Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Octavio, after 31 years in LE I’m hanging it up. For some reason I thought of you today. You were one of a kind and always looking out for the under dog. I pray that Gloria and your boys are doing great. It was an honor to have known you and I pray that God continues to bless your family.

Cesar Gracia
ETSU Chief of Police

December 20, 2023

Fifteen years have passed, but your picture is still one of the first things I see when I walk into my office each day. It was great that today like many days. I was asked about you. Most days, it is a short talk, but today, I found myself lost in the story, and when all was done, I had spent more than 30 minutes telling your story and stories about how much love and respect I have for you.

Sgt Kory Borcherding
Louisiana State Police

June 16, 2021

My heart still aches thinking of the wonderful person this world lost so tragically. Gloria, your kids, and your family remain in my prayers. I will always remember you as my Cuban protector!

I always believe that it is was meant for us to meet! Here we both ended up in this small town of Thibodaux @ Nicholls State University! We were both from Cuba, both lived in Miami, and then we finally met all the way in Louisiana! Even the way that we met has lingered with me, and I often share the story, especially with teenagers and college kids when I talk about being careful about doing stupid things! We don’t often think of how dangerous our decisions can be, and not everyone gets lucky to meet someone that comes out of nowhere to protect us. And, that’s where our lives finally meet! I decided to leave The Horse in downtown and walk to my apartment across town next to campus. My friend was not ready to go, and I just didn’t want to be there any longer. After a few drinks, I decided to walk, after midnight, in the dark streets. As I crossed Canal Street, a sports car pulled up, and I heard this guy ask, “Where are you going?” After telling you my plans, You said I was crazy and told me y’all would give me a ride. So, I proceeded to get in the vehicle, and you lost it with me! “What are you doing getting in a car with total strangers! You don’t know if are going to hurt you!” All I could say was that I recognized y’all from school and the football team. You did not take that as a good enough reason for me to be so trusting and getting in the vehicle with guys I didn’t know. You lectured me on the way home and for so long after that! The next day you came by to check on me, and continued to tell me to never do that again! We discovered that we had so much in common! Haha...neither one of us were good at idioms!!! We didn’t have an issue with the Spanish ones...but how we messed up the English ones!

I was so happy to introduce you to my cousin and brother, so you gained some Cuban friends in Louisiana. You protected me just as well as they did. It was nice to know I had my Cuban protector who set me straight when I did anything wrong. As time passed by, we lost touch from semesters to semesters, until we lost touch completely. We didn’t have cell phones or social media to get in touch with each other easily. Life went on and we went or separate ways. Years later, my husband went through some trainings that you attended, and he got to meet you. It sure is a small world!

Our hearts broke at the news we received that day. We attended your funeral. I didn’t get to go speak to your mom or family. I wanted to meet her and your siblings that you always spoke of. You were a wonderful brother and son, as you always spoke so great about your family. My heart went out to the love of your life, Gloria and your boys.

Fourteen years have passed, and you are remembered and missed by all whose lives were touched by you. What an amazing hero, person, and servant! May you Rest In Peace and watch over us. You will never be forgotten.

Ana Basas Rogers
Nicholls State University Cuban friend

June 19, 2020

June 16, 2006 was one of the hardest days in our family. We miss you so much. Keep watching out for us. You will never be forgotten.
Love Always your niece,
Melissa

Melissa F Anthony
Niece

June 17, 2020

Thinking of you today. Continue to watch over your family, we love and miss you.

JBH
Sister-in-Law

September 26, 2019

Rest in peace Captain Gonzalez.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 2, 2019

Octavio,
We're planning a 35 year reunion with all of our high school football team. You're name has come up time and again. You left an amazing impact on everyone you touched. We miss you and know that you will be with us in spirit. All of us wish you could be there with us in person to make us laugh and to hear you laugh again. You're missed by all of at Hialeah High School.

Cesar Gracia Chief of Police
Lincoln Memorial University

January 25, 2019

I remember Octavio as a young kid always hanging out with my younger brother George. They always had fun and enjoyed their youth to the fullest. He was a tough football player with so much heart. During their down time all I could remember is the echo of laughter coming from anywhere they were.

May you always watch over your family and children, especially your mom who was always your #1 fan.

Sgt. Margie Knight,
Friend first, Retired Sgt., Hialeah P.D

August 17, 2018

Octavio hard to believe your youngest son has graduated high school. You have 2 very handsome young men and each one has some of your traits. You are never far from our thoughts and prayers. Continue watching over your family.

Love
JBH

Jeanne Hoffmann
Sister-in-Law

June 7, 2018

Still remember and tell friends about crazy things Octavio use to do in junior high and high school. I've always wanted to send funds no matter how small to his family. Is there an easy way to send funds such as a PayPal account to family and friends. Even though it's been so long I would always like to contribute to his family. I also share his story with officer friends. He lives on in many childhood friends.

Walter Conklin
Filer Junior High and Hialeah High School

February 10, 2018

Another year has passed and sometimes it just doesn't seem real. 11 years ago you were taken away from your wife, children, mother, sisters, and the rest of the family. When we are together you always come up, Bryson likes to get his hand and arm scratched like you did. Alexander is a hard worker. Continue to watch over your family this world is a crazy place these days.

JBH
sister-in-law

June 16, 2017

Octavio, I cannot believe it was 10 years ago we lost you. You are still very much in our hearts and minds. The boys are so grown up and tall. They may have even passed you up. Continue to watch over your family, we love and miss you.
Love
Jeanne
EOW 6-16-06

Jeanne Hoffmann
Sister-in-law

June 16, 2016

One of my childhood friends, you are always remembered by all your friends here in Miami Octavio, may you rest in peace my brother.

Ulises Padron
Childhood friend

November 23, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 16, 2015

On this day it marks another year you have been gone.
There is not a day that goes by that we don't think of
you. We miss you in so many ways it's hard to describe.
We love you so much and we tell stories of you all the
time to make sure you are never forgotten. Please
continue to watch over us. Continue to help us guide
Alexander and Bryson in the direction to make them the
best men we know they will grow into. After all you are
and forever will be the best role model anyone could ask
for. We miss and love you so much. The stabbing ache in
our hearts has eased but will never go away. When I look
at your boys I see you in them in so many ways. You will
truely never be forgotten.

Forever your niece,
Melissa

Melissa Anthony
Niece

June 16, 2015

It is so hard to believe that your oldest son has graduated high school. But he has and will be going off to college. Continue to watch over him, especially in these early college years. We love and miss you.

JBH
SIL

May 29, 2015

Happy Birthday, Octavio. We love and miss you.

JBH

September 26, 2014

Octavio, you are thought of often and still missed by all of us. The boys are growing up so fast. Continue to watch over them.

JBH
Sister-in-law

August 6, 2014

Octavio,

Last week I shared your story with our cadets. It's a commitment I made when you were taken from us to always remember you. I know our cadets will be better prepared due to the path you paved.

Director: Cesar Gracia
WSCC (East Tennessee) Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy

October 23, 2013

Happy Birthday Octavio, you are forever in our hearts. The boys are growing up so fast. Love you and miss you.

Jeanne
Family

September 26, 2013

I had the pleasure of working with Ox for many years. Ox was great wonderful person and taught me so much about the job. Although we worked for different Departments, Ox was always there when we needed him. I was proud to call him my friend. RIP Ox, you have not been forgotten.

Chris LaRocca
ex Law Enforcement/Friend

January 28, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 6th anniversary year 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 21, 2012

Happy Birthday Octavio, we love and miss you.

Jeanne
Sister-in-law

September 26, 2012

Memories come flooding back....RIP sweet Ox
Love Mama Hazel

Hazel Gisclair
Friend

August 18, 2012

Dearest Captain, You may of been gone from us for a awhile but never forgotten. May the Almighty father remain with you and your beloved family for eternity.

Det. Mike
Chicago PD

August 17, 2012