Sergeant Paul Lawrence Cole Ingham County Sheriff's Office Michigan Sunday, October 6, 1996  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 22 of 2

PC

Another year has passed my brother and my thoughts were with you and your family. I just compleated conducting a training class at the Sheriffs office, in the Cole training room. They done a great job with photos ect. Kathy and you son worked with us (Warthog MC) again this year for MICOP. Keep the peace and I will see you again someday.

John

Captain John Conaty
Retired 1995
2009-10-12

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 13th 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.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

2009-10-06

PC

Another October passes and you are in my thoughts and prayers this day. You are missed brother.

Captain (Retired 1995) John Conaty
Ingham County Sheriff Office
2008-10-29

PC

Another year has slipped by and we are getting ready for our annual MICOPS motorcycle ride to Mt. Pleasant (Warthog) Motorcycle Club.I saw Kathy at a retirement party for Lt. Alford yesterday and she is doing well.
Rest in peace brother.

John

Capt. John Conaty
Ingham County Sheriff Office Retired
2008-06-30

I met Paul as a kid, hanging out with us at my cousin, Kathy's house in Holt. He was sweet and fun and we always had a good time when Paul was around. He kept us lauging. When Kathy and Paul finally married, he became the best kind of husband ever. He and Kathy were meant to be together and we all knew it. When the kids came along, his 'Daddy' side evolved just as naturally as his 'husband' side. He loved Kathy and his kids and they loved and adored him... and still do. Every time I see his picture, I can still see him laughing. We all cherish our memories of Paul and will remember him always. God bless him always. With much love and great respect.

Susan Ward
cousin (in-law)
2008-05-15

Hi Paul, I just seen this site and it doesn't seem like it has been that long ago. Your sister was my best friend. I was in shock when she pasted away in the way that she did, then you . It was so sad to see that happen to you both. Donna was a wonderful friend and so were you. You were a great police office and brother to her. Bless you both for you are now together forever.
I know you are still staying good care of her.
Bonnie

Bonnie
Family Friend
2008-04-22

"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
2007-11-15

today on the anniversary of yoru death we wish to remember you and thank you sir for your service.

Van en Berghe
Neighbors for a Better manchesr, Nh
2007-10-06

Hi PC
We just finished our MCOPS ride to Mt. Pleasant and you were in my thoughts this day. Keep the light on for the rest of us. Gods blessing upon you and your family my brother.

John

Captain John Conaty Retired
Ingham Co. Sheriff Office
2007-07-23

A man remembered with love and respect never dies but continues to live on in the hearts and minds of others.

2006-10-06

Hi PC
Just stopped by to say you are missed.
John

John Conaty Captain Retired 1995
Ingham Co. Sheriff Dept
2006-07-24

Paul, Hard to believe its been almost 10 years since you passed. We still miss you and always will. Our thoughts continue with you and your family.

Mike Thornton
class of 74 Holt High
Officer, Ft Collins Colorado Pd

Officer Mike Thornton
Ft Collins Colorado PD
2006-07-14

Pauley,

I just wanted to say "thanks". Thanks for being a great friend and mentor. Thanks for being a leader that everyone could look up to. Thanks for giving us all memories we can cherish. We all miss you around here a lot. Hope you worked out that slice. Rest in Peace.

Tom

Lieutenant Tom Foote
Ingham County Sheriff's Office
2006-01-13

PC,

You would be so very proud of your family. You are missed by many and you are in our thoughts now and forever. The bright lights flashing you see is my way of saying Hi as I pass the area where you were taken from us. Save a place for the third herd.

John

Captain John Conaty
Ingham County Sheriff Dept. (Ret)
2005-07-01

PAULY, Tom retired it was kind tough when he responded to the 911 center send off. God you have no idea how much you are missed. I stopped by the cemetary and just set there thinking its been over 8yrs since that night, I still get a little choked up talking about that night it still feels like yesterday I will never forget.

Later Dude Rod

2005-04-30

Hey PC,
Today was the anniversary of your passing from this life to the command status in the heavens. I remember when I was in hot water for the first chase of your command where a car ran into a house. You were so reassuring that the car did it on its own valition that I laught vefore I went into Fitzgerald's office with you.
A lot of people asked why we were wearing our mourning bands today. I would tell them that "A hero passed away on this day"
I miss you smile, enthusiasm, stories, and the way you would ask me "Hey, Mikey, how's it going?" I see Kathy all of the time but can not express how much she means to me! Your children are constantly in my prayers and I wish I knew what more I can do for them.
Tommy Beeson is my boss and he is the best. He is sooooooooo much like you. He can make me smile when I am down and when he does that I remember how you would to that.
MISS YOU BIG SGT.

MIKE

Deputy, Mike Soltis
Ingham County Sheriffs Office
2004-10-06

"Pauley / P.C."

It has been a long time buddy, but it seems like yesturday. Memories of you and your family still shine like the brightest stars in the sky.
I never had the opportunity to thank you for what you have added to my life as a Police Officer and a human being. You were a great teacher of various wisdom; proof being your children and other officers who have attempted to follow in your footsteps. Working out of the same Division and the same shift with you was truly an honor. I admired you as a Police Officer, mentor, and more importantly as a person. You provided guidance to me on a professional and on a personal level.
I have vivid memories of your family coming to see you at the station. Your sweet wife, (Kathy) daughter (Heather), and son (Paul Jr). You could easily tell how proud they were of you. Watching you interact with your family was precious, saying to myself, this is the type of father I want to be, this is the type of hunsband I want to be. Your actions are hard to follow.
It has been about nine years since I left ICSO; I still keep in contact with a few. I saw Kathy a few times since your passing. She seemed to be doing well, very active in MICOPS.
Each October 6 I remember the phone call from E.T. telling me what had happened. Only thoughts I had were "why did this have to happen to you out of all people." I would wonder what is going on up there that they need to prematurely take you away from your family. I would think whatever the reason was, you have fixed it. You know, he only calls the "best."
Generally funerals are not beautiful, but yours was as beautiful as a police funeral could ever be. I am sure that you could see from far above the more than 700 uniformed officers and hundreds of patrol cars. The most beautiful thing that sad day, was knowing that I had the honor of knowing you. I am very proud of that, I have told several people about you.
Thank you for the memories of working with you, golfing with you, and making aluminum pyramids at the Legion.
Rest in peace PC, you are thought of oten.

Deputy Mike Bankey
Leelanau County Sheriff's Office
2004-06-08

Paul,

I just found out about this web sight. I have been to see you every year, at your anniversary.

You were such an inspiration to me when I was new. I will never come close to the man, person, husband, father, or officer that you naturally were. I can still hear your voice when I am in trouble and still see your face when I do a good job. I still hear you say "Hi Mikey" when I see your picture in the lobby, and when I see your name on the memorial out front.

I can't do enough to show Kathy and the kids how much we appreciate them. They are very special people.

You are remembered and will NEVER be forgotten.

LOVE
MIKE

Deputy Mike Soltis
Ingham County Sheriff's Office
2004-04-02

PC, Hey dude its been a while since Oct. 6th 1996, but I remember it it was yesterday. Clinton County lost Deputy Perry Filmore in a car accident 'WOW' does that bring back a lot of hard memories. There isn't a day that goes by that the crew doesn't think or remember all the crazy times we had. Thanks for being such a great friend. Rest in peace we will never forget. RB

One of the Bruise Brothers
Ingham County Sheriff
2004-03-28

For the first two years of my career, I was a new and young Officer at Mason Police Department, and certainly dependent upon the assistance and guidence of the men and women of the Ingham County Sheriff's Office. I was "green", and Paul was the voice of experience, and I knew I could depend on him. I remember the many times that Paul guided me to the right conclusion of an incident when backing me up in the city. I remember during those times thinking of Paul as Officer I would try to emulate. He was a good cop who strove to do a good job consistently. None of us can ask for higher praise from our fellow Officers. And at the same time, Paul had a warmth and kindness in his mannerisms. One just knew from looking at his smile, that family came first, and then the job. And that in doing the job, helping people was the most important aspect.
Thanks Paul for all the help...I miss your smile.
Continued love an prayers to your family and loved ones.

Officer Dale Hausermann
Meridian Township Police Department
2003-11-26

PC, Kathy and the kids are doing well, I know that is because you are with them every day. I know you are very proud of them all. I/we will all continue to look after them. Kathy has been a blessing to many families and officers by serving COPS and National COPS. Help her achieve her next goal @ National COPS. Miss yah Buddy. Todd

Sergeant Todd Jenkins
Ingham County Sheriff's Office
2003-11-02

I never knew you, but we buried my best friend next to you.
I visited your grave the other day. Not by choice, but by chance. I went to put flowers on his stone and I walked by yours. There were leaves on it and I brushed them off. I sat for a while and looked at your grave and remembered the story of your death.
I was younger then, and I remembered watching the news stories in awe, the huge funeral, the commentaries about driving and deers. I remember thinking that you were a huge celebrity. Bigger than Officer Friendly. :-)
But you weren't. You were a good cop. You were doing your job. You didn't ask to be a hero, or a martyr or a symbol. You just protected people for a living. I hope that in death, you do the same.
I feel safe burying my mom next to you.
Keep her safe.

Just a friend
Holt
2003-10-23

You are thought of everyday by those who served with you. Thank you for a job well done.

Anonymous

Our thoughts and prayers go out to this officer, family and friends.

sothern iowa

Sgt. You are in a better place now...... prayers go out to you and your family.

Police Officer A. Rendall
Detroit Police Department - 11th Davison PCT