Friday’s Heroes: Remembering the Fallen

Lieutenant Robert Curry, 39

Gulfport Mississippi Police Department

On August 14, 2008, Lieutenant Curry was killed in an automobile accident when a vehicle turned in front of his police department motorcycle. Lt. Curry was a 14 year veteran. He leaves behind a wife and two small children. Lt. Curry’s wife is also a lieutenant with the Gulfport Police Department.

Officer Monte Ruby, 62

Cox Health Missouri Department of Public Safety

Officer Monte Ruby passed away on August 6, 2008 from injuries received in an earlier altercation with a criminal suspect. The suspect had attempted to flee from a police canine, but was quickly apprehended by the animal.

Officer Ruby was in the hospital emergency room with the suspect, who was undergoing treatment for bite wounds, when the suspect kicked the officer in the neck, an injury that later proved to be fatal. The suspect has been charged with the officer’s murder. Officer Ruby leaves behind a wife and children.

Agent Orlando Gonzales-Ortiz, 32

Puerto Rico Police Dpartment

On August 7, 2008, Agent Orlando Gonzales-Ortiz was accidentally shot and killed while attempting to apprehend several kidnapping suspects. The arrest was a joint FBI operation.

Agent Gonzales-Ortiz was a 12 year veteran. He leaves behind a fiancee, a brother and his parents.

Detective Michael Smith Phillips, 37

Virginia Beach Virginia Police Department

Detective Michael Phillips was shot and killed on August 7, 2008, during an undercover drug buy-bust. Both suspects have been arrested and charged with Officer Smith’s murder. Officer Smith is a 9 year police veteran. He leaves behind a wife and two sons.