that those two fine officers did so well.

To the men and women of Orlando P. D. please remember that George and Tanja are now in heaven and, if you know Jesus as your Savior you will see them again when God calls you home. Please be safe out there. I hope that there are no more line of duty deaths, but know that it is inevitable. Please be ready to stand before God if that day should come to you. 

DEA Agent

Ofc. De Salvia, I never had the chance to meet you, but we share the same dream... The dream of making a differance in our community. I am now in the same academy you graduated from just a year ago, and when you were taken from us we were in our second week of academy, this was a tough way to start a career for each of us. We have posted your picture on our wall, as well as your squad member Ofc. King... We will never forget, we will never let the dream die, we will never let either death be for not. Ofc. De Salvia, thank you.

Recruit,
Valencia Law Enforcement Academy

"Sal"

From the first day I walked into the room during orientation, there was an obvious bond.

From our common love for the job to our obsession with the New York Yankees, we
were meant to be the best of friends. I will always hold in my heart the way that you and
Cynthia 'adopted' me for the family night because no member of my family could attend.
The way we joked,and the way we shared serious conversations, you were much more
than a co-worker. You treated me like a brother. I will ALWAYS hold close the times that
we did go on calls together. I want you to know that your memory keeps me going
everyday. I know that God is taking care of you now and I hope that you are watching
over all of Law Enforcement and keeping us safe. From each call that I answer to each
inning of every Yankee game that I watch, I know that you are there. When I think back
and ask myself why this tragedy happened, I can only assume that it was all part of God's
plan. It may hurt now to all of us but we all have comfort knowing that you are taken care
of. I miss you and I promise to keep my head up. God bless your family and may they rest
easier knowing that you are OK.

With love,

D.E. #11547

P.S.-Thanks for the flat tire in North Port on the bus. I am sure that was practical joke
#1!!!!

Anonymous

Officer Desalvia, you are a true hero in every sense of the word. I am just beginning my career in law enforcement. I hope that I be half the officer that you were. I will always remeber your story and your family. You are all in my prayers. God speed. 

Anonymous

Although I am not yet a fellow police officer, I am applying with Volusia County S.O., I felt a bitter tear at my heart when I read of the passing of such a young and courageous man. It rips me apart when I hear about someone losing their life serving the people they have sworn to protect and serve. The graduating class of Training Center No.21 (Okaloosa-Walton Community College), would like to express their sincere condolences to the DeSalvia family and the Orlando Police Dept., our prayers are with you.

"Know that I died, not for the love of my country, but for the love of my countrymen" unknown soldier

Frank O. Davis

I listened to you last call on intercity, I can't say thier was a dry eye in my whole agency. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in thier time of need. I can't begin to tell you how we watched the news in anticipation when your killers got brought to justice. I hope to someday be out in the field, and when I do I will remember to carry the badge with the pride of honor that you did, because "No greater love hath one, that lays down thier life for others". God bless you and your family.

Jessica R
Polk Co 911

I always told you never argue with your dispatcher, we will always get the last word, but I didn't mean it this way.  I will always remember trying to keep you awake, as you sat with me for your 8 hour tour of commuications, I tried to make it as fun for you as I could, and you couldn't seem to sit still.  The night you and Eddie were shot, was the longest night in history, and I only hope you know as I sat there that night with George and Anthony, that I reminded them what a wonderful officer you ARE.  I watched them sleep and when they awoke we played, my heart goes out to your wife, and your family, I apologize for the way we all met.  My day is coming shortly where I get to be a hero in the community too, I will hold my badge as proudly as you DO.  We love you George, and you will never be forgotten.…

Anonymous

YOU MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRAFICE AND YOU'LL NEVER BE FORGATTEN. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY; MAY YOU REST IN PEACE

P.O. Jose Ayala
Orlando Police Department

When I read the news my eyes filled with tears. We had lost another brother. In 13 years it never gets easier in fact it becomes worse, you think not only of George DeSilva, but of your friends, classmates, and co-workers you have lost. My heart is sadden by this loss, and as I go to work and wear a band upon my shield I pray the George and all of we have lost will watch over us. Later on in May we will honor George and place his name upon the wall, and shed many, many tears for him. God Bless you George and your wife and children .

"IN VALOR THERE IS HOPE"

Tacitus

Anonymous

MY BROTHER,

I AM DEEPLY HURT BY YOUR PASSING.  THIS KIND OF HURT CAN ONLY BE UNDERSTOOD BY ALL OFFICERS WHEN ONE OF HIS BROTHERS IS TAKEN AWAY.  ALTHOUGH I NEVER KNEW YOU PERSONALLY, I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU AS A HERO. REST IN PEACE BROTHER, MAY GOD BE WITH YOUR FAMILY.

Ofc. C. Lystad
Delray Beach, Fl

May God bless Officer DeSalvia and his family as he has paid the ultimate sacrifice. It has not been long since we lost two officers and our prayers out to the family and friends of Officer DeSalvia.

Anonymous

As a member of the Army, who spent a year and a half with you "Sal", this news breaks strings in my heart that I forgot were there. You will be sorely missed by all of us who knew you and called you a friend. Our hearts are with your family in these times. Go with God...

Dave Babcock, ex-Army
Security