121 Entries
David CARRASCO
July 5, 2025
I remember sitting in front of the board of captains at the El Paso Police Academy in 1977. I was starring at a group of high ranking police officers. I was being interviewed for a job as a police officer. I was a little nervous. The officers started talking to themselves about me. It didn´t look good for me. I was questioned about my Karate skills and I explained to them that I had been a student of Karate since the age of 12. Capt Samaniego told me that I would be accepted into the next police academy. I will never forget his trust in me. Rest In Peace sir and thank you.
George Molinar
January 11, 2008
Cecilia and Family my condolences to you and your family. Although I didnt know your Dad very well both my father Adolfo and my brother Armando Molinar worked with him in the PD. I am currently the Asst. Field Office Director for ICE in LA. I was in your classes at Del Norte Heights. God Bless
Carmen Ricci
January 8, 2008
Ceci, Steve, and Samaniego family,
Our deepest condolences and prayers are with you during this hardship. Stand proud and know that your friends feel your pain, for your father not only leaves behind a legacy but also a very loving family.
Frank & Carmen Ricci
Natalie Alvarez
January 5, 2008
He Was a very honorable uncle and great guy. We will all miss him deeply and his family is in our prayers. God Bless
James Gentry
January 4, 2008
Sheriff Samaniego,Better known as (Tio Leo)In Law Enforcement.My Prayers go out to you and your Family.It is a Honor to have your signuture,On all my certificates from the Academy.It,s The End Of Shift,Sheriff Rest In Peace.A Former Anthony P. D. Officer
Fernando and Virginia Palafox
January 4, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you...
Leo Samaniego
January 3, 2008
We have lost a great leader but our loss is havean's gain. I was impress by the impact that the shariff a man of God did in the lives ofthe people of El Paso.I met leo and His family when we went to the same church at Trinity. I was a young man and he was already a detective. we continue with the freinship. we will surely miss him. back then their were three Leo Samaniego's at the same church. Our thoughts and prayers to the family.
Rev.Leo Samaniego
Dan Stanley
January 3, 2008
Gilbert and Sammy,
I read about your father's passing in today's Dallas Morning News. I'm so sorry for your loss. When we were neighbors on Luella in the late 60's to early 70's, your father was a police officer with the El Paso police department. My brothers (Mike and Alan) and I had much respect for your dad. He was a positive role model for us when we were young and impressionable.
January 3, 2008
On national television he was the only one to tell it like it is against our rivals .......
Nohemi Gardea
January 3, 2008
I am proud to say that i worked under Sheriff Samaniego's command for 7 years. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to know him and raise money for an organization that he believed in, the March of Dimes, during my time with the department. I was not able to be at the funeral in person, but i saw the services live through the internet from Seattle, WA. I truly felt as if I was was there. My deepest condolences go out to the family.
My prayers are with you and may God Bless You Always.
Sheriff, you will always be in our hearts. Que Dios lo bendiga.
bea
January 3, 2008
Thank you Leo Samaniego for making El Paso County Safe you were indeed a good person this shows in your work and staff. We will sure miss your grand smile. ^j^
Sal
January 3, 2008
To the Samaniego Family, my deepest condolences and may God give you the strength through these tough times. We will miss Sheriff Samaniego.
Rosemary Ayoub
January 3, 2008
Cecelia And the rest of the Samaniego family. I was so sorry to here about the loss of your father and he will be greatly missed. God bless and keep you all in his hands always.
Ruben Villa
January 3, 2008
You are the best of best and no one will ever be able to replace you.
Martha Montanez
January 3, 2008
It was a pleasure working for such a wonderful kind person.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Martha Montanez
Barbi (Rice) Lopez
January 3, 2008
I was a friend of Cecilia's in elementary school at Del Norte, and my family and I have seen Mr Samaniego many times either at our church or in the community. We too have lost our Father, and know the pain. We love you and pray for your family as you heal and miss your father daily as we do. What a wonderful man he was, and will continue to be in the hearts of all who knew him. God Bless you all and look to the heavens for another bright shining star.
Sean Vasquez
January 3, 2008
Sheriff Samaniego lived up to and exceeded the expectations of the people of El Paso. He served with pride, integrity and honesty. Samaniego leaves us with his legacy of excellence, which is what the Department has become. God bless the family and friends of El Paso's premier law enforcement official.
Larry Wisneski
January 3, 2008
Diane and I send our condolences and deepest sympathy to the entire Samaniego family. I was proud to know Leo and to work with him during my tenure as Provost Marshal at Fort Bliss. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.
David P Ward, RAC/ICE Office of Investigations
January 3, 2008
My deepest sympathies and condolences. During my time with Border Patrol in El Paso, had many good occasions with Leo. A standup law enforcement administrator and mentor. In addition to his family, his friends will deeply miss him.
Vaya con dios, Amigo.
Frank Varela
January 3, 2008
Ceci, Steven, and Samaniego Family,
I want to send our condolences for the loss of your Father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Frankie, Carla, Emma, and Caroline
Betty Jaraba
January 3, 2008
His kind spirit will live on as a cherished memory in this great city. Always the perfect gentleman; courteous and kind to all in this community he so willingly served for many years. His strong leadership intermingled with his genteel ways and staunch support of the law will be missed. May his soul forever rest in peace.
Antonio Berton
January 3, 2008
To work under a man as talented and understanding was an honor. My time with the department was short, but the experience will be everlasting.
crl
January 3, 2008
Sheriff Samaniego, you will be missed more than words can say. It has been a Blessing to have worked under your leadership for the past 15 years. There is a hole in our hearts now that you are gone, but your integrity, personality, and spiritual example will be the light that keeps shining through us. We will continue to "Serve with Pride," because that is what you instilled in us. We love and miss you, no one will ever be able to fill your shoes.
Connie Roberts
January 3, 2008
My Dear Friend,
Your walk with the Lord is now complete.
Thank you for your: teaching, confidence, honesty, laughter and friendship!
In fellowship,
January 3, 2008
May the Lord Bless the Samaniego family always. Thank you Sheriff Samaniego for all your hard work and for making El Paso a better community. Thank you to the Samaniego family for the outstanding job. Our prayers are with you. God Bless you always.
Roy T. and family
January 3, 2008
Our heart felt sympathies go out to the Samaniego family, May god help you find comfort throught this difficult time. All I know is that the world needs more leaders like Mr. Samaniego. God bless you all!
Janet McClung Gomez
January 3, 2008
Sheriff Samaniego (or "Tio Leo" as we fondly referred to him) was a great man who will be difficult to replace. I worked under Sheriff Samaniego for many years and truly admire him for the professionalism he brought to the Sheriff's Department. He was a man of great integrity and will be sorely missed. His death is a great loss to El Paso. My deepest condolences to Sheriff Samaniego's family and co-workers at the El Paso County Sheriff's Department. May he rest in peace.
Patrick Shea Jr.
January 3, 2008
My Deepest Sympathy goes out to the Samaniego family. Your loss is a loss for the City of El Paso, the State of Texas, the United States of America and the Law Enforcement World. Sheriff Samaniego gave me my start in Law Enforcement 17 years ago on the E.P.S.O. and I will always appreciate that. He was a man with morals, scrupples and courage. A rare breed of leader in todays world.
Farewell Sir and God Bless!
Sylvia & Richard Newby
January 3, 2008
The County of El Paso has suffered a great loss. Our prayers and deepest sympathy go out to the Samaniego family and the El Paso County Sheriff's Department.
Andrea Sanchez
January 3, 2008
Our hearts go out the Samaniego Familiy. Sincerest Condolences from the Sanchez Family.
RD BEISEL
January 3, 2008
MY SHERIFF, LEO. I AM JUST AN AVERAGE CITIZEN, NOT LAW ENFORCEMENT. I JUST LOVED THIS GUY, WHAT A CLASS ACT. I WAS WALKING DOWN THE SIDEWALK, FELT OUT OF PLACE, LOOKING DOWN SO NO ONE WUD NOTICE THE TEARS, GREAT SERVICE FOR A GREAT MAN. MY SHERIFF MAKES ME SO PROUD TO BE FROM EL PASO. THIS GREAT HUMAN BEING PROBABLY SUD HAVE RETIRED A LONG TIME AGO, BUT WAS TO0 PROUD & GIVING TO DO SO. THANK GOD FOR HIS GREAT SERVICE TO TRUE JUSTICE AND GIVING. MY FRIEND WORKED TOO HARD, HE NEVER HAD THE CHANCE TO ENJOY HIS RETIREMENT. HE WAS TO BUSY GIVING, GIVING, GIVING.
Ralph Coulter
January 3, 2008
It is with a troubled heart that I attempt to express my sense of loss with "Sammie's passing. I recall our early days of our entry into the Law Enforcement field with fond memories. Some years ago, Police officers were sometimes referred to as PIGS. To us, that meant Pride, Integrity and Guts which describes Sheriff Samaniego's life to a tee. Vaya con Dios.
Toni (Miller) Houtz
January 3, 2008
Cecelia, Gilbert & Sammy,
I often have great childhood memories of Luella Ave.,your Dad always had such a warm smile and kind words. He was such special man and he will always be in our hearts. We are blessed to have had such a wonderful person touch our lives.
Darryl
January 3, 2008
To a great man who dedicated his life to law enforcement, and making our great city what it is.
Tito Herrera
January 3, 2008
To Sesi, I'm sorry to hear about your dad's death. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. God bless.
Tito Herrera
Alfredo Reyes
January 3, 2008
Deepest Condolences to the Samaniego family for your loss of a loved one. Thanks, Leo for being a Police Officer who reflected what the Police Officer's Code of Ethics should be.
Laura Enriquez
January 3, 2008
Sheriff Samaniego was a great man. I felt so fortunate and honored to have met him and received advice on my campaign when I was running for judge. He was a rolemodel and did great things for our community. It is not easy being in law enforcement and being popular. The sheriff always did what he thought was right. He was a man of strong conviction. El Paso will miss him. Thank you to his family for sharing him with our community. Our city is a better place because of him.
Raul Gonzalez
January 3, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Sheriff Samaniego was one of the top Sheriff's in the Country.
Bill Tilney
January 3, 2008
Leonardo Samaniego was a man of character and integrity. He was respected by the community and will be remembered for his dedication and service to the good people of El Paso. My condolences to his family.
John & Lorenza Bracey, Jr.
January 3, 2008
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
Jose Luis Torres
January 3, 2008
I bid farewell to an extraordinary man, a decent man whom I had the pleasure of knowing through my years as news director for KAMA radio and KINT TV. Adios mi amigo!
Virgie Elorduy
January 3, 2008
Thank you Sheriff.. I grew up knowing about you in El Paso, and have always held the upmost respect for you. I pray the next Sheriff can be of the same calibre. You will be missed. Rest in Peace....
Tony Wilks
January 3, 2008
Rest in Peace Sheriff Samaniego.
VERONICA MARTINEZ
January 3, 2008
ME DEEPEST SYMPOTHY MAY HE REST IN PEACE. YOU HAVE HIS MEMORIES THAT WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.
Martha Fierro
January 2, 2008
Samaniego Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers, GOD BE WITH ALL OF YOU.
Angela Barton
January 2, 2008
May god bless the family of the respected Sheriff. You will be grately missed and you are a great example of what we can do with our lives. Thank you for all the service that you did for EL Paso. You will be greatly missed. God has a special place for yo to finish your duties. God Bless.
John Fiol
January 2, 2008
My prayers go out to the Samaniego family. I am 64 years old and retired from education 4 years ago in Houston. My good friend, Alfonso Basurto, husband of Nena Samaniego, passed away the same day my wife passed away, May, 2003. Mr. Samaniego was a true law enforcement officer whose shoes will be hard to fill.
Pam Miller
January 2, 2008
To the Samaniego Family
You Willbe in our prayers For the Loss of a Great Sheiiff Samaniego
Pam Miller
Of las cruces
Michelle Valles
January 2, 2008
Mr. Samaniego was a dear friend of the family for over 25 years. He even gave us our first family dog.
I'll never forget the prayer meetings we used to attend together. He was not only a servant of the people, but of the Lord.
Mr. Samaniego would always walk into the room jingling the change in his pocket with grace and elegance. His smile lit up a room,
His presence was always felt and missed. Today even more. God Bless Leo Samaniego and his family. He touched the lives of so many and will love on forever in many hearts.
Armando Gutierrez
January 2, 2008
My deepest sympathy for the family of Sherrif Leo Samaniego. He was a very good man and made many contributions to our community. He will be missed.
Anonymous El Pasoan
January 2, 2008
I didn't know Sheriff Samaniego or his family but the legacy that he left behind would make any family proud. With deepest condolences to his family, know that everyone respected him even those who only knew of him for the work he did and know he is looked upon so dearly by this community. I thank you for sharing him with us. He was a true man of God.
Ana Stephenson
January 2, 2008
To Leo's family our deepest condolences. He was not only family but a great inspiration to all who knew him. We will miss him.
Sam and Ana Stephenson & Ana M.(Samaniego)Parra
Peter Lugo
January 2, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
R & S Atadero
January 2, 2008
Mr. Samaniego was a great human being. He will be missed.
Luis Mario Sanchez III
January 2, 2008
He was a very good man, I knew him when I was a kid, he use to give me advice on how to deal with lifes obstacles.He was a outstanding law enforcement officer, I will always remember him for his sense of humor, good will and honesty. God Bless Leo!
Gloria M.
January 2, 2008
My deepest condolences to his family. He was a good Christian man who leaves behind many friends, a wonderful family and a community that will never forget him. And some very big shoes to fill.....
James Lujan
January 2, 2008
Thank you for extending your services to our school at Sierra Blanca ISD during Drug Free Week and April- Alcohol Awareness Month.. Our staff, students and community will miss you our prayers are with you, family and your department.
claudia villalva
January 2, 2008
Sheriff Samaniego you will be greatly missed.
claudia villalva
January 2, 2008
Sheriff Samaniego you will greatly missed.
Andrew Carrillo
January 2, 2008
Rest in Peace Mr. Samaniego. The love and prayers of my family are with the friends and family of Samaniego.
Becky Adame
January 2, 2008
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Ted and Ann Teegarden
January 2, 2008
Sal and Romi, We were saddened to hear of your loss. Leo brought dignity and respect to his office. God be with you in your time of sadness.
Deanne Rankins
January 2, 2008
Thank you Sheriff for the fine example and legacy you've left for our community. We should all be more like you. My prayers are with your family, and for Chief Deputy Apodaca as he finishes out your final term with honor.
Manuel n Magdalena Nuñez
January 2, 2008
Our sympathy to the Samaniego family. The best Sheriff El Paso ever had.
Mary Flores
January 2, 2008
wishing you and your loved ones peace
Yvonne Ramirez
January 2, 2008
Mr. Samaniego was a great role model. He left behind his knowledge and his kindness. He will be missed. Our prayers are with all of his family and friends.
Robert and Rebecca Epley
January 2, 2008
Dear Family of Leo Samaniego We lived in El Paso for over 40 years and we were very proud to have a sheriff like him. May he dwell in the house of the Lord. He will remain in our hearts forever. God Bless You.
Raul Ramirez
January 2, 2008
Your service to El Paso will never be forgotten. GOD BLESS.
State Rep. Gilberto Serna
January 2, 2008
I lost my campanion Maria de Jesus Navar from cancer. I know how hard it has been for the family, but Leo is now resting peacefully with the Lord and all the other Angels in Heaven.
janet menser
January 2, 2008
My deepest condolences. Janet Menser Granbury Tx.
Alfredo Gonzalez
January 2, 2008
Sheriff Samaniego will be missed. My prayers go out to his family and his extended family, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.
Young Belinda
January 2, 2008
My respects to Leo Samaniego and his entire family. His outstanding achievements to the community. You were a great man, everytime I saw the sheriff he was just very professional and friendly with all people. Thanks Leo
The Young & Cordero Family
George DeAngelis
January 2, 2008
Thank You Sheriff Samaniego for everything you taught me,starting with my Academy days as a Rookie. You inspired me throughout my 28 years as a police officer always insisting on integrity and professionalism. I will miss you dearly.
January 2, 2008
Im so sorry for the recent loos of your member.I know is really pain full but god needed an angel.He will be better off with him.
Kenneth Johnson
January 2, 2008
My deepest condolences to the family, friends and department at the loss of one of our finest citizens. I had the honor of meeting with the sheriff on several occasions and always admired his capabilities and will cherish his legacy. Rest in Peace.
Cheryl Till
January 2, 2008
My prayers and thoughts are with the Sheriff Samaniego's Family and Friends. He was a man of much honor and dignity and that has represented our city in a way that few have done.
I thank his family for sharing him with our city. He will be greatly missed.
Abel Gonzalez
January 2, 2008
Leo Samaniego truly was the definition of a leader. It was such an honor to have grown up in a community with a man who served El Paso with his heart and with El Pasoans in his mind. He will be greatly missed by all.
A Alvarado
January 2, 2008
May you rest in peace. You left a legacy which will remain long after your departure. You did the right thing. For the Samaniego Family, no one knows how hard it is to loose a loved one, and no one else will understand it better than you do. May The Lord guide you thru these hard times. God Bless
Dolores Aguilar
January 2, 2008
Querida Familia Samaniego, nosotros los concimos cuando ivan a la Iglesia Bautista Trinity en la calle Cargil. El hermano Samaniego siempre mostro ser una persona que le temia a Dios por eso su carrera fue un exito. Que nuestro Dios les de la paz y calma que solo El puede dar y un dia nos reuniremos con el, el nada mas se nos adelanto un poquito.
Sinceramente reciban nuestras condolencias.
Jesus y Dolores Aguilar.
San Antonio, Texas 01/02/08
Bertha Ugarte
January 2, 2008
Our prayers go out to the Samaniego Family. The El Paso, Community has lost a man full of integrity, honesty, and very committed to his career and his community. He will be deeply missed. Our deepest condolences.
With Love,
The Ugarte Family
Jaime Rubinstein
January 2, 2008
Having served in the Sheriff's Civil Service Commission for almost six year's allowed me the opportunity to know Sheriff Samaniego and what he represented. Sheriff Samaniego's legacy is visible daily in the men and women that proudly serve the department. My condolences to his family and gratitude to all.
Jimmy Goldman
January 2, 2008
There is no one that in my public life I looked up to more than my Sheriff and friend. I will miss him and will use his life as an example for my children.
Terry Garcia
January 2, 2008
A true gentelmen will be missed. Thank you for your great work but, most of all Thank You for such admirable integrity. Our prayers are with all of your family. J.Garcia Family (El Paso, Tx.)
Dennis Stewart
January 2, 2008
My deepwst sympathies to the family.
Eric Marta
January 2, 2008
Thank you for all your hard work Chief...you will be missed.
Veronica Dominguez
January 2, 2008
Thank you for all that you have done. You will be greatly missed Leo Samaniego. My prayers are with your family.
Ann Roberts
January 2, 2008
My very fond memory of the Sheriff and his wife, Natalia, was the El Paso Cancer Treatment Center party for the children with Cancer; I reqested his presence and he accepted immediately. A gentleman and a good leader.
Nancy Spencer
January 2, 2008
I worked at the Police Department and was fortunate to meet Leo Samaniego. He treated everyone fairly and with the utmost respect. My prayers and thoughts always to his family and friends.
sean hopkins
January 2, 2008
good bye chief leo samanigeo you will be missed
Kelly Mock
January 2, 2008
I only had the opportunity to meet him one time, but I am thankful that we had such a man as him to run the sheriffs office and lead in the protection of our community, town and county.
God Bless,
Juan Quinones
January 2, 2008
You will be missed, but not forgotten. Rest in Peace.
Barbara McKinzie
January 2, 2008
Thank you for sharing him with El Paso and may God give you peace at this difficulit time our prays are with you
Teresa Marquez
January 2, 2008
Mr. Samaniego leaves an empty space in the hearts of all El Pasoans, not to mention some "big shoes" to fill. There WON'T be another quite like him.
Jeff and Linda West
January 2, 2008
Sheriff Samaniego was an inspiration to this community and a model of integrity in public service. All of El Paso will miss him greatly.
May God Bless his family with peace and comfort.
Imelda Diaz
January 2, 2008
Hello,I didn't know Mr. Samaniego personally. But from my understanding, he was a great man and leader of El Paso. Our prayers are with you.
Sandra Jordan
January 2, 2008
Thank you so much for leaving a legacy of integrity. We are so appreciative of the ministry that you allowed to the prisoners and your care for them. God Bless the Samaniego Family
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