Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The policeman stood and faced 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 time 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 a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

June 17, 2004

To Deputy Arruda's family and department-

I am very sorry for your loss. Life just doesn't seem to go right sometimes. When you expect to be protecting the public it is hard to carry on when one of your own is lost.

Lydia-
When my husband died in the line of duty 3 years ago I thought I would never return to the road. I couldn't bare the pain of hearing the radio and knowing it wasn't his voice on there like before. There is no point in me saying the pain eases, because you know it never will. But it does get easier for you to get out of bed everyday; especially when you look at your child. My son was born 8 1/2 months after my husband died. It's nice to know they left a treasure behind for us... Good luck to you and your daughter.

June 17, 2004

In loving memory of D.S. Mike Arruda:
Our hearts are grieving with you for this officer, his family and loved ones, and his co-workers. Thank you for your selfless service and sacrifice. It is a long road to healing that lies ahead, but I know that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will extend His mercy and comfort to all who reach out to Him. There is none greater than He. We don't get to Heaven based on what we do, but what He did for us!! AMEN! There is now a huge void that cannot be
filled. God be with all those who mourn and may His promises lift all those with heavy hearts for many years to come. I found this poem on another's site and wanted to share it.

We may never understand it,
the risks these brave ones take,
but occasionally we see a bit
of the difference their lives make.
Some do it for the action,
others find it a callin'.
All find the satisfaction,
and few become the fallen.
Being an officer is what he loved,
To him as good as it gets.
Law was what he dreamed of,
He would have no regrets.
And though it saddens all of us
to lose him in this way
He knew how an officer must
Live life to the fullest everyday.

You are in my thoughts. If only I could erase your pain...

Lynn Kole
Bellingham, Washington

June 17, 2004

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND FOR THE FAMILY OF DEPUTY MICHAEL ARRUDA. AS A FATHER WITH A SON AND A DAUGHTER ON THE WAY I CAN ONLY SAY HE WILL BE WITH YOU FOR EVER. FOR HIS KIDS REMEMBER YOUR FATHER IS A HERO AND ALWAYS WILL BE REMEMBERED AS JUST THAT.
DEP. J. KROENING

DETENTION DEPTUY SHERIFF F.T.O.JASON KRO
MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FLORIDA

June 17, 2004

Godspeed brother, we'll take it from here!

Florida Deputy Sheriff

June 17, 2004

You were a wonderfull deputy who lived a full life may you rest in Peace

Anderson
LAPD

June 17, 2004

A coward dies a thousand deaths, a hero dies but one.

May God be with Deputy Arruda and his family in their time of need.

"I am my brothers keeper"

109th Cadet Class, Austin Police Department

June 17, 2004

Deputy Arruda, our prayers go out to you, your Family, and your Dept during these trying times! You will not be forgotten! Thank You for your dedication.....IN VALOR THERE IS HOPE!!!!

Officer Rich Cheatham
Va Beach Police dept.

June 16, 2004

Day is done,
gone the sun.
From the hills,
from the lake,
From the skies.
All is well,
safely rest,
God is nigh.

Godspeed to you and your family.

LT. JAMES A. WILLIAMS
N.Y.P.D.

June 16, 2004

Our deepest condolences to the Family, friends, and co-workers of Deputy Arruda

Newark NJ PD Auto Theft Task Force

June 16, 2004

Deputy Arruda...our thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends...may your fellow deputies find peace and understanding in the weaks and months to come...Please watch over you fellow brothers and sisters in brown....God speed, Sir

wife of a Sgt
Macomb County Sheriff Dept, MI

June 16, 2004

MAY GOD BLESS DEP ARRUDA'S FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND COWORKERS DURING THIS TERRIBLE AND TRAGIC TIME IN THIER LIVES. MAY GOD BLESS THE OTHER DEPUTY INVOLVED IN THIS TRAGIC TIME IN HIS LIFE ALSO. MY DECEASED BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. A HERO FOR SURE. YOU SERVED WELL.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

June 16, 2004

Thank you for your service..Rest in peace sir.

Shannon
concerned citizen

June 16, 2004

God Bless You Deputy Arruda My thoughts and Prayers are sent your way from the East Coast!!!!

Tonya Stephenson
Private Citizen,PA

June 16, 2004

Thank you Deputy Arruda for keeping us safe from bad. God bless you.

Renny Kassel
California Citizen

June 16, 2004

Thank you for your 13 years of service to the people of the county of Los Angeles, we will never forget your sacrifice,God bless you.
REST IN PEACE

TMP

June 16, 2004

RIP my brother.........god bless you and your family....You are a true hero

SGT
LASD

June 16, 2004

Sir,

I never had the opportunity to meet you but I can say that I grieve just as badly. I'm deeply saddened by this tragedy and the loss to our department. I have heard you were a great man and a great Deputy to work with.

To the family and friends of Deputy Arruda I offer my families prayers and support. To all those present during this tragedy I pray for you as well.

Deputy Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept.

June 16, 2004

Thank you for protecting this country. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Ashley Drury
Clare, Michigan

June 16, 2004

My heart goes out to the family of Deputy Arruda. It is not easy to lose one of our own. Having gone through this myself, with someone close to me I know that it is not easy. Rest assured that your memory will live on in all of those that had the privilege to know and love you!
To Deputy Arruda's family I will keep you in my prayers as you face this trying time. Surround yourselves with those that love you and always remember that the Law Enforcement Family is there to help you whenever you need them.

A Police Dispatcher

June 16, 2004

Dear family and friends of Deputy Michael Arruda. I am so deeply sorry for your loss and pray that God will help you through this very dificult time in your life. You will all be in my families thoughts and prayers.

Theresa Lackey, former dispatcher
Califonia Highway Patrol

June 16, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Deputy Arruda and to the men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department. May God grant each of you true peace during these times.

Michael Arruda, first chosen by God, then annointed by God, now called home by God.

Rest in Peace.

Sr S/A
DHS ICE

June 16, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with the L.A. County Sheriff's office and Deputy Arruda's family.

Special Agent
Virginia State Police

June 16, 2004

Dep. Arruda, My prayers are with you and your family. Rest Easy Brother.

Dep. Paul Sperandeo
Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office, La.

June 16, 2004

God speed.

My sincere condolances to his family as well as the Deputy who fired the shot. Stay strong.

Officer J. Welde
Corona PD

June 16, 2004