Officer Down Memorial Page

Hey Mitch I just wanted to say hello...

Special Agent
Classmate
May 15, 2012

You will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace.

Pjea
June 12, 2011

Rest in Peace Brother

Deputy Randy Bennett
Henry Co. Sheriff's Dept. (Indiana)
June 12, 2010

Just wanted to sit on your step for awhile...I still think back to the academy with you and your broken hand...lol But you never let that stop you..Rest in peace brother..

DCG

Special Agent
98-134
January 29, 2010

Still think of you almost every day and how much this world lost when you left it...

Brad Barker
October 29, 2009

"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 9, 2008

Paul,
I remember the night of your passing, how very sad we were. I was working the midnite shift. I had met you several times when you came into the jail, you were one of those guys that it was always a pleasure to see come into the Sallyport. Always kind to us, and a great officer. May God Grant you Peace always. I will always remember you. Although the years have gone by I have not forgotten.

Connie Metz
Lake Co Jail Booking Officer
July 10, 2007

"IT IS NOT HOW THEY DIED THAT MADE THEM HEROS, IT IS HOW THEY LIVED."
REMEMBERING DEPUTY MITCHELL TODAY.

MOTHER OF A FALLEN DEPUTY

June 13, 2007

What you did in service to your community meant more than you'd ever guess - Thank you so much for your service

Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen Retired
Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee, WI
May 19, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
January 9, 2007

Paul it has been a long time my friend I remember having you in my car for phase one of your FTO program, you were always upbeat and ready to go. I remember going on Cline Ave sitting on the launch pad and recking havoc on all the people up there and how much fun we had, and getting you your first Arnies Hot dog (only Cheese, see I still remember). I knew that you would amount to great things, and in your short time you did. God has a funny way of making things happen but they do happen for a reason. I know that where you are now is safe because you are up in heaven protecting it like you did here on earth. Seven years goes by fast but I never forget my friend, take care and hope to see you again one day.

Ofcr.Jerry Gonzalez
Lake County Police Dept
August 15, 2006

Rest in peace, Paul; you are not forgotten.
Barb
ILEA 134-98

Sgt. Barbara L. Beland
Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, IN USA
October 5, 2005

REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. I SALUTE YOU! MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. A TRUE HERO INDEED.

TO THIS HEROES FAMILY: MAY YOU FIND PEACE IN KNOWING THAT I WILL PRAY FOR YOU ALWAYS. ALSO KNOW THAT PAUL DID NOT LOSE HIS LIFE, HE GAVE IT IN SERVICE TO OTHERS. GOD BLESS YOU.

JIM SWEENEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS
August 27, 2005

Your family and brothers and sisters in blue are in our prayers. Although I do not know you, I read through your reflections and can tell you were much loved, and still are! Rest peacefully in God's care. Thank you for your service.

Michigan Resident
October 3, 2004

Paul, today, September 23rd, is your 30th birthday. I remember 6 years ago you were finishing up at the academy. You called us so that we could wish you a happy birthday. Two days later we were down there for your graduation. I was so proud I wanted to shout to the world "look at my son, the police officer - isn't he wonderful." You were so happy that day. Little did we know we only had a short time left with you. Although I miss you every day, I am so proud of who you were. Since losing you I have found out just how special the law enforcement family is. They have taken me, your dad and your sister into their hearts. To everyone in the law enforcement family, I thank you with all my heart for your love and support. All of you are in my prayers. Happy 30th Birthday, Paul. I love you and miss you so much. Mom

Barbara Mitchell
September 24, 2004

This is for the entire Mitchell family and friends. I am a friend of Paul's cousin Mike and I never had the great chance of ever meeting Paul, however knowing MIke like I do and what a great person he is and how close those two were I know Paul is deeply missed, I am truley sorry for all of your losses. I am from a family of law inforcement and my husband to be is a police officer and all you brave men that put your life on the line every day for this cruel world I would just like to thank you and I do believe that there is a special Police Department up above that all our fallen heroes go. They need good men to protect us from above, right well Paul maybe 10-42 from the Lake County Police Department, but he is 10-41 for the department that is ran from above. Rest in peace to all our fallen heroes. And God Bless the family of Paul Mitchell.

Jessica
June 22, 2004

Today is the 5th anniversary of your death and I am sure that pain your family and friends felt that day are still a huge part of their lives because it never goes away. Thank you for your service and dedication. Rest in peace, Sir. You are a HERO to us all!
Shirley Roberts-Aunt of Fallen Officer John Logan EOW-March 14, 2004

Shirley Roberts
June 12, 2004

Today is the anniversary date of Paul's End Of Watch. I'm sure he knows how much he is missed by his family and friends.I pray that the happy memories they have of Paul will help to ease the pain they must fell today.

Sgt. Barbara L. Beland
Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, IN USA
June 12, 2004

My condolences to my fellow brother of blue. May St. MIchael watch over you as you watch over your family and loved ones. See that the rest of OUR family tend to others in need. As no one understands "The Walk" like we.

Officer Ryan M. Stroh
Lake County Sheriff's Dept.
5-4-2004

Ofc. Ryan M. Stroh
Lake Co.
May 4, 2004

I went to the Academy with Paul, and enjoyed his sense of humor and quiet smile. I'm sure he made a great contribution to his department, and his community in the short time he was allotted to serve. Law enforcement lost a strong brother in Paul, but he did not lose his life-he gave it in service.
He will be always missed, but never forgotten.

Sgt. Barbara Beland
Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, IN
January 4, 2004

as a field training officer i allways watch the new officers. evan the ones on different shifts. Paul was not on my shift but i kept an eye on him because i heard great things about him from the other fto's. i then got promoted to Cpl and was transfered to "C-TURN"  when i found out that i was going to be transfered to "C-TURN" one of the reasons i was glad was that Paul was one of the officers on the shift. i was looking foward to working with him. we had a lot of laughs. we fought a lot of crime. he was one of my best officers. i could not beleive he had such a short time time on because i trusted his judgement like he was a veteran. i know he is still with us keeping us safe. i will never forget him. and i know there are others that will never forget Officer Paul Mitchell either like a certain criminal that we have arrested numerous times. this guy allways fights with the police and has evan put one officer in the hospitol. well he got in another fight and was on the run from the police again. officer B Harpp was chasing him on foot thru the alley. harpp was about 25 yards behind the suspect and he was looking back at Ofc Harpp while he was running.  Ofc Harpp told me that out of nowhere appeared Ofc Paul Mitchell and tackled the suspect. the guy never knew what hit him, but  Ofc Harpp said the guy was probably looking for the plate number on a truck. Ofc Harpp said a pro football player couldnt have done a better job.

this is only one incident, i could tell many more but we dont have enough time for all the great things he has done and all the people he has touched,i just wanted to let you know we lost one of our finest, we love him deeply and we miss him dearly.

Cpl Frank E DuPey
LCPD

I am so deeply moved by all of the reflections honoring Paul. I like to consider myself a friend of his. I am honored beyond description to have known him. Paul was the kindest, most jovial person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I shall never forget the way he lit up every place he went with that smile of his. I would like to thank everyone that has offered a reflection, because I know how much they mean to Paul's entire family and many friends. They are my family and friends as well, your poignant messages are able to provide them with great comfort and for that I am eternally grateful.  Paul, I miss you, your laughter, and your compassion. Keep smiling, for that is what I do when I think of you.

Katy Glinski

I want to start off by thanking everyone that has left a reflection here for Paul.  He would have greatly appreciated your thoughtfulness, as do I.  Paul is my cousin.  We have grown up together and practically gone through all major milestones in our lives together.  He will be greatly missed by all.  Paul has touched so many lives in the short time that he had with us on this earth.  His sense of humor, laughter, and smile are the most memorable things to me.  I was very proud of him and everthing that he had accomplished in the short time he was given.  I am very thankful for all of you that have touched his lives and helped him in reaching his dreams as a police officer.  I love you, Paul, and miss you very much.

Michelle Gauler

Losing you, Paul, is the hardest  thing we have ever experienced.  But as painful as it is, it gives us great comfort to know how much you were loved and respected by your fellow officers.  Reading these reflections brings tears to our eyes and love to our hearts.  You were so proud of being a police officer. And we were so proud of you.  We always knew you were a special person.  We will greatly miss your smile and your laughter.  You brought joy into so many lives.  Our thanks to the entire law enforcement family.  Your love and support to us during this difficult time has meant more to us than we can ever express. God bless all of you.  Rest in peace, Paul, we love you and miss you.

Ron & Barbara Mitchell, parents

We miss you Paul.

LCPD Patrol Division
Lake County Police Department