Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was the first unit on the scene on the date of the shooting at Cook's Corner in Mohave Valley Az. I was assigned to the Needles Station of the San Bernardino Sheriffs Department. When I arrived I found Deputy Lewis had been shot from ambush. I saw that he was in a green and tan uniform just like mine. Deputy Mike Maakested Needles Station and I took the suspect into custody after he returned to the scene. I have never forgotten this incident. I ended my career after 45 years in law enforcement. I remember it as if it was yesterday.
I continue to remember Deputy James Lewis and this incident. God Bless You Brother you are remembered. Rest in Peace. Semper Cop!!!

Retired Sheriffs Detective Harry H. HATC
San Bernardino County Sheriff, Bomb Arson Unit Retired

February 3, 2021

I was the first unit on scene that night. I was out of the Needles Station from San Bernardino Sheriff across the river from Cook's Corner. There was Deputy Lewis in the same uniform that I was in , green and tan, I have never forgotten Deputy James Lewis. Deputy Mike Maakested and I took Cook into custody. Deputy Lewis's death and the scene has never been out of my mind. My career ended in 2010 after 45 years in law enforcement. I now live in San Bernardino and still am a Citizen Volunteer for the Police Department.
May you continue to Rest in Peace, you are remembered. Semper Cop.....

Harry H. Hatch,Sheriff's Detective
San Bernardino County Sheriff, Bomb Arson Unit Retired

February 2, 2021

Thank you for your service and today we remind you and your family that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your LE brethren. Rest in peace always.

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

July 22, 2020

Rest in Peace, Deputy Sheriff Lewis.
Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Officer Janet Sanchez
Yuma Police Department

July 1, 2019

Old friend, you left this world on the day I brought my newborn daughter Beth home from the hospital. It has been a bit more than 40 years now, but you are still remembered with tears and laughter. I only learned of this site recently, so this reflection is late out of ignorance, not neglect. I have lost touch with Connie and Pat, but I pray that they have found peace in their lives. Until we meet again, my friend, rest in peace.

Tim Ferrall
friend

August 11, 2014

thank you for your service. "God Speed sir, we've got it from here"

Explorer Kevin Simpson
Yavapai County Sheriff's Office Explorer Post 7906

July 22, 2013

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

July 9, 2012

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Deputy Lewis.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 17, 2008

Thank you for your service. We will all one day join you in pattroling the streets of heaven. See you there Sir. Salute

Sergeant
Baytown PD, Texas

October 2, 2008

RIP Deputy Sheriff.You will never be forgotten by those that love you and knew you.

Anonymous

September 30, 2008

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

September 19, 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

July 26, 2007

Mike and I both graduated from Northern Arizona Univerity and began working for Mohave County Sheriffs Department. We were best friends and enjoyed hunting and fishing during our off duty times.Mike was a fine officer and I could not have ask for a better officer to have as back up.I was on my first day of vacation when Mike was killed at a lonely gas station near the Arizona and California border.I lost a true friend a man who was a wonderful husband and had he lived I'm sure a terrific father. There is not a day goes by that I don't think of my old friend James Michael Lewis.

Thomas E Black
Mesa Arizona police dept.{retired}

April 21, 2007

My deceased husband was a very dedicated officer who was nick-named "the wizard" for his amazing police work. He had a real passion for making our world a safer place for people. He was also a wonderful loving husband and father. Those who knew him remember his great sense of humor and loyal spirit to his family and friends. He was fair, honest and brave. He also had a gentle and compassionate way with people. He seemed to be able to know if an individual did something more like a mistake or a willful breaking of the law. He truly understood the "letter of the law" as well the "spirit of the law". We will never forget him and the great work he did.

Connie (Lewis) Fries

Connie (Lewis) Fries
wife

April 19, 2007

I never had a chance to meet my father; he was killed when I was only a few months old. I didn’t know this site existed until I did a Google search on his name. This is a great way to remember what sacrifices officers and their families make everyday.
My mother and I still live in Arizona and a Scholorship has been set up in my fathers name for Criminal Justice majors at NAU by my Gandmother.

Pat Lewis
Son

April 18, 2007

Rest in Peace, Sheriff Lewis. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 14, 2007

Deputy Sheriff Lewis,
On today, the 31st anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Mohave County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

July 22, 2005

No fallen officer deserves to be without a reflection. I am honored to be the first to leave one for you.

Your life, Deputy Sheriff Lewis, will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service.

Kelly M

July 22, 2005