Officer Down Memorial Page

Rest in Peace, Officer Bailey. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
April 27, 2012

Watching Officer Bailey's daughter, Jada, graduate from the Chicago Police Academy today was a very proud and touching moment. I know in my heart Officer Michael Bailey is smiling down from heaven as Officer Jada Bailey begins her law enforcement career. I will continue to keep the Bailey Family in my everyday thoughts and prayers.

Cmdr. James A. Pickett
Evanston, Il. Police Dept.
April 11, 2012

I remember the good times with Mike at the Naval Air Station Glenview Fire Department. Thanks for the memories..

Retired Deputy Fire Marshal Doug Kelder
Old friend
August 7, 2011

To Officer Michael Bailey Sr., his family and his fellow officers with the Chicago Police Department:
Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Officer Bailey’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Officer Bailey and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff
July 18, 2011

Officer Bailey,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Police Officer, but also when you served as a Firefighter and in the USAF as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extende my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP
February 27, 2011

In the process of looking for a family member I found this Reflection about Mike. Great guy then and now. I pray for peace for his family and commrades. RIP

Elementary School friend: Joni Donad
December 10, 2010

Rest in peace Officer Bailey, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you very much for your service!

Shelly
Citizen
August 7, 2010

Rest easy Brother In Law, your watch on earth is now over. I pray Gods mercy and Love towards your Family, and Loved ones.......

Sgt. John L. Gulledge (Ret.)
Escambia CO Sheriff's Office Pensacola FL.
July 31, 2010

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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 whose 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

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 (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Department, Columbia, SC
July 30, 2010

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of a man that obviously gave much more than his share to both his community and country. Let us not ask why for an answer will never be given but let us honor Officer Bailey for the dedication he gave throughout his life to protect each and everyone of us. May you rest in peace and begin your retirement(although not on earth with your family) but in peace in heaven and know that those you have left behind must be so very proud of you. Thank you for the sacrifice you made at the hands of those who will one day have to answer for there actions. God Bless you and your family in this most difficult time.

Terri
Aunt of Fallen officer e.o.w 3/9/2010 PGPD Maryland
July 27, 2010

I grew up in the same Neighborhood as Officer Bailey lived and I remember him as a kind and giving individual. God rest & receive his soul and watch over his family.

Stefan Sanders
Neighborhood Friend
July 26, 2010

Rest in Peace, Brother.

OFC B. Grajek
July 26, 2010

Rest in Peace my Brother, God Bless you, your Family and your Dept.

Officer Bob Swope #5609
Olmsted Falls Police Dept.Ohio
July 25, 2010

Another loss for the Chicago Police Department. My thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Officer Bailey at this difficult time. I salute Officer Bailey as a fellow Air Force veteran and Police Officer. Thank you, sir, for your years of service to your city and your country and R.I.P. brother. To the men and women of the Chicago Police Department, stay strong and honor the memories of your fallen officers. God bless.

Sgt D. Bowler
LAPD
July 25, 2010

To the family and friends of Officer Michael Bailey and his fellow officers:

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Michael was tragically killed.

To Officer Bailey's family, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in the Bay Area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I know you will receive the same support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Michael gave to his community and the citizens of Illinois, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on July 18, 2010.

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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
July 24, 2010

God bless your family and police family. Know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this time. God Speed. You will not be forgotten! Thank you for your service and dedication to the city of Chicago.

wife/Indianapolis Metro Police Officer
July 24, 2010

Rest in Peace Officer Michael R. Bailey!

Anonymous
July 24, 2010

Rest in peace, Officer Bailey. Thank you for your many years of service to your community. Prayers for your family, friends, and fellow law enforcement brothers & sisters. Godspeed, sir.

Kathy B
Citizen
July 23, 2010

God bless the family, friends and Chicago Police Department. This is a heinous crime that is so senseless. Why? Because an absolutely cowardly, selfish individual or individuals wanted something that they did not want to work for and took a wonderful life in a senseless act. Bless those who are brave and put a shield on every day.

Mom of CO Springs Officer
Colorado Springs Police Department
July 23, 2010

You put up the good fight. Your dedication and bravery will not be forgotten. My heart goes out to your family and friends. Rest in Peace.

Andrew / Detective
Baltimore City Police
July 23, 2010

Rest in Peace brother and my prayers are with your family.

Deputy John Latour (retired)
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office
July 23, 2010

Rest In Peace, Police Officer Bailey.

Lt T Carr
NYPD
July 22, 2010

Officer Bailey, your watch is ended. May our Heavenly Father watch over your family and friends during this tragic time. May your soul walk carefully and proudly into everlasting life. You will be in our thoughts and prayers from now on. Rest in God’s peace my friend.
REV

Chaplain Michael Grinnals
Camillus Police Department
July 22, 2010

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Police Officer Michael R. Bailey,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Police Officer Michael R. Bailey. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Police Officer Michael R. Bailey is a hero.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network

Anonymous
July 22, 2010

On the 18th of July I was driving through the windy city on my way up to Minnesota completely unaware that Chicago had just lost a hero. It wasn't until today that I learned of Officer Bailey's untimely death. May you rest in peace and may God bless you and the members of the Chicago Police dept.

Police Officer Nelson Marti
New York State Park Police/Taconic Region
July 22, 2010