Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Officer Czapski and Family,

I will never forget 03-29-1969 and your heroism and dedication to duty. I know you are patrolling the streets of Heaven, still looking down and protecting all of humanity.

To the Czapski, I am very sorry for the loss of your loved one. You and Michael are in my prayers.

Lt. (Ret) Charlie Coman
Grosse Ile, MI PD

August 10, 2022

I do not remember you as I was only 6 years old but feel we were robbed as a family without you attending holidays , weddings of our extended family.
My grandmother was your aunt and my father Ben Morawa told me stories and was proud of you as all of our family was and are.
Officers I served drinks to at Nancy Whiskey's talked highly of you 15 years after you left us.
God Bless

Dwayne Morawa
Cousin

October 14, 2021

You were the first cousin of my mother, Bernice Rose Silka, and her brother Walter whose life was also taken too soon- both of you Army veterans. I was 12 and I remember as if it was yesterday. I will never forget you and your wonderful family.
RIP Officer Michael J. Czapski

Karen Cooper
Second Cousin

February 12, 2021

I remember when it happened, l was a rookie and remember the arrest in the church and the release of the people.

Sergeant David Slater
Detroit Police 67 to 94

December 24, 2019

Officer Czapski,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army as well. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

March 29, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 50th anniversary of your EOW. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service to this country. May the cowards who took your life rot and suffer.

Officer Mike Robinson(Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

March 29, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Czapski.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 28, 2019

Not forgotten. RIP

DSgt. Robert Green
Detroit Police Department

January 29, 2019

Seeing the New Bethel Church in the media this week has brought back sad memories of the loss of Officer Czapski. He and his family are not forgotten even after almost 50 years. Sending blessings. R. I. P.

Anonymous

August 14, 2018

You were the first life to be lost in our class of the police academy. You are remembered as a great cop and wonderful man.

Fred Thorp
DPD 743

July 2, 2018

John was a friend and classmate of mine in DPD academy 68-F. He is not forgotten and his memory and service are honored.

Col. W.P. Terry, Jr. (retired)
DPD Academy classmate

May 17, 2018

John was a friend and classmate of mine in DPD academy 68-F. He is not forgotten and his memory and service are honored.

Col. W.P. Terry, Jr. (retired)
DPD Academy classmate

May 17, 2018

I knew him well and served with him in Germany in the 793 MP Battalion.

SP5
793 MP

July 28, 2017

Officer Czapski,
Yours was the first police funeral I attended during my career with a neighboring city. I was so impressed with the camaraderie shown. I also will never forget or forgive the slime balls of Judge Crockett and Arethas father the reverend Franklin who allowed those thugs to hold up in his church. RIP my brother.

Ron Muschong Retired
WPD

November 30, 2015

It saddens me to learn that Mike's life ended so tragically and so young. We served together as MP's in Germany.

Rick Ruiz
793rd MP Bn.

November 6, 2014

I remember Mike Czapski as a friendly person and fellow student at St. Theresa High School. He was a great guy, friendly to everyone, always in a good mood. I remember hearing reports of his shooting and murder and being shocked and stunned that something like this could happen to someone I had known. He didn't deserve this, no one ever does, but him especially.

Elaine Mahl O'Neill
Former classmate

May 18, 2014

The New Bethel Baptist Church. I remember this incident like it was last week. I was a young punk, freshman in college at Wayne State University. Wasn't long after the Detroit riots in 1967. Officer Czapski was gunned down by a mob of angry people......ambushed really. Later, a racist judge let everyone go after a heroic effort by Officer Czapski's fellow officers lead to many arrests. And no one ever was punished for the murder of this brave man. I went on to become a police officer and retired after 27 years of service. Although I never met Officer Czapski, his life and death inspired me to do great things. And still does.

Bob.....Retired Sgt.
None

August 23, 2012

Cousin, On this Memorial Day, 2012, I celebrate your heroism, your bravery. You are still missed by all.

Gerry Silka
Cousin

May 27, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 43rd 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 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. I am sorry that you and your family were denied justice in ths realm. but the killers will have to answer to God.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 29, 2012

In the Army we all called you "Zap" and we had a lot of fun together. I remember even now the many nights we spent together in the barracks, I would bring the beer and you would entertain us all playing your accordion. You were always full of life and very generous. Hope to see you again when my time comes. Zap, forgive me for taking so long to find you. And thank you for your friendship and your service.

Boris.
Served together in the Army.

Boris Derugin
Friend

May 25, 2011

Mike: I did not know you, but I certainly remember that terrible night, when your partner was calling for assistance. You had been attacked without warning by a group of terrorist thugs, carrying loaded fifles, who were planning to make war against the United States. I believe every officer on duty that night headed in that direction to assist you. I am not sure now what happened to those terrorists, but I know that one of them got his justice on the business end of a butcher knife. Mike I see you as a member of the battalion that went in first, to clear the way for the rest of us. I will say to you what I say to another group of my friends. "Semper Fi".

D/Sgt. Bill Pendergast (ret.)
D.P.D.

July 17, 2010

Mike,
I'll never forget exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard a newscast announcing your untimely death. It was a momentous day in my life, since I was only 23 years old at the time. We didn't know each other well, and I left DPD in 1973 to become an officer in Arizona, but I think of you often. I had the privledge of accompanying your parents, since they lived in my precinct, and distinctly remember sentimental, personal talks with your mother during our mutual time of grieving.

I will never forget the fun we had at our softball game just before we graduated from the academy, only a few months prior to you joining our Heavenly Father. What an honor to have known and served with you. You were a cop among cops. Thanks you for your sacrifice.

Thanks again, Mike.

Dan Abbate
Patrolman, DPD
1968-1973

Patrolman Dan Abbate, DPD
Graduated with Mike from DPD Academy

March 15, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE, AS ALWAYS, THIS WRITER IS DISAPPOINTED THAT JUSTICE WAS NOT SERVED ON YOUR BEHALF.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 26, 2008

Big Mike,
Think of you often, you made your mark man...the mark of a hero.
God speed
DCN

boyhood friend

May 17, 2007

Michael, know that you are not forgotten.

March 29, 2005