Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Milton I. Spell

Baltimore City Police Department, Maryland

End of Watch Thursday, August 15, 1974

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Milton I. Spell

God Bless you and your family and rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 15, 2020

He was my uncle. It has affected his family greatly. It was a great loss for our family. Rest in Peace Uncle. Grandma is looking forward to your day of meeting again.

Antoinette Spell
Neice

January 13, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Spell.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 17, 2019

Officer Spell,
On today, the 43rd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army in Vietnam. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 15, 2017

Alabama Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) is thinking of this fine officer this month. Hugs to his family.

Cindy Warren
Survivor Mom of Ofc David Curtis

August 3, 2015

The evening of August 15th, 1974, will be forever etched in my mind and soul due in part to what I witnessed on that evening. I observed a young police officer park (and subsequently exit), his patrol car at the corner of Montford Ave and East Federal Street on Baltimore's East Side.

As I walked slowly on the opposite side of the street (cradling the new born of a family friend), I further observed this very officer walking down Federal Street towards (North Bradford), when the loud screeching of car tires could be heard apparently caused by a vehicle that I noticed minutes before stopped at the corner.

It was undoubtedly this traffic violation that drew the attention of the officer whom I further observe approach the vehicle that by now had stopped within a few yards of the entrance to the Federal Lounge Tavern.

I witnessed the preceding events and heard the shots that ended the life of this Hero and Protector - Milton I Spell.

May God Forever Bless His Soul !

Sergeant (Retired)
Maryland State Police

August 1, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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.

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your grandson wrote such a beautiful reflection for you...you are definitely an inspiration to him and I hope he has fulfilled his dreams. The reflections from your family evidences once again that death ends a life, not a relationship.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 21, 2013

You are not forgotten, much like the POW/MIA's.

I grew up in the 70's and they were a very dangerous time for Police Officers in Baltimore. The wages paid to Police Officers back then were sinful and a disgrace.

However, real Police were drawn to the job as a calling. Without them this city would be much worse.

I thank you for your sacrafice and I hope that your family understands that you are missed by more than them.

P/O Richard L. Waybright II.
Baltimore City Police Department

August 15, 2011

Thank you for your dedication and service. Your family must have been so proud of you becoming an officer at such an early age. You must have been a born leader. Thank you for wanting to make your community a better and safer place for all. May your legacy live on through your family. May their hearts ache a little less over time and be filled with memories and stories of your life. May you keep watch over your family and law enforcement family from above. Many, many thanks to a true hero and good man.

Citizen
Washington

January 30, 2010

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Spell.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 18, 2008

RIP.You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

September 19, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Former Police Officer
District Heights Police Dept. (MD)

August 15, 2008

Grandfather,

I have so much to tell you, so much to say; I have so much to give you, so many hugs . . . Although we have never met, you have influenced me greatly. I am you, you are within my soul. The breath that you lost, is the air that fills my lungs. My grandfather, I am your first born's first born. Your second daughter's son and I look more and more like you as we grow. I have your eyebrows, your ears, and from this picture I even lean my head to the side when I take pictures, like you do. Here I am 33 years after you passed and I am looking at your picture, wishing I could see you in person. I don't even know what it is like to hear you say my name. I yearn to hear your laugh. I will never be able to sit down and recieve my grandfather's words of wisdom, but there is one thing that you have given me. You have given me a reason to be strong and hold my head up. Too many strong black men are dying in these streets over nothing. I am going to stay in school and earn my education, and some day I am going to let the world know that Milton Spell's grandson is a fighter. I know that I do not bear your last name, but I will carry on your legacy. Grandfather, I am so good at music you would be proud of me. Grandma has told me so much about your musical talent. I wish I could play the violin and the piano like you did. I write music granddad, and I'm good at it. One day I hope to recreate some of your music. That is an ultimate goal of mine. If I could accomplish that I feel as though, I will have made you proud. I just wanted to take some time and talk to you granddad. You may be a fallen hero but you are definitely not a forgotten hero. You are my hero, my inspiration, and my heart beat. My heart beats to the rythm of your footsteps as you walk through the pearly gates of heaven with your head held high and not a tear in your eye. Your family is here and we will always remember the great man you were and you will always be. Rest in Peace.

Your Grandson,
J. Jackson

J, Jackson
Grandson

December 8, 2007

"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

November 7, 2007

My loving father, I thank God for you giving me life. A life in which your physical presence is greatly missed. Through Tanya and I, we will always remind your grandchildren of your ultimate sacrifice.
Your daughter,
Michelle

Michelle V. Spell

January 17, 2006

My loving husband your presence is greatly missed. The wonderful times we shared out weigh the tremendous absence I feel living without you. I will always love you and hold you deeply embedded in my heart.

Mrs. Carrol Spell

January 17, 2006

We ask Thy blessings and eternal rest to all our brothers and sisters
Who have sacrificed their very lives in the performance of
their duties. Give their loved ones the peace and
Strength to bear the anguish of their loss. Remove all
resentment from their hearts, knowing that eternal
peace and rest will abide their departed loved ones
forever. This we beg, Thy name forever and ever,
Amen.

Ret. Officer William Hackley
Baltimore Police

November 21, 2005

My name is Tanya Spell. I am the youngest daughter of Milton Spell. He also left behind a wife named Carrol and an older daughter named Michelle. Although it has been 31 years since my father has been gone, his memory still lives on.

Tanya Spell

August 22, 2005

ONE MOMENT

In the whisper of the wind,
I felt God embrace me.
As the voice of a loved one,
I heard God speak to me
Looking in a mirror
I saw God smile at me.
One moment and I knew
That God and I were one.

BeeQue

February 26, 2005

you are not forgotten. you are remembered with honor. God Bless You and those you left behind.

auxiliary chief of police
rock island police department, il

October 23, 2003

Although I do not know how you died, I'm sure you did so with dignity and bravery. You can now rest in peace.

Ofc. Culver
HHPD

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.