Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Miguel T. Soto

Oakland Police Department, California

End of Watch Wednesday, June 22, 1994

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Officer Miguel T. Soto

Never to be forgotten. May Miguel's soul forever rest in peace. Thank you for your service Officer Miguel T. Soto.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

December 29, 2023

Officer Soto was my Recruit Training Officer for OPD Class #127 (1990). The day after the Academy graduation he came to my wedding! All the RTO’s were told not to get close to or make friends with the recruits...I’m proud to say he was my friend. We miss you Sir.

Sgt. Gregg Crandall, Ret. Fremont PD
Fremont Police Department

November 3, 2020

Thank you for your service and always know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo (Retired)
Delaware State Police

June 22, 2020

Mike, you are my cousin, a hero to me and my family. My mom and dad admired you and the job you undertook. We truly love and will always be grateful to you for protecting us in Oakland. Always, Esther

Esther Soto Hurtado
First cousin

September 13, 2019

Hey Grandpa I’ve just thought since I discovered this page I’ll write a little something about you. Now even though I didn’t meet you my dad (Miguel Soto Jr.) has told me all kinds of stories, some made me laugh though some made me cry I know you would be the beeeessttt grandpa that anyone could ever have. To be honest, you are already the best grandpa because of what you did. Now I know the story that ruined my chance of meeting the most heroic grandpa ever alive, but you know what that won’t ever stop me from remembering the greatest hero I’ll ever know. I will make sure to make a great grandchild for you named, can you guess it, Miguel T. Soto llll

Miguel T. Soto lll
Grandson

June 22, 2019

Officer Soto,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Oakland. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol El Paso Station

June 22, 2019

I met Miguel when he started coming into my place of employment to get his photo's developed. We became great friends. When my son was born, he knew I didn't have a carseat to bring him home in and he went out and bought me one. That's the kind of heart he had. He always made sure that those in need was taken care of. I miss you so much my friend, but I know you are still watching over us. Until we meet again my friend may you continue to R.I.P.

Katherine Scarborough
Friend

June 22, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

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

June 22, 2018

mike was a cops cop" in the liberal crime infested city of oakland. I had alot of contact with because i was senior loss prevention agent for 24yrs. we talked about karate. Quite abit, being that i been. the martial arts for 38yrs. mrs Soto hold your head. high, because OPD lost a valued asset, thanks to bleeding hearts liberals.

Kevin thomas senior LPA
Kevin thomas frm LPA, and 4thdan TKW

June 10, 2018

Mike Soto was a "good cop". He joined OPD about a year after me and we worked together on Capt. Ford's watch. Mike was friendly, well liked and respected, a natural when it came to police work. One of the very best.

I left the department in 1980, lost touch and didn't hear of his tragic death until now, 20 years later. RIP my brother and friend.

Officer John "Bumper" Morgan
Oakland Police Department

January 16, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 22, 2015

Dear Officer Soto,
I have had the pleasure and the honor of meeting 3 of your wonderful children. They became instant family as they are loving, caring and welcoming souls. We bonded because we share a loss that many will never know.
I am a better person having met them and shared some awesome late night talks. I am thankful for them and humbled that they have welcomed me with open arms. You can be proud knowing what amazing kids you have.
I have a feeling that you have met my dad by now. I'm sure you are good friends - eating ice cream, playing guitar and singing Spanish songs. I can't wait to meet you myself. Until then your memory shines bright in your kiddos.

Kristi
Surviving Daughter of Special Agent J. Robert Porter
Federal Bureau of Investigation
E.O.W. 8/9/79

July 5, 2013

Dad,

You would be so proud of your Grandson Mikey. He learned how to ride his bike without training wheels yesterday. It reminded me of the time you told me you would buy me a new Bike if I learned how to ride without training wheels and you sure did I loved my BMX Mongoose with Red and White checkered pads! I'm so proud of Mikey because he did it 2 years before me. Mikey is 5 now and I talk to him about you all the time, it is my personal duty as your Son and his Father to make sure he knows who his Grandpa is and what he did for the City of Oakland, Ca. Love you DAD.

Mike Soto Jr.
Son

May 8, 2013

Every year since 2009 I have made the blue ribbons with the 51 names of the Oakland Police Officers who have died in the line of duty. It is my honor to do this for the fallen officers. The ribbons hang on a tree outside the Warehouse Bar and Grill in Oakland, California for all to see the sacrifice they have made to keep us safe. God bless you all and rest in peace.

A grateful citizen

February 24, 2012

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

Officer 11169

January 16, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 15th anniversary year 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. Rest In Peace.

Three days a memorial was held for your four brothers from Oakland. Our community is mourning their loss that happened on the darkest day in OPD history. I saw members of your family there from a distance as they were wearing your in-remembrance shirts.

I am sure you are proud of how much they continue to help other survivors.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 30, 2009

I had the pleasure of meeting officer soto in the early 90's.
He was a good officer and is greatly missed in the community.
the recent deaths of the 4 oakland police officers brought back the memory of soto.
rip

Anonymous

March 23, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

September 20, 2007

OFFICER SOTO, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

September 10, 2007

Thank you Ofc. Soto for your dedication, service, and ultimate sacrafice to others. Please watch over your fellow brothers in blue. God Bless the Soto family.

Ofc. Eric Chiang
San Francisco Police Department - Bayview District

September 8, 2006

I read my brothers' reflections and they are both correct. It only seems like yesterday that our father was still here. If we do forget the sacrifice of fallen officers and firefighters, then we have truly forgotten them. My father is a hero, who taught me many things about life and seeing things through to the end. So let us always remember our heros.

Michelle (Soto) Vancil
Daugher

April 27, 2006

I remember Miquel very well, I was from an outside agency, City of San Leandro Police Department, and attended the 122nd academy in 1988. Miquel was our instructor that taught us technician duties, consisting of dusting for prints etc. My academy mate from San Leandro Tim Degrano and I remember the course of instruction well, and promised one another that we would never ever become technicians, as this was a hard complicated dirty part of Police work that we both agreed we wanted nothing to do with. The man teaching the class, Ofc. Miguel Soto made it very fun and a lot easier to del with, as he had a quick smile and was just a very nice easy going guy that you could tell was a real leader and someone that people looked up to. Ofc. Soto also had a great deal of self discipline, and was always easy to talk with. I appreciate and thank you for being part of my training program, God Bless,

Francis Moynihan Police Officer
San Leandro Police

February 21, 2006

Today is Wednesday June 22 2005 and it only seems like yesterday when my father was with us. Thank you Dad for all the courage and and drive you have given me through my life eleven years later and your legacy still lives on. I love you.

Christopher M. Soto

June 22, 2005

Any man or woman who wears the badge is a hero from the moment they take the oath of office. Rest in peace Officer Soto.

Sergeant James Alfieri
New York State Office of Court Administration

September 28, 2004

Hero!

March 8, 2004

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