Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Wednesday, March 30th, 1988
This is something that will never fade in my memory. I was actually coming home from an event by the The Official Coconut Grove Jaycee Alumni It was Business After Hours, at Monty's in the Grove. The fifth Wednesday of the month. As I turned right on the corner I noticed a police car east and next to my house. I would normally drive past my house, do a U-turn and park with traffic. As I was coming up to the police car. I saw a police officer lying next to a car in the driveway. I swear I thought he was looking for something under the car. He had a black device in his hand. Miami Police Department had nickel plated revolvers and started switching to Glocks. I didn't realize the situation right away. So I yelled out, are you ok? He replied "I've been shot!" I actually went into my training mode, as an Eagle scout. I flew out of my car and ran to him. He didn't have a lot of visible bleeding, so because I was alone, I had to call for help. I didn't want to run inside to call, so I went to his open police car, and said officer down three times. Has I said it, a motorcycle police officer was driving towards me. I saw him through the back window of the unit. I dropped the Mike and ran next to the telephone poll. He stopped, I said officer down, he's been shot, he is bleeding, call for help now. I pointed at Victor. He quickly grabbed his Mike and transmitted in a split of a second. I ran to help the officer. When I went to check his wounds, many officers and rescue came with kits, and aid. I was trained when this happens, take a step back but stay and be ready to assist. I did. I was asked to move my car. When I looked down the street, I saw every nearby police agency at the seen. Miami-Dade Police Department, Coral Gables Police, Florida Highway, West Miami Police Dept. , and many more. So many undercover officers as well. It was bumper to bumper units. We had to make room for fire rescue. Later I found out that JL. Plummer was there. I knew him and he knew me, yet I didn't see him, due to tunnel vision at times like this. The police asked me not to talk to the media please. Because it could affect the investigation. I of course respected and agreed. I volunteered my finger prints for elimination because I did touch his microphone. I heard that he passed away the next day in surgery. The chief of police wanted to honor me, for what I did. I said, No! He passed away, no honor in that. Later I learned who the officer was. I knew him. I went to Champagnat Catholic School his son Angel Estefan was a student at the same school. Just a year younger than me. I went to Angel's home. Just a few blocks away near Auburndale Elementary. I went and spoke to his mom. I told her what I knew. She asked me what did he say? I didn't Sugar coat it. He cursed like a sailor. He was pissed they got him by surprise. She hugged me and said "That's my Victor!"
When I was a student at Champagnat (NW), I drove a Volkswagen Bug. My fellow classmates would pickup up my car and put it in the middle of the street, before this happened. Officer Victor Estefan came to me and said you can't leave your car in the middle of the street! I said I didn't, they are moving my car. After that, I would chain my car to the telephone pole infront of the school. I would never imagine that the universe took these turns. Angel and his Mom was thankful that God put me there at that moment. A US Marshall that was transporting, the Escobar brothers from California to Miami, Florida, told me. "Tony, I have never seen such cold blooded people, this evil in all my life. They don't care about anyone or anything." This was during the days I went to court to testify. The reason I post this, is for one reason! Understand that we all need to step up, or step down when needed. I only did, what any person should do. Far from being a hero. My life was not engaged. I just tried to give aid, to a fellow human. I wish the walk away is that you help someone else every time you get a chance. Peace to all of you, and yours! Tony

Good Samarita, Tony M. Miyar

May 14, 2022

Rest in peace Officer Estefan. I believe you were promoted to the rank of Colonel after your death.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 28, 2019

Officer Estefan lived in the neighborhood I grew up in. Many nights he would drive by and see us in auburndale elementary field and he would kindly and in a way that fathers talk to their young man send us home. I worked with him as police officer from 1982- 1988. He was the same way with the young cops. Always teaching, encouraging and genuinely cared. Always smiling and uplifting to other police officers. When he passed I felt like I had lost a member of my family. What a loss.

Armando Castro
Admired Greatly

February 25, 2018

Although I never met you, I was raised my entire life hearing your stories and being told how much of an outstanding Officer you were. I am your other grandson, that you never met. Even though I was not named after you, I still carry the name Estefan. I proudly wear my Uniform with the name "Estefan", and love it every time I am asked by another officer if I was related to you. I have now been a police officer for four years and I wish everyday that you were here so you could see me as a police officer. I would have loved to taken you for a ride in my marked police vehicle, my dad (your son Angel) knows I kept it clean. I also kept your photo inside my police car because every night that I go on patrol, I take you with me. A lot of people do miss you and speak greatness of you. Though we never met I feel that I have known you my entire life and sometimes feel your presence on the road with me. I thank you for raising my father Angel the way you did because he raised me the same way and made me into a man. I thank you for your service and heroism, at least in the Estefan family you WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. Rest in peace Victor (PAPA SMURF).

OFFICER ISAIAS ESTEFAN
FOUR YEARS WITH SWEETWATER POLICE , RECENTLY JOINED MIAMI-DADE POLICE

April 28, 2016

Godfather,
I remember thats what a lot of the guys called you!
You were always joking around,and you made me laugh so much.
I remember when you would turn your windshield water sprayers,to the right and ride through the transfer point and spray the guys,including me!
When ever I had a traffic related question,I always knew who to have QSY, for the answer !
God bless you Victor,and rest in peace brother.
Dave Collis

Retired Lt. Dave Collis MPD: 1973-1995
City of Miami P.D.

Lt Dave Collis
City of Miami Police dept

December 31, 2015

Victor,
I recall you like it was yesterday mate. The Godfather of Little Havana. God bless you, and may the ones that cowardly gunned you down, be forever in hell. Bless you Victor Dave Collis

Lt Dave Collis
City of Miami Police dept

December 31, 2015

MY GRANDFATHER Victor Estefan risked his life in the line of duty for everyone. But who really suffers the pain of his lost MY FAMiLY,MY GRANDMOTHER Delia Estefan, MY FATHER Angel Estefan sr Everyone in my family including me even though I never met him but it hurts not to know who your grandfather was and how his voice sounded and how great of grandfather he was to my brother Angel Estefan jr. .How good of person he was the sayings he would say the lessons he would teach you for your own good and future. I feel the pain strong cause seeing my grandmother till this day suffer and cry for his lost its very hard. Everyone that left there comments thank you alot because as I was reading your comments putting the pieces together to figure out how good of person he was when he was alive .23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.

25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, 31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here. John 14:23-15:17

Yadissa Estefan
Granddaughter

September 11, 2013

I have many friends and and a few family members who are LEO , if people really knew what it is like to have LEOs facing 24 hours , 365 days. When I was in the service when you get shot at, even as a Bondsman here in Florida, I still run into the KRAZIES. We must never forget these brave LEOs, they come from ordinary familes and become extra-ordinary contributing citizens, defending us. Sadly, criminals roam free to kill us and truthfully, we all must never bow to criminals , whenever one ordinay citizen off -spring choose to be LEOs, we must respect that right, privilige, for tehy are going to defend us

Surety/ PI: Peter Chin-Tai
General Sun Tzu Investigation

February 27, 2013

Oh.. you're a Police Officer?? Oh.. you're a Firefighter? That's cool. What do you make?" "WHAT DO I MAKE?? I make holding your hand seem like the biggest thing in the world when I'm cutting you out of a car. I can make 5 minutes seem like a lifetime when I go in a burning house to save your family. I make those annoying sirens seem like angels when you need them. I can make your children breathe ..................when they stop. I can help you... survive a heart attack. I make myself get out of bed at 3am to risk my life to save people I've never met. I make your family safe from the drug crazed neighbor. I make you and your family safe when you hear someone downstairs at night. I make sure your elderly grandparent is found and safely back home. I run toward danger while others run away. Today I might make the ultimate sacrifice to save your life. I make a difference, what do you make?" Re-post if you're a proud police officer, fire fighter, and/or ems.

I love you Vic for always getting there right on time!!

Chief Gwen Boyd
Miami Police Department (retired)

February 25, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 1, 2012

We will never forget.. HEROES live forever, and you sir are a hero. Continue to rest in peace Officer Estefan. My prayers are with your family today as I know that time does not heal the pain in our heart.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

March 31, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Estefan. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 14, 2012

We will never forget the hero and their family that sacrificed so much for all of us, may you continue to rest in peace sir.


Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

March 31, 2011

Thinking of you and jusy wanted to visit you and our other buddys.

Terry Russell Retired
City of Miami PD Fla.

July 8, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 31, 2010

Victor,
You opened your door to me and made me feel welcome from the start, we went through a lot in six years, good and bad.I remember rushing to the hospital with your son when we heard the news. I was there when they declared you dead, and even though you did not know it, I was carrying your second grandchild, who now carries your name; it was my promise to your son, that if I had a boy he would be named after you. Through him your name carries on. I'm just sorry you couldn't meet him, you two would've gotten along great... I hope you are watching over him from where you are and keeping him safe from harm, just as you did for us all when you walked this earthly plain...you are greatly missed and remembered fondly.

Angie
Former Daughter-in-law

Anonymous

January 21, 2009

Victor just the other day I was speaking about you,all good of course. I remember the first time I turned in an accident report to you and you just tore it up. When I asked you why you had tore it up, without even reading it you said, "Rookie practice makes perfect,now do it again". I will never forget the afternoon when the dispatcher raised me and asked me if I knew your whereabouts. I knew some thing was wrong, drastically wrong. I raced to Jackson Memorial Hospital where I remained with you and your family. I was there when the Lord took you home. Rest in peace, I will never forget you.

Sgt. Mike Narganes ( Retired)
Cit of Miami Police Department

December 9, 2008

20 yrs ago today, hard to believe how fast time goes. Thinking of you and miss you Vick!

Ret. PO Terry Russell
City of Miami

March 31, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 28, 2008

Victor you were an inspiration for me to become a cop I grew up in little Habana where many times you spank me over the head and took me to my parents at S.W.8 ave and 1 St.because i was either shoplifting candies at Walgreens or hanging out with a bad crowd in the Cuban ghetto. When you saw me the fisrt time at the station we hugged each other and i thanked you in which you let me have another in the head and told me to take care every time you took a 19 i was allways near Even though my career was cut short cause of a work related injury i have never forgotten you and never will. See you one day again and my friend keep hooking those cars where ever you are.

Roberto Ravelo Sr.
police officer

February 26, 2008

I was thinking of you today and I often visit your site, Bill Craig's and Bill Bill's. It will be 20 yrs in a few months. I remember like it was a few months ago rushing to the ER at Jackson Hospital and staying with you and your family until you departed. Miss you much my friend, you were like a dad to me. See you one day soon.

Terry Russell Ret.
City of Miami PD

November 13, 2007

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 whos 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
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

October 3, 2007

Godfather,
I remember thats what a lot of the guys called you!
You were always joking around,and you made me laugh so much.
I remember when you would turn your windshield water sprayers,to the right and ride through the transfer point and spray the guys,including me!
When ever I had a traffic related question,I always knew who to have QSY, for the answer !
God bless you Victor,and rest in peace brother.
Dave Collis

Retired Lt. Dave Collis MPD: 1973-1995
City of Miami P.D.

January 30, 2007

You were like a father to me .You gave me my fairy tale wedding and gave me advise on men even though i was married to your son lol... You will be missed forever you were a great respecte officer and husband and father ..God bless you ...

Elisa
x daughther in law

January 2, 2007

Justice always!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Officer Lima

Officer Lima
CCRPV /SP/BRAZIL

August 11, 2006