Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mike was my first FTO, he always had a kind word for everyone. He had a gift of talking to people. He taught me to be vigilant and treat people well because you never knew when you may meet them again. Thanks for that last hug you gave me before heading east that fateful night.

Yvonne Becker
PWCPD 1989 -1999

November 21, 2022

It is so hard to believe this many years have gone by since Mike was taken from us in such a violent method. But Mike knew the risks and yet he trained well and did his job well. Mike was that backup you always wanted with you and Mike was that friend you really enjoyed having. Mike left a loving family behind when he left us on Thanksgiving Day in 1990. Until we meet again one day Mike.

Wayne Stewart (Retired)
Prince William County PD.

November 21, 2022

I was 18 years old when I first met Officer Pennington back in 1981. I was riding a motorcycle unlicensed when Officer Pennington attempted to pull me over. I attempted to elude Officer Pennington and a crazy chase began just north of Liberia ave on Rte 28 , it took us all through Manassas until I hit an ice patch on Lomond drive near Sudley road. A foot chase ensued but Officer Pennington tackled me to the ground and arrested me. Officer Pennington treated me respectfully, I actually think he liked me and when we went to court he spoke to the judge about my having enlisting in the Marine Corps. He didn’t want me jammed up and everything worked out well. That chase wasn’t the only time , as he pulled me over like a week later and said to me , haven’t you learned yet ?? Lol. He allowed me to walk my motorcycle home. Stayed in touch with me and that led to me joining the service . I loved Officer Pennington . I was so saddened to hear about him being killed in the line of duty. God bless him always .

Lawrence C. Nuccio
Special friendship

December 12, 2021

Mike, you’ve been gone for many years now. We were the same age. You would be 65 if you were still with us. I’ll always remember our trip to Jacksonville. Good times. You were such a good friend. I miss you every day.

Sr. Sergeant D.H. Litton
Prince William County Police

June 16, 2021

We hope that your family is proud of your namesake, the Pennington Traditional School, and how the students strive to "Be like Mike" serving their community. The students walk past your picture and uniform daily on their way to class as a reminder that one person can make a difference.

PTO Parent
Pennington Traditional School

February 4, 2021

Officer Pennington,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Prince William County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 22, 2020

REST-IN-PEACE My Brother in Arms

Anrae Godley-Cooper
U.S. Army Military Police

April 20, 2018

26 years may have passed but you are never forgotten!!!

Lieutenant Salvatore A. Torelli
Fauquier County Sheriff's Office, VA

November 22, 2016

Mike,

This rookie officer met you for the 1st time on 11/22/90. I only wish I could have gotten to know you before the good Lord took you home. I will never forget you.

Retired Officer T. L. Walton-Abdo
Prince William County

November 22, 2016

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

February 28, 2016

Mike, in a few days 25 years ago you were taken from your personal family, friends and law enforcement family. The date Nov 22, 1990 will for ever remain sketched in our mind and hearts. Many you worked with are moving into retirement mode and wish you were doing the same. Today, that horrible Thanksgiving Day still haunts many, 25 years later. I am sorry dear friend I still find it difficult to do as you asked, "forgive and forget." You will never be forgotten, especially to those who were blessed to be a friend.

Anonymous

November 20, 2015

I remember the day you came onto the dept and was assigned to my squad and eventually assigned to Steve Bailey to train you. I recall the big grin you had and after all the years you worked for the dept, the grin never left you. You only worked for my squad a short time before being transferred to another one but I never forgot the impression you made on me and the other squad members. Although it has been nearly 25 years ago, you are still thought of by me and other members of the dept.
RIP my friend. I'll see you up there someday

Sr. Lieutenant J.C.Johnson
Prince William Co Police (retired)

March 16, 2015

I am sitting here in Fox Studios in Los Angeles, reading all of the reflections for you Mike. I am thankful I was able to train you prior and after your academy training. I really do not know the facts of your final days but I was devastated to hear the news. Many years have passed but your memory will live on forever. I wish all the best to your family and all members of the PWCPD. May they all be safe.

Retired Police Officer Steve Bailey
PWCPD 1974 -1981 Whittier PD 1981-2009

March 7, 2015

Not many months go by .....and I find myself thinking of you. Although it was 100 years ago; the friendship in High School and at NVCC (Police Admin) often crosses my mind. I found myself back in Virginia and in Manassas a couple of weeks back; I explained to my Wife that your (service) at the Church was as difficult as it was when I buried my Father at ANC. I can't begin to explain; but from the True Kindness in your heart has left a great mark on mine.

Rest In Peace my friend...........

WD Jones
FAXCO / Friend

December 27, 2014

I love reading some of the reflections on here. I see Trooper R. Nebelski on here as well as some other names from the past.
For those on here who knew and worked with Mike you already know how great of a person he was. For those who did not know him personally, Mike was a special person and police officer. He truly loved his job and he could make friends with anyone he dealt with. Even the people he arrested liked Mike as he never made them feel bad. Mike loved dearly his son Michael and Michael equally loved his Dad. Mike and Connie were in love and it showed when we were all together. The years have tempered the pain but the years will never erase the memories.

Wayne Stewart
PWCPD
Rest in Peace Officer Philip M. Pennington
End of Watch: Nov. 22, 1990

December 12, 2012

Every year we think of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. You are never far from our thoughts.

Heroes never die.

Stan Korson Police Officer
Prince William County PD

November 22, 2012

Mike,
It's been many years since we did the AMSEC trips while you were recuperating from the drug raid gone bad. Every year at this time I stop and reflect. RIP Brother in Blue. You were an outstanding Officer and a fantastic person. You are sorely missed.

Sgt. Dan Enig
University Park Police Department

November 22, 2011

I go to Philip Michael Pennington Traditional School, it is a great school and you would be very proud of it. We say a creed and the Pledge of Allegiance every morning and everyone thinks of you. You lie in our memories. :)

I am in Seventh Grade
I am a student

November 17, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 20th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. My heart breaks for your wife to have had to endure your loss and the loss of your son. She is in my heart's embrace today.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 22, 2010

i was 7 when you passed away but i still remember how you would visit with my family. no matter how busy you were you took the time to push me on the swing or watch me act completely crazy.you worked with my uncle dale cunningham and you both were inspiration to join the force.my mom was a dear friend of yours and she still talks about you often.i heard that your son has come to be with you and i am so happy you have him with you.my 7 year old son wants to be a hero when he grows up and he asked me if i had ever met one.i told him yes many years ago.i described you to him and he wanted to meet you.the hardest thing to tell him was even heros have to go to heaven.he says he'll meet you one day and i'm sure he will.god bless you michael and everything you sacrificed for everyone.it was a true honor to have known you.you will be forever in our hearts and on our minds.your family is always in our prayers.

michelle (disalvio) taylor
family friend

May 8, 2010

Officer Pennington,
On today, the 19th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Prince William's County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

November 22, 2009

Officer Pennington. I was not part of the Prince William County Police Department whent the fatal incident occurred but you are always on our minds. My boyfriend is currently on the SWAT team for the county and your unit number is honored on all of their gear (and SWAT coin). I think of you every time I see that unit number...even though I never knew you. It's a constant reminder that danger is right around the corner, the importance of safety, and the brotherhood among us.

Officer Arroyo
Police Officer

October 17, 2009

Bro:

Thinking about You as I add Your Memory to my Quantico Facebook Site........

Michael B. Parlor

June 7, 2009

Mike and I worked together conducting surveillance in the late 1980's when Florida was being hit hard with Armored Car robberies. I had the pleasure to not only work with Mike but to travel and become a friend. We talk about Mike all the time. We miss him. Rest well and we will all meet again when we are called.

Investigator Matt Lowers
AMSEC International

May 29, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

April 3, 2008