Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mike, still missing you terribly, it seems like only yesterday that this horrible accident happened that took you away from us. Thats how much we all miss you back home, its still so fresh in our minds. I was cleaning out your grandmother's home last week, and I came upon so many pictures of you as a little boy. You were so cute, you and your cousins all standing there in the schoolyard. You were all the same height and had the same hair, lol. But it brought back so many memories of the good boy you were and the good man you became. Your wonderful son called New Bedford on Thanksgiving morning and he talked to your cousing Dionne and your Dad. He is such a wonderful kid, he did not forget us here. God bless him. Take care up there, Mikey, and please watch over us all, especially your children and your dad. He loves and misses you so...............hugs.........aunt Joan

Aunt Joan

December 1, 2005

Mikey,
Missing you today on Thanksgiving as well as every other day.

Love,
Auntie Carol

Officer Carol O'Shea
New Bedford Massachusetts Police Dept

November 24, 2005

Mike,

You came into my mind today. I remember hearing your story from Lidia. I hope she, and all of your family, is doing well. The holidays are approaching, a very hard time for all, but you'll be with all of them in your own special way.

Say hi to my Scott up there.

Lidia - I think of you often.

Big Hugs,
Monica
Detroit Police Department
Fiancee Scott Stewart Detroit EOW 8-11-02

officerdownsignificantothers

November 22, 2005

Please continue to watch over Lidia, Savanna and Michael. They love and miss you so much. God bless you.

November 21, 2005

Hello Mikey,

Its been awhile, I often come to this site to see what new message someone has left. I see I am not the only one that can never forget you, you will remain in our hearts and minds forever. I know all the pictures have come down, and as time passes the pain gets easier to deal with, these are things that all of us are suppose to know, but Mike I am here to tell you its not true. You being gone has left a very big empty spot in our lives. As we grow up things happen in our lives and at that point our lives are marked, you remember things after or before that certain date. The date you left us, thats my marked date. I still remember exactly what I was doing when I heard the news. You touched all our lives. Those of us that knew you are better for it. As always you are missed.

Rest easy Brother, watch over us as you do always.

Felix
United States Marshals Service

October 12, 2005

Mikey,

You are still sorely missed at Industry Station. Although all of the memorials are over and the pictures have come down, as well as the stickers slowly peeling away from the windows of the black and whites, you will never leave our hearts. I often still hear your laughter and the sound of your voice in the station halls. There is a beautiful cabinet in the hallway that displays your photograph, the Captain says it will follow us always. I look at this website often to see if there are others out there like me, who still miss you terribly. May your family find peace in knowing that you were loved by many and you touched so many people.

Miss you Mikey, Rest you "Rest In Peace", you will never be forgotten.

Industry Patrol
Los Angeles County Sheriff

October 7, 2005

I think of you often and miss you very much. You will always have a piece of my heart.

October 4, 2005

Mike,
Although I never meet you, I can tell by all the reflections you are a great man. I am happy that you found a true soulmate in Lidia. I can't imagine the pain she is going through having lost you so soon. She is blessed to have your daughter to always remind her of the beautiful person you are. I am sure you are watching over her, your daughter and your son always. You will be in their hearts forever.

September 27, 2005

I had the opportunity to meet your beautiful daughter, Savanna. Lidia is doing such a tremendous job with her. You would be so proud. Please continue to watch over these two special ladies. God bless you.

September 26, 2005

Mikey,
I first have to say I miss you. I haven't had the courage to write to you in the past and I find it hard still. I will never forget the times working with you or days we would golf with Joey and Marcus. The night of your accident I was at home on a day off. My phone rang and it was Kent. I wondered why he was calling me so I asked him what was going on, all he said was "Mikes been shot!" (ill never forget that moment or words). I responded by saying "What the HELL!, are you sure!" Then Rich said yeah im at the C.P. we have a containment set up for the shooter at 7th and Gale ave at the Motle 6. I was dressed and there in 10 minutes. When I arrived I ran into a couple of guys from the station who had the worst looks on their faces that I could hope for. They said you were air lifted to Harbor general. When I got there I was met by what seemed like the whole department outside of the hospital. It was a bunch of Deps from Carson making sure only the right people were coming in. It was a great feeling to see our Brothers holding down the fort for you. When I got upstairs Joey was there with Lidia. I talked to them and everything was a wait and see. There was no soild info on your condition. Lidia was doing everything she could to maintain. There was department brass every where. It was kinda caodic but everyone was holding onto hope and doing everything they could to make it best as possible for Lidia. Me ,Joey and Marcus waited until the next day late into the evening but the was no change. I finally went home to shower eat and get some sleep. I think Joey and Marcus did the same. Everything was prety much the same up until your last day. Your wonderful family came out from Boston and their love for you was beautiful to see. Mikey Jr. was understandably crushed but his strong character that was past on from you really showed. When I got to spend time alone with you in the hospital we talked about golfing and when we were out there playing Lidia would call to see how you where doing. You would lie to her and say you were winning J/k. I do remember the one time we were riding in a cart together and you just got off the phone with Lidia. I saw something in you that was real. I said "Mike, your'e really happy with her aren't you". You said in the most honest voice "yeah I really am". It was great to hear that Bro. I already knew you blown away by Savanah coming. It was great to see you were a happy man. Mike remember that night we got into a foot pursuit, I was out of my car first and had a few yards on you chasing that "knuckle head" the next thing I know you blew right by me and caught the guy a block away. I always knew you were fast but you didnt have show off Bro J/K, glad you were there with me. You were another special person take away from us way to soon. There is no doubt in anyones mind that you were a Great cop but more than that you were an awesome Human being.
Mikey alot of people who love you miss you. Your impact on our life will never change, it will only help to make us better people. Miss you Bro promise to come back and write again.. 141k7

Deputy Arias
LASD

September 10, 2005

My dearest son Michael,

It's been over a year now and June and July was very tough for me. I miss you so much. I talk to your pictures everyday and pray to you everyday. I have a nice memorial set up in my house. It's all about you. I'll never stop hurting son, because you and I were closest than anybody could be. I miss your phone calls and hearing your voice on my answering machine. Your son is growing up to be a very fine upstanding young man. I'm sure your daughter is going to make you proud of her too. She looks just like you did when you were a baby. I'm going to try to visit your final resting place in April of 2006. Your my hero and I know why you were loved by so many. I'm so proud of you. I know your in a good place, and I know your watching over all of us. Until we meet again my son,
I love and miss you very. Your loving father Rick Arruda

September 7, 2005

TO THE ARRUDA FAMILY,
ALTHOUGH I NEVER MET YOUR MICHEL,I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH OF HIM FROM ALL OF THE REFLECTIONS PEOPLE HAVE LEFT.MY HUSBAND IS DEPUTY FOR L.A COUNTY AND WE HAVE HEARD SO MANY STORIES ABOUT MICHAEL.I HEAR THAT MICHAEL JR. IS AN GREAT YOUNG MAN.I HEAR THAT HE HAS A BUEATIFUL BABY GIRL.JUST KNOW THAT THOSE TWO WONDERFUL CHILDREN ARE MICHAELS TREASURES LEFT FOR YOU.
LIDIA,I HOPE THAT YOU ARE DOING BETTER WITH YOUR HEARTACHE.YOUR BABY GIRL WILL APPRECIATE YOUR STRENTH AND DEDICATION TO REMIND HER OF HER WONDERFUL FATHER.
MARISOL,
I HOPE THAT YOU ARE DOING BETTER AS WELL.GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR LITTLE MAN.KNOW THAT YOU MAKE MICHEL PROUD.
TO THE OTHER DEPUTY,
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.KNOW THAT MICHAEL IS WATCHING OVER YOU TOO.WE ALL UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE NOT AT FAULT.WE LOVE ALL OF YOU.GOD BLESS
TO THE PARENTS OF DEPUTY ARRUDA,
MAY GOD GIVE YOU THE STRNTH YOU NEED TO GET THROUGH THIS.FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS.GOD BLEES YOU!!!!!!!!!

August 10, 2005

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD YOUR 37! THANKS FOR ALL THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD I JUST WISH WE COULD HAVE HAD MORE. I MISS YOU SO MUCH,I LOVE YOU DAD WITH ALL MY HEART.

MICHAEL E. ARRUDA

July 21, 2005

HAPPY 37TH BIRTHDAY!

Michael and I will visit with you today. You're in our hearts and in our thoughts. May the good Lord always bless you. I pray Michael, your mom and dad, Lisa and so many others that love you will feel your presence on this special day.

Your friend always,

Mana

Marisol Rilloraza - Mike's Former Wife
Glendora Police Department

July 21, 2005

Mikey,
How time flies, it's already been a year since that horrible night where you were taken from everyone who loved and adored you. I hope that you are looking down upon everyone,,, especially your dad who loved you unconditionally... my <3 goes out to him everytime I see how much he misses you, the shirt that he wears of you and him,,, I can't even begin to imagine what he is going through inside... You were so much like him Mikey it's unremarkable!!!
I'm glad he has Emily and the rest of his family to help to keep him occupied... Surround him with your love and comfort Mikey,,, he needs that. We all love and miss you but we're not parents so we can't say "we understand",,, and we hope that we are never put in that situation. God must give these parents incredible strength to go on because I don't think I could if I ever lost my Tabby...
Surround him with your love and comfort Mikey,,, let him know that you are with him in spirit always..

D. Arruda
cousin of Deputy Sheriff Michael Arruda

July 13, 2005

Mikey

I love you. I can't believe your gone. I cant believe its been a year already It still feels like it happened yestersday.The pain is so great. Mike I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you that night. Your my little brother I was always there to protect you and comfort you. Everyday I can feel your loving soul near me. I want you back Mike. I love you

Lisa

July 7, 2005

I miss you.

June 24, 2005

Dear Mikey,

Its been over a year since you were taken from us, I read the other reflections, and know that you were loved by so many. Your son will grow up to do great things, you will always be by his side.

We all miss you very much, I still don't understand why all this happened, someone must have the bigger picture, all I do know is you are, and will always be missed.

Rest Easy Mike.

Felix, Bette, Jon, Ana

Felix

June 23, 2005

It's been a year and it hasn't been easy. I knew you were a special guy from the first time I saw you. Great smile, great laugh and great attitude. Nothing could get you down. It's great to read that Michael is turning into a great young man just like his dad. Your right Marisol, Mike would be proud not only by him but by you and the strength you have. God Bless you Mike and your Beautiful family

June 21, 2005

Mikey,

It's been a year now since we lost you. I still see your face and here your laugh here at the station.

On the 15th Industry Station personnel went 10-8 in their class "A's", to honor you, even though some wondered how they would fit over their vests.

Over 100 people attended the Memorial at Star's Center from Industry Station, you were loves and respected by so many. It's been an emotional year for alot of us, our Captain has been amazing in the way he has led Industry Station through this long and difficult year. Every memorial and ceremony done in your honor with sincerity, pride and integrity.
Your picture is encased in a beautiful case made by one of our talented sgts. Your spirit and memory will forever be kept alive by those of us who had the honor and the privledge of working with you.

Rest in peace Mikey, you will forever remain in our hearts.

Industry Sheriff Station Clerk
Los Angeles County Sheriff''s Department

June 18, 2005

Such a tragedy to lose a child something I hope to never experience. I never had the pleasure of knowing you and I don't quite know how I got to this site, but the Portuguese and the Arruda name caught my eye because I am also from New Bedford, Portuguese and I knew a Joanie Arruda from New Bedford High back in the 60's. Clegg field is also very familiar to me, my son also played ball there probably the same time that you did, just a few years younger, Your daughter Savanna was born on my sons 33rd birthday. So after reading your reflections, feeling very saddened I Hope that you are resting in peace dear Michael, always watch over your family and loved ones, you are truly their guardian angel.

My deepest sympathy to all Michael's family.

Michele

Michele Vieira
St. Petersburg, Florida

June 16, 2005

Mikey,

Wow, it's hard to believe its been an entire year since we last felt your touch, or saw your beautiful smile. You always had a way of making people happy when you were around. I suppose it was your silly accent, or simply put, you were such the goober.

I'll never forget your infamous words of wisdom whenever I was down or stressed, "why worry, they can't take your birthday." I still smile whenever I think of you uttering that ridiculous statement; but now I know what you meant. I'm sorry "someone took your birthday."

I will forever smile when I think of you. How can I not? You left me with the most wonderful reminder of your beauty, OUR SON. He is the most incredible young man you could ever hope to meet. He's had a tough year, but he's been able to overcome obstacles and challenges that might otherwise cause a weaker person to stumble. He'll be graduating next week and promoting to JR High. I expect you'll be there with a smile on your face and that your spirit will fill the auditorium with enough love to embrace him and all of the Deputies attending the ceremony on your behalf.

The past month was an exciting one for Michael. He flew to Sacramento and Washington DC for the Peace Officer's Memorial ceremonies honoring you and too many others that made the ultimate sacrifice. He was privileged and honored to meet the "Governator" and President Bush. I don't have to tell you how excited he was. Well, I'm sure you saw him, he was the cute kid on "cloud 9." DC was especially good for him. He spent time with your mom, sister and aunt. He enjoyed every minute of everyday he got to share with a part of his father. Your family has been wonderful towards us and I'm grateful to them for their kindness. They have not only been kind to Michael, but to Alex and the girls as well. You know, my girls have adopted your family as their own, and I think the feeling is mutual. They all miss you so much, we all do. Everytime we're together or speak on the phone, we can't help but laugh and joke about old times and of course, we joke about what an incredible goober you were. You're as easy to laugh about as you were to laugh with.

Mike, I've got to tell you... alot of wonderful people have come into our lives since you left us. You would be amazed at the love that surrounds our son; the love that surrounds your mom and your sister. I'm only sorry it took a tragedy to bring so many incredible hearts into our lives. You left our son in good hands. Your friends, coworkers, family and especially my husband Alex have been nothing but God sends and pillars of support. I'm sure you're proud.

Alex continues to care for our son in your honor and is doing a grand job of raising a fine young man. I promised I wouldn't let you down and I won't.

Our son will grow in your love and he'll live to make you, to make us, PROUD!

Rest in peace my friend and I'll write again; after graduation.

Your friend always,

Mana

Marisol Rilloraza - Mike's Former Wife
Glendora Police

June 16, 2005

On this first anniversary of your death Mikey I thought this very fitting.

"The Monument"
by Sgt. George Hahn LAPD (retired)

I never dreamed it would be me
My name for all eternity
Recorded here at this hallowed place
Alas, my name, no more my face

"In the line of duty" I hear them say
My family now the price will pay
My folded flag stained with their tears
We only had those few short years

The badge no longer on my chest
I sleep now in eternal rest
My sword I pass to those behind
And pray they keep this thought in mind

I never dreamed it would be me
And with heavy heart and bended knee
I ask for all here from the past
Dear God, let my name be the last

Rest In Peace Mikey. You are so loved and missed.

Love,
Auntie Carol

Officer Carol O'Shea
New Bedford Massachusetts Police Dept

June 15, 2005

On this day, 1 year ago, 6/14/2004, they officially ended your watch. You left us that day, but only your body, not your spirit or your soul.

Your spirit lives on in all of us that knew you, either from birth or even recent friendships. You touched all of us in separate and special ways, and your memory is always with us. God is lucky to have you, because we wanted you here beside us, to give us more memories and more of those special moments that people never forget.

You will never leave our hearts, even back here in New Bedford, your pictures are everywhere, all over our homes, on our computers, in our wallets, in our photo albums, every news item and clipping from the papers are saved, because we need to have this, not because we dont remember you, but because we do remember everything.

We love and miss you, Mike

Love Aunt Joan

Joan Felix
Aunt

June 15, 2005

Deputy Arruda,
I remember my heart sinking one year ago today as I read the details of your incident. Your face has become so familiar to me because I visited this site every day for months. Although we never met, I can see the kind and gracious man you were by reading the reflections left by your loved ones. Today I salute you Mike...Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.

To the members of LACS,
Contrary to popular belief, time does not heal these wounds. I am certain that your pain today is immeasurable as the shock has begun to wear off. Stand tall, hold your heads high as you remember and honor your fallen comrade. Your guardian angel will guide you and protect you every step of the way.

God Bless

Friend of Mark Sawyers EOW 6-5-04
Sterling Heights PD (Michigan)

June 15, 2005