Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I'll never forget the morning of March 22, 1977. My radio alarm went off as it did every school day but this time it was not to music, it was to the news that Sgt. Michael Palese had been killed. I couldn't believe what I heard, my 2 year old sister's father was killed while on duty.

Someone very special to the family actually works at 17, I find that such an honor. I know you're their guardian angel! I recently found out a good friend of mine's dad actually worked with you too!

You will always be in my heart and we all looked up to! You were a superior officer and leader! You are my fallen hero and are sorely missed. I love you!

Sunflower

August 3, 2014

Sergeant Palese, My Late Father Ralph knew and worked with you in the 17th district. Shortly after your tragic passing he took me to your home to assist your mom and young son with some housework and moving some of your items to the basement. I was 11 years old at the time, and I will never forget that sad day. I pray you are above looking down on everyone and still protecting us.
RIP Sir. You are remembered by many.

Ralph A. Scavone III

October 21, 2013

Heyy, grandpa its been a long time since i talked to u! i just wanted to say "heyy" nd if u would plz tell my dad the same nd give him a hug nd kiss for me? i luvv u both VERY much nd i will talk to u soon. <3

LUVV U!!

michael robert palese
grandson

October 8, 2012

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Palese. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 27, 2012

You have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon :(
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

March 22, 2012

Sgt. Palese,

I just returned from a trip to Illinois and had the opportunity to speak to several officers in the DuPage Cnty/Cook Cnty/Chicago area. I have never met a nicer group of guys who would do anything to help an out-of-state cop feel at home. I was very pleased to bring home a CPD patch.

I wish you Godspeed Sergeant. You will not be forgotten.

Officer J. Craven
Silver Spring Township (PA) Police Dept.

March 22, 2012

Michael, I did not know your grandfather, but I knew your Dad. He was a good man with a big heart and he loved you and your sister a lot. He talked about you all the time. You and your sis were his world. He loved you guys so much. Take care.

Civilian
Friend

February 26, 2012

dear grandpa i want to say have a very good christmas in heaven and i want u to tell my dad the same thing!

Michael r palese
grandson

December 21, 2011

hey grandpa we will never forget u or my dad and u and him will always be in my heart and i have no idea who this michelle women is and my mother said she's not your doughter she said she joined the the familey cause she wanted the money so i just want to say we all miss u and i wish u were in my life at least when i was a baby so u can see me before u died a strong and brave hero

LOVE YOU!!!!!

Michael r palese
grandson

December 8, 2011

hi iam your daughter guesss my outher reflections have not showed on here ! well i see u have a granson by the name u carry my son also has ur name !!! i am so sorry about ur dad guess they are together now !!!! well dad i am sorry i did not have u in my life !!! love u always ur daughter michelle palese !!! thank u 4 being a hero !!!!!!!!!!

michelleplaese
daughter

November 21, 2011

grandpa i forgot to say in my reflection i wrote on september 27th,2011 that i hope my dad a.k.a your son already found you in heaven becaues he past away in earlly july in 2011 and as u know we will never stop loving u and of course my dad

michael r palese
grandson

September 28, 2011

dear grandpa it has been very ruff this past few months and u know we all miss u and love u and the last thing i have to say is i hope you see my dad a.k.a your son.

michael r palese
grandson

September 27, 2011

happy birthday dad, u died a hero, you will always be well respected, may you rest in peace! your daughter, michele palese, you are always with me! you would be 80 today..WOW! i love you and you will never be forgotten!

michele palese
daughter

August 31, 2011

I now am foster parent to your grandson, Michael. He is a fine boy... he has had a hard time. I do not know your son, Bob. But I suspect your tragic death changed him and his family fell apart. I truly do care about Michael, and I know that if I can help him heal from the damage of the foster care system, he will be a man like you. A man who cared so much for those he served and protected that he gave his life in the line of duty. I promise to do everything I can to protect, care for, and love your grandson as you would have if you had lived to be his grandfather and surely his mentor.

Foster Parent of your grandson Michael

May 16, 2011

grandpa its been so long and we all miss u very much love,your grandson Michael R. Palese

michael R. palese
grandson

April 10, 2011

You have not been forgotten. Thank you for your dedicated service to others. Continue to watch over your loved ones and close friends. A true hero never dies

Bob Gordon
Fazther of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

March 22, 2011

It has been 34 years since your ultimate sacrifice but it will not be forgotten. Your professionalism will be remembered.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

March 20, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 33rd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 22, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 22, 2010

RIP hero. Thank you for your service. God bless you.

A Texas Street Cop #614

Anonymous

August 15, 2009

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

You are not forgotten, especially on this the anniversery of your death.

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

March 22, 2009

Michael, your grandfather is a hero. He always will be a hero to the people who's lives he touched in his job, and in his life. When you look at the Chicago Police Memorial Wall and reflect about him listen to the water and you will hear his words being spoken to you. Your grandfather will never be forgotten.

P.O. M. Simi
Chicago P.D.

March 22, 2009

Michael R. Palese was my grandfather and I was named after him. I found this website one day at school. I wonder if anyone ever found the missing girl. I was proud that my grandpa was looking for her. I wish I could see you, Grandpa. I know Dad will tell me a lot about you. My Dad showed me your favorite cologne and it smells good. I know the police station you used to work at has a lot of pictures about you. I bet you would have been really fun to play with.

Michael Palese
grandson, age 9

March 12, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 22, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 30, 2007