Officer Down Memorial Page

Mike,
I still think of you often, how you encouraged my running and what a fine officer you always were, and as I drive Hurley Mountain Road I think of you riding your bike and waving, or shouting encouragement to me if I was running. Tonight the awful night you left us over twelve years ago came streaming back for some reason, spurring another poem, and resulting in me stumbling on this site, which I hope somehow reaches you, who truly will not be forgotten.

Matt Spireng
Civilian
August 3, 2012

My heart goes out to the friends and faimlys of these two heros,, they paid the ultimate sacrifice, for all of us., let there faimlys and loved ones be assured they were heros and were appreciated, my deepest sympathy. Brian Passaglia.

N/A . civilian.. Brian passaglia
no agency.
May 31, 2012

Mike,

I had to pick up something the other day at SP Kingston with my children. My daughter saw Kenny's and your photos and started asking some questions. It brought back some wonderful memories and stories that I shared with them. On our way home up 28 I showed them all the places you would sit. During Hon Athena Groelle's funeral it brought some comfort knowing that you were in Heaven to greet Tina. I can only imagine the stories being told. Until we all met again.

Valerie Piotrowski Storey
July 23, 2011

It's more than ten years now, Mike. I think of you often. I remember how you'd rub my head before a race, said it was supposed to be good luck to rub a bald man's head. Then you'd win. See you again someday.

Hank Yost
Dutchess Co. Probation-Retired
February 19, 2011

Semper Fidelis to a man who was!

Anonymous
October 27, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 9th 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 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

Anonymous
May 31, 2009

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

Robyn Wilkes
May 26, 2009

Mike, its been along time now, but I still smile when I stop by the barracks and see you picture. I just want to say that your legacy with the NYSP is all the members you trained and all they have trained..You will truly be with us forever.

First Sergeant Eric Benjamin
Ulster County Sheriff, NY
December 31, 2008

Wishing you a Happy Birthday.

Anonymous
September 23, 2008

Thankyou for your service and sacrifice. You will never be forgotten

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA
April 9, 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 20, 2007

I always liked the way that you carried yourself. You never laughed in my face when you wore the badge.

Kevin Kelly
June 19, 2007

You were the unknown hero who saved my life that day on the ridge. You made me promise I would "always live". Then God took you...I'll never get over the loss of you...Eternally remembering my hero...

The life you saved
June 5, 2007

May He bless you and your loved ones.

May 31, 2007

Over 6 years have passed and you have not been forgotten nor will that ever be the case as your loved ones will keep your memory alive as will the Blue Family. Thank you for you dedicated service to law enforcement. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to watch over your loved ones.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
January 10, 2007

Talking to you guys is better than talking on a cell phone. There is no roaming charge. 10-27 forever, sir!!!!

December 1, 2006

Rest In Peace.

P.O.
APD
March 2, 2006

Rest in Peace, Brother. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Your many years must have proven you to be a real warrior, who has been called Home to serve in Paradise. May your family find comfort in knowing that you are watching over them. Give them strength to forge ahead in your absence.

A Squad
Woodbridge PD CT
February 9, 2005

Mike,
Just a quick note to let you know that you are not forgotten. Thanks for inspiring me to get "The Yellow Brick"

Sergeant Tim McGuire
Ulster County Sheriff's Office
January 25, 2005

Mike,
You are still missed, and will never be forgotten...You and your family are in my prayers. I still remember my first days at SP Kingston, when I was fresh out of the Academy. You were one of the senior Troopers who made us new guys feel welcome. I always looked up to you, and I always will. Rest in peace, my brother.....

Sergeant Michael E. Kopp, Jr.
New York State Police - Troop T
January 15, 2005

God holds a special place for those who give their lives in service of others. Rest in His peace.

Sgt. Bill Richardson
Anchorage, Alaska PD
January 2, 2005

Tell Fr. Connolly to have the AC turned up. It's really hard for me to say goodbye.

September 15, 2003

You are lost but not forgotten

Chris Beach

I am a patrol supervisor and each night we dedicate a watch to a fallen brother or sister. Tonight we are honoring the sacrifice made by Trooper T. Michael Kelly three years ago today. Rest in peace brother in time, we'll 10-25 you in heaven.

First Sergeant J.L. Slaughter
Radford City Department of Police

You gave the ultimate sacrifice. You may be gone, but you will NEVER be forgotten. We are all family in this job, sometimes we are the only family each other has. In pace requiescat, Rest in peace! Keep a watch on the rest of us as we go on shift each day.

"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way that when you die, the world will cry and you will rejoice." (American Indian Prayer)

Isaiah 40:31

Officer Kimberly Moses
MTSU Campus PD, TN