Deputy Sheriff James Michael (Mike) Young Coconino County Sheriff's Department Arizona Wednesday, May 25, 1983  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

Deputy Young, you obviously made a huge impression on many people. I would have liked you if I had the opportunity to meet you. And I am sure when my tour here is done I will meet you. Rest in peace, Sir.

Al Whitney
Yuma County SO
2008-11-04

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service. It sounds like you have left a legacy you can be proud of.

Gordon Hobbs
NC Game Warden
2008-10-26

Daddy,
I am unable to adequately express the emotions flooding through me at the discovery of this website. Pride, love, honor, sorrow...I know anyone in the law enforcement community understands what I mean, so I don't feel the need to explain further.

I talk to you so often. I hope you can hear me. I hope you can see the woman I've become and the beautiful daughter I've raised who wants to serve her community as did you.

My thanks to those responsible for this forum.

Lisa Deputy J. Michael Young's daughter
Oldest daughter of this brave man
2008-02-15

"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
2007-07-25

G-d Bless.

2007-05-25

Rest in Peace, Deputy Sheriff Young. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

2007-03-14

Well my friend, I did not know such a web site existed until Nancy let me know. What a flood of emotions this has brought back. Since leaving law enforcement in 1997, I have discovered another life, but I have never forgotten our work together in Coolidge and BCC. You were my best friend, and to this day, I have not found another like you.
So much water has passed beneath this bridge since you left, but you are in my thoughts all the time.
You are so missed that we ache because of it.
Sleep well my brother, you did your job well.

Det. Paul M. Ferroni (ret)
Coconino County Sheriff's Dept.
2006-11-16

D.S. Young - your sacrifice has not been forgotten.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

2006-10-27

Mike was my training officer, my mentor, often my hero, but most of all he was my friend. I learned so much of what I know about law enforcement and the world from him during my years as a young cop. His death hit me so hard because he was the most cautious cop I ever knew. Now, more than 28 years into my career, I reflect upon his caring and understanding for such a rookie in his car. Thanks Mike for everything you did for me. Your still my hero.

Det. Kel Helmick #174
Chandler AZ Police Dept
2005-11-16

Deputy Sheriff Young,
On today, the 22nd anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Coconino County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

2005-05-25