Deputy Sheriff Michael Paul Haugen Riverside County Sheriff's Department California Sunday, January 5, 1997  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

To the one who questioned this.. yes he is the same Mike that worked at Hermosa PD. I had the opportunity to work with him while working dispatch part time there. His dream was to be a police officer. I was so happy for him when I heard that he had become a Riverside Sheriff. I was shocked and saddened when I heard the news of his death.

Kathy Police Dispatch
Torrance PD
2008-04-02

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2007-12-31

Deputy Haugen, on this Christmas Eve as I prepare to go on shift, I wanted you to know that your brothers and sisters in Law Enforcement are thinking of you and your loved ones. I had the opportunity to meet your wife. Wow you have an incredible family!

Merry Christmas Deputy Haugen

Leif R. Haugen #V-34
Island County Sheriff's Office Coupeville, WA
2007-12-24

I had the pleasure of meeting Michael when he came to the Banning Station. I was his first FTO. Mike was vibrant and had a great sense of humor. He always had a big smile and enjoyed every moment of being a Deputy. He had the kind of personality that drew people to him to join in the fun. Even after all these years I can still hear him laugh. He will be remembered fondly.

Kathy Fuller Deputy Sheriff
Riverside County Sheriff FTO
2007-11-12

Hi Mike, I do miss you, I think about you and Jim all the time. I will never forget all you have shown me at the Station
all the times you backed me up at the casino. These two Deputies are two Deputies that made that 6 point star on their
chest mean something. I will truly miss them. Its been 10 years now and they will be in my thoughts and heart forever.

SONNY H. LAY-CHIEF
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SAFETY
2007-11-06

I read the reflections of other fellow deputies that were friends and acquaintances of Mike and Jim. Even 11 years later. Despite what time and distance deal to us, it's comforting to know that an everlasting bond exists with those of us that have served and will serve. Our buddies will not be forgotten. In Mike's case, who could forget such a deep voiced, gung-ho kinda guy? He served as an example to all. Peace be with you and your Family.

Sr. Dep. Michael Angeli - retired
Riverside Co. Sheriff's Dept.
2007-11-01

DEPUTY HAUGEN, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. SURELY A HERO. MAY YOU NEVER BE FORGOTTEN FOR YOUR SACRIFICE. REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
2007-10-18

"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
2007-09-20

I too remember Mike as a quick witted man with the dedication of ten men. We attended the academy together almost 17 years ago. I start with RSO 07-19-2007. I had been working for Laguna Beach PD since graduating the academy. God Bless you and all who knew you.

Mark Litchenberg
Riverside County Sheriff
2007-07-17

Dep. Haugen, I am not sure if you are the same Mike Haugen who used to work at HPD. If you are, I'm doubly sad because as I remember you were a fine officer. Rest in peace.

Sergeant John Austin
Hawthorne PD
2007-04-26

You are forver in our hearts and your family forever in our prayers.

M.COUCH
RIVERSIDE SHERIFF - DISPATCH
2007-03-28

It is 10 years ago today that we lost you Mike.

January 5th 1997 - a day that changed all our lives forever.

You are missed SO much by all your family. You live on in your children.

Happy memories of my first visit to the USA! Thank you.

Jacqui xox

Jacqui Mangham
Niece
2007-01-05

Its 10 years to the day in which I heard the news of Mike and his colleague falling to the cowardly attack that evening.

Living in the UK I never actually met Mike, but I did know his wife and his family-in-law well and through them came to know the kind of man he was - honourable, brave, selfless, a man who lived for his wife and children

I have a lot of respect for American officers and honour you all, but especially Mike and Deputy James Lehmann today

Michael Barker
Friend of family
2007-01-05

Fallen 9 years ago, but NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEOs
2006-12-26

Deputy Haugen, thank you for your service and sacrifice to the people of Riverside County and the State of California.
You will not be forgotten, God Bless Deputy Haugen.

Deputy Leif R. Haugen
Island County Sheriff's Office, WA
2006-12-05

Thank you for your service and dedication. May you rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

2006-11-04

It's been almost ten years since you left us Michael at the hands of a coward. I still remember the times we worked together at RPDC. You always carried around that huge coffee mug and you were always the first one to make a snappy remark that would bring laughter to everyone. I travel to Palm Springs 3 times a year with my kids and everytime, I stop at the place where your shift ended. I get out of my car, kneel down and say a prayer for you and your family. When I get back in the car, one of my kids always ask me; "Is that where your friend died daddy?" The answer is always the same; "Yes, this is where my friend left us and went heaven, where he is now watching over all of us." I know you're up there right now, holding that huge coffee mug. It has been ten years Michael, but you are not forgotten, nor will you ever be.

Cpl. Doug Payne
Riverside Sheriff
2006-10-10

Michael and I was in the same Academy Class at Golden West Police Academy.We hung together for support.I was torn apart when I heard he was killed.I pray for his family and I miss him much.

Rev Cedric Richards Sr
Academy Classmate
2006-08-06

Mike,
I think of you often my friend. It has been 9 years since you left us. I will always remember your quick wit and the long hours we served together. You were my friend and I will always miss you. I pray for your family often and I still havent forgiven the coward that fired from the darkness. I will see you again my friend where there will be no suffering.

Steve

Deputy Callas
Riverside County Sheriff
2006-06-16

"THE FINAL INSPECTION"

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell

Rest in Peace, your sacrifice will never be forgotten

Police Officer, G. Bassett #104
Salado Police Department
Bell County Texas

Police Officer
Salado Police Dept.
2005-09-30

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, January 5, 2005, we dedicated the shift to the memory of Deputy James Warren Lehmann Jr and Deputy Michael Paul Haugen who died in the line of duty on this date eight years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Deputy Haugen's and Deputy Lehmann's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC
2005-01-05

On behalf of the entire membership of the FBI Agents Association's Detroit Chapter, I send condolences to the friends, family and coworkers of this fallen minister of God (Romans 13:4).

SA Darin L. Paul
FBI Detroit
2003-08-31

It has now been over 3 years since the shooting. I still think about Mike and Jim all the time. I remember both of them when they were going through training and i can remember how proud they were went training was done. I still remember the phone call i received by my fellow Deputy who told me about the shooting. Both will be sadly missed. Deputy James R. Pope

Deputy James Pope
Riverside Sheriff