Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

PO Andrew
Chicago PD

April 22, 2004

Issac, I will never forget getting the call that night. I drove like a maniac to be by your side. I knew it was bad but I had to keep the faith that you would be Ok. I miss the smile and and hand shake you always gave when I saw you on the steps of the Hall everytime I saw you on your way to court. You were a hard working cop. One I looked up to ever since I watched you perform as a rookie. Rest assured that I will never slow down and never turn my back to perform the job you loved so much. You were a credit to the department and loved by so many. We all miss you so much!. God Bless, Ian

Police Officer Ian Furminger
San Francisco PD

April 21, 2004

I thought about you today, your death has made an impact in my life. You were a good guy, you didn't deserve this senseless act. But I feel that we will all value the time we have here. That it's a reality check when an incredible person leaves this world. I miss you Isaac......

April 21, 2004

Issac, My dear cousin. I will never ever forget you. You were always the life of our family gatherings. And, you probably made me laugh over a 1000 times while growing up. You were respected by all of us, not only for your achievements, but for what you stood for. You are the definition of a Man. You were a wonderful son, sincere brother, loving husband, protective cousin, and most of all, a proud father! The only reason I can think of as to why God took you was to impact the rest of us. God truely blessed us by making you apart of our family, and I will always be proud that you were my cousin. I just wish I could have said good bye. Now, heaven's got themself a joker. I love you! Your Cous.

Anonymous

April 21, 2004

Isaac you died a "HERO" and your brothers and sisters of the law enforcement family will always remember you, as well as the entire community – you touched the hearts of everyone who knew you and you also touched the hearts of those who were never given the opportunity to know you.
My husband was a friend and worked with you for many years in Bayview and we are deeply saddened and can’t believe you are gone … Our hearts go out to your wife and daughter, our thoughts and prayers will be forever with them. May your spirit live and shine in them everyday.
Renata & Isabella, be strong and know that Isaac is with the angels in heaven and will watch over you always and forever. God Bless …

Wife of SFPD Officer

Anonymous

April 21, 2004

My thoughts and prayers go out to Isaac and The Espinoza family. You have touched many lives and you will be missed.

Ofc. N. Wu
U.S.PARK POLICE/SAN FRANCISCO FIELD OFFICE

April 20, 2004

Isaac you will be missed by all. They say at a fallen officers funeral that we come to pay our last respects. I don't think so! Everytime any Officer SFPD or not puts on their uniform and pins their Star/Badge to their chest they are paying respect to the heros that paid the ultimate sacrifice. So to Isaac I will never forget you, my star tarnished with my tears, and thoughts of your family, a wife without a husband, and little girl with no daddy. Rest in Peace...

SRB SFPD

Police Officer
SFPD

April 20, 2004

Everyday since you have passed, I visit your site. It is still unbelievable. Every morning I say a prayer for your family, and I wonder if you are resting in peace? You were to young to go. but it had to be this way. Please Isaac, rest assure that we will all do a part in seeing that justice is served. I saw you go from us being kids to growing up. You were a brave man, and you broke everyones heart when you left this world.

April 20, 2004

God bless your entire family. Unfortunately, my family knows exactly what you're experiencing. We wish you all the strength and courage you'll need to get through this. Rest assured, Isaac is in a much better place. God Bless you all!!!

Jason Bowens
brother of fallen Detroit Police Officer Matthew Bowens
E.O.W. 2/16/04

Jason Bowens

April 20, 2004

On behalf of the men and women of the La Habra Police Department, our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Espinoza's family and agency during this difficult time.

Sgt. Jeff Baylos
La Habra Police Department

April 20, 2004

Isaac , we can't beleive you are gone. You were so full of life and always brought happines and joy everywhere you went. We love you with all of our hearts and we will never forget you. Your loss will leave a deep hole in our hearts for we loved you so much. Dont worry about Renata & Bella we will be there for them all the way. I (bivi) remember how you were always there for me when I needed you. We will miss you & always remember you. We will never stop loving you. Thank God for you, your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Noah loves you and knows you are in heaven with our Lord.
We pray for your mom ,dad, & sister that God give them the strengh to go on in this time of need. Watch over us DEAR brothe as you always have. R.I.P, until we meet again. We Love You. God Bless. Bivi, Michael & Noah Mejia

Bivi & Michael , Sister & Brother in-Law

April 20, 2004

Isaac,
You will be missed. RIP brother. I've known Isaac ever since he came to Bayview as a new officer. I'll miss him and my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Brien Hoo
SFPD Bayview Station

April 20, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Espinoza family.
To SFPD, it takes alot to walk back onto those streets, but we as officers families, stand behind and support you. You are Heroes each and every day. We are proud and sometimes saddened by the life you have chosen, but you took an oath and we stand by you. God Bless all in Blue.

Police Officer Wife & Family
Newark CA

April 20, 2004

Please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Thank you Officer Espinoza for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

Anonymous

April 20, 2004

To the Espinoza family, I wish for you hope, peace, and blessings at this time. Your sacrifice is truly appreciated. Two years ago we lost Officer Ron Wood in similar circumstances. From reading these reflections it is obvious that Officer Espinoza was loved and respected by many, and he will be missed by all of his brothers and sisters in blue who never had the good fortune of meeting him. Godspeed

Ofc. Chris Hoffman
West Jordan Ut. P.D.

April 20, 2004

My heartfelt prayers are with Officers Espinoza family , his friends and his dept. My special prayers are also with his partner who must overcome very difficult memories and injuries. His lost will always be felt in our hearts and he will NEVER be forgotton.

In Memory of Brian Litz
FF/PM Florida

April 19, 2004

TO nina and espinoza family
we loved isaac like a brother in our family he will always be remeber in
our hearts and prayer we will miss you Issaac god bless you

noemi perdomoand family
southsanfracisco

April 19, 2004

To the Espinoza Family,
My family lost our hero in 2002, for all of us, we extend our hearts and hands. My prayers are with your wife and daugther, and the rest of your family. God speed, you will be forever missed.

Aynonmous

Anonymous

April 19, 2004

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Issac did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Issac be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Officer Espinoza's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Issac is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Issac was well respected and well loved.

Thank you for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Deputy Sheriff Dennis McElderry's fiancee - EOW (01/03/03)

April 19, 2004

TO THE ESPINOSA FAMILY AND YOUR DEAR GRANDMOTHER JOSEPHINE, SHE IS A DEAR FRIEND OF MINE AND I KNOW SHE WILL MISS YOU SO MUCH. I WILL TRY TO HELP HER ALONG THE WAY, WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU AND ALL YOU DID FOR THE COMMUNITY WHERE YOU WORKED. PLEASE WATCH OVER ALL OF US ,WE WILL MISS YOU SO MUCH. FROM A FRIEND JANICE BINETTI

April 18, 2004

God Bless to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Espinoza. What a great man to fight the good fight and put his life on the line for the safety of others. We feel your pain and I sit here with tears streaming down my face in memory of this fallen hero. You are forever in my prayers.

Wife of Burbank Police Officer
Burbank Police Dept. (CA)

April 18, 2004

My heart goes out to the family and friends,and my prayers are with you all, God Bless him for he is a true hero!

Anonymous

April 18, 2004

I still can't believe you are really gone. I will miss you Isaac. But I do believe that I will see you again. You left this world, young, handsome, full of friends and people who loved you. It hurts that it had to be you. The good ones are always the first to go. I hope you rest in peace, and travel the world like you once wanted to.

April 18, 2004

To the Espinoza Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I only knew Isaac breifly
while training at Bayview. Anytime I saw Isaac in passing he
always said hello. He and his partner, Derrick were one of the few
veteran officer that accepted me and never judged me. It is sad to
see some of our fellow senior officers still can not get over
themselves and treat new officers poorly. If they only knew the
same generosity and fairness that Issac portrayed and that in the
end we all are dressed in blue. He will always be remembered as a
shining spot in my career.

Ofc. Eric Chiang
SFPD

April 18, 2004

My prayers are with the Espinoza family. I am very sadden by what happened. I remember speaking to Off Espinoza on the radio and how nice he was to the dispatchers. Never had a mean way or bad attitude towards dispatchers. I think of Off Espinoza everytime I am on the channel. My prayers are with Renata and Isabella. May God take care of you

SFPD Dispatcher
SFPD

April 18, 2004