Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Michael T. Anaya

San Diego Police Department, California

End of Watch Wednesday, April 11, 1979

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Patrolman Michael T. Anaya

Rest in peace.

J.R.

May 31, 2022

Thank you for your service and please know that your heroic sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

April 11, 2021

A real "Hero" taken.
You helped make this world a safer place to live.
May God grant you eternal peace.
Prayers to your loved ones and to your department.

Det. Billy Russo (Ret.)
Nassau County PD, NY

February 5, 2020

It’s been more than 40 years, but Mike Anaya is still brought up when we reminisce about our high school, college and softball playing days. A great baseball player from National City, Mike played, starred and graduated from SUHI and SDSU. Mike joined our Kaibigan softball team at the urging of his good friend and SUHI baseball teammate, Benmar Felizardo. You would think that a near-MLB level player would not be interested in playing slow-pitch softball, however, Mike was an awesome softball teammate that helped teach, coach, motivate, inspire, encourage and support Kaibigan. Like Benmar, he loved playing baseball/softball and enjoyed just being on the field and having a good time with friends, while still showing his all-around baseball/softball skills and competitive spirit. Mike was just a great guy; an intelligent and loving man. He was always a respectful, kind, humorous, fun-loving and courteous gentleman.

Mike would always chatter on the field and in the dugout. His most memorable line (after a bad or missed call) was “hey ump, if you had another eye, you would be a cyclops!”. Mike, you are and will always be remembered.

Benmar passed away a year ago. I’m sure Mike and Benmar are playing ball and hanging out on a baseball field together again. And Danny Cabrera is probably playing on His softball team too. RIP Mike, Danny and Benmar. Teammates on the field and friends in life everlasting. We miss you guys!

Johnny
Friend and Teammate

May 3, 2019

Rest in peace Patrolman Anaya.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 10, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Your sacrifice and service is not forgotten.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

April 11, 2018

Rest in Peace Officer Anaya. You will never be forgotten!!

"Blue Lives Matter"

Steve Van Slyke, retired K9 Officer
El Cajon Police Department

April 11, 2017

I responded to this heartrending call in East San Diego that day. The Medevac EMS system was in it's first 3-months of service and we found Officer Anaya on the front lawn of the residence with a terrible gunshot wound to his neck.

We did everything in our power to save this fine police officer, and I will never forget shaking hands with his young wife at the funeral, which proudly drew law enforcement; fire & EMS staff from all over the country.

Michael Anaya is not the only officer I have treated in the line of duty. But he was the first, and I will never, ever forget his sacrifice.

Paramedic Supervisor Patrick McDonald
Medevac, Inc

July 29, 2016

Mike and I shared the same desk while in the SDPD 90th Academy class. He always had a smile on his face and was well liked by all. I think about him often and miss him always. RIP Mike!

Former Patrolman Lynn Alps #2421
San Diego PD Friend Forever

January 31, 2014

MIKE'S WAS THE FIRST POLICE FUNERAL FOR ME, WHILE IN THE SDPD ACADEMY. I WILL NEVER FORGET, THE SADNESS OF HIS DEATH WAS JUST THE BEGINNING OF MY POLICE DEATHS INVOLVEMENT. RIP. FORMER SDPD OFFICER # 2585 AND CHP OFFICER #9878.

MOTORCYCLE OFFICER ANTHONY ( CHILECHOKER ) HERRERA # 9878 CHP A FOREVER FRIEND.

January 21, 2014

Rest in peace Michael, you are not forgotten.

Officer D. L. Shrewsbury
Parker Police Dept. and friend of Mike

October 23, 2012

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Anaya. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 22, 2012

I got to know Mike during his all too brief SDPD career as a member of the department's softball team. He was an exceptional ballplayer and the team was excited to have him join us. He is a prime example of how life (and death) is not fair.

RIP Mike.

DA Investigator Skip Stephenson
San Diego DA's Office (SDPD Retired)

February 22, 2011

Officer Anaya - your sacrafice has not been forgotten. I was a 20 year old recruit from Northern CA and was on a ride-along the day you passed. I recall vividly the pall over the department as I visited the dispatch center. Although your tenure was short, you made an impact on those you served.

RIP

Anonymous

October 28, 2010

God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain; but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way.


Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of US Marshal

August 23, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 12, 2009

God Bless you Mike. I'm sorry that we never got to meet up at Northern Division on my squad which was going to be your next assignment. You gave your all brother and I respect you for that. I wish things could have turned out differently.
Tom Lahart

Tom Lahart
San Diego Sheriff Dept - Retired

October 21, 2008

"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

September 20, 2007

Mike,

Our academy class was a great one and now that I'm retired, I think back on all the things I've been through. You got killed going to my radio call so I'll also ask why?

We still do a baseball tournament in your honor so I hope you're leading the baseball team in heaven.

Charlie

Charlie Hogquist, Lieutenant
SDPD retired/ SDCCD PD

March 12, 2007

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. REST IN PEACE BROTHER, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!!!!!!

SGT. DANIEL ABRAHAMSON
OSCEOLA COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

December 13, 2005

Rest in Peace Blue Angel...you will never be forgotten


CPD

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.