Law enforcement agents frequently become the targets of aggression during domestic disturbances, according to statistics, and Harlingen Police Officer Carlos Ramos almost became a fatality.

He shared his story with a crowd of almost 200 people October 1 in the TSTC Cultural Arts Center at the Candlelight Vigil: Ni Una Mas to highlight Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The event paid special tribute to the role of law enforcement personnel in trying to peacefully resolve family violence incidents and law enforcement agents killed or wounded performing those duties.

Ramos suffered severe burns when he was attacked during a family violence situation on October 4, 2004, but he recovered and returned to work 10 months later. The audience silently listened to the dispatcher’s conversation with police responding at the scene and the rescuers’ attempt to save Ramos.

“Sometimes,” he said, “things go really bad, really fast.”

Four police officers planned to capture a suspect inside a house, but the man inside surprised Ramos – the first officer through the door – by tossing a container with gas and a burning rag at the officer. The investigation revealed that the perpetrator poured gas inside the house to accelerate a fire before police intervened; thus, flames quickly engulfed the house and Ramos.

“I remember telling myself, ‘You’re on fire! Do something, stupid,’” he recalled.

Fortunately, he stumbled into a bathroom and partially soaked himself in the shower. But, the house was filling with smoke. Searing heat scorched his throat and he could not shout for help.

“You think to you’re going to die. You realize you’re either going to sit in a corner and die or you’re going to run out to try and survive,” he said.

His thoughts turned to his son, his wife and the reality of his injuries as he saw skin hanging from his arm. Ramos said that he almost accidentally shot a police officer who entered the burning house trying to save him. Ramos left the bathroom and found an escape route through a window previously occupied by an air conditioner. He walked to the front of the house where rescuers found him. He was airlifted to Brooks Army Medical Center in San Antonio.

“I am standing here today because of the people who cared, the people who helped,” Ramos concluded. “I want everyone to know that law enforcement officers are here to help.”

Liz Silva, director of Counseling & Advisement at Texas State Technical College Harlingen, said that victims of family violence or abuse should share their situation with someone they trust.

“The safest thing a victim who’s a TSTC student can do is get to a college counselor,” she said. “We work closely with our college departments, college police and other agencies in the community.”

Brenda Heredia, executive director of the Family Crisis Center in Harlingen, closed the program with a special thanks to law enforcement agents for their bravery and cooperation. She reminded anyone who is aware of family violence to report the trouble to authorities or seek assistance instead of labeling it as “a private issue.”

“Break the silence, make the call,” she said.

The toll-free phone number for the crisis center is 866.423.9304 and the Web site is www.familycrisisctr.org.

“Remember My Name”

The stories of four law enforcement agents killed while responding to domestic violence incidents honored all 81 law agents killed nationwide during the past decade. The stories were read by Patrol Officer David J. Mendez of the San Benito Police Department, Patrol Officer Javier Garza of the Santa Rosa Police Department, Sgt. Robert Rodriguez of the Cameron County Sheriff’s Department and Lt. Santos Sanchez of the Precinct 7 Constable’s Office.

 My name was Abel Marquez. On Sept. 8, 2007, I along with two other officers responded to a domestic violence call. Upon arriving the female victim informed us that her husband had hit her. We were unable to gain entry into the home through the front door so we attempted to enter using the back door. As we did, the suspect opened fire. The two other officers that responded alongside with me, Cpl. Jones and Cpl. Gardner, died instantly.

I was left critically wounded and was transported to a local hospital where I remained unconscious. The suspect was later shot and taken into custody after a four-hour standoff. I died four days later. I was only 32 years old when my tour of duty ended with the Odessa Police Department. I am survived by my two children and two brothers, both of whom also served with the Odessa Police Department. In fact, one of my brothers was one of the first officers on the scene following the shooting and assisted me into a patrol car to be taken to the hospital.