On Memorial Day May 31,1999 my life was forever changed when I got that dreaded knock on the door.  Early that morning my husband had left for a mandatory In-Service training, that would be the last time I or our children; ages 8, 18 and 22 would see him, or us be a family. Around 10:30 a.m. his Warden and chaplain were at my house to inform me that he was killed in a head-on collision.  Frank was a Corrections Officer at the Dominguez State Jail/TDCJ.  I was told about Concerns of Police Survivors, an organization no one wants to be a part of but glad it's there to help in the grieving and healing process.  It doesn't matter if you're a new survivor or a seasoned survivor, they vow to stand by you and support you through the many milestones and life changes on your journey without your loved one.  Today I continue to proudly serve on the board and vow to be there to offer support to new survivors during their healing process and help in any way I can, "Rebuilding Shattered Lives" 



Juanita Garza, surviving spouse of Correctios Officer IV Francisco Garza E.O.W. 05/31/1999 

Greetings to All - I am an Ordained Minister, Clinical Pastoral Counselor, former Senior Pastor; Law Enforcement Senior Chaplain to various departments/agencies from local – The City of Elmendorf PD to federal – The US Secret Service.  I am a Professionally Certified Senior Chaplain of the ICPC (International Conference of Police Chaplains) and one of their trainers.

It was at my first ICPC conference that I was introduced to COPS when I attended a plenary class with a COPS member teaching.  After the class I asked the instructor if I could have an extra copy of the LODD flip cards.  Her response was, “certainly – you never know when you’ll need one.”  Three weeks later was the tragic LODD of City of Elmendorf Police Chief Michael Pimentel (EOW - 23/Aug/2014).  The Sunday before, I had walked into the break room of the church my wife and I were soon to transition from.   There was Michael’s motorcycle helmet and jacket on the back of a chair with him not present.  He was just now transferring to this church.  This was a foreshadowing moment, for I would never see him in person again – only his helmet and jacket at his funeral atop his motorcycle.  Since that time, it has been my honor as well as duty to “be there” in whatever capacity and act as a “Ministry of Presence” for the officers, staff, and families of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  This is not a one-time interaction – It is to be ongoing for we are to Never Forget, and their Families are Never to be Forgotten.

Since that time, I have attended many COPS trainings/events including Trauma of Law Enforcement.  As trained in Traumatology, I have an understanding how events can affect a broad spectrum of individuals.  Families, co-workers, the community, and also those who are there to support and comfort.  My first year as a LE Chaplain, I attended three LODD funerals.

My thoughts were “is this what the future will be?”  Again, this truly affects us all in one way or another.  My role is for those I am called to assist, including those who assist – Rebuilding Shattered Lives, which is COPS’ Motto.

My name is Sgt. John E. “Johnny” Rodriguez, (Ret.) of the San Angelo Police Department.  I had heard of C.O.P.S. some time ago, but it wasn’t until April 6, 2012, that it became a small part of my life.  On that day, Officer Jaime Padron of the Austin Police Department, formerly of the San Angelo Police Department, and cousin of my wife, Officer Irma Rodriguez, was killed in the line of duty.  I learned more about C.O.P.S. but didn’t get involved.  Little did I know how that would come back to haunt me later in life.

     On Friday, June 25, 2015, just three months after my retirement, Sgt. Korby Kennedy, SAPD Traffic Supervisor and good friend of ours was killed in a motorcycle crash during an escort.  Having stayed on as a reserve so that I could continue to be the commander of the SAPD Honor Guard, I was involved in his escort to Lubbock for autopsy, return and funeral on the following Monday.  With Korby’s death, I once again heard about C.O.P.S., but this time I paid attention and attended a Traumas of Law Enforcement training.  I have since attended another one and have been able to assist in the completion of the much-needed State and Federal benefits paperwork for a few families left to mourn the loss of an officer.  There are some two hundred and fifty-four counties in Texas and only four Chapters of C.O.P.S.  Needless to say, we need more help, but I know that I speak for every member of any Texas chapter, we will travel however long or however far to assist those families who sustain this heart-breaking event in our State.