Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in Peace, Officer Ortega. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 1, 2012

Sometimes I think about you when it's late and I'm about to go to bed. I still think about the conversation we had at lunch on the 10th. I take it to work and home again every day, brother. I know you know but I needed to say it.

Officer William Regan #3716
City of Pine Lake Police

September 22, 2011

You are always on my mind and heart. We miss you and love you. You will always be my big bro.

Joann
sister

August 11, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 5th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

August 11, 2010

Thank you for your service, Sir, and to your family, friends and department for your example, caring and diligence.

Cadet
Colorado

August 11, 2010

To Officer Francis Manuel Ortega, his family and his fellow officers with the Pine Lake Police Department:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Officer Ortega’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Officer Ortega and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc.
Members and Staff

August 11, 2009

Well, its been a while. I think about you often when I am over by the GBI and GPC. Rest in peace my brother!

Sr. Officer D. Johns
City of Sandy Springs Police, Georgia

May 28, 2009

Francis, I had he pleasure of meeting and talking with your parents a few months ago. They love you and miss you much. RIP - you are a fine young man.

Robina Browne
Mother of a fallen son 2/10/07, Hawaii

December 31, 2008

It's Christmas! (your favorite holiday). One more without your physical presence bro. Know that you are always missed, constantly in our hearts and minds. I love you, merry Christmas!

Joann
Sister

December 22, 2008

To Officer Francis Manuel Ortega's family, friends,co-workers, fellow officers, as well as the community. There are no words that I can say or anything that can be done to ease the tremendous loss and pain of losing one of your own family member. He made the utimate sacrifice in protecting his community by laying down his life what greater love he has shown us all. He will never be forgotten because hero's live on, and we all follow in their examples that they left behind. This is a great man with a big heart. Rest in Peace

Anonymous

October 8, 2008

Officer Ortega, words are not adequate to express my sadness at what happened to you. But what a great man you were, for you knew the risks and chose to face them each day. What would the world be like without you and others like you? I don't even want to think about it. Thank you for your service. I hope your family talks about you all the time and that your children will never forget a single thing about you. May God bless and keep them always.

Anonymous

September 28, 2008

Hey man I know it took me a long time to write this it's know 2008. But it seem like yesterday we was just laughing and working together in what we called the booth. Man we work so many days together that we became like brothers. i still remember the day I met you at my part time when you was just doing security. Some times I look back and wish you never ask me about becoming an officer but then again what would it be with out you. I miss you homie so much that I blame myself but the only thing that reminds me to stay strong and keep moving is the remembrance of you. I know youre probably up in heaven realaxing now eating chinese rice with boneless ribs just like we used to in Tha Booth. Forever Blood brothers

Police Officer
Friend

September 2, 2008

Hey Officer Ortega,

I never had the honor to ever meet you, but I can trully say you are always in our hearts and mind. I still remember when this tragedy occurred. I met your father and some of your relatives the day of the funeral. God bless your family, always watch over them because they need you in this crazy world. In fact, watch over all of us. God Bless YOU AMIGO!!!!!!!!!!!

Sgt. A. Toledo #1942
DeKalb County Police

August 28, 2008

Francis

Remembering you and your sacrifice today.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

Anonymous

August 12, 2008

Como pasa el tiempo de rapido. Siempre estas en mi pensamiento y en mi corazon. Te quiero mucho y siempre seras mi little bro.

Joann
Sister

August 12, 2008

hi primo wow ya son 3 años que no esta persente pero algun dia no volveremos aver en el paraiso

Alexander ORtega
cousen

August 11, 2008

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. Continue to watch over them for I know each day is a struggle for them to get through. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

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

August 11, 2008

Just thinking of you and your family. Your son is growing up so fast and your daughter is beautiful. Miss you much !!

Never Forgotten,

-Yhudah

Pine Lake Police Department

March 13, 2008

Feliz Cumpleaños Francis!

"El rosal en su inquieto modo de florecer
va quemando la savia que alimenta su ser.
¡Fijaos en las rosas que caen del rosal:
Tantas son que la planta morirá de este mal!
El rosal no es adulto y su vida impaciente
se consume al dar flores precipitadamente."
-Storni

Que modo tan rápido de florecer tomaste hermano!
Dejaste este jardín sin su rosal – sin sus lindos pétalos.
Algún día nos volveremos a ver y entonces el jardín estará nuevamente completo.
Que Dios te guarde, siempre!

Te quiero mucho!
Paola

Paola Polanco

February 27, 2008

God bless Brother.

Officer
Decatur Police department, Ga.

January 26, 2008

It's been a while since I spoke to you and saw your face. I know your in God's arms and watching over Kaylie and Frankie. I miss your smile, your advise, and your hugs. I still listen to the only song I could ever get you to dance to. We had good times and I will always keep you in my heart. God Bless your parents and family too. Watch over them always, they need you.
Love you always.

APRIL

November 20, 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

October 10, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Ortega on the anniversary of his passing. May God comfort you all. He paid the ultimate sacrifice trying to make this world a better place for us all. Heros are never forgotten!

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

August 11, 2007

Officer Ortega,
Today marks the two year anniversary of your EOW. My thoughts are with your family and friends as they remember you and the legacy of honor you left behind. It is hard to believe that anyone would choose a line of work that continuously challenges one's personal safety for the sake of the common public. This speaks volumes of the kind of man you were. Thank you.

Pennsylvania citizen

August 11, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 2nd anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and protect them from harm. Also, watch over those still out on patrol guarding the Thin Blue Line. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

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

August 10, 2007