Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mike and family: I've been to NY City many times. It is a great city, but not so much now. I made friends with some of NYPD's finest from time to time, and had NYPD friends from the FBINA.. I also worked a couple homicide cases, where we got assistance from NYPD through the years. A great department. Anyway, sorry to hear the perp was paroled. It's got to hard on your family. However, your dedication to duty and your willingness to chase down the perp says a lot about who you were. Thanks for your sacrifice, courage and outstanding service to the citizens of New York. I hope the family is doing well, under the circumstances. A fellow peace officer from the West.

Jim Lopey, Asst. Sheriff (ret) and NVDPS
Washoe County Sheriff (Reno, Nevada) & NVDPS (current)

August 2, 2022

Rest in peace Officer Russell. The same day New York Yankees catcher die din a terrible plane crash in Ohio.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 26, 2022

Rest In Peace … hero …. I’m sorry the nyc judicial and parole board once again failed nypd and your family !

Ret. Po ohara
Nypd mounted

August 2, 2021

I miss my old friend and will never forgive his killer. I hope he gets his on judgment day.

Retired NCPD 8 Pct
High school friend and retired NCPD

June 19, 2021

Sergio Voii who shot & killed my husband on Aug.2, 1979 was released yesterday 8/31/20.
He was granted parole even though he murdered a civilian & a NYPD police officer.
There is no justice!
Grace Russell -widow
Jessica Russell Bany- daughter
Don Russell- so

Widow
NYPD

September 2, 2020

Rest in heavenly peace

Mark Mottola

August 2, 2020

A perfect example of how your work duty and obligations do not end just because your tour of duty or shift may have ended. Rest in peace knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven RizzoDelaware State Police (Retired)

August 2, 2020

Officer Russell,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of New York City. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

August 2, 2019

To the family, friends and colleagues of HERO Officer Michael D. Russell: Proudly mailed my NO PAROLE letter, on his behalf. Praying that it makes it in time (from Pacific NW) to make a difference.
To Officer Russell: Thank You for your service and sacrifice. You are not forgotten!
God Bless You All.

Allie Wroten
Proudly Supporting All L.E.O.’s
Wife of a Corrections Deputy

February 24, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Russell. You gave your life the same day New York Yankees catcher Thurman Munson died in a plane crash.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 2, 2019

Continue to rest easy my brother. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Until we meet.

Lieutenant Ray Flores
N.Y.P.D. (retired)

August 2, 2017

When God sent His angels to bring you home He had His reasons. Someday we will be able to ask why; but for now we offer our prayers for peace and comfort to those left behind. RIP Brother.

Prayerfully, my No Parole letter and those of other concerned officers will have the desired impact on this action.

E.A. Keeney, S/MSgt, USAF (Ret)
USAF Security Police

March 11, 2017

I am honored to have sent a "No parole" letter, so your cowardly killer remains locked up and denied the pleasure of living in a world that you made safe for all of us.

Det. Billy Russo Ret.
Nassau County PD, NY

March 10, 2017

Proud to send my No Parole letter today. Rest in peace brother, you have not been forgotten. Your sacrifice was not in vain. God bless the family, friends, and former co-workers for the re-opening of a never healing wound.

Deputy Donnie Meaders
Seminole County (OK) S.O.

March 10, 2017

May you rest in eternal peace brother. You are a true hero.

Lt. (Ret.) Raymond Flores
N.Y.P.D.

August 2, 2016

It was my honor to research newspapers, magazines, online & books to find your ID CARD Photo. I found this photo in a New Yorker Magazine Article about your heroic sacrifice. I felt it was necessary to have a photo on this website so that your family & friends can remember you. Rest Easy Hero! Always Remembered!

APO Christian Durante
NYPD: 68th Precinct Auxiliary Police Unit

February 5, 2016

When God sent His angels to bring you home He had His reasons. someday we will be able to ask why; but for now we offer our prayers for peace and comfort to those left behind. RIP Brother.

SMSgt (USAF-Retired) Ed Keeney
USAF Security Police

February 19, 2015

My "No Parole" letter went out today, my brother in blue. God Bless your Family, Friends and Department.

Bob Reed, Retired Police Officer
South Lake Tahoe Police Department

February 17, 2015

Mike was my childhood sweetheart, my husband, the father of my children and my best friend.
I miss him everyday, but see him in my beautiful children & grandchildren .
My heartfelt thanks to all of you for your kind words.

Grace Russell
Widow

January 6, 2015

It's been many years since that tragic day, but although gone, you are not forgotten. I told your story again tonight. Throughtout my many years as a deputy sheriff for los Angeles County, I have been priveledged to learn from many great men and women . When we talk of great heoes, I always include you, my cousin. I can only wish peace to every person in our family, and your family at NYPD, that had their hearts crushed the day we lost you. I will never stop telling your story, and you shall live on forever in our hearts every time we speak your name.

Sergeant Steve Freiwirth
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept.

August 10, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th anniversary year of your death. I am privileged to leave a tribute to you. 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 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections. I hope that your killer has his parole denied again this year.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

January 26, 2013

The 75 hasnt will not forget, Rest In Peace our friend.

75th Pct.
NYPD

August 3, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Police Officer Russell and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

July 30, 2009

That day was day I made my decision to move out of East New York, Brooklyn. To see two wonderful fathers being killed by probably a person on drugs. Who came on the field and just wouldn't move. The scenario happened so quick and it was so devasting and deadly. We had schedule that game as community event. Det. Rodriguez and others always came to our games there in what we called "Liberty Park." The original liberty park was on the land where the JHS 302 is. I hit it off with Mike because he and the victim shot in Rightfield, we almost so much alike although they came from so different background. I again express my condolences to the widow, the children, family and the officers who knew and worked with Mike. He showed me true and blue bravery. He took off after the perp without hesitation. God Bless the 75th and his family. Many didn't get to know about this because that was the day Thurmond Munson of the NY Yankees died in a plane crash. God Bless You all!

Coach, Jack Donato
Softball Team oppsing 75th Pct.

May 17, 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

January 2, 2008