Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My Dad
by Wendy Ann Garman

I knew this man
Who is dear to my heart,
Suddenly one day
It was torn all apart.

This man taught me everything
I needed to know,
But I never really listened
...Until he had to go.

He gave me love
And touched my life,
It's all over now
He know longer has to fight.

He tried to teach me
Right from wrong,
The day he left
I wasn't that strong.

He is gone now
It is hard to believe,
This man is MY DAD
Who I will never see.

But, I will see him again
This I know,
The day will come
When it's time for me to go.

So, I'll hold him dear
And close to my heart,
'Cause the day we meet
I know we'll never be torn apart

Kelcey Mercedes

January 30, 2005

The pain still lingers..... but everyday is one day closer to you...

January 20, 2005

We just finished celebrating Christmas and it was hard to see your parents. They are getting along fine, but it's always touch and go with emotion and fighting back tears. Your deeply missed and remembered so often that it impedes of regular activities. Tony is sad always, but he's functioning which he has to keep doing. Spending time with Matt & Kelcey is good for you family and reminds them fondly of you. Like they always say, Matt is another Arturo. This year he was wearing that necklace of your very proudly. Tony when with them talks about you and memories of when ya'll were growing up. He also reminds them of interesting stories involving you when they were younger.

We truly miss you being around. No one else calls every few minutes during football games to gloat. From where you are now, we all know that you see everything that is going on and happening with family. You're really missed and needed down here.

Anonymous

December 29, 2004

Hey Daddy,

I sure do miss you lots and lots!

It's been so hard here without you, not being able to share my day, or tell you that I love you and hear it back.

But I'm learning to cope without it.

I've grown up so much, I'm not your little girl anymore... I'm your young lady. But I know that I'll always be your little girl. It's been really hard knowing that you wouldn't be here to comfort me if I needed you but I've gotten through some rough times without you, but the whole time you were there in spirit, just not in the flesh. So its kind of like you were there all along, looking over my shoulder and taking really good care of me all along.

Matthew is doing really good, I'm doing my best as a sister to take care of him because I know that's what you would have wanted. I'm trying hard to keep up my grades and be the best I can be for you because all my life you pushed me to succeed and I don't want to disappoint you.

Love,

Kelcey

Kelcey

November 28, 2004

Joe,
I have been thinking a lot about you lately. We had a pursuit last night that ended in a major wreck and your name was mentioned. I guess because throughout all the pursuits we have had, they haven't ended in a major 10-50 since the day you were killed. Those kids could have easily been killed last night and the problem is they have no clue. I think it brought back a lot of memories for everybody. Some days I don't know how I get through but I do. I guess because you are with us. It is that I get so worked up and pissed off when we have a pursuit, but I finally understand why you loved your job as much as you did. Even though the pursuits are so dangerous, you still want in the middle of all the action. Not a pursuit goes by that we don't think of you and pray that it doesn't end in tragedy. I talked to Kelcey yesterday. She has picked up her grades. She is maturing so much. Matt still doesn't have much to say especially when some sport is playing on t.v. Victoria had developed her own way of things and her own attitude. I just wanted you to know that I still think of you as the days go by. Keep watching over us. We love you!

Love, Rachael

November 12, 2004

Joe-

I was just looking at your page today and reading the last page of reflections. It has been a year and 1/2 now, times have been bad but yet times have been good. Things are going good at FPD but right now but a little rocky. You know how that goes. Starting to get cold outside. Saw Kelcey yesterday. Matthew didn't go, but talked to him last weekend. Kelcey is getting so big. Victoria was so happy to see her, her grandparents, Aunt Debra, Alexis. A lot of things have happened. I don't know if they are good things or not. Confused about a lot of things still. Happy most days, down a few. I guess things will never be the same. What can you expect? Try to stay positive, though. Victoria keeps me going(constantly :)) She is so big and independent. Has your personality for sure. We miss you and still think of you constantly. We know you are with us. We love you!

Rachael and Victoria

October 10, 2004

Already so much time has passed, but the pain still lingers. It has been so hard for me raising our children alone. I see you in their faces and hear you in their voices. I try to remind them of you with a smile on my face so they can enjoy your memory, and live without the hurt I know they feel deep inside. I wonder if I will ever be able to look at them and think of you without feeling so sorrowful. I keep waiting for that day, knowing that how ever long it takes I must continue raising them alone, and they must have happy memories not sad ones. Doing a good job in your memory is what makes it all worth while.

Beth

September 7, 2004

We miss you Joe.

Jeremy and Jess

August 1, 2004

Hey Joe!!

It has taken me too long to write to you, and for that I appologize. I have been thinking of you and missing you so much lately. I never told you, but you have taught me so much, and continue to teach me things all the time. Joe, you were one of the happiest people I have met in my life... and when things get tough in this battle I'm having in California, I think of you and how you never really let anything get you down, and it helps me to keep on trying. You also taught me to value my family. I cannot thank you enough for the respect you gave my sister, parents, and the rest of my family. -- I remember that night when Rachael and I got the news. I had just gotten off of work late, and when I walked in Rachael told me that she had heard on the scanner that there was a really bad accident. I didn't really think anything of it, and went and changed clothes, and when I came back there was a knock at the door. It was the preacher across the street, and the first thing he said when my sister opened the door was "Rachael, I have some bad news...". Before he even said a thing she started to cry. Then a few minutes later, after we had started making plans to drive to the hospital you would be going to, there was another knock at the door. It was the police chief. He asked the preacher to step outside, and after about 10 minutes of talking, they walked back in, and just kneeled to my sister saying "I'm sorry". I hugged her while she sat holding Victoria who was asleep, not knowing at all what to say, but just praying that it wasn't true and that it was just a dream. I remember going to school a few days later and almost getting into a fight with a kid who was badmouthing you for stopping him one day. We all really miss you, and I hope you know that I think of you often, and carry your picture in my wallet. Keep taking care of my sister and Victoria like you always have.

Miss and love you,

Troy

Troy

July 29, 2004

Arturo,

It's been awhile since I have written. Your first born just had her 13th birthday. I can't believe she has grown up so fast. I can still remember the day she was born. We were so excited not knowing if it was a boy or a girl, and after 13 hours of labor she finally arrived. You were so happy and excited. She was your baby girl. She was a daddy's girl from the moment she was born and she misses you terribly. I wish you were here to hold her again and tell you love her. Your death has effected her so much and I know that she will miss you forever.

June 23, 2004

THE EYES DON'T LIE

Such a big smile,
Upon my face.
Aren't you so glad,
You're in such a happy place!
But don't look in my eyes,
For then you will see,
The broken heart within,
The shattered me.
The eyes don't lie,
They can not hide,
What a smile covers,
The broken soul inside.
by:Lydia Warner Miller

Rachael
spouse

May 24, 2004

Our Dear son,
It was so hard to let you gobut some day we will be together again. Just know that we will always love you even though you are gone you have left us a wonderful gift and that is our grandchildren
Love you, Mom and Dad

Mom and Dad Herrera

May 16, 2004

hey daddy! I miss you so much and I wish you were still here. Everytime I a picture of you I want to cry. I miss the sound of your voice and the way you made me feel so good when I saw you after school when you would pick me up early so we could have some fun before you left to go back to Friona. I'm almost 13 now and i'm still a daddy's girl! You were always my hero and still are I know your here with me but it doesn't feel the same. Ever since that night
i talked to you for the last time I hear that conversation over and over in my mind although I can't remember all of it anymore it seems to have been a nightmare. Sometimes at night I cry and wish for one more chance to say that I love you. You are the one that made me a better person and I thank you for that. I love you with all my heart

Kelcey
Daughter

May 12, 2004

I watched as the names were engraved at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Yours is beside Joe's. They did a great job. Very repectful. It rain right after.

Anonymous

April 27, 2004

Babe-
I feel as though I have failed you. The D.A. is not going to take your killer to trial. They are going to let him plead out to life. I can't believe that they are not going to try harder to get him the death sentence. They say it will be a gamble and that the trial will be to hard for the family, jurors, and lawyers. I was ready to fight for you, Babe. They said that he will be in jail for 65 years. 40 years for killing you and 25 for a theft in Potter County. It is not good enough. But I guess the death sentence would not be good enough either. But they can't garantee me that he will be in prison that long. I mean, neither one will ever bring you back and that breaks my heart. I have fought hard for a year, for what? Nothing has ever been easy. I have been to so many hearings for benefits, meetings for court, etc... I am so tired. But yet, nobody seems to care. What else can I do? I need you here to help me. The guys at the P.D. are upset that everybody just gave up with out trying. Your parents are upset as well. I feel as though I let everybody down. I don't feel that it is fair that your killer will be able to see his family, eat, breath, etc... I asked the D.A. why should I plea your killer out when he didn't give you a chance to plea for your life. They said they knew how I felt. I let them know that NO they didn't know how I felt, nor how the family felt, and they never will. I hope Victoria understands everything, one day. I know she will soon ask about you and I have every intention to tell her how you loved her and cared so much about her, but I hope she understands that we tried and that you will always love her no matter what. You are always on my mind, in my heart. I love you still. I miss you so much.

Love Always, Rachael

April 24, 2004

Well it has been a year. Things are going well. Everyone misses you. The kids have grown so much. They miss you. Both are still doing so well in school. Each missed making straight A's by one grade, but I am still proud. I wish you were here. I am now encountering problems with Matt that he could use the advice of his father. He is worried about a bully at school. I told him although fighting is not the answer that sometimes you have to stand up and be a man. I wish you were here to help him not be scared. I hope that I can teach him to be a strong man as you were. I will do my best.
Kelcey has grown almost as tall as I am. She is turning into such a beautiful young lady, but she is still her daddy's little girl. I know you are keeping an eye out them and I know that you always will. I hope someday their pain will heal and they can remember you without being sad. I alway try to remind them of the happy times so that you memory never fades.

Beth

April 16, 2004

Joe,
Well yesterday marked the one year mark, the day I didn't get to kiss and tell you bye. I can't believe that a year has already passed by. So many things have happened. There has not been a day that you do not go through my mind. I have a picture of you in my truck, at home, pictures of you on the wall, at work, you are there, Victoria, is just like you, looks just like you. I placed a memorial wreath in front of the PD by your monument, hung up your memorial flag and had a memorial dinner in honor of you yesterday. Lots of people showed up and we enjoyed keeping your memory alive. Trey said that you would have enjoyed last night, the cook out, being with friends, the kids that were there. He said it was your kind of thing and it was. I know you were there with us, laughing with us. I just wish that you were there to help wipe away the tears that were cried, to fill the hopes that will never be filled. We all thought of you yesterday, just like everyday. There is not a day I do not pray to you before I get in my patrol car. I know you watch over us and keep us from harm. You were always a protector. I love you and miss you so much and so does your daughter. We love you!! We will always keep your memory alive, Babe.

Rachael

April 15, 2004

Its hard to believe it has been a year. Recently I got a phone call about a hosatge sitation in Friona. Instantly I thought about you and it had been almost a year since your accident. I knew Jr. would be busy but I could not stand it I had to call him and find out what had happened. He told me the story and told me how is patrol car was hit with a round from a 44 mag Rifle. I have do doubt what so ever that were your watching over him and the other officer that night and I want to say thanks. I hear Rachael passed her TCLOSE test and is working as a Reserve in Friona. I say Congrates to her .....it shows what kind of person that she is....being able to work the same streets that you did. Rachel you have made Joe and all of us very proud of you. Words can not explain the respect I have for you and Joe. Joe thanks again for watching over Jr and all the other officers that night. Thanks for watching over me every night when I am working.
God bless Joe Rachel Their Family and Everyone !

Sgt. Keith Payne
Lake LBJ MUD Police Department

April 14, 2004

Hey Joe,
You know, this time last year Rachael called me right after the incident at approximately 12:30 a.m. I thought I was dreaming at first. We have thought about you and all of your family all day today. You served your community well and we miss you just as much today as the day you left us a year ago. Talked to Rach today at lunch and it sounded like they were having a cookout in honor of you - that is extra special. You touched many lives and have taught me one important lesson for the rest of my life - live for the moment and enjoy your time on earth. We miss you so much. Keep watching over us! :)

Anonymous

April 14, 2004

Joe,
You know this time last year was a very happy time for us. We were sitting at home playing with our new baby girl and enjoying being newlyweds. However we never knew that is was going to be a short time of joy. The last couple of weeks I have been thinking about you constantly. Patrolling the same streets you patrolled, questioning the same thugs you used to question. I am just glad I can still keep your memory alive. In a few days, it will be the first anniversary of the most tragic event. We are going to do something in honor of you but I a not for sure just what yet. You deserve the upmost honor and respect this week as you always deserved. I am not going to let your memory fade away like some people would like it to. It is not that easy just to let everything go and never think about it. You were taken away from us and we can never replace that. Our friends our here keeping us strong and I know you are watching out for us and keeeping us in your heart. We are going to trial in about a month and I will be sitting there everyday of trial fighting for justice. Everybody will understand what a fighter you were and what a great father you were and how you loved your job and nobody will ever forget that nor forget you. You are always on my mind. Last Easter was an awful one and one I will never forget. I can't believe that is has already been a year. Somedays it feels like ten years ago everything happened and somedays it feels just like yesterday. We are strong and so are your kids and we are that way because of you. I love you and miss you so much. I just wish you were here to hold us and love and comfort us. Keep awatch on us from above. I love you.

Rachael

April 10, 2004

Happy First Anniversary Joe! Jeremy and I still regret not making the wedding, but we had a legit excuse, we were moving in our new home that day. You have made Rach strong. I talked to her at lunch today and she seemed fine We sure are glad! She has coped extremely well. Lil Victoria is growing like a weed with an attitude just like yours :). Well. thought of you and Rach today, so I thought I would write. Wish you were here to celebrate, but we can all celebrate later in heaven, just like old times. We miss ya more than you know.

Jess and Jeremy

March 23, 2004

Babe-
Well just one year ago today we got married. It was a time of joy, happiness, and a new life together. We didn't know it was going to be so short lived. I remember that day like it was yesterday. We suprised our families with the wedding and our daughter was dedicated to the church that day. Our parents, family and friends we so happy for us. It was a nice day that day. We went out to eat and ordered a cake and played with the kids in the front yard. You made me so very happy and we were truly in love. I didn't cry today for some reason. I guess because you were with me today and being strong for me as always. I know you were with the guys this weekend watching over them. It was a close call for some. I love you and miss you so much. As we prepare for trial in a month I know you will be with us watching over us helping us get through this. I love you, Sweetie. Happy 1st anniversary.

Rachael

March 23, 2004

Joe we sure missed you at Victoria's birthday party. We sure had lots of fun as you noticed from up above! Just thought I would write and tell you how much you are missed.

Miss ya much.

Jess
Friend

March 7, 2004

Hey Joe,
Just remembering back a year ago today (since it is Victoria's first birthday). Remember the long hours we stayed up with you guys waiting on the little bundle of joy to get here! That was the best experience of my life so far! How precious those moments were and Jeremy and I will never ever forget that day, we have talked about it quite a bit today. It is really weird because the weather is exactly how it was the day she was born, dark and rainy. We actually had fun and cut up in the delivery room, even Rach and she was in some mega pain. Memories are what we have left and there is no man/woman on this earth strong enough to take the "memories" away from us. Remember when I yelled switch in the delivery room, cuz Rach had been warned not to eat anything, but she demanded something, so they gave her some Dollar Store graham crackers cuz she was soooooooooo hungry, well she started blowing chunks, and I sure couldnt handle that so I had to yell "switch" cuz I know you could handle it, and you did perfectly :). Remember us watching Jeremy and making fun of him for falling asleep upright on the doctor's stool because we had been up so long, I guess he couldn't take it no more. :) Today is a little sad and her birthday party this weekend will be too because you are not physically here, but it helps us to cope knowing you are watching over us today as you are every day, and that one day in the future we will all be together again laughing like old times. Also, it is a happy day because, not only has Victoria brought joy to Rach, but to everyone she is around. We honestly have truly enjoyed your daughter, she was the best gift you could have given. Rach is doing an excellent job raising her, she is raising her as you would want her raised. Her looks have not changed much, she still looks just like you, and Rach says acts like you too! Wonder what that means, maybe because she is a bit stubborn and strong willed :). We miss you so much Joe and think about you all of the time. Just wanted to write on your website remembering today one year ago since Jeremy and I have talked about it today. What fond memories! Miss ya bunches.

Jess and Jeremy
Friend

February 23, 2004

Babe,
Happy Birthday! Sorry I haven't written since today, but it has been a tough week. I have spent the last six birthdays with you and this year without you has been rough. I think of you constantly. My heart aches for you constantly. Monday your little girl will turn 1. It will be rough knowing you are not there to spend it with us. The first week of May, I will face the thug that caused our lives to be turned upside down. Knowing you are watching over us, will help keep me strong. I love you and miss you so much. I love you!!

Rachael

February 21, 2004