Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"I Want to be 6 Again"


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I hereby officially tender my resignation as an adult.
I have decided I would like to accept the responsibilities of a 6 year old again.
I want to go to McDonald's and think that it's a four star restaurant.
I want to sail sticks across a fresh mud puddle and make ripples with rocks.
I want to think M&Ms are better than money, because you can eat them.
I want to play kickball during recess and paint with watercolors in art.
I want to lie under a big Oak tree and run a lemonade stand with my friends
on a hot summers' day.
I want to return to a time when life was simple. When all you knew were
colors, addition tables and simple nursery rhymes, but that didn't bother
you, because you didn't know what you didn't know and you didn't care.
When all you knew was to be happy because you didn't know all the things that should make you worried and upset.
I want to think that the world is fair. That everyone in it is honest and good.
I want to believe that anything is possible.
Somewhere in my youth... I matured and I learned too much.
I learned of nuclear weapons, war, prejudice, starvation and abused children.
I learned of lies, unhappy marriages, suffering, illness, pain and death.
I learned of a world where men left their families to go and fight for our country, and returned only to end up living on the streets...begging for their next meal.
I learned of a world where children knew how to kill ... and did!!
What happened to the time when we thought that everyone would live forever, because we didn't grasp the concept of death?
When we thought the worst thing in the world was if someone took the jump rope
from you or picked you last for kickball?
I want to be oblivious to the complexity of life and be overly excited by little things once again.
I want to return to the days when reading was fun and music was clean.
When television was used to report the news or for family entertainment and not to promote sex, violence and deceit.
I remember being naive and thinking that everyone was happy because I was.
I would walk on the beach and only think of the sand between my toes and the prettiest seashell I could find.
I would spend my afternoons climbing trees and riding my bike.
I didn't worry about time, bills or where I was going to find the money to fix my car.
I used to wonder what I was going to do or be when I grew up, not worry about what I'll do if this doesn't work out.
I want to live simple again. I don't want my day to consist of computer crashes, mountains of paperwork, depressing news, how to survive more days in the month than there is money in the bank, doctor bills, gossip, illness and loss of loved ones.
I want to believe in the power of smiles, hugs, a kind word, truth, justice, peace, dreams, the imagination, mankind and making angels in the snow.

...I want to be 6 again.

Pride sister of a LVMPD officer
and a pride wife of a Tucson Police officer

February 10, 2006

I have been wanting to be a police officer for all of my life, i was never able to get into the shape needed to become an officer.. i have a degree in criminal justice.. and after this event i have dedicated my life to training every day so that i can live my dream..

thank you for the inspiration...

Kal

February 10, 2006

Sergeant Prendes, (Heavens New Angel)

In the beginning, I wondered if I would ever make it through. There were periods of anger, sadness, pain, and grief, times when I wondered, "WHY ME"?. But one day, there was a glimpse of light, and then another. The clouds began to break apart, and I started to see beyond them. The times when I felt happy and safe began to outnumber the times when I felt sad and frightened. New friendships were formed, feelings of trust and resolution began to replace past feelings of hopelessness and self-doudt. I seemed to emerge from the darkness into the light with a new sense of empowerment. I now realize that there are things I cannot change, but I can stop them from controlling my life and my happiness. I know that this part of my life will never go away , but it has begun to take a less prominent place in my existence. I have begun to allow wther thoughts to enter my mind, and I have a better understanding of myself. My strengths and weaknesses. I'm not afraid to set limits. I've begun to enjoy life again and to think about the future, I can now look back on this time for what it was , a period of growth, self-discovery, and healing. God Bless The Prendes Family and The Metropolitan Police Department in Las Vagas, Sergeant Prendes Second Family!!
Godspeed My Brother!!

Correctional Officer
California Department Of Corrections

February 10, 2006

To one of the courageous souls who gave his life while watching over us, I thank you.I pray those who committed this senseless act will receive their due punishment both in this life and in the life to come.Heaven has gained a new guardian angel.You will be missed.
Sheila Simmons

February 10, 2006

While serving in the Marine Corps, I became familiar with a phrase, "Uncommon valor was a common virtue". In law enforcement, I feel this applies also. Everyone in your community respected and appreciated your service to them. It appears that you were a great man of valor and virtue, and you will be missed by those that knew you. I wish your family the best and my most sincere condolences.

deputy sheriff
northern nevada

February 10, 2006

There are not enough words to express how sorry I am for the loss of Sgt. Prendes. My prayers are with the Prendes family in this time of grief.
Sgt. Prendes gave his life, unselfishly to protect ours and I could never begin to thank him or other members of the department for that. May he rest in peace. God bless Him and his family.

P. Lisco Security Officer
Anderson

February 10, 2006

I lost my brother a year and a half ago in a accident and my heart goes out to the Prendes Family. I wish I would have known him in life and not in death. What an incredible man he must have been. Even after his death he has touched people's lives. I know he's touched my life. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him and even those who didn't. Thank you Sergeant Herny Prendes for the short time you spent here on earth.

R. L. Miller

February 10, 2006

Henry...I want to tell you that it was with great honor, respect and pride that I was able to co-lead the magnificent motorcade that took you to your final resting spot...You should know that your tragic death has touched us all...May you rest in peace....

Lt. Carlos Cordeiro
LVMPD- Traffic Section

February 10, 2006

To the Prendes Family
I never knew Sgt Henry Prendes, but my heart, thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family. I am a former victim of domestic violence, and if it wasnt for the Metro Officers that responded to my call, I wouldnt be alive today. Thanks Sgt Prendes for your hard work, and God Bless you and Rest in Peace

Irene Amezquita
Las Vegas Citizen

February 10, 2006

After hearing about Sgt. Henry Prendes and watching the memorial, I feel like I knew him. What a great guy he seemed to be. This affected and moved me more than I ever thought it would. The memorial and funeral service was the best tribute I have ever seen. I'm absolutely certain he would have loved it. In fact, I'm sure he did love it.
How brave and courageous his wife and children are. You showed remarkable composure, grace, style and strength!!!
I pray for the family. To all our officers out there who protect us from evil, my heart goes out to you and I salute you!

Missy O'Connell
Civilian

February 9, 2006

I want to express my deepest sympathy to the family of Sgt. Henry Prendes. I am married to a Metro officer who knew Henry. We attended the funeral together. What a ceremony. It was so beautiful. It truely showed what a hero he was. To Dawn, you are a strong women. Your words were so beautiful. He was lucky to have you. I can't even imagine what you are going through. To Brooke and Kylie, Your dad was a true hero. I know you already know that. You could just tell in all the pictures how much he loved you guys. My heart goes out to you all.
Henry Prendes... R.I.P.

Gina T, Wife of Metro officer

February 9, 2006

On February 1st, 2006, our Department lost a brother, a leader, but most importantly, a good man. Henry died because he was the example of a true leader. Henry, you were taken from us for reasons we now do not understand. You will never be forgotten by your brothers and sisters or this community. Semper Fi and God Bless.

Rich

Sgt. Richard Forbus PN5372
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

February 9, 2006

Thank you for everything you have given to this department and the men and women that it employes. As a Paramedic we work closely with one and other and it hurts just as much to have a lost a person as wonderful as you were. May your daughters always know how special you were to everyone.

Nicole, Paramedic
MedicWest

February 9, 2006

It is sad to see a good man go. Your were brave and strong. your family and you are in my thoughts many blessings

Mandy Hardy

Mandy Hardy

February 9, 2006

Thoughts and Prayers are with the Prendes Family and also with the Family of Las Vegas Met Police Dept. Sgt you will never be forgotten.

GPPD, TX

February 9, 2006

Your are a good man, you were killed by a thug, a punk, he beat on women, and glorified killing, he is a criminal that is a reflection of many in our society today. We will avenge your death, and in the end we will win.

Russ M
LVMPD

February 9, 2006

I'm just trying to be a father
Raise a daughter and a son
Be a lover to their mother
Everything to everyone
Up and at 'em, bright and early
I'm all business in my suit
Yeah, I'm dressed up for success
From my head down to my boots

I don't do it for the money
There's bills that I can't pay
I don't do it for the glory
I just do it anyway
Providing for our future's my responsibility
Yeah I'm real good under pressure
Being all that I can be

And I can't call in sick on Mondays
when the weekends been too strong
I just work straight through the holidays
And sometimes all night long
You can bet that I stand ready when the wolf growls at the door
Hey, I'm solid, hey I'm steady, hey, I'm true down to the core
And I will always do my duty no matter what the price
I've counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice
Oh, and I don't want to die for you
but if dyin's asked of me
I'll bear that cross with honor
'cause freedom don't come free

I'm an American soldier, an American
beside my brothers and my sisters I will proudly take a stand
When Liberty's in jeopardy, I will always do what's right
I'm out here on the front line
Sleep'in in peace at night
American soldier, I'm an American soldier

Yeah, an American soldier, an American
Beside my brothers and my sisters I will proudly take a stand
When Liberty's in jeopardy I will always do what's right
I'm out here on the front line
So Sleep in peace tonight
American soldier, I'm an American
An American, an American soldier


MAY GOD BLESS YOUR WIFE AND YOUR TWO DAUGHTERS AND MAY THERE BE SOMEONE TO TELL YOUR DAUGHTERS THAT YOU WERE AN AMERICAN SOLDIER AND TRUE HERO TO YOUR COMMUNITY

K.K.A.FC1
PPD

February 9, 2006

I FEEL TERRIBLE FOR WHAT HAPPENED, I CAN'T BELIEVE PEOPLE ARE THAT CRAZY TO DO THIS, THE HORRIBLE PERSON WHO DID DO THIS SHOULD OF BEEN TORCHERED BY HIS FAMILY FOR THE PAIN AND HEARTACHE THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE FROM THIS. ATLEAST SERGEANT HENRY PRENDES IS IN A BETTER PLACE WATCHING OVER HIS LOVED ONES. RIP!!

BRITTANY FELTS - LAS VEGAS
BILL HEARD CHEVROLET

February 9, 2006

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé's Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Sergeant Prendes, especially to his wife. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. If you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me.

From reading all the reflections left for Henry, he sounds like he was a great man and a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Henry's life and the MAN that he was. His life was about so much more than the way he died. Remember that "Wherever a beautiful soul has been ... there is a trail of beautiful memories." Henry will live on in those memories.

Sergeant Prendes, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been three years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

February 9, 2006

I had the tremendous honor of attending the memorial service for Sgt. Henry Prendes with my son, who is a 9-year veteran of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and three of his closest friends, also Metro Officers. We all understood each others' unspoken words and feelings that morning. It is nearly impossible to express the immense pride and appreciation I feel for Sgt. Prendes, the way in which he lived his life and the extreme sacrifice he made for his community. My own son was shot in the line of duty three years ago and I know how difficult that was for our family; I can only imagine the pain and loss the family of Sgt. Prendes must be experiencing with his passing. I can only hope they find some comfort in knowing he was obviously at peace with himself, his family and his God, and that his community will be eternally grateful for his commitment and sacrifice. God bless you.

Catherine Luce
Citizen-Las Vegas

February 9, 2006

The men and women of the 81st Precinct, NYPD, wish to extend our condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Sergeant Henry Prendes. May he rest in peace.

81st Precinct
New York City Police Department

February 9, 2006

Today is Thursday.... two days after Sgt. Prendes' life was celebrated. I happened to be near Las Vegas Blvd. during the procession/motorcade on Tuesday... VERY moving... I will not soon forget what I observed.

I was compelled to again visit this site, just to feel the emotions of so many who know him, and for the others who did not know him.

Sgt. Prendes, you did make a difference in so many lives...

May you rest in peace.

A. High
North Las Vegas

February 9, 2006

Henry, may you lay to rest knowing you have touched the lives of countless many, and that your shining example of living and loving will echo for all of eternity.

Please know how much the rest of the extended Prendes family loves and supports all of you. We all are, and always will be, FAMILY.

Much love,
Your extended family

Prendes Family Member - Nebraska

February 9, 2006

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 a badge
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

February 9, 2006

To the family of Sgt. Prendes,
My heart goes out to you. My brother was a Metro officer before moving to Reno and joining the Highway Patrol. He passed away 3 years ago but like you, I was and always be proud of the service he provided to our community.
Sgt. Prendes and all of the other officers in Las Vegas and around the country go unappreciated.
I just wanted you to know that even though I didn't know him personally, I appreciate him and his valiant efforts to keep our community safe.
Thank you for your sacrifice. He will be missed.
sincerely,
Janet L Henke

February 9, 2006