Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the family of Deputy Philip A. Rodriguez. I felt compelled to leave this poem after reading how Philip came to be a "BROTHER" to many of us. Philip may you have eternal life and rest in peace and to your family our prayers are with you.


"My Brother"

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was idealistic and believed he could make a difference.
He was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and what they represent.
He felt privileged to be of service to his department, his community and to his country.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm.
He laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary.
He was competent, trained, and professional.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong and became
frustrated when true justice became sidetracked.
He felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but he
never wavered.
He stood by and for his fellow officers.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He longed for his family during the long hours.
He worried about them during his shifts and the lonely
weekends, holidays and midnights when they were apart.
He felt guilty about the lost time, but knew his calling
and prayed they would understand.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was a good son, he was dedicated to the profession and cared about the people he served.
He wanted to do the best job that he could and strived to
be the best he could be.
He was a good citizen and a good neighbor.

He was a cop.

Yes, I did know him.
He was a cop, he was my Brother.


Manuel Flores, Jr
UT Systems Police Officer IV

Manuel Flores, Jr
UTHSCSA

April 24, 2007

We know the pain you feel. As we experience a loss of our own here in South Bend, IN for the second time in just a year. Through the work of all you brave men and women, we hold on to the hope that these senseless tragedies will come to an end once and for all. Prayers to your family, friends, and community as they try to make sense of this. Rest in Peace!

Indiana citizen

April 24, 2007

I was a trainer at the CARLOTA acadmey that Deputy Rodriguez attended only 4 short months ago. I was saddened to hear about the loss of such an enthusiastic, young officer with such outstanding potential. P-rod, as he was affectionately known by his friends and class mates, will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to his family.

Cpl. Randall Snyder
Pinal County Sheriff's Office

April 24, 2007

I cannot put into words the sorrow I feel for Philip's family and fellow officers. Phil, your life was cut short and you will not be forgotten. You are and will always be a hero in my book. Rest in peace, and continue to watch over your comrades.

Mandy, former Dispatcher
Mohave County Sheriff's Office

April 24, 2007

Hereos will never be forgotten. "Thank You" for protecting the Community of Arizona Mohave County and your fellow Officers.

Deputy Rodriguez is now commanding a squad of angeles in the "Army of the Lord" and will now be called Commander Esparza. Commander Rodriguez has assigned his angels to watch over all of us.

"God Bless", the Rodriguez family and the Mohave County Sheriffis Office, Arizona family. Sorry for your lost and you will always be in our prayers.

Officer B.T. Davis
Washington DC Police Department, Third District Substation

April 24, 2007

Rodriguez-

For the 4 months that I had to opportunity to see you perform at the academy, I knew you would shine! Your enthusiasm and passion for this great profession was seen daily. Your attitude and drive helped those standing next to you and never allowed any of the staff at the academy forget why we were there~

We never thought for a moment you would be anything less than great!

Your respectful yet playful demeanor made you an asset to your class, the academy and this profession. You taught us all something!!! Your positive outlook carried many of your classmates when they were down~

You are a true American Hero!!!! You will be sorrowly missed and the profession has suffered from this loss! You were whole-heartedly one of the best!

God bless your mother, sister, colleagues and those you protected for your short time here!

Philip- I truly believe that God has a mission for us in our mortal life and once that mission is complete we are honored by being granted eternal rest and peace with him!! Rodriguez, you are now at peace for eternity- we will take the watch now Sir, you rest, your duty here is done!

In appreciation for the time I was honored to know you and watch you grow into a fine officer!

Sergeant Tami Villar #1181
Pinal County Sheriff's Office

Sergeant
Pinal County Sheriff's Office

April 24, 2007

It is a beautiful Spring day,
The colors fly proudly in the breeze.
The sun is shining, the birds chirping,
Yet nobody seems at ease.

A somber mood fills the air,
A sense of sadness among us all,
For today we are burying a Hero,
Who chose to answer the call.

They come from far and wide,
To show their respect and admiration.
For your commitment to serve and protect,
And lifetime of service and dedication.

And off in the distance,
A slow thunder grew,
A helicopter fly over,
In honor of you.

A bugler plays taps
As is the tradition,
A final salute rendered,
While everyone stands at attention.

As family members weep,
And officers console one another,
We realize the magnitude of our loss
As we bury yet another Law Enforcement brother.

Easy going in nature,
Respected and loved by all,
We are proud to have served with you,
As you answered the call.
Another young life taken from us so early. Here we can only offer words and that doesn't even come close to what we feel when we lose someone who is in law enforcement.
Hopefully soon the family of DO Rodrigues can come to this memorial and read the wonderful reflections that has been left in his honor
Canon City, Colorado

Marilyn Robinson aka MamaWolf
Canon City Internet Radio

April 24, 2007

Phil, it was my pleasure to be able to teach someone like you. Your enthusiasm while in CARLOTA was a joy, it is OFFICERS like you that keep me teaching.
Rest in peace
Sergeant J.D. Walker
Coolidge Police Department

Sergeant J.D. Walker
Coolidge PD/C.A.R.L.O.T.A.

April 24, 2007

Our thoughts and prayer are with Dep. Rodriguez's family, friends and fellow officers. Please accept our thoughts and prayers for you.

Sgt Al Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, AZ

April 24, 2007

Phil, Rest in peace brother. You will never be forgotten. I have always admired the way you presented yourself. You took to your new position with great pride and respect. I will never forget this day; for this day we lost a true hero and a devoted warrior. I want to give my condolences to the family of Philip Rodriguez in this time of grief. My thoughts and prayers are always with you.

Officer Kevin Sandford
Mohave County sheriff

April 24, 2007

RIP brother officer. Thank you for your service. Watch over us that are left behind. Never forgotten!!!

DETECTIVE LIONEL GARRETT
INGLEWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT

April 24, 2007

Rest In Peace!

GOD Bless you and your family!

Officer Paladino
Colorado Springs PD

April 24, 2007

Way too soon to go home, philip. I'm sure your mom and sis feel the same.

God bless and watch over those who loved you and will have to wait to see you again.

Officer Douglas M. Wiencek
METRA police Department, Chicago, IL

April 24, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones during this time of tragedy. Some may find solace that you finally attained your lifes dream, being a police officer. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

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

April 24, 2007

May God be with your family and loved ones . Thank you Deputy Rodriguez for your service .

Sgt L Fear ( Ret )
Oblong Il Police Dept

April 24, 2007

To the family of P.A. Rodriquez, The thoughts and prayers of my family are with you and yours in this time of loss. Deputy Rodriquez will always be a hero in the eyes of each and every law enforcment officer and their familys. Although we have never met, Law Enforcment is a brotherhood and we have lost a brother. May God be with you.

K.W.Speir Police Officer III
Wichester Police Dept. Va

April 24, 2007

Rest in peace Brother Philip, you are a true Hero and will never be forgotten for your service and courage. May your Family, Frinds and Co-workers find peace.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

April 24, 2007

R.I.P. Thanks for making the world a better place.

Officer
Columbus Division of Police, Ohio

April 24, 2007

Thank you, Deputy Rodriguez, for your service to the citizens of Arizona and the United States. Your dedication and efforts are appreciated and will not be forgotten. Rest in peace, Hero.

Janice Brown
Conway, Arkansas
civilian

Janice Brown
civilian

April 24, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and co-workers. Enjoy your rest, brother. We've got the watch.

Trooper
AZ Highway Patrol

April 24, 2007

What a tragedy. Rest easy HERO.

Corporal K. McGee
Murphy Police Dept.,Tx

April 24, 2007

Rest in Peace...

Police Officer
Syracuse Police Dept,NY

April 24, 2007

Deputy Rodriguez, thank you for your courageous service. You're far too young to have left us; you must've made a wonderful impression while you were here. My prayers are with your family, friends, and Police brothers and sisters. I pray for safety always for all our brave Police.

Timothy Reise
Nashville, TN

April 24, 2007

May God be with you and your family, I know what they are going through. You died with honor and no one can ever take that away. Thank you for your service and dedication. I will pray for the people that you have left behind. You finally get to walk the beat of gold and have a smile on your face your entire shift. God bless you, your family, and the ultimate sacrifice that you have made. Rest in peace Deputy Rodriguez- rest in peace.

Robert Stafford
Wilson County SHeriff's Dept. TN

Deputy R. Stafford
Fellow Officer

April 24, 2007

Phil,
Its hard to see that you are gone but I know in my heart that you are in Heaven watching down upon us. I cant help but to think of the memories we made from High School and Explorers as we grew up doing what we wanted to do. It is true, The good ones are taken all too early. God Bless

Jason Zerr 911 Dispatcher
Kingman Police Department, Mohave County AZ

April 24, 2007