Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Michael P. McEllen

Paramus Police Department, New Jersey

End of Watch Sunday, October 3, 1976

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Patrolman Michael P. McEllen

Mike, 47 years tomorrow, doesn't seem possible. I miss you bro!

Jim Sheehan
Paramus PD (ret)

October 2, 2023

It will be 46 years on Monday. Today, October 1, my hire date , sitting here ona rainy night like that one in '76, thinking about you.

Jim Sheehan (ret)
Paramus PD

October 1, 2022

Mike has been gone 21 years today, still think of him and miss him

Jim Sheehan ret,
Paramus Police Department

October 4, 2021

Rest in peace Patrolman McEllen.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 22, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

October 3, 2020

Saturday, October 3, 2020 will mark the forty-four-year anniversary of the line of duty death of Police Officer Michael P. McAllen. If not for him I would not have chosen the course I took in life. Seems incredible that he is dead longer than he was alive, though he will always live in my heart. Still miss you Mike!

Jim Sheehan
Paramus PD (ret)

October 2, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 8, 2020

Hi, I grew up on Swan CT in Paramus and always played at McEllen Park. We always knew it was named after an officer killed in the line of duty. As an adult with young kids now, I go back to that park and reflect on this officer. He gave his life in the line of duty and we are forever grateful. I would like to have his family and friends know that his memory lives on in that park, along with generations of kids growing up.

Lorenzo Graziano

June 6, 2020

Have always been driven by your example and your memory.

Jim Sheehan

April 17, 2019

I miss you my friend!

Rick "Granny" Grantham
"Wildcat"

October 18, 2013

With your EOW anniversary approaching; I would like to thank you Officer McEllen, for your service to our country and Paramus. I pass by your memorial on 17 a few times a week.

Rest In Peace

Tom G
Father of a NJPO

September 28, 2013

I served with "Mac" in Vietnam from 1970-71. We were best friends even though we were born and raised worlds apart. We went over together and came home together.
We served with E Co. 2/503 of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. We were part of Team #1 of the "Wildcat" Recon platoon.

Rick "Granny" Grantham
Friend

June 12, 2012

As this anniversary passes, it seems like only yesterday that this awful tragedy occured. i was with Jeannie and her children thru her ordeal and a day dosen't go by that they aren't thought of. how proud michael would be of craig and michelle.

susan barry wellington
family friend

October 11, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 34th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. I am glad your daughter found this site and pray for her solace as I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

October 5, 2010

Great person he was reflects of the daugher he left behind. I personally know her and she is very giving and caring person. She took care of my son, whom had also been shot.

Tonya Evans
friend of Michelle

November 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

December 12, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

vandenberghe
nh

October 15, 2007

I was online looking up my name to see if my office was in fact listed if you googled McEllen. This site came up and listed my father's name. I did not know that it even existed. I must admit that it put a smile on my face as well as tears in my eyes. After 30+ years of him passing, there is not a day that goes by that I do not think about him and miss him terribly. The pain of him not being here does not go away nor does it get any easier. In my heart there is no one else like him. I love you and miss you.

Dr. Michelle McEllen D.C
Daughter

August 10, 2007

officer michael i wanted you to know that i visit the odmp often and i don't know why but i looked up my exact date of birth 10/03/1976 and found you it's funny how we have almost the exact same name and you left the world and i came in to it the exact same day well i want you to know that people like me thank you for service and sacrifice even til this day thank you godspeed and rest in peace

1st lt u.s.m.c. michael p eisen
civilian

April 5, 2007

Sweet sleep be yours.

October 3, 2006

I was 14years old when I recieved a Paramus Police Department Patch from Michael. I was proud of that patch and Michael was someone I really looked up to. Twoweeks later he was killed in the line of duty. I still have that patch and the fond memory of one of my childhood hero's.

Deputy Bill Fienga
Grant County Sheriff's Department

November 29, 2003

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.