Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Six years have passed and you have not been forgotten by those that love you nor your close friends in Blue. Continue to keep watch over all of them and those still out on patrol in the City. You are a true hero.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

January 16, 2008

BEN,
It is said that wherever there is love
there is life,
and your memory lives on in our hearts;
it shines like an eternal flame.........
We'll love you forever....You will never be forgotten...

P.O.
CPD

January 1, 2008

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones as the New Year arrives. Continue to keep watch over all of them and let them feel that you are near still watching over them. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

December 31, 2007

"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 30, 2007

You and your loved ones are in my thoughts during this holiday season. Continue to keep watch over all of them and those officers still out on patrol, mainly your brother. I have decorated the outside of my home in all blue lights, one is lit every night in your honor so let you and your loved ones know that you have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

December 17, 2007

Ben, we spoke days before your accident in Branch 57. I'll never forget you telling me about the goings on that morning. I told you I would see you when I got back from furlough. I left the country to MX, only to return to hear the news. I reflect on the good times in the 10th District, the week we spent during the Jewish convention, placing our lives on the line for the Leader of Israel. You and your partner (V), my partner and I, crash cars for any suicide/terrorist vehicles attempting to crash into their caravan as they entered into to parking garage under that hotel. We placed it on the line, no questions asked. You are always remembered and respected for the GREAT job you did. I miss following you into work, I still think of you when I see those blue impalas. Their are soo many stories. Keep us safe, back us up, you and the "BIG Brother in Blue" up there.

SGT JH
Chicago Police Department

December 9, 2007

Ben
I think about you often brother. I will never forget our first day of the academy and the laughs we had together. You are truely an inspiration to us all. You will NEVER be forgotten. Keep the coffee warm we'll see ya soon.

PO
Chicago Police Department

October 22, 2007

Five years may have passed but you have not been forgotten. The anniversary of your EOW fell on the night of the Chicago PD Candle Light Vigil where your brother proudly read your name for all to hear. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones, especially your brother as he patrols the streets of the City. You havd not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of CPD Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

September 19, 2007

God bless you Benny, Its hard to believe it is 5 years that you are gone we think of you everday.

Kenneth Kulbida
010 Dist. CPD

September 18, 2007

Hey Ben. I can't believe it's been 5 years already. I will never forget that day five years ago. I know you are in a better place. You and your family will be in my prayers. Please continue to watch over us. Rest in peace.

P.O. Javier Avalos
Chicago Police

September 18, 2007

Although I worked with Ben for a short time in 016 as his FTO, I remember what a unique person Ben was. His great smile, how he just wanted to have a great "field training" tour and go home to his family (who he talked about all the time), and how he liked to laugh. He despised re-writing case reports and could not wait to get out of 016 and do "real" police work. Time spent with Ben, no matter how short, will never be forgotten. I think about him and his family often. Rest in peace, Ben.

Lisa Ford
CPD

July 25, 2007

My wife placed your picture button at the base of the Police Memorial wall at the Policeman's Hall of Fame in Florida. The button now shows a face that goes with the name which is engraved on the wall. You have not been forgotten. Continue to watch over your loved ones and especially your brother who will soon be out on patrol in Chicago.

Bob Gordon
Father of CPD Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/94

May 18, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this National Police Memorial Day, May 15th. You are a true hero. Thank you for your bravery and dedication service to the Citizens of Chicago. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

May 15, 2007

Hi Ben,

There isn't a day that I don't think about you. I feel like I'm stuck in time, but I realize that it is going to be now five years since you've been gone. I wish this wasn't real. I wish we could go back in time, and have you here. But reality hits, and I know that can't be. My only consolation is that you are with God and you will forever be in my heart. See you in heaven.

Love,
Hermelinda
xoxox-Jessica & Celeste

May 15, 2007

Dear Ben,

Happy 37th Birthday. It's going to be five years now and there isn't a single day that I don't think about you. I miss you so much. The pain has lessened a bit, but I know in my heart the pain is never going to go away. It can't. God took you too early from us. We still had so many memories to build and moments to share.

One of the happiest moments in my life was two years ago. I had twins, could you believe it? It saddened me so much that you physically weren't sharing that moment with me, but I know in my heart you were there spiritually. You are the proud uncle of Jessica and Celeste. They will grow to know what a great and loving uncle you are.

I have a picture of you in my room that I always kiss good night. The girls reach for it and kiss it also. You will never be forgotten, Ben. God Bless you - we'll see you in heaven.

ps. Give my granny a big hug from the girls and I.

Love,
Your sister
Hermelinda , Jessica & Celeste

Hermelinda Alvarez

March 30, 2007

Benjamin,
You are not forgotten. You have made our department proud. Your star shines proudly in the night. God bless you for all your efforts on the police department. Thank you.

Lt. Ricardo M. Pavon
Chicago Police Department

March 17, 2007

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Perez and we honor his distinguished service to the cause of justice and peace. Sadly, our nation has lost one of its finest citizens, a community has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage who they will love and respect forever. Today, because of the sacrifice Officer Perez has made, the house of freedom is stronger, sturdier, and more secure.

To the family and friends of Officer Perez, I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to move on. Just as you were always with him when he walked the beat or patrolled the streets, know that he will always be with you - wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Perez is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

SA Thomas Doyle
FBI New York City

March 10, 2007

Merry Christmas Ben. We LOVE you. Never forgotten

Brothers in blue

December 25, 2006

My dear Ben,
I remember the eighteenth of September, 2002, like it was yesterday. The last time you saw Katarina, when you dropped her off for soccer... Now Ben and Becky are 4 1/2 and 5 1/2. They play soccer together. It is the cutest and funniest hour of my week. On their first day of soccer, I was so emotional about it all. Wanting like hell for you to be there watching them running and laughing, wishing they could look over and see you there beside me. I watched one of the young dads, an officer, with his wife, little guy, and baby. The young officer came to watch his little guy before he started his shift. I thought of you and how ordinary of a day it was before that cursed last shift started. EVERY MINUTE WITH YOUR KIDS COUNTED. Keep watch over your precious kids, and brothers in blue, and one day we will see you again.

Michele
widow

October 3, 2006

My thoughts are with your family today. Keep watch over them. You have not been forgotten and are a true hero and heroes never die.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

September 18, 2006

Sleep safe.May Our Lord Bless your family.

September 18, 2006

I did not know you personally, Ben. But, I remember you from high school. I went to school with your sisters. You were a leader, focused and super intelligent. I figured you had gone on to become a doctor or an engineer. That is why I was surprised to hear in the news that you became a police officer.

You could have chosen a safer profession, but you obviously chose to follow your heart and wear the badge rather then the suit and tie.

My oldest brother also became a cop. He is now fighting for his life after suffering a stroke that could have very well been caused by the stressful life of a cop.

I'm sure your in heaven, Ben. Maybe, you can put in a good word for my brother with God. Thank you, and God bless you and your family.

High School Classmate

May 13, 2006

Ben Perez was my uncle and i loved him dearly. Katarina, his oldest daughter, is my best friend, we do a lot together. His death was a very tragic incident, but it has brought out whole family together. It made me relize that the people who are most important to me, don't stay around forever! And i should live life as it is, and enjoy it! When he died, i was in the 5th grade, and i really didn't realize what was happening. I am now 14 years old and graduating from middle school and i can really relate to what it feels like. I will always remember him. I Love You Uncle Ben and Aunt Shelly!! Love always ~Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn

April 13, 2006

i just wanted to drop u a line i was just thinking about how much a lot of the guys miss you and you are always still in our thoughts everyday. there is not a day that goes by that someone does not tell a story about who you are. or what a great person/police officer you are. god bless you and your family. miss you brother. happy st. patrick's day and have a heinken on us.

p.o. unit 153
chicago police

March 12, 2006

RIP BENNY, MAY THE ALMIGHTY WATCH OVER YOUR DEAR FAMILY.

DETECTIVE Mike
CHICAGO P.D.

December 14, 2005