Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Octavio, another Thanksgiveing Day without you. As each day passes we love and miss you even more. Life we never be the same.

November 22, 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

November 5, 2007

Happy Belated Birthday, Ox. Miss Ya.

A Friend

October 11, 2007

This message is to Octavio's two sons: I met your father at Hialeah High School when we were both on the football team. Your father was always very encouraging and always willing to help out (even if I was on offense :)). His smile and his giving heart was always present where ever he went. He always had a smirk that made you wonder what he was thinking. When I heard of his death I was devastated, I too have been in law enforcement for 15 years but when you lose a close friend it leaves a wound that never seems to heal. Be proud of who your father was, always act in a manner that would make your father and mother proud. He lived a warriors life but never forgot the underdog, he talked the talk and walked the walk. Remember you are not chasing his shadow, no one ever will be able to do that. But live a life that will cast a shadow that your parents will always be proud of. If you guys are ever in Tennessee and need anything at all please do not hesitate to call. Octavio your memory lives on everyday. I speak of you at our academies every class. May God continue to bless your family in your absence.

Your friend,
Cesar Gracia (class of 84)
[email protected]

Police Academy Director, Cesar Gracia
Tennessee Regional Police Academy

September 26, 2007

Happy Birthday Ox....We miss you.........

St. John CSI

September 26, 2007

To Octavio's family and friends, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I just received the Nicholls State Alumni magazine and read about Ox. While I only knew him a couple of years in college, taking a few classes together and being in ROTC together - we lost touch after that, I still consider him a friend. God Bless our law enforcement officeres, firefighters, and military!

Major Glenn Bergeron
US Army

September 21, 2007

You, Gloria and the boys are always in my thoughts. I won't forget you. You made me feel like I was part of the gang. That meant alot. I miss you.

A friend

September 18, 2007

We miss you so much. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Keep watching over Gloria and the boys.

JBH

September 1, 2007

I called my friend Octavito. I have known him since we were kids in elementary all the way to High School. I joined the Navy and we went our separate ways. It was one of the best time to see him again at our reunion. It was like old times. I will miss my friend. I could always remember that we were always had the same math class together and I was always helping him. To this day I will never forget that I always had to go up against him in football when we had practice, and never fails, I would get my head run. But those memories I will always treasure and will never for get my friend OCTAVITO. May GOD keep you safe.

Jesus Juarez Petty Officer USN Retired

August 8, 2007

Ox, you were always a BIG man in my eyes. You always said HI to me the few times we met at the jail. May you rest in peace. You are missed.

Sgt. Clarence Barron
St. John Parish Sheriff's Office

June 25, 2007

Gloria, Please know our whole family has been thinking of you and the boys this weekend. We are all here if you need an ear or someone to lean on. I hope to talk to and see you soon.
Love to you all, Mary-Katherine

Mary Katherine
Sister of Cpt. Chris Metternich (MC52) EOW 8/14/06

June 17, 2007

My prayers are with you and the boys today! I Did not know Octavio Gonzalez "Ox" but i wish i did he sounds like a Outstanding person!I herd lots of great things about him and your family. If you need ANYTHING please call me!

Angela

Angela Carrillo
Young explorer For Kenner Police

June 16, 2007

To the Family of this Officer:

The first year goes by and you wonder how it went so fast.
The pain never diminishes no matter how many times well intentioned people say it will.
You rejoiced he is with the Lord, but weep from the pain of missing him so.
May God bless you and yours on this day and forever.

Ga LEO

June 16, 2007

I have been reading your reflections and feel blessed to know the man that you were and still are to your family and friends. My son had the same beautiful characteristics and I miss him, just miss him. I hope your peace and love surrounds your precious family today.

Love,
Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom Forever

Linda Rittenhouse
Mother of Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

June 16, 2007

I miss my buddy. Like Hardy, it has taken me a long time to be able to post a message. I guess by doing so I am acknowledging something I'd rather not, that you are gone and I won't be able to talk to you anymore. Gloria, I used to call Ox "The Big Cuban". He was one of only a few people to take the time to truly get to know me. He was like my big brother, giving advice and guidance when needed and as always being straight forward in doing so. I am certain that you know how much Ox loved you and the boys because many times I would be with him when he was on the phone talking to you. Ya'll were his life, totally and completely. He was so dedicated in everything he did, whether on the job or with you and the boys. He was so proud when talking about ya'll. He was always there to help anyone that needed it. When we were working on Chips' house I remember talking to him on the phone and he said he was coming to help me. He was telling me that he had to be back home at a certain time because he had plans with ya'll later that day. I asked if he had any operations going on where he needed to come to Laplace and he said no. I told him not to come all the way to Laplace just help me, that we could work on it another day. His response was "I told you I would help you". That was Ox, he stood my his word and always helped when needed. I miss talking to my buddy, I miss his goofy laugh when we would cut up and him saying "You so crazy". This has been difficult for me, just as it has been for everyone else. I hope to honor Ox by being more like him. I think that would serve us all to be kinder, to be honest, and to be helpful. I miss you, you Big Cuban. I hope I can do you proud.

Lt. Todd Hymel SJSO

May 19, 2007

Ms. Gonzalez and boys, Ox was a student worker for Nicholls when he was in school there & I worked with him. The last time I seen him was at a stop sign in the area on a motorbike and when I think are we talk about him that is the pic I see. Ox you are missed.

SUSAN AUCOIN
Former Officer Nicholls State University

May 17, 2007

Ox, you were gunned down in the subdivision from my house. You were a great friend. An you are sadly missed. I had talked to you earlier that day. I never thaught when we said bye, it would be forgood.
Know your are sadly missed, and will never be forgotten

Dee Dee Serpas
East Jefferson Leeve Police, Ret and friend

April 24, 2007

Dear Gloria and boys,
Thinking of you and praying that your days are peaceful and joy-filled with memories of Octavio.

Thank you Octavio for helping me to smile!
Mama Hazel

Hazel G. Pere
friend

April 14, 2007

Captain Gonzalez will always be remembered as a "hero" and we will never forget his ultimate sacrifice. I am participating in the Police Unity Tour again this year and will be carrying the torch from Portsmouth, VA, to Washington, DC in memory of Captain Gonzalez. To Mrs. Gonzalez, remember we will always be here for you and we promise to Never Forget! I look forward to meeting you on May 12th as we arrive at the memorial.

Venia Baker
Medic One, Police Unity Tour

April 1, 2007

Dear Gloria, even though we don't know each other, I know that we will be meeting soon, I, like you lost my husband Emilio, to line of duty, and like Octavio(we are from the same city Hialeah, same High school and Octavio went to high school with my brother and Emilio's brother) even though we have those things in common, we also have similarities, 2 guys from city of Hialeah who loved what they did and what they died for, who left two kids and a very proud wife to raise those kids, I will not be going to Police Week this year, as my daughter is having her 4th baby(she was 4 when my husband was killed, 24 now) but my son will be there and he is one of the COPS Kids mentor(he was 7, 28 now) look for him, and I will see you at COPS spouses weekend; if there is anything I can do my e-mail is [email protected]

God Bless you and take care,

Terry

Terry Miyares, surviving spouse
Officer Emilio Miyares, Hialeah PD, Fl 11/6/86

March 27, 2007

I recently bump into a friend at a get-together in Miami were he informed me of Octavio's passing. I graduated with Octavio and remember him. Although, we were not close friends, his passing has affected me tremendously. I remember hanging-out with him in mornings before class and occationally having lunch at the famous Micky Dees b/c Hialeah High's cafeteria was so bad. I myself have two kids and a wife...and will pray for you and your kids. God Bless You

Robert Hernandez
Hiealeah High School

March 25, 2007

Ox,

I first heard of you and what occurred back in January 2007. Myself and 260+ other officers from across the country and around the world were to have been your classmates at the 228th NA. I had the honor of being in the same section with your friend Chuck from the St. John Parish SD. You were definitely with us in spirit for those ten long weeks away from home and our loved ones.

We all had the honor of meeting Gloria at our graduation just this past Friday, coinciding with the nine month anniversary of your passing. What a fantastic lady she is and you should be very proud of her, as we all are.

Rest in peace and my God bless you and your family !

Lt. Michael Hanna
University of Texas PD

March 19, 2007

To Gloria it has taken me this long to write something. I'm crushed on the Passing of "OX". I thought by me leaving SJ was going to ease the pain but that's not the case. OX famous quote to me was "Hardy stop laying on my leg" well my friend I wish you were here for me to do that. I'm really going to miss him

Hardy Schexnayder
Former Narcotic Officer SJPSO

February 27, 2007

IT IS VALENTINES DAY. GLORIA'S HEART IS STILL IN MILION PIECES. I KNOW OCTAVIO WOULD HAVE DONE ANYTHING TO KEEP ANYONE FROM THIS KIND OF PAIN, ESPECIALLY GLORIA AND HIS BOYS. IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE HER WORLD WAS FOREVER CHANGED. SO TO ALL WHO READ THIS, CALL OR GO AND VISIT THOSE YOU LOVE--KISS THEM, AND HUG THEM TO LET THEM KNOW YOU CARE.
PLEASE REMEMBER OCTAVIO'S WIFE AND SONS IN YOUR PRAYERS. ASK GOD TO SEND A LITTLE EXTRA WARMTH TO WRAP AROUND HER HEART TO GIVE HER SOME COMFORT AND THE WISDOM TO SEE HERSELF AS THE STRONG WOMAN SHE IS.
OCTAVIO, WE MISS YOU. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY FROM THE WHOLE FAMILY. HUGS AND KISSES FROM ALL OF US (YOUR "PADUES")

TBW

February 14, 2007

I can't believe it has been 7 months since we lost you. We feel you and RIP with us everytime the family has an adventure. We can feel you laughing at our routine fire drills. No matter how many cars we have on the adventure, we are all saying the same thing, I bet Octavio and Daddy are saying "here they go again", and then we laugh because we all thought the same thing at about the same time. Octavio, we miss you so much.

Love you
J.B.H.

JBH

January 28, 2007