IN MEMORY

JOHN PARRAZ, FOUNDER
Sacramento County
Sheriff’s Office, CA
End of Watch 1979

SGT. RICHARD P. REYES, FOUNDER
San Jose Police Department, CA
End of Watch April 29, 1995

Carlos Cruz
Past NLPOA National President
End of Watch:  August 6, 2016

Carlos Cruz, 76, born on June 30, 1940, in New York, New York, passed away August 6, 2016. He had an extremely productive and interesting life. He took many new paths courageously and enthusiastically. My father had an eclectic array of careers varying from the Marine Corp to law enforcement, specifically LAPD and CHP. His first career was actually as a tailor in New York. After retiring from the CHP and a short stint as a forest ranger, he became an entrepreneur. He went back to school, got a degree in fashion design and began his own successful business as a tailor/designer out of his home. My father is survived by his lovely wife Jackie Cruz, his brother Richard and sister Gina. He has 4 surviving children, his oldest child Maria having passed in infancy; Theresa (TC) Fontenot, Cynthia (Cindy) Van Vleet, Philip & Sara Cruz. Carlos has three grandchildren; Arielle Briggs, Marcus and Dominic Fontenot. He has also been blessed with 5 great granddaughters; Gabriella (8) & Isabella (4) Briggs, Elizabeth Fontenot (5), and Julia (23 mos) & Teresa (6 mos) Fontenot. He resided in Fillmore, California at the time of his passing.

Jackie asked that in lieu of flowers that a donation be made to the NLPOAVC Scholarship Fund at www.nlpoaventuracounty.com

Jackie wants to thank all of you for your thoughtful words.

http://forestlawn.tributes.com/obituary/show/Carlos-Cruz-103850026

Jess Martinez
Kings County NLPOA member
End of Watch:  July 24,2016, 4:30 P.M.
Jess Martinez was a long time member of the NLPOA

Joey Amador, Ruben Diaz NLPOA Fresno County President, Cindy Rodriguez NLPOA National President, and Vincente Calderon NLPOA National Founder at Jess Martinez memorial service

Rick Birmias King County, Cindy Rodriguez NLPOA National President, Vincente Calderon NLPOA National Founder and Steve Fajardo at Jess Martinez memorial service

Andrew J. Cruz
Former National President
End of Watch 3-17-2016

Dear Members,

It is with great sadness to inform you that former National President Andy J. Cruz passed away today at approximately 1518 hours after a long battle with an illness. He leaves behind his wife Estella Cruz, his daughter Paula, and two sons Jeremiah and Andy Junior.

Andrew J. Cruz, is retired from the Sacramento Police Department, a former National President of the National Latino Peace Officers Association (NLPOA) from 1996 to 1998, webmaster, historian, and was awarded a Lifetime Membership in March of 2015.

Andy was very strong in his faith, and our prayers go out to him and his family. Additional information regarding services will be posted as it is received.

Thank you,

Andrew P. Peralta
National President – NLPOA
Phone: 1-702-204-6383
Email: nlpoanatpres20@gmail.com

End of Watch
January 5, 2016Richard ” Tio ” Velasquez

Richard was employed with the Tulare County Sheriffs Department as a Deputy. Richard retired: California Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement,Fresno Office. End of Watch on January 5, 2016, at his home in Reedley, California, after a long battle with cancer. Richard was a former NLPOA member of the Tulare Chapter.

Ralph Diaz
NLPOA Lifetime Member
End of Watch 11-5-2015

Ralph (Ralphie) Diaz was born on May 19, 1945 and passed away in Visalia, California on November 5, 2015. His wife Mirtha, Sons, Ralph and Andrew Diaz and his daughter Delilah Martinez, survives Ralph.

He served in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division in 1970 and was honorably discharged from the Army in 1972 with the rank of Specialist E-4. Shortly thereafter upon returning home to Visalia he joined the Tulare County Sheriffs Department as a Deputy Sheriff were he earned the position of homicide sergeant and retired in 2004. After retiring, he took a position with the Tulare County District Attorney as Chief Investigations Officer. In this new position, Ralph investigated many “cold cases” which took him to Mexico and various states in the United States. His outstanding abilities as an investigator cleared many cold cases for Tulare County Law Enforcement Agencies. Ralph was also a member of the “Vietnam Veterans”.

Deputy Sheriff Manuel Steve Gomez
End of Watch 10-20-2015

It is with great sadness and with a heavy heart to report that Deputy Manuel Steve Gomez and Dallas County Chapter Board member passed away today at 5:18 pm. We ask each of you to keep Steve and his Family in our prayers during this difficult time.

Deputy Sheriff Manuel Steve Gomez
Born January 1969 and end of watch October 20, 2015

Comments of condolences can be left on the Chapter website nlpoadcc.com

Mike Ramirez
Texas State President

Karen Long
Orlando Master Police Officer
End of Watch 10-10-2015

The Central Florida National Latino Peace Officers Association (NLPOA) lost one of their members to Stage IV Cancer on October 10, 2015. Master Police Officer Karen Long, 41, was a 15-year-officer with the Orlando Police Department. She was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2007 at the age of 33 and fought a very public battle with the deadly disease.

During her tenure Karen was assigned as a patrol officer, a Special Victims Unit detective, a school resource officer, and a commissioner liaison in our Community Involvement Division. She was involved in numerous community projects throughout the years, including Shop with a Cop and Three Kings. She ran the Marine Corps Marathon and participated in many charity running events while undergoing aggressive medical treatments.

Karen was an inspiration to many and shared her journey with her friends and family via social media and a blog. She participated in numerous awareness campaigns for breast cancer, and was a gracious spokesperson and gave hope to a lot of women. She demonstrated an extremely bright outlook on life and gave credit to her strong faith and belief in God’s plan.

Karen is survived by her husband, Bill and their two children, Sam & Bella. Bill is also a sworn member of the Orlando Police Department.

Sheriff Detective James Wise
NLPOA Member
Dallas County Sheriff Detective
End of Watch May 23, 2015

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Dallas County Sheriff Detective and NLPOA member James Wise. James passed away on Saturday (May 23, 2015) from complications after a long and courageous battle from cancer. We ask that you keep James and his Family in our thoughts and prayers.

Mike Ramirez
Texas State President

Chuck Arellano
NLPOA Member
End of Watch:  3-22-2016

Dear Members,

It is with great sadness to inform you that Chuck Arellano passed away today at his home. He was born 03/23/1955, and retired from the Stockton Police Department in 2006 as a Sr. Sgt. He was a devoted NLPOA member. Chuck is survived by his only daughter Alison Arellano.

Chuck has been a member of the NLPOA since 1994
Chuck was a Founders of the NLPOA San Joaquin Chapter, CA.
Served as the president for many years of that chapter.
Served as an NLPOA California State Central Vice President

Please say a prayer for Chuck and his family.
Thank you,

Andrew P. Peralta
National President – NLPOA
Phone: 1-702-204-6383
Email: nlpoanatpres20@gmail.com

Richard Delgado
NLPOA Member
End of Watch:  4-21-2016

Richard Delgado honorably served on the first executive board of the ELA chapter of the NLPOA as sergeant at arms in 1994.

Richard has spent one year in the hospital. Richard was medically retired from the California Highway Patrol in 2013. Since then he has been battling some serious health issues.

His medical bills have depleted all his funds. Any assistance that you can give will be greatly appreciated. You can send the donations to Evangelina Liza Delgado (Richard’s wife) to 23746 Via Segovia, Murrieta, CA. 92562. An official trust fund is in the process of being set up.

If you need additional information you can contact Al Perez, CHP (retired) and NLPOA ELA chapter alumni 1994 Executive board, Parliamentarian at 760 578 4795 or email me at pilas1478@gmail.com.
May GOD bless each an every one of you, and please stay safe.

Al Perez

Detective Rafael Segarra, Jr.
End of Watch
May 24, 2010

At 44 years of age, Detective Rafael Segarra, Jr. tragically passed away on the evening of Monday, May 24^th, 2010. Rafael Segarra, a beloved husband and father of three, was born on November 11, 1965. The New Haven Police Department, Connecticut, fortunately hired Rafael on January 24, 1992, where he made a significant impact in the Department. During his 44 years on earth, he made several accomplishments such as: being a graduate of Warren Harding High School (June 1984) and a graduate of Municipal Police Training Course (July 1992).

In addition, he was on patrol for the years of 1992-1994. In December of 1994, Rafael became part of the Investigative Services/Intelligence Program. On November 19, 1995, Rafael Segarra was promoted to Detective. His duties with Investigative Services consisted of assignments in the Arson Unit, Intelligence, and Major Crimes Unit. He was also assigned to Internal Affairs (June 2003-June 2006). Detective Rafael Segarra, Jr. was presented with awards throughout his time with New Haven Police Department. His strong work ethic granted him four Certificates of Commendation (September 1994, November 1995, June 1998, and January 2004) as well as Secretary of State’s 2005 Public Service Award.

Rafael Segarra, Jr. has been an NLPOA member since 1996 and served as the NLPOA Connecticut Chapter Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Rafael was also elected to serve on the National NLPOA Board of Directors from 2005-2006, as the National NLPOA Historian.

Detective Rafael Segarra, Jr. will be forever missed and will always be remembered as a loving husband and father.

Officer Michael V. Rhonda
December 2, 2010
New Castle County Police Department, DE

Officer Raul Elizondo
January 30, 1995
End of Watch

Officer Patrick Metzler
End of Watch
October 22, 2002

Officer Ignacio Pulido
End of Watch
October 3, 2009

Sgt.Henry Prendes
End of Watch
February 1, 2006

Jaime J. Zapata, Special Agent
End of Watch
February 15, 2011

Robert Avila
End of Watch
April 27, 2018

Rodolfo Gil
End of Watch
May 4, 2018