Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

A Hero Is...
One who never hesitates to tackle the most difficult problems.
One who is always by your side.
One who knows right from wrong.
One who acts with pride.
A HERO touches every one of us,
whether it be word or deed...
Always tending to those who find themselves in need.
When a HERO leaves this earth, yes, it sad but true,
All too many times, the HERO is dressed in blue.

sister of Officer Lizarraga EOW 2/20/04

July 1, 2008

Tony Diaz was an unassuming, gentle mannered deputy. He wasn’t what we call a fighter pilot. He didn’t lead the team in arrest stats and he wasn’t a door kicking kind of cop. But we’ll come back to that in a moment. He was however one of those guys that when you turned around; he always just seemed to be there.
Since most of us first came to know Tony through his role with our computer I.T. division, we often went to him when our computers at work or in my case when my personal laptop was not acting like I thought it should. Tony actually offered to drive to my home in Roseville to look at it. That’s just the nice guy he was… And when he straightened out the damage I had done …he always just smiled and said, “Here ya go Sarg…all fixed.” He was kind not to point out the problem was operator error and that sergeants needed to be smarter than the computer. He just smiled…!
Our profession is filled with strong personalities and aggressive type “A” folks who seem to fill the room talking above everyone else while trying to figure out who’s the biggest dog in the room. Hell, you might even see them pissing on the furniture to mark their turf. But that wasn’t Tony.
You see, Tony was just like hundreds of men and women who serve in this profession all across our country. They don’t stand out too much day to day, nor do they seek to be the center of attention. They just quietly, go about their duties, day in and day out, usually with a smile… just like Tony. They don’t talk poorly about their peers, they never judge…they don’t say anything when others do something dumb that could be quickly exploited. Those like Tony are just there when we need them.
On one Sunday night, Tony came into work like he had on many other days, and visited with his fellow deputies at briefing. He readied his car and equipment preparing for a night on the streets to do a job that we all complain about but oddly enough would all admit that we actually love. You see the gripping and complaining is what we do to hide the fear we have of knowing just how quickly the job we love can make widows of our wives and orphans of our children.
Tony had no idea that when he received a radio call of a man driving under the influence with a child in the car, this would be one of those nights. Because, you see Tony was not thinking of himself, he did what we expected. He acted. Little did he know he would lose his life attempting to protect a four month old child.
Tony gave the ultimate sacrifice, his life…. and now as silence falls upon the squad room….we can all see…… Tony was a fighter pilot after all.
Although my uniform now hangs in the closet, my heart is with Tony and as it is with each of you who came here today….we are family and we look after our own.

God bless you all.

Sgt. Ken Fisch
Yolo County Sheriff's Dept. (Retired)

July 1, 2008

Very sad to hear of the news it took me a moment to realize he was not only a friend and classmate from school in Dixon but also the father of my second cousin Angelica. I know its a grave loss to her and he will always remain in her heart! My condolances to his children in this very diffucult time may you be conforted. RIP Tony those that knew you know what a good man and role model you were and that will forever live on!

School Friend
Dixon and beyond

July 1, 2008

My deepest condolence to the family of Tony. I knew Tony from playing soccer in Dixon and I would like everyone to know he was a great guy and I'm sure he was a great father because he had a big heart. We will greatly miss you!

Friend from Dixon

June 30, 2008

Our prayers go out to Tony's family and all of his loved ones. You have suffered a deep personal loss that can never be replaced, however, your loss will never be forgotten. Our community also suffered a great loss, a servant who willing gave his life so others may live in a safe environment, protected from those who wish to harm us. In turn, our community will never forget what he did.

Thank you Tony for all you have done for us.

Doug Bera, Retired Lieutenant
Woodland Police Department

June 30, 2008

My thoughts & prayers are with you all. Rest Easy.

Cindy, Arkansas
sister of slain Officer Randy Basnett, eow 9/24/1976

June 29, 2008

We all accept that something like this could happen to us when we pinned on the badge but pray that it never does. Tony you were a man who was always liked and loved by your friends and peers. Rest in peace my friend and fellow officer.

Sgt. Julian Garcia
Yolo County SO. Retired

June 29, 2008

Rest in Peace Diaz. You made the ultimate sacrifice for us. You are a true hero. Although I didn't know you, my old partners at the sheriff's Department did. I know they will miss you as your family will too. My condolences to your family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you. You can rest in peace while the rest of us carry on the good fight for you and the rest of the fallen heroes.

Officer
Grant PD

June 29, 2008

May your soul rest in peace as you protect the citizens of California from Heaven. God Bless You!

C. Falkowski, Officer
CHP-ISU

June 28, 2008

We all went to school with Tony. I stopped seeing him for years. When saw the news and heard his name and what had happen it was tragedy, I was stunned, then memories came back when we were in school with him. He was so friendly and was always so happy.

He will live on in the hearts and memories of everyone who loved him and knew him.. We are sorry for your loss...

Salvador, Consuelo
and Susana Cortez
Dixon High School

Salvador, Consuelo and Susana Cortez
Friend

June 28, 2008

To my tips real girls: I want to say I love you and no matter where the Army sends me I will always be just a plane ride or phone call away!
To Silvia: No matter what you will always be my tia.
And to the rest of our family I want you all to know I love you all and together we will get thru this and forever know that we were fortunate enough to have had Tio Tono in our lives for as long as we did.
To all the well wishers I want to thank you all for keeping my family and my uncles three children (Angelica, Jessica & Alejandra), and his wife Silvia in your thoughts and prayers.
Tio Tony, I miss you and I know you are looking down on your "real" family with pride!

Susana Alejandre
Niece of Tony

June 27, 2008

We appreciate your dedication to keeping us safe. You have not only made your community proud, but your gente too. You sacrificed your life, to keep us safe. From what my sister tells me, you are a very funny guy. I guess the angels above needed your humor. You have done a lot for people. It is noticiable how much you are loved. You saved future children and families from coming in contact with the demon that took your life. You have saved his own child from him. Shame on him, for taking such a brave family man from us. God bless you and your family. For everyone has been blessed by you. Take care of us from above. You have brought honor to our gente and continue to do so.
Que dios te bendiga,

Familia Cortez
Sister of Yolo COunty Officer Q

Liz Cortez
Sister of a Yolo County Officer

June 27, 2008

Deputy Diaz,

I did not know you, but I had seen you around. Thank you for your service to the the County of Yolo and it's citizens. To your family and the Yolo County Sheriff's Department I offer my heartfelt condolences. Your a hero and will always be remembered.

K. Shergill
Yuba Communtiy College District PD

June 27, 2008

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" Matthew 5:9
Rest in peace Brother.

Lieutenant
BOP

June 26, 2008

Though I did not know this brave Deputy, I feel for his family and fellow brothers in this Department. My prayers are with his wife and children.

Armando Oropeza
MT Law Enforcement Academy

June 26, 2008

Keep watch over your loved ones. I ask that all of your close friends in the Blue Family remember your children and watch over them. Tell them stories about their Dad so that they have fond memories to carry with them as they continue on in life. You are a true hero.

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

June 26, 2008

RIP. SIR WE WILL TAKE IT FROM HERE!!

RESERVE 416 WILLIAM ARMSTRONG
SLOCOMB POLICE ALA.

June 26, 2008

Tony,
Thank you for your service and dedication to our community and to Yolo County. It was a pleasure knowing you and working with you on several different occasions. You will be missed but not forgotton. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this difficult time. R.I.P. Brother.

John Riley Police Officer/SWAT
Woodland Police Department

June 26, 2008

I knew Tony and his family since we were kids. He is in many of my childhood/teen memories. I will always remember him. I saw him not too long ago. We went from 37 year olds to 10 year olds in a span of 5 min. giggling and laughing remembering old times. He was a great guy and through the years he never changed who he was as a person. That sweet, fun person that I knew. Tony, you will be greatly missed, not only by your friends and family but by your community. I'm so proud of all your accomplishments. You made an impact on so many people. The person you are will live on forever in all of our hearts. To the Diaz family: I'm so sorry for your loss. We are all with you through all of this.

Mayra
Childhood friend

June 25, 2008

Diaz,
It seems like yesterday was the last time I saw you. I can remember joking around in intake when you came in....and yeah you always are smiling! Now your'e in a better place Diaz, R.I.P..

"A MAN'S MAN"

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER II
YOLO COUNTY S.O.

June 25, 2008

"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, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
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.

Rest easy Brother Diaz, we have the watch...



”I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
---Isaiah 6:8

You answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice. Rest easy in God's kingdom and watch over us as we continue the battle here on earth!!!

Officer
Metropolitan Police Department Washington DC

June 25, 2008

Tony - Que en paz descances! Se que Dios te ha abierto las puertas del cielo. Siempre te recordare como un buen amigo, como un hermano. Recordarte desde que eras un niño jugando soccer con mis hermanos. Le doy gracias a Dios por haberme permitido conocerte y compartir un poco juntos. Gracias Tony por tu amistad por ayudarme cuando necesite de ti. Eres una gran persona y aunque ya tenia mucho tiempo que no sabia de ti - siempre me senti orgullosa de ti. Que Dios te bendiga siempre y que la Virgen Maria te acompañe. Te quiero mucho Tony!! Y en un momento cuando Dios quiera nos volberemos a encontrar.

Friend for Ever - Mary Popins

Childhood and Teenage friend

June 25, 2008

Rest in Peace Sir.

Officer Thomas Wiederhold
Fort Worth Texas Police

June 25, 2008

I have known Tony since he was a little boy. His smile was one that will never be forgotten. When Tony was about 3 years old, he would walk with his brothers and sisters to the bus stop, and then watch and wave with a smile from ear to ear as it drove off. Every afternoon he would be in that same place awaiting their return. I knew then, Tony was a very special person. He has touched many lives and will never be forgotten. Thank you for being a part of my life.

My prayers go out to the family during this difficult time.

Cynthia Castillo
Dixon, CA

Cynthia Castillo
Cousin of Angelica Diaz, daughter of Deputy Tony Diaz

June 25, 2008

Although I have never met Tony, I am very close to one of his co-workers. I am deeply saddened to hear about this tragic incident. I see how he has made such a strong impact on people around him, in both his professional and personal life. You will be missed by many. Rest well as we will take over the watch.

Deputy Phillip Corvello
Alameda County Sheriff's Office

June 25, 2008