Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jim: From a former deputy over the state line-- I thank you for your sacrifice and dedication to your fine agency. Placer County borders Washoe County (Nevada) at Lake Tahoe and we often interacted with Placer Deputies and had an MOU granting each other authority to respond to calls in both jurisdictions. Placer S.O. is a great department and I've known a few excellent Placer deputies over the years. I've heard of you previously and just wanted to know your brothers and sisters over the state line remember you, your reputation and your sacrifice.

Jim Lopey, Asst. Sheriff (Ret)
Washoe County Sheriff (Reno, Nv.) & NVDPS

July 13, 2021

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Machado.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 10, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 13, 2020

I witness Deputy Machado's death. At that time I worked for the local Auburn Ambulance and Cal Fire. I was putting gas into my motorcycle when I heard the first shot and witness the POS that shot Deputy Machado. I used the deputy's car radio to report it and did CPR on Deputy Machado until the ambulance showed up. I continued CPR in the back of the ambulance all the way to Auburn Faith. Lately this event has been on my mind causing me great sorrow. I hope his wife was able to recover enough to have a good life. I will always remember this day.

Mark E Bentley

September 25, 2019

Thinking of you today, with a broken soul and a heros honor.
Thankyou for your protection and sacrifice Deputy Machado.
Forever honored and loved.
God bless the Peace keepers.

Mamie Rae Carpenter
Placer county resident

July 13, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You are honored and remembered on the 40th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

July 13, 2018

Jim, you were my friend, my mentor and like an older brother to me. It was because of you that I became a cop. You provided guidance, encouragement and support when needed. You helped quiz me for upcoming oral interviews I was scheduled to take with various law enforcement agencies. I spent many hours with Nancy and the kids waiting to hear that you were okay one day when there was an armed and barricaded subject in Kings Beach. You almost delivered my youngest son, Matthew.
I will never forget the day I received the telephone call advising me you were killed. It was like getting a punch to the gut; I couldn’t breathe. I’d just lost the closest thing I had to a real brother. I didn’t get the chance to tell you and Nancy I was going to be starting the academy in the fall. I arrived at your home in Auburn a couple days later and cried with Nancy. Two years later I again visited with Nancy and showed her the ID I now held from my “new department”, Placer County Sheriff’s. It brought tears to her eyes and I promised Nancy I would do my best to honor your memory.
This morning I watched the overhead lights on patrol cars flash as they passed by honoring the first of two more deputies who lost their lives in the line of duty. I thought of you. Tomorrow Michael Davis Jr., the first Placer County Deputy shot and killed in the line of duty since you were killed, will be laid to rest. I am no longer a cop, but will always feel the pain with the loss of another brother or sister who wore the badge. Thank you Jim, for helping me to have had the honor of wearing that badge.

Linda Brown, Deputy Sheriff retired
Placer County Sheriff's Department

November 3, 2014

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

October 25, 2014

I read the reflections and I can remember the day very vividly, more that I wish. The pain it caused to your family was a burden that only the Lord could bring you all through and that none of us could take away to ease the pain. There were times when we thought HE might not be enough but HE was. Many were there to help to hug the children but not take Jim's place.
I know you have been blessed since then, have moved on and have many grand children that will carry on the name, James Machado.
To a fallen brother.

Lowell Carlton, Deputy Sheriff retired
Placer County Sheriff's Department

July 14, 2013

We hired on at the Sheriff''s Dept, and we attended the Academy together in Modesto. You were so respected by the other officers in the Academy. I came to the hospital while you were there hoping I could have done more to help you. At your 30 year memorial I came to be with Nancy all ALL of us that miss you so much. I miss that smile

Tom Weaver Deputy
PLACER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

April 30, 2012

We hired on at the Sheriff''s Dept, and we attended the Academy together in Modesto. You were so respected by the other officers in the Academy. I came to the hospital while you were there hoping I could have done more to help you. At your 30 year memorial I came to be with Nancy all ALL of us that miss you so much. I miss that smile

Tom Weaver Deputy
PLACER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

April 30, 2012

Rest in Peace, Deputy Machado. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 19, 2012

IT SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY THAT THE LORD TOOK YOU HOME TO BE WITH HIM. YOU WOULD BE VERY PROUD OF YOUR 3 BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN WHO HAVE BLESSED US WITH 11 FANTASTIC GRANDCHILDREN. THEY ALL KNOW THAT YOU ARE CONSTANTLY WATCHING OVER US AND LOVE US "BUNCHES AND BUNCHES". YOUR OLDEST IS IN THE MILITARY AS IS HIS OLDEST, YOU WOULD BE SO PROUD OF THEM BOTH. THE GIRLS ARE AWESOME AND CARING MOMMY'S.

AS THE TIME DRAWS CLOSER EACH DAY, I CAN HARDLY WAIT TO HOLD YOU AGAIN, THE MAN IN MY LIFE NOW HAD TO BE SENT BY YOUR PRAYERS.
YOU DID GOOD HONEY. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU AND HE UNDERSTANDS AND HONORS YOUR MEMORY AS WELL. WE FLY OUT 'COPS' FLAG FOR YOU ON YOUR DAYS TO BE REMEMBERED

AS WE SAID ON OUR SPECIAL I WILL LOVE AND CHERISH YOU FOREVER

ME

NANCY MACHADO BERNHARDT
YOUR LOVING WIFE

October 8, 2011

I thought of you today. We never met, but I think I knew your father (Manuel Machado, DDS). When your watch ended I was 23; Dr. Machado had been my dentist since childhood. My mother spoke of how proud of you your father was. He was proud because you wanted to serve and help others, and proud of the wonderful person you were in general. My mother also spoke of your dad's great sadness when you died. I remember your father because at a time when I was really struggling and was depressed he saw it. He took the time to to stop me outside his office after a dental appointment. I thought then that nobody knew how I felt, but your dad proved me wrong. In your strength, gentleness and desire to help others, I think you and he were similar. Thank-you for all that you gave to your community, your family, and everyone you came into contact with.
God bless you and all of your family.
Becky Elings McCartney

Becky Elings McCartney
Friend of father

September 13, 2011

God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain; but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way.


Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of US Marshal

September 21, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd 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 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. Rest In Peace.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I hope to meet your family at a NORCAL COPS function one day.
Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 13, 2010

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

February 15, 2010

"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

September 20, 2007

It will soon be 29 years since your tour of duty ended and you have not been forgotten by those that love you dearly. You will forever be in their hearts and thoughts as you are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You will never be forgotten.

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

July 8, 2007

Deputy Sheriff James E. Machado, my father I remember. A kind and gental spirt. The man who would do jumping jake on his bed just to make me lauph. The man that saved me from a fall on an Escalator and kissed my knee after I fell, when I was 2. I see him everyday in his grandchildren. I was so young when He died doing what he loved. I find peace in this. He is my hero that was taken too soon. thank you for your service and love
rest in peace Daddy

Joy (Machado) Steele
Daughter

October 29, 2006

my heart will always be yours,your 3 children and 9 grandchildren always speak of you with love and admiration may God keep you in the palm of His loving hands.
your loying wife and soul mate.

nancy machado bernhardt
spouse

October 29, 2006

You have never been forgotten. You have been missed every day of my life. I could only wish that you could have met your grand children. I love you and miss you.
ALL MY LOVE
Jeanne't Machado-Wendt

Jeanne't Wendt
Daughter

October 29, 2006

Deputy Machado should be honored. God bless his family.

August 7, 2006

Sir, it has been 28 years but you are still remembered.Thank you for your service.May you Rest in Peace.

July 13, 2006

Deputy Sheriff Machado,
As one officer wrote in another fallen officer's reflection-"No fallen officer should be without a reflection." I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Placer County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

June 14, 2005