Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I still remember. Although the pain of the loss we suffered has subsided the loss to the community only compounds with time. Your works and frindship are missed.

Joseph L. Woods
Pine Lake P.D. 2003-2006

August 6, 2007

Hi there Francis!! I saw Joann leave a nice reflection on my sister's page and I've gotten so lucky to have gotten close to her because of our circumstances with our siblings have been taken away from us too early in life. I've been so lucky in finding your parents & Frankey too. They miss you terribly and it breaks my heart. I'll keep an eye out for them here if you'll take care of Jess for me there!!

Romaine

Romaine Cheney
Sister, VA Tpr. Jessica J. Cheney

May 4, 2007

Hey big bro!
I think of you everyday. I yearn to hear your voice and to receive one of your famous bear hugs. I look back at how naive I was. I never thought this could happen to you, so big and brave. You were MY big brother, I thought you were untouchable. It hurts so much to have you gone physically. In your own special way you always managed to keep us together no matter how far away we were. Kaylie and Frankey are growing up to be intelligent, curious, and beautiful. It hurts me to know I can never recompensate your loss to them and not be able to explain to them why you are in heaven and not with them. You know I am trying though. Continue to give me strengh to keep the pieces together, how you always wanted them to be. Stay with me always.

Joann
sister

May 3, 2007

It's been almost two years and no one from Pine Lake has put a reflection in. Just to update those that are curious, they still collect money for the Ortega Memorial Fund through Wachovia Bank and they still wear their black arm bands.

In case those of you don't know, Pine Lake Georgia is one square mile. Three ways in, two ways out, and all are in the front of the city. There are less than ten officers on the Pine Lake Force and most are part time. They cover events held in the city at no pay, they help anyone, anywhere with whatever they need. Pine Lake also has the first black woman chief of police. She was pregnant at the time of the incident. And Ortega as did the other men watched over her like she was their sister. In dealing with the trauma of having an officer killed in Pine Lake, (and folks that is the equilivant of having someone die on the Brady Bunch) it just doesn't happen, she almost delivered early.

The perp was on release from a Michigan prison and no one discovered yet that he was out of his area. The perp just happened to screw up on the one road Pine Lake patrols outside the confines of the city. Rockbridge is half in Pine Lake half not. But as a courtesy to the businesses and schools, Pine Lake officers covers more than is required. That is the norm for them.

There is still a sadness in Pine Lake, like a loss of innocence. No one EVER thought that could happen in Pine Lake. There also happened to be a citizen inside the post office at the time of the incident and they had to play dead until the officers called all clear. That is how it was known that the perp committed suicide. He stated he wasn't going back to jail. There were also two postal workers inside at the time. Ortega's partner not only had to keep moving in spite of having to call officer down, he had to save three lives too. As soon as that call went out, every Pine Lake officer showed up, every Stone Mountain officer showed up and any Dekalb county officer that wasn't on a call showed up. Family. And The Chief almost delivered early, but held on and has a beautiful little girl.

I miss my town. I miss my friends, I miss the Pine Lake officers who risk it all everyday and tolerate some of the most idiotic childish behavior from the citizens of Pine Lake, I miss Officer O, the hero of my home, rescuer of a silly woman from evil possums. He's my hero.

Janis

Citizen Janis Lang

April 26, 2007

Hey Brother, Its been a little while and even though I have moved on to another department, I will carry the memory of you with me always. You cannot be forgotten.

William Regan
Madison PD/Pine Lake PD

April 13, 2007

A great officer and a real help to those in need. I never did get to thank him for his help to me.

Thanks for getting the possums out of my house, and for protecting our city.

Best to your family always.

Janis

Janis Lang
former citizen of Pine lake

November 18, 2006

A Part of America Died Today

Somebody killed a policeman today,
and a part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect
will be buried with him at his side.
The suspect that shot him will stand up in court,
with counsel demanding his rights.
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids,
and spend many long, lonely nights.
The beat that he walked was a battle field too,
just as if he'd gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,
to his name they will add a gold star.
Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,
in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
a cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
and he stands at each new rookie's side.
He answered the call, of himself gave his all,
A Part of America Died Today.

-author unknown

Rest In Peace, Brother…

You will never be forgotten

Police Officer
Rochester Police Department

October 19, 2006

So very hard to believe that it has been a little over a year. Rest in peace and may the Lord continue comforting your loving family.
Solace can be found by fond and warm memmories. God keep you. Continued prayers and thoughts to the family.

Ines Reyes
Friend

August 14, 2006

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

On this the first anniversary of Francis's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. Although I never had the privilege of meeting Francis, I feel as if I know him through the loving reflections left by loved ones and friends. His valor and courage will never be forgotten.

I hope that God is holding him in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

I am so sorry that Francis was robbed of his life so tragically, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Francis gave to his community and the citizens of Georgia, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 11, 2005.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 11, 2006

Officer Ortega you are a hero. Thank you for your service to the citizens of Pine Lake and the State of Georgia. Rest in peace my brother. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

August 11, 2006

One year later and never forgotten. Thank you for your dedication and service and may God be with your family always. RIP brother officer, we have the watch from here!

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

August 11, 2006

The 1st anniversary of you being called away from duty has arrived and my thoughts are with your family on this terrible day. Wrap your wings around them and help them with their grief and keep watch over the children as they go through life. I am sure you are standing beside them everyday and will continue to do so. You are a true hero and you will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

August 10, 2006

wow fue como ayer que no esta entre nosotros (fisicamente)pero se que esta en nuestros corazones presente y en nustra mente se que tu esta en 1 lugar muy especial wow a veses no lo creo ya que fui yo el que te lleve al aeropuerto alla en santiago y me acuerdo que te dije nos vemos pronto alla en tu casa y te dije que ensenara tu placa que eras oficial nunca te voy a olvidar ya que va a estar presente en mi mente y en el corazon y se que nos volveremos a ver en el paraiso algun dia que dios te bendiga primo querido hasta luego.

Alexander Ortega
primo

August 10, 2006

A year has past . We still remember.

Holton Parris
a citizen

August 10, 2006

Officer Ortega was in the same class as I at the police academy. He was then and still is today a good friend. We helped each other out throughout the academy like quizing each other. I will miss him greatly. I seen him about one month before the end of his watch at Georgia Regional Hospital in Dekalb County. He was talking to me about how happy he is about his family and his career in law enforcement. Take care friend, you will not be forgotten.

Deputy Paul Englett
Morgan County Sheriffs Office

July 6, 2006

With honor and respect we heard your name read in Washington.

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse

May 17, 2006

The day will come when we [the entire family] will unite…all of us Francis…tio cucito, luis, popo, you, I and everyone else…We will have a great feast like only us Polanco know how to…We will dance all day and I will be able to hear your laugh once again!
You will make your wonderful “filete en cebollado” and we will all praise you for it!
We will play Merengue Tipico and you will be able to dedicate it to Madrina like you always did…and she will laugh with great pride…we will all dance, Joita, your babies all of us… A feast Francis! The greatest one yet!
I want to belive…NO…I know in my heart the day will come when we, all of us, will be one, for ever. Until that day comes No Feb 27, Christmas or any other day will be complete without a prayer, tear, and smile in your honor.
Love you always Cousin, Hero, Idol.
“Que Dios Te Tenga En El Mas Lindo y Puro de los Altares”.

Paola
Cousin

May 1, 2006

To Police Officer Francis Manuel Ortega and his loved ones:

Please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart is still with your family and I look forward to meeting them in D.C. You’re all in our thoughts and our prayers.

Officer Ortega, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Officer Ortega gave to his community and the citizens of Georgia, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 11, 2005.

April 29, 2006

I HAD A DREAM WITH YOU LAST NIGHT. YOU TOOK HOLD OF MY HAND AND YOU SMILED. YOU WIPPED AWAY MY TEARS AND SAID "BE STRONG FOR YOU ARE ALWAYS ON MY HEART, I'LL BE WITH YOU FOREVER", AND THEN YOU SANG OUR SONG. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. I GUESS WE HAVE BOTH FORGIVEN EACH OTHER. I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT FERNANDITO VILLALONA'S CD IS ON MY CD PLAYER SINCE WE LAST SAW EACH OTHER. I'LL SEE YOU ON MY NEXT REFLECTION.
WATCH OVER FRANKIE.

ANONYMOUS

April 10, 2006

IN THE DARKNESS OF THE NIGHT WHEN I CLOSE MY EYES I SEE YOUR FACE SMILE. I REMEMBER THAT FIRST DAY, THAT EXACT MOMENT AND I'M OK. GIVE ME STRENGTH LIKE I ONCE GAVE TO YOU TO FORGET THE PAST AND MOVE ON. I WILL CARRY YOU IN MY HEART AND SOUL ALWAYS AND FOREVER. SING ME THAT BACHATA SONG YOU DEDICATED TO ME AND I WILL DANCE AWAY.

I WILL REMEMBER YOU

April 7, 2006

I think about you all the time and all the good times we had together with our other friends. I still cant believe your gone and I want to wish a Happy belated birthday. You gave me so much in so little time and I thank you for always being there even in hard times. Your one of the Best men I've ever known. I love you always!

April Martinez
Friend

March 8, 2006

My big bro,
Happy 26th birthday! These months have been so hard without your advice and guidance. You are my hero and role model. It's hard to fill this void your absence has created. Continue to give me strength to keep Ma and Pa strong. I love you and miss you so much. Siempre tu hermanita.

Joann

February 27, 2006

Though I never knew you, I feel in my heart that you were a warrior and a protector, voluntarily standing between criminals and their victims. And though you may be fallen, you will never be forgotten ... I stand to salute the fallen dead. Words seem petty when trying to express the gratitude I feel towards the sacrifice Officer Ortega made for us all. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Officer Ortega.

AFC Matthew Riegel
United States Air Force

December 16, 2005

We think of you and your family during these holidays, and offer thoughts and prayers as you celebrate without your loved one. Cherish the memories of the past and be open to new ones with your loved ones and friends. Your loved one will never be forgotten and always honored for their sacrifice.

Alissa Scott
Widow of Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-03

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network
www.survivorhelpnetwork.org

November 29, 2005

On 08/19/05 Boston Police Academy RTG 42-05 remembered Officer Francis Ortega and dedicated our training day to him.

You are not forgotten.

Boston Police Academy RTG 42-05
BPD

November 22, 2005