Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Joseph Anthony Santana

El Monte Police Department, California

End of Watch Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Joseph Anthony Santana

I wanted to send my respect and condolences to Officer Santana's wife, daughter, and twin sons. Officer Santana was a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep his community safe. I am a current recruit in the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department Academy (sponsored through the CA Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage Control). I am also a native to the San Gabriel Valley area and volunteered with the City of El Monte Code Enforcement Department years ago, so El Monte has a special place in my heart. Rest in Peace Officer Santana.

J. Perez
Agent Recruit for CA Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage Control

June 26, 2024

It breaks my heart to see such fine men taken to early. Heaven is the better by their presence. God bless LEO.

SFC Flaherty
US Army retired

October 16, 2023

As I type this reflection out, I still can’t fathom that you are no longer with us . There are no amount of words that can describe the appreciation we have for you.
Thankyou Santana for always being an amazing friend to not only my husband but to myself and my son. You had an amazing soul and heart of gold. I will forever cherish the family vacations we took and the date nights we had with you and Sasha. Your death will never be forgotten and we will always remember.

Jasmine Zavala
Family Friend

August 28, 2023

Thank you for your service sir . Your sacrifice will never be forgotten

Recruit Bobby Silva
LASD

February 27, 2023

Thank you for your service. My condolences to the Santa Ana family.

Recruit J Gomez
ABC

February 26, 2023

RIP American Hero

Ed McConnell, Asst Chief of Police
Okanogan Police

September 23, 2022

The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.

There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.
Author Unknown

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

September 1, 2022

Officer Santana,

Thank you for your sacrifice for our nation. May you be with the Lord and may he be with your family.

Det. Russ Cain

Pittsburgh PD

July 17, 2022

I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Police Officer Joseph Santana. I am truly sorry for your great loss. The service and sacrifice of Officer Santana will not be forgotten.

Deborah C.
Wife, Mother, Aunt of LEOs
Maryland

July 12, 2022

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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 whose 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

Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept.
Columbia, SC

July 1, 2022

Rest, brother.

Sgt. Steve Headley
Mishawaka, IN police

June 26, 2022

Rest In Peace young man. Thank you for your service. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Thomas B.
Rockland county, ny

June 26, 2022

To the family, friends and coworkers of Officer Joseph Anthony Santana, my deepest sympathy for your loss. God will watch over you all during this terrible time. God's Speed Sir!

Reserve Deputy Brian Jacobsen
Mahaska County Iowa Sheriff’s Office

June 25, 2022

"Somebody killed a policeman today, and a part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect will be buried with him at his side.
The suspect who shot him will stand up in court, with counsel demanding his rights,
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids and spend alone many long nights.
The beat that he walked was a battlefield, too, just as if he'd gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast, to his name they will add a gold star.
Yes, somebody killed a policeman today, it happened in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors, a cop put his life on the line.
Now, his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street, and he stands at each new rookie's side.
He answered the call and gave us his all, and a part of America died."

Author unknown

E.C.Proft Chief Criminal Deputy (Retired)
Island County Sheriff's Office

June 22, 2022

May Our Lord Have a Special place in His Heavenly Home for this "TRUE HERO", Officer Joseph Santana, and Corporal Michael Domingo Paredes. Mu Deepest Sympathies go out to the Families of Officer Santana and Corporal Paredes and their department.

Retired Chicago Police Officer Michael T
Chicago Police Department, 9th District

June 22, 2022

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest In Peace Officer Santana. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters at El Monte Police Department.

Postal Inspector Scott Horne
US Postal Inspection Service

June 22, 2022

My deepest condolences to his family and to his department. May Joseph's soul forever rest in peace.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

June 22, 2022

RIP Officer Santana. Thank you for your service to the citizens of El Monte and San Bernardino County

Sergeant Darren Weisse
Tufts University Police

June 22, 2022

My deepest sympathy & condolences to both Officers Santana’s & Corporal Parades’ families, friends and fellow colleagues. May you both pass through the gates of heaven with open arms, love and gratitude for the honorable service that you both have provided. Although I’m not a law enforcement officer, I am nevertheless an avid lifelong civilian supporter of all law enforcement officers and am truly sorry to learn of this most unfortunate situation. Please accept my sincere

D. ZUCKER

June 21, 2022

Rest in Peace my Brother in Arms

Anrae G Godley-Cooper
U.S. Army Military Police

June 21, 2022

So sad to hear the news.

May you rest in peace after having served those around you. My thoughts are with you, your family, fellow officers, and friends.

Reserve Police Officer G. Krystof
Los Angeles Police Department

June 21, 2022

On behalf of POINT 27, we would like to offer condolences for Police Officer Joseph Santana. Please know we are eternally grateful for Joseph’s service and his ultimate sacrifice.

To honor Police Officer Santana, POINT 27 sent 27 Thin Blue Line Dog Tag Necklaces, engraved with “Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called children of God” Matthew 5:9, to the El Monte Police Department in El Monte, California for Joseph’s partner and fellow officers. POINT 27 sent a Folded Flag Necklace engraved with “Greater Love has no one than this; than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend” John 15:13 for Police Officer Joseph Santana’s wife.

POINT 27 is a Non-Profit organization with a mission to strengthen and encourage members of the Armed Forces, First Responders, and their families, by sharing scripture on Dog Tags and Jewelry called Shields of Strength.

We will never forget and we are forever grateful.

Respectfully,

Colonel David Dodd,
United States Army Retired
Executive Director-POINT 27

Detective Jerry M. Rhodes #R309
Dallas Police Department-Reserve Division
POINT 27 National Outreach Coordinator
Law Enforcement Liaison
[email protected]
214-908-2617

Detective Jerry M. Rhodes (Retired)
Dallas Police Department Reserve Division
POINT 27- National Out Reach Coordinator
Law Enforcement Liaison

June 19, 2022

Thinking of you and your partner and all the innocent lives affected by one individual who also wasted his life. You and your partner are true heroes and will never be forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your family.

Robert Gordon, Retired Deputy Chief
Father of Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

June 19, 2022

Rest in Peace my brother.

Captain Bernard Flint
Department of Defense Police Division

June 19, 2022

Officer Santana, our world is full of evil people, and yet, you dedicated your life to protecting others that they may be safe. Our Lord, who sees all and knows all, will reward you abundantly for your courage, dedication and selfless service. May God immerse you and your loved ones in His Divine Mercy. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.

Jess Espinosa
Civilian

June 19, 2022

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