Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I didn't think I would lose a BROTHER this early in my career. I had the opportunity to meet Andrew while I was in my in-service school with the department. He gave me some good advice in how to make it through FTO training and I listened to every word. Now, hopefully I will be able to follow in your footsteps and be the kind of officer you were. You are true inspiration for me, I just wish I could have worked beside you and learned from you. You were taken way to early but I know you stand proudly beside God in the kingdom of Heaven.

To the Esparza family, I am deeply sadden by the events that occurred. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers as you work through this trying time. From all the stories and remembrances of Andrew that I have heard, you should be proud of him. You raised a great man.

Finally Rest in Peace my BROTHER, you fought the good fight and for that you should be proud. IPD will never be the same and your memory will live on.

982
IPD

April 19, 2007

I first meet Andy while we were in Raplhie's wedding and in preparing for that. I knew then that god did make two of a kind. He and Ralph are so alike in some many ways. I saw him in the lobby of the CJC the day he passed his staff. He was walking down the stairs and I said "well" With that BIG BRIGHT smile that he can't help to show off he said "I can't let Ralph out do me." He was so happy. It was then I knew how proud Ralph was going to be. Andy never met a stranger. Ralph, Jennifer, Kenli- None of us know what God has planned and no one knows what life will bring. I do however believe he was needed in heaven to look out for all of us down here. I know with the strenght the Esparza family has and all the praying everyone is doing it will make you closer and stronger to each other.

S Reed

April 18, 2007

My family would like to send our condolences to the family, friends, and fellow co-workers of P.O. Andrew Esparza~you're in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. May God give you the strength to carry on and help heal your hearts. May you find comfort and support with those around you.
God Bless You & Rest In Peace, P.O. Esparza!

Gail M. Pabst
Aunt of fallen MI P.O. eow 2004

April 18, 2007

I just returned from Andrew's services. "Drew," unfortunately, I've attended many police funerals as many of us have. From listening to the eulogies, it was evident that you were a true, solid, streetcop and the kind of friend everyone would like to have. I wish we could've met. To Andrew's family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Andrew's character is a direct reflection of what a great family the Esparza's are. It doesn't surprise me in the least that Andrew was proud to be an Irving Police Officer. It is a great Department. May God bless you all!

R. Moreno, Jr. #614
Garland PD Honor Guard

April 18, 2007

We will never forget!!

Rest in Peace!!

Detective
Cornelius Police Department

April 18, 2007

God bless the family and fellow workers of Officer Esparza. You have both my prayers and sympathy.

Chaplain
White County Sheriff's Department, Arkansas

April 18, 2007

Officer Esparza will most definitely be missed at The North Hills School. He was a great presence during carpool times & always had a smile or a wave. I can not tell you how wonderful it was to know that our children would be safe & our carpool running more smoothly having him there. To his family, may God wrap his loving arms around you during this time of loss.

Sending thoughts & many prayers your way...

D. Dunham
The North Hills School

April 18, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Esparza family and the Irving Police Department. Thank you Officer Esparza for your service.

CSteele Communications
Watauga DPS

April 18, 2007

While I did not know Officer Esparza personally, my husband did. My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Esparza's family and the Irving PD. May God keep you in his loving care and give you stength in the days ahead.

Cindi Allen
Wife of Lt. Mark Allen, IP Reserves

April 18, 2007

"Greater love hath no man than this, than a man lay down his life for his friend." Rest in peace brother.

Officer Sparling #0916
Mesquite Police Department

April 18, 2007

Baby Esparza, my worst nightmare has come true. One of "my occifers" didn't make it home on my watch.

Your brother warned us you were coming before you hired on and I rolled my eyes just a little and wondered how much like him you would be... He couldn't have been more proud or excited about you working here with him. I couldn't be more sorry that you're not still.

Qué alegría haberte conocido. Qué gran pena haberte perdido.

I will never forget you.

Dispatcher II Kim Estrada 1809
Irving Police Department

April 18, 2007

I can tell you he was a very positive person. While doing his job every time he brought someone in, he was very professional and extremely sharp, when it came to all the procedures. May everyone remember him as a great person and hard worker. But now know he rejoices in heaven with God the Father.
ISAIAH 25:9 In that day they will say, "Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation."
You will always be remembered A. Esparza #966

D.O. R.Kuether #1846
Irving PD

April 18, 2007

Rest in peace brother, you will not be forgotten.

Patrolman Shaun McCready
Altoona (PA) Police Department

April 18, 2007

Andrew you will be greatly missed but never forgotten. It was a pleasure serving next to you in patrol and at the training academy in the past few weeks. I know you'll be with each of us as we continue doing the job you loved. Rest easy brother we'll take it from here.

Chad Schroeder # 916
Irving Pd

April 18, 2007

Andrew you will be greatly missed but never forgotten. It was a pleasure serving next to you in patrol and at the training academy in the past few weeks. I know you'll be with each of us as we continue doing the job you loved. Rest easy brother we'll take it from here.

Chad Schroeder # 916
Irving Pd

April 18, 2007

I didnt have the pleasure of working with drew for very long. But the time that we were there togather he made a lasting impression. A very professional officer who always took the time to help anyone that needed it. He was a great friend and an even better officer. We will miss you.

John McCurley
Former IPD

April 18, 2007

As I sit here saddened by the loss of not only a BROTHER but of a fine young man, I try to understand why the Lord would take someone with his whole life ahead of him who had so much promise and so much left to give to his family, friends and community. It has been a struggle for me to understand how people like Andrew are taken from us so early, especially when they are just doing everything they're supposed to. I thought a lot about it, and I came to a bit of an understanding I suppose. Human nature compels us to feel as if an early death is a punishment of some sort; as if Andrew was cheated because he did not get the same amount of time that most of us get. I realized that this human nature is to be selfish. We selfishly wish Andrew was still here for our own purposes; so that we could watch him achieve in the future as we've watched him in the past. But Andrew was not punished last week, nor was his family. Andrew was rewarded with the ultimate invitation to be with God, because he had already become in 26 short years what God hopes for us all to be. We're still here because we've got things left to do, flaws that we must fix in ourselves before we are called on to join Andrew. I find comfort in knowing that I will see Andrew again.

Proverbs 3:6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

Brother #773-Irving PD

Michael Sabre-Patrol
Irving PD

April 17, 2007

I MET ANDREW AT THE IRVING PAL WHILE TRAINING FOR GUNS AND HOSES. I WAS IMPRESSED BY HIS ENTHUSIASM AND HIS HELPFUL GUIDANCE (AND HIS PUNCH). WHAT A TREMENDOUS LOSS FOR HIS FAMILY AND THOSE HE SERVED.

WADE STONE IFD

April 17, 2007

The highest of distinctions is service to others. -King George VI

Officer Esparza -- Your dedication to the good of your community will not be forgotten.

To all those touched by the loss of Officer Esparza -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Association

April 17, 2007

I only had the priveledge of working with Andrew on opposite shifts, he was a dedicated young man and a natural. I am so proud to have worked with his brother Ralph and helped shape him in Laws Enforcement and will miss the opportunity with Andrew. I would like to thank the Esparza family for the outstanding contributions they have made in making this world a better place. We love you Ralph and are here for you !!

Lt. T. Kelly
Irving P.D.

April 17, 2007

We were greatfull for Officer Esparza's work to keep our kids at North Hills safe during car pool. He will be greatly missed.

T. Parada
North Hills School parent

April 17, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to those who knew and now miss Officer Esparza.

May God lay His healing hands upon the family.

Retired Captain Joe L. Gilliland
Danville, KY PD

April 17, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with this brother's family....God bless. Matthew 24:13

Investigator Malcolm McGuire
Denton County Sheriff's Office

April 17, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones during this very trying time. Andrew is a true hero and will never be forgotten by those that love him nor will the Blue Family ever let his memory be forgotten. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. Thank you for your dedication to law enforcement.

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

April 17, 2007

How sad. My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Esparza's family.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

April 17, 2007