Sergeant Michael Ryan New York City Police Department New York Monday, November 5, 2007  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 32 of 33 of 3

To Sgt. Michael Ryan and his loved ones:

On this the second anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered for the service you gave to your community, and for the supreme sacrifice you and your family made on November 5, 2007. We will never forget our 9/11 heroes. I pray for solace for your family.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

Anonymous

2009-11-05

The anniversary of 9/11 is coming up in a few days as you well know. I just wanted you to know that you have not been forgotten. Rest in Peace...

Sergeant Chris DiToro
NYPD
2009-09-08

I remember Mike from elementary school. There were so many kids, that our district had two elementary schools within a few hundred yards of each other. If I recall properly, Mike started at "Moore" and then finished at "Lincoln" elementary. (Not sure why, this detail is a little fuzzy.) Somehow Mike and I crossed paths in elementary school. I didn't see him again until middle school....and we also had two middle schools. And of course, he was in the opposite one and both schools merged during our 9th year. That's when we reconnected.

In the first week of school, I remember being overwhelmed by the sheer number of new faces. I was at my locker and as I closed it and turned to walk away, a guy who seemed like a giant--- standing about a foot taller than me---stood right in my path, intentionally blocking me. I tried to go around him and he moved again, blocking my path once more. Without looking up, I just said, "Excuse me." He stood firm. I thought that perhaps he was trying to intimidate me. Not wanting to get my ass kicked during the first week of school, I moved to walk around him. But again he blocked my path. When I realized that he was not going to move, I looked up at him and just as I was about to say "something" he looked down at me and smiled and said, "Graz...it's Mike Ryan, don't you remember me?"

He always exuded kindness and happiness. His sincerity and warmth was inspiring. For that moment, he made me feel like I was his long lost friend. To Mike I was.

Perhaps its only later in life that we realize that there are only a few rare individuals who genuinely care about the people they "invite" into their lives. Mike is one of those people.

Years later as seniors in high school, we were in the same English class and sat opposite from each other. We were winding up our senior year the way we began in elementary school..as classmates again. We were constantly joking around. The entire class fed off Mike's energy and humor. I looked forward to it every day. Mike was so enthusiastic and could laugh at himself and that made everyone else laugh.

After graduation, I remember him working at the Hess gas station during what was probably our first year of college or last year of high school...again, the details are fuzzy. In my mind's eye I can still see him wearing those white coveralls with the green rectangle patch, strutting all around the gas pumps singing along with a Van Halen song on the radio in the attendant's booth. "Shouldda been gone..." I still think of him whenever I hear that song.

At our 20th high school reunion, Mike was one of the few people I spent time talking with at length. Again, his happiness was contagious and he had a real presence. He was pleasant and respectful. Mike was just one of those guys you enjoyed being around even if you weren't talking about anything in particular. All you had to do is watch his expressions and reactions to people and you'd laugh. He was the one reason that I had an enjoyable time at the reunion.

I remember hearing a news radio report of how an NYPD detective named Mike Ryan became another victim of the World Trade Center. My heart sank and at first I didn't believe that it was the same Mike Ryan. I checked the web and falsely assured myself that it wasn't "our" Mike Ryan.

Today, while discussing our upcoming 25th reunion, a friend told me that it was "our" Mike. My heart sank because the world lost a great person.

Mike, you were far too young and brought too much happiness to leave us this soon. I hope (and trust) that you are shining your light down upon us.

My prayers are with your family!

God bless you Mike!

Mike Graz
High School friend
2009-03-14

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your friends and family. May God bless and keep them.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, FOR HELPIPNG PROTECT OUR COUNTRY!!!!

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

2009-03-12

It was an honor to meet you and your family. I cannot express how much your courage and the courage of your family, especially Eileen, has affected me. All this time has passed and you are still in my thoughts.

Rosalie Puleo RN
Stony Brook Univ Medical Center
2009-02-09

I said a little prayer today for Sergeant Ryan and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

2009-01-12

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this first anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
2008-11-05

Rest in peace,Sgt Ryan.You died a hero.May your family find comfort and peace.

bernadette chantrey
citizen
2008-09-18

My friend , my mentor, I miss you terribly and not a day goes by that I don't tell a classic "Mike Ryan" story! You have taught me so much about life and this job! I am forever grateful!...until we meet again! Love DB

PO Chris DeBernardo
Friend
2008-08-17

Mike , you were a great boss and even more important , a great friend. We had lots of laughs both at work and outside of work. You are missed dearly by those who knew you. God Bless you Mike.

Det Larry Moore (Ret)
nypd
2008-08-04

To Sgt. Ryan and all other officers who lost their lives due to 9/11----God Bless You and watch over your families.
You are not forgotten.

Lt. R. Stasiolli
NYC Dept. of Sanitation Police
2008-05-26

TODAY MICHAEL 5/14/08 YOU WERE OFFICIALLY GRANTED WORLD TRADE CENTER LINE OF DUTY DEATH. WE KNEW FROM DAY ONE THAT YOU WERE A HERO. YOU LEFT HOME ON 9-11. IT WAS YOUR DAY OFF AND AS SOON AS YOU HEARD YOU LEFT TO HELP ALL THOSE PEOPLE. I HOPE YOU ARE IN PEACE. YOU FOUGHT SO HARD AND I WAS SO PROUD OF YOU. I MISS YOU SO MUCH AS DO THE KIDS. YOU WOULD BE PROUD OF THEM TOO. ALWAYS ON MY MIND AND IN MY HEART...
EILEEN

EILEEN
SPOUSE
2008-05-14

My name is Lt.Salvatore Filannino. I'm a member of the Edison Police Dept.for the past 22yrs. This year I will be participating in the Police Unity Tour. The Police Unity Tour is a Bicycle ride from Liberty state Park NJ on May 9th to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC arriving on May 12th. This ride is to bring awarness of Officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice while protecting and serving. I have with great Honor and Pride to be riding for Sgt.Michael Ryan. Sgt.Ryan gave his life for helping others during the days and weeks following the tragic events of 9-11. In addition to riding in his honor I have a special bracelet that was made for him. I would like to present it to a family member or Brother Officer during Police week in DC at the candlelight Vigil on May 13th. I would like to speak with one of his brother Officer's to learn more about this Hero.

Lt.Salvatore Filannino
Edison Police Dept. Edison NJ
2008-04-24

Thank you for you Service and rest in peace P.O Ryan, yet another victim of the 9/11 Attacks. You were a Credit to the NYPD. Your selflessness will never be Forgotten!

Civilian
Toronto, Canada
2008-04-14

God bless you Mike. I miss you.

Det Martin Carrano
NYPD/ Friend and partner
2008-03-21

Thank you Sgt. Ryan for your selfless acts of heroism. You will not be forgotten. May God bless and watch over you.

Danielle
Police Officer's daughter
2008-02-13

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Sergeant Ryan as they grieve his untimely and tragic death. May he rest in peace in the loving arms of the One who created him and loves him for eternity. Sergeant Ryan, you will not be forgotten. Heroes live forever.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas EOW 11/5/2004
2008-01-22

When 9/11 struck the world, I was a rookie. I listened to the radio reports of those killed at the time. It was the first day that I understood what it meant to be a part of the brotherhood that is Policing.

It saddens me deeply to hear that we are still losing brave heros from that tragic day.

Prayers and thoughts sent for SGT RYAN, family, friends and colleagues of all those that suffered from that terrible day.

2008-01-17

"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
2008-01-02

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Sergeant Ryan. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Michael, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Michael's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Michael's life was about so much more than the way he died. Michael will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Sergeant Ryan, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been almost five years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)
2008-01-01

Sgt Ryan,

I spent time in the pit in those awful days. Don't know if we met while there...perhaps. I have cancer now as well. The stories I've read of how you carried on and fought through your circumstances inspire me. Helps challenge me to not wallow in my depression or my anger.

You'll never be forgotten. Rest now. When I get there first pint is on me.

Slan' go foill

DG
Colorado Springs Police Dept
2007-12-26

Rest in peace Brother Ryan.

ACK #91
Beavercreek PD, OH
2007-12-24

The highest of distinctions is service to others. -King George VI

Sergeant Ryan -- Your dedication to the good of your community will not be forgotten.

To all those touched by the loss of Sergeant Ryan -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Association
2007-12-24

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Sergeant Ryan as well as the brotherhood of the NYPD. May you rest in eternal peace sir!

Detective Mark Techmanski
City of Syracuse, NY Police Department
2007-12-22

God bless you and your family! I pray that your family makes it thourgh this troubling time.

Godspeed and Semper Fi Sgt Ryan

Sgt.
Portland PD
2007-12-21