Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thinking of your parents and your family on the fifth anniversary of your death. I left law enforcement two years ago; my husband's still in it, but in another state. We moved for a better life because it's too short to be unhappy somewhere just to make it to retirement. I miss it, but not too much. We have your "Final Inspection" poem in our office with all our other career stuff. You're not far from my thoughts.

K. McKenna
Former MCP (MD) Police Officer

April 28, 2008

You are truly missed this day and every day. God bless

Jodi

April 28, 2008

Remembering you and your sacrifice. RIP Brother!

Patrolman William Mays Jr #428
Youngstown State University Police Department

April 25, 2008

today really is just one of those days...not that we aren't always thinking and talking about you, some days just hit harder than others. just missing your laugh and all the smart ass things i know you would say...oh, the material you would have to work with! please keep a close eye these next weeks, i think everybody needs it.

molly

April 19, 2008

Michael Hartzell,
I just graduated with a degree in criminal justice and am preparing to become a law enforcement officer. I wanted to let Michael and his family and friends know that even though I never met Mr. Hartzell I remember that night clearly and I was a resident of Youngstown at the time and now I am proud to say I look at Michael as a brother lost way before this man's time was due. Thoughout my upcoming career, I will dedicate my performance and pride and commitment to one, Officer Michael Hartzell. God Bless him and his family and friends and as we approach the 5th anniversary of this death I just wanted to stop by and give an important reflection to a man who left us but will never forget us. Thank you.

Justin Latimer (Jay-J)
Criminal Justice Graduate

April 14, 2008

Thinking of you this month. It's hard to believe it's been five years. You are truly missed.

Karen & Ken

April 8, 2008

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

March 27, 2008

Thankyou for your service and sacrifice. You are a hero for us to look up too. You will never be forgotten.

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

March 26, 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

January 8, 2008

Still thinking of you and your family

Patrolman
LPD

December 8, 2007

Thinking about you and your family on Thanksgiving. YPD

November 22, 2007

We didn't forget your 31st birthday on 9/24. Just forgot to visit this site. We miss you.

Rob & Nicole

October 6, 2007

4 years ago i had the chance to meet all of officer hartzells famity at the court house and was invited to join them for food at a local pub, you guys are great people and he will always be remembered here at summit county. I am honored that i was able to help it means alot to me and it really touched my heart when mrs. hartzell gave me a hug. i think of you guys every time i drive to youngstown to see my cousin.330-713-0455

deputy f cocciolone
summit county sheriff's office

August 15, 2007

Your sacrifice has not been forgotten, even 4 years later. You were a true hero. May God bless your family and friends as they honor you by remembering your life of service.

Wife of a MCPD, Maryland Officer

April 29, 2007

Thinking of you today. May you always be at peace.

Karen & Ken

April 29, 2007

Can't believe it's been 4 years already. We miss you and will never forget you.

Rob & Nicole

April 29, 2007

On the anniversary of your passing we remember you Brother.....

Patrolman William Mays Jr. #428
Youngstown State University Police Department

April 29, 2007

Hi Mike-

Just saw the date and thought of you and your family... Although I never met you, I know your Mom. I know how much you meant to her and how proud of you she was (and still is). I just wanted to drop you a lint to let you know that I have not forgotten about you...I still have this memorial page with your picture in my desk at work and I can often be seen wearing the hat with your badge number on it. Please take care of your Mom (my little Angelica) during these next couple of weeks-I am sure she is going to need it. You will ALWAYS be a hero in my heart. God Bless!

OSP 1/2 Unit

April 25, 2007

Hi Mike-

Just saw the date and thought of you and your family... Although I never met you, I know your Mom. I know how much you meant to her and how proud of you she was (and still is). I just wanted to drop you a lint to let you know that I have not forgotten about you...I still have this memorial page with your picture in my desk at work and I can often be seen wearing the hat with your badge number on it. Please take care of your Mom (my little Angelica) during these next couple of weeks-I am sure she is going to need it. You will ALWAYS be a hero in my heart. God Bless!

OSP 1/2 Unit

April 25, 2007

Thinking of you this month and praying for your family. God bless.

Karen

April 10, 2007

Miss and thinking of you daily!
2/21/07

Jodi

February 21, 2007

Still thinking of you & missing you.

Samantha

February 3, 2007

"The Final Inspection"

The policeman stood and faced his 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 times 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 silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

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

Author Unknown


May you rest in peace.

Dispatcher
Mahoning County Communications

January 30, 2007

As I prepare for a hopeful future in the criminal justice system, I want to send my prayers and comfort out to Michael Hartzell, his family and friends and the Youngstown, Ohio police department. This is a very difficult and stressful job and everyone who represents Youngstown deserves the very best especially Michael Hartzell, god bless, and his family and friends.

Jay-J
Criminal justice student in Youngstown

November 1, 2006

Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom
and the power
and the glory forever.
Amen.

October 23, 2006