Trooper Michael K. McCarter Illinois State Police Illinois Saturday, April 7, 1979  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

God bless you Trooper, and the family you left behind.

Trooper
Michigan State Police
2008-11-26

I FIRST MET YOU WHEN I WAS 12 I ALREADY FELT THAT I KNEW YOU MY FATHER TALKED ABOUT YOU OFFTEN YOU WERE SPECIAL TO HIM MY DAD IS IN HEVEN 20 YEARS NOW I REMEMBER GETTING THE CALL FROM MY MOM I THEN WAS MARRIED AND LIVED IN MN. MOVING BACK TO FL. IN 1979 MY DAD TALKED OF YOU OFTEN AND SHOWED ME MANY PICTURES 1 OF HIM HOLDING YOU AS A CHILD AND I HAVE READ ALL THE LETTERS YOU SENT HIM WHILE YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE.THROUGH MY DAD I REMEMBER YOU OFTEN. THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY AND FOR THE LOVE YOU GAVE YOUR PARENTS AND YOUR WIFE. YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT FATHER AND IM SURE YOU ARE WATCHING OVER YOUR FAMILY AS MY FATHER (MACK) JOHN IS WATCHING OVER ME. YOURSHORT TIME ON EARTH TOUCHED MANY AND YUR DEPARTURE AND THE REASON WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
VICTORIA McCARTER-VILLANUEVA
CLEWISTON, FL.

VICTORIA McCARTER-VILLANUEVA
1 ST COUSION DAUGHTER OF JOHN McCARTER
2008-08-03

This reflection is for the McCarter family. I started my career in law enforcement late in life (35) but I knew I wanted to be a police officer since I was a kid. I know the day I realized I wanted to be a cop was 04/07/1979. I lived in Paxton at the time (8 yrs old) of the incident.I remember all of the stories of what happened and vividly remember the aftermath and the feeling of the community. As a community we were extremely scared, but because of the efforts and sacrifices of all involved, the last individual was caught and we were able to feel safe again. The emotions we felt for you and your family and all the police officers were simply respect, pride and gratitude.
I come to this site often just to re-read the incident. It honestly makes me a better police officer. I know there is nothing that can ever take away the feeling of losing a family member, but I wanted to tell you Trooper Michael McCarter and Officer William O Caisse are still making a difference today.

Thank you.

Deputy Strickland
Carver County Sheriff, MN
2008-06-06

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH
2008-04-07

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on this day. Continue to keep watch over all of them and those still out on patrol. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
2008-04-07

Trooper McCarter

I am a Paxton Police Officer and have been on the job here for almost three years. I would like you and your family to know that you are still honored by the Paxton Police Dept. along with Patrolman Caisse. Every person or fellow officer that walks through our police department door see's your names on our walls. Thank you for your service. You are a true hero. RIP

Inv. Douglas Balk #35

Inv. Douglas Balk
Paxton Police Dept.
2008-02-10

I attended the re-trial of Trpr. McCarters murderer in Kankakee in 1985. My uncle was with ISP and worked security at that trial. Trpr. McCarter, thanks for your service. I think of you and your family often, even though I never met you. God Bless.

Detective Matthew F. Devine
Lafayette, Indiana Police Dept.
2008-01-02

My father the hero. God bless those who keep his memory alive. Dad, we miss you every day. Please know that mom and I are ok, your granddaugthers miss you terribly, and we rest easy knowing we will see you again when the time comes. Make sure you tell Mack hello, as I am sure he is with you in heaven. You are not and will never be forgotten. All I can do is remember, and make each day a tribute to you and your memory. Even though you are gone, I know you are always with me. I pray that I can be half the father you didn't get to be. I love you and miss you more than words can say. Please continue to watch over us as you have for so many years. We love you and miss you so much. To all who read this, I beg you to not forget this man's memory and legacy. He died protecting the community and his family. The world needs more heroes like my father. God bless him and his memory.

Patrick McCarter
Son
2007-12-20

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
2007-10-17

When we worked together out of District 2, I remember the days we worked I 55 together and the dedication you displayed to your calling, you displayed courage and strength to me, rest in peace brother, your friend always,
The Deacon-Don DeDiemar

Officer Donald J. DeDIEMAR
Department Of Veterans Affairs
2007-06-09

Mike was my FTO in June of 1974. His wife Mary Pat adopted my wife and I. I will always remember Mike!
God Bless.
Vic Morris

M/Sgt. Victor B. Morris (retired)
Ill. State Police
2006-03-22

Trooper McCarter, when I entered the PTI an instructor who was a Paxton Police Officer at the time of your death related your story to our class. Your courage and sacrifice were given as the example of what a police officer may be called upon to do and the price we might pay to perform our duty. I have remembered your story as have countless others who have heard it. Rest easy and know that your death was not in vain and you will never be forgotten.

2005-12-11

Your scarifice will not be forgotten. God Bless.

Police Officer
Chicago Police Dept.
2004-09-09

Today marks the twenty-fifth anniversary, you have not be forgotten

Anonymous

2004-04-07

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

Trooper McCarter, you are remembered on this date of your death. You will always be remembered.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti Ingle (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)
2004-04-07

Rest in peace Brother Michael, you will not be forgotten.


Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham
Sand Springs PD OK

Mike visited the Glendale Heights PD and was very close with a majority of the officers. I always considered Michael a professional police officer and dedicated family man.
Michael left the Chicago area to an assignment in the Paxton area about the same time I left the Chicago area to become a Chief of Police in Wisconsin.
Michael you will always be remembered.

Chief George Mayerhofer
Mount Horeb, Wi