Officer Down Memorial Page

Rest in Peace, Deputy Shostak. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
February 14, 2012

RIP Mike. It's been a long time, but you are not forgotten.

An old friend
LCSO
November 8, 2011

May you continue to rest in peace Deputy Shostak, we will never forget the heroes who gave their all and the families left behind to pick up the pieces and move forward.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Deb
November 8, 2011

Mike I hope you are getting some range time there as well. I did my 12 years and had to leave it. You were a good friend and do anything for anyone. Take care and say hey to Pat Healey too. He was also a heck of a guy.

It Doesn't Matter
Friend and Range Partner
July 1, 2011

To the Shostak family your hero is not forgotten... You are all in my prayers today as you face another EOW. God bless you and continue to guide you.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous
November 8, 2010

what a sad day i went to look up my childhood best friend only to find that you had passed i hate that i didnt look you up sooner i really wanted to catch up but now you are with your mom and mine too so i know you are not alone in heaven but i do miss you friend sorry i didnt get to say that sooner.

kelly teel
friend
June 23, 2010

Mike, buddy we still miss you and think about you. Merry Christmas. We wish you were here to enjoy it with Melissa and Breanna. I know you are still watching over them. God Bless you and your family.

Sgt Sean Hoover
Fort Myers PD Florida
December 25, 2009

Today I read your story. Never forgotten.

Laura
Philadelphia, PA
February 24, 2009

Mike,
David and I speak of you often.We've never forgotten you. At least we know you are in heaven with our parents and playing with Ashley our golden. Keep looking over us and protecting us.

David and Valli Finney
Former LEO
November 13, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this seventh anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
November 8, 2008

Thank you for being a friend!!
My God keep you Safe!!
your friend!!!!

Anonymous
July 23, 2008

May GOD keep you and watch over your family, friends, and coworkers during these trying times.

Gone, but never forgotten.

Carlos
June 19, 2008

I can't believe that its been almost 7 years since you left. I can only hope and pray that you are resting in peace and keeping watch over Melissa and Breanna.
Good bye old friend.

Tish
Cape Coral Police Department
April 24, 2008

Deputy Sheriff Shostak, thank you for your service and dedication. Continue to watch over your family giving them the love and guidance they need. Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO
March 26, 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 14, 2007

On the six year anniversary of your passing, you are remembered and a special prayer goes out to your family.

Craig Figgins
Brother - SGT Dan Figgins St Charles, IL EOW 4/9/05
November 8, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
Nh
November 3, 2007

Five years have passed and you have not been forgotten nor will your loved ones or the Blue Family ever let that happen. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and heroes are never forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
November 8, 2006

May you sleep safe with Our Lord and may He Bless you and your loved ones.

November 8, 2006

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Lee County Sheriff's Office. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Deputy Shostak deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Deputy Shostak is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, North Carolina
June 9, 2006

To the family and friends of Deputy Michael Shostak and his fellow officers, and most especially to Deputy Shostak himself;

On this the fourth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that you are remembered and honored. Your courage and dedication will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Deputy Shostak.

May your family continue to be supported by their law enforcment family, and other police survivors.
Your wife leaves very loving reflections for you, and I know that she and your daughter miss you very much. I hope God holds them in his arms.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the six years of service Deputy Shostak gave to his community and the citizens of Florida, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on November 8, 2001.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 8, 2005

Mike,
It has been 4 years today since we have been together. So much has changed here. Breanna is now in 1st grade and she is going to be as tall as you.Brent came by and took her out on his new GSXR 1000, she had to wear your helmet, she was so happy,she told Brent to go faster I think she is going to be just like you.It is nice to see that she can be so much like you even with you not being here.It has not been easy for us at times we both miss you so much but we both know you are doing something bigger where you are now. We love you.
Melissa and Breanna

Melissa Shostak
November 8, 2005

Mike - your passing left a great void in West District...My years at Lee County were filled with memories of many fine Deputies..I am proud to say that you were one. I visited the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in D.C. and said hello to all 8 officers I have served with over the years who now are inscribed forever in that hallowed place...you are in good company.

Deputy James Procunier
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
November 1, 2005

Mike, This was the first year I was able to attend the Law Enforcement Memorial in Tallahassee. Seeing your name on the wall brought back all the memories of working with you. May God continue to watch over your family and know that you are not forgotten.

Deputy Dan Leffin
Lee County Sheriff's Office
June 26, 2005

Deputy Shostak, May you Rest in Peace. You have done your duty and unfortunately you paid the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Captain Charles Doan
Plymouth Police Department
January 20, 2005