Officer Down Memorial Page

It seems like a short time ago that I was called out that night to reconstruct that horrible scene. I hope the Lord is watching over your family and friends. You are not forgotten. Rest In Peace.

Anonymous Officer
Port Arthur Police Dept.
February 11, 2012

Mike 10 years has come and gone, but you are not forgotten....

Captain Garry Collins
TPWD
August 5, 2011

You will not be forgotten, Brother.

NLC, Special Agent
DHS/ICE/HSI (Texas)
March 14, 2011

Still remembering you so you are not forgotten.

Garry Collins, Captain
TPWD
August 2, 2010

RIP Brother, You will never be forgotten

Texas Game Warden
November 13, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
March 5, 2008

God bless you for your service and sacrifice. You are not forgotten.

August 2, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 6th anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over all of them and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and heroes never die, you will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
August 2, 2007

Rest easy Brother, we have it from here.

June 2, 2007

To the family and loved ones of Game Warden Michael Charles Pauling and his fellow officers with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department:

On this the fifth anniversary date of Michael's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. Although I never had the privilege of meeting Michael, I feel as if I know him through the reflections left by friends. His valor and courage will never be forgotten.

I also salute his patriotism and service to our country through his miliary career in the U.S. Army.

I hope that God is holding his wife and children in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

I am so sorry that Michael was robbed of his life so tragically, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Michael gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 2, 2001.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 2, 2006

I send my deepest condolences to Mikes wife and kids on thier loss. I was Mike's Executive Officer while at Ft. Polk when he was a Company Commander. He not only was a Commander who taught me many valuable lessons that helped me have a successful military career; he was my friend that shared many off-duty hours fishing and talking about life with a young officer.

Major Marvin Davis
US Army, Ret.
October 8, 2004

I don't know how many times you came when we needed an aligator removed from a person yard or one that was in the roadway. But you never turned us down. Thank you Mike for being the great person you are. You will always be remembered in Jefferson County.

Deputy JD Lang
Jefferson County Sheriffs Department
September 24, 2003

Killed by a coward redneck. Sorry for your lose. Rest in peace. God bless

shannon
private citizen

God speed friend!

ex exploer Theresa lonadir
Orange County Sheriff

Rest in peace my brother Game Warden. I will carry on our commitment to protect the wildlife resources and the citizens of our great state.

Game Warden Ray Spears
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

Our family will pray for this family during this difficult time. God Bless.


Janice Starnes - wife of
Sgt. Dan R. Starnes
Morgan Co. Sheriff Dept. IN
Killed in the Line of Duty
July 10, 2001

janice
none

All of us within the Chaves County Sheriff's Department wish to express our condolences and deepest sympathy in the death of Game Warden, Michael C. Pauling.

Whether it is in the line of duty or from other causes, the death of an officer, friend and loved one is not easy to accept. I hope that knowing that your department and the family of your officer will be remembered in our prayers will be of some comfort in the days to follow.

Sheriff Patrick R. Jennings
Chaves County Sheriff's Dept.

You are not forgotten! We will continue to do the job in your honor and in memory of you and all who laid down their lives so that we could live in a civilized society. We are stronger because of you. Rest in peace.

Ptlm. M.W. Ludlow
Palmyra Police Dept., NJ

God Bless Game Warden Pauling, and his family and friends.
Our prayers are with you all my brother, you gave your life Protecting and Serving, you are our hero. May you rest in peace.
A.K.M.

Anonymous

To the family and friends of Game Warden Michael C. Pauling, please accept my deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers.

Special Agent Chris Schoppmeyer
National Marine Fisheries Service

Please accept my deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers for Game Warden Pauling. As with all deaths like these, we are left with only questions and no real answers. Know that there are many of us out here who feel and share your pain and will keep you and GW Pauling's family in our prayers. May God be with you all.

Brandi Klepfer

On behalf of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #1, our deepest heartfelt condolences on this tragic loss. We will always remember your dedication, bravery, and ultimate sacrifice in protection of our Nation, and your community. This service was not in vain, for it displayed uncommon valor in this collective effort the free our Nation of the evil that exists in the world today.
"The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9:9-10

John D. Sainz, Chaplain
Tucson Police Department

To The Family, Relatives, Friends and Work Colleagues of Game Warden Michael Pauling,

Our prayers and condolences go out to each of you during this difficult time. We know that we do not have the answers, but we know who does. He promised that He will "neither leave nor forsake us."

May you rely on His strength.


In His Name,

Jack H. Lanier, Jr.
Chaplain, Longview Police Department

Chaplain
Longview Police Department (TX)

Rest In Peace. What a senseless tragedy. The suspect went from a possible domestic dispute to capital murder in the span of minutes. Senseless.

Special Agent Darin L. Paul
FBI

Game Warden Pauling, your watch is over and our department salutes you and your tour. May you watch over the gates of heaven, as you watched over the citizens of Port Arthur, Texas.

Deputy J. Allen
Hidalgo County Sheriff's Department, Texas