Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in Peace Lieutenant...thank you for your service.

Trooper
Florida Highway Patrol

May 31, 2008

“REMEMBER ME”
Law enforcement officers are, indeed, a special breed of people. Ask anyone on the street and they will tell you that they would not have our jobs for anything in the world. It takes something special to do what we do and at the same time be able to even contemplate retirement. We try to be optimists. Unfortunately, there are a few of us who will never make that date with retirement. By the very nature of our job, we are at risk everyday of losing our lives, either at the hand of some deranged individual or in some other situation that we, by virtue of our occupation, may be unable to avoid. Some people have recognized the hazardous duties we involve ourselves in, the risks we take, and the pride we take in accomplishing that job. There is National Law Enforcement Week, dedicated to us who gladly accept the responsibility of protecting the citizens in our respective jurisdictions. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day is dedicated to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. These are but two examples of remembrances specifically for law enforcement personnel. Remembrances that come but once a year. We should remind fellow officers of another type of remembrance, one that will last a lifetime. Sooner or later, a doctor will pronounce us dead. It is inevitable. Regardless of whatever happens, death is the end we will all have to face.
“IT IS IN DEATH THAT WE CAN LIVE FOREVER”
Author Unknown

Jim Moore
New Orleans P.D., Retired

May 30, 2008

rip, fontana califonia resident

May 30, 2008

Mike Avilucea was man of courage and action. In December 1997, he volunteered to go with me into a house containing a drunk, armed, suicidal and angry Lloyd Rhodes (deceased) after Rhodes had attempted to kill Officer Jerry Turner, Deming Police Department by shooting at Jerry several times with a semi-auto pistol. Lloyd Rhodes was wearing a bullrt-resistant Kevlar vest throughout the attempted murder and the aftermath.

As we entered the house, we saw Lloyd lying asleep on a bed on his right side, a cocked, unlocked Colt Government Model 45 in his hand in firing grip. As I covered Lloyd with my pistol immediately behind his head, Mike quietly moved up and snatched the 45 out of Lloyd's hand, awaking him. As Lloud awoke he immediately started fighting with me with his hands; Mike saw and quickly gained control of Lloyd's loaded Chief's SpeciaL 32 revolver in his right windbreaker pocket, allowing Lloyd to be arrested without use of deadly force.

As Mike's distrct commander, I recommended him for the (then-new) highest honor offered by the State Police because of his willingness to volunteer, his courage, and his quick and decisive actions in this incident. He was denied the honor for reasons not appropriate for discussion here.

When the chips were down and you needed help a man with guts and ability, Mike was just that man.

I am honored to have servced with him.

William C. Kuehl, former captain
New Mexico State Police: Dem ing Police

May 30, 2008

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Lieutenant Michael Avilucea as well as to the New Mexico State Police. Rest in peace Lieutenant Avilucea, you are gone but will not be forgotten...

Dispatcher Sue Rusch, CTO
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL

May 30, 2008

Mike and family, Words cannot express how sad I am. Mike always gave 110% and I am proud to have known him. We both went to HDS together in Alabama, and I know how proud he was to be a bomb tech and a New Mexico State Police Officer. New Mexico has lost a true hero and a great public servant. Mike may you rest in peace, and my prayers are with all of the Avilucea family.

Captain Jerry Little (Retired)
Dona Ana County SO

May 30, 2008

Thank-you sir for your service.

Joe
Citizen

May 30, 2008

Rest in peace brother. We've got the watch from here. May God bless your family, friends and fellow officers who all mourn the loss of yet another hero.

Motor Officer Dominick Marraccini
Easton Police Department, Easton, PA

May 30, 2008

My deepest condolences to the family of Lt. Avilucea. Please know that there are people around the country that have walked in your shoes before. You have our love and support at this tragic time. May God bless you and comfort you in the days and weeks ahead.

Jennifer Mayo, sister of
Deputy Hilery A. Mayo Jr. STPSO La. E.O.W 6/9/07

May 30, 2008

May you always rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

May 30, 2008

Lieutenant, I know you are now walking another beat on Heaven's Streets...I pray for your family...Know that you will never be forgotten and I hope your family knows that you made a differece with what you did.

Former PSP Civilian Employee and son of a Retired NJ Trooper

Former PSP Civilian Employee

May 30, 2008

I SEND MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND NEW MEXICO STATE POLICE REGARDING THE DEMISE OF LIEUTENANT MICHAEL AVILUCEA. I PRAY EVERYONE WHO KNEW THIS HONORABLE MAN WILL CONTINUE TO REMEMBER HIS BRAVERY, COURAGE, AND THE LEGACY IN WHICH HE LEFT.

LIEUTENANT MICHAEL AVILUCEA YOUR SHIFT IS OVER NOW, WE WILL TAKE IT FROM HERE. REST IN PEACE, BROTHER...

DEPUTY SHERIFF JAMES E. BRADFORD JR.
BRADLEY COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

May 30, 2008

A Hero to more than he knows.©2004

Emory - Ephrata,WA
brother of Ferry County WA Undersheriff Matthew J Lane, EOW 5/30/03

May 30, 2008