Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We are truly saddened at Tony's loss.
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We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
Your comrades now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.
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Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!

Ptlm. P.K. Harding
Binghamton (NY) P.D.

June 10, 2004

I knew Mike for at least 10 years or more when he worked for the Northeast Police Dept. I remember him stopping at the firehouse in one of the boroughs he patrolled during a parade and wished me luck when he heard that I enrolled into the Police Academy. After I became a sworn officer, I was put on the street with very little experience and a small amount of training under my belt. I can still hear him giving me sound advice and letting me know that if I ever needed anything not to be afraid to come see him. That was over 3 years ago. I learned alot since then, but if it wasn't for a part of Mike in my life and carrer as a Police Oficer, I would not be the officer I am today. I will never forget and you will always be in my memories for that they can never take that away from me. You will be forever missed.
Never say goodbye but to say we shall meet again.
Ptl. J.F. Altieri

Ptl. James F. Altieri
Troy Police Department

June 6, 2004

To the Van Kuren Family,

I first met Mike in 1996. I was shot in a hunting accident on Mercker Hill in Standing Stone Twp. just outside of Wysox. Mike was a great help to me and my family during a trying time. I'm glad I thanked him for his understanding and caring through out the investigation. It was as if we worked together on the same department. I'm sorry for your loss and pray you are all doing well. We lost a fellow brother last year (Arthur Ohlsen III). I just happened to look through the line of duty 2004 and I saw Mike. Words can not explain how I feel about Mike. My family was blessed to know him in that short period of time. God Bless you all.

PO Anthony W. Smith
Dover Police Dept. Dover, NJ

June 1, 2004

To David's family, I can only hope you have found the love and support that my family has experienced this past yr from not only people you know but from those who share your pain. I had no idea the number of lives touched by such an event, both near and far, nor the breadth of the "family" we now consider our own. Know that you have our thoughts and prayers with you now and forever, for you, as with David, will always be remembered.
Father, Off. R.E. Cappelletty, E.O.W. 05-28-03

Richard Cappelletty, father

May 31, 2004

Mike was like a brother to me. Thank you to all who posted a reflection.

Thanks.

T/Sgt. Todd Hathaway
NY State Police

May 30, 2004

That day was the worst day in my almost 11 years at Bradford County 911. It still doesn't seem possible. Every time validations come in or a warrant to get put in the system, my heart just aches. I miss calling the Sheriff Department to ask him about something on a warrant and hearing "What do you want?" and me saying "To bug the living **** out of you!". There will always be that empty spot and while they say it does get easier with time, I find it hard to believe. You'll always be in our hearts Mike!

Susan Beach, Dispatcher 1 & TAC Officer
Bradford County 911

April 29, 2004

Please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Thank you Deputy Van Kuren for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

Anonymous

April 20, 2004

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Michael did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Michael be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Deputy Van Kuren's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Michael is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Michael was well respected and well loved.

Thank you for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Deputy Sheriff Dennis McElderry's fiancee - EOW (01/03/03)

April 19, 2004

From the members of the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office to the Family, Friends and coworkers of Deputy Michael Van Kuren we would like to extend our deepest sympathy. We all felt your loss that day. Deputy Van Kuren will not be forgotten.

Cayuga County Sheriff's Office NY

April 16, 2004

On behalf of the Pittsfield Police Dept., we offer our condolences to the family and friends of Dpty. Van Kuren. God Bless.

Officer Rodney Minoty
Pittsfield Police Dept. ME

April 15, 2004

To the Michael Van Kuren family, friends, and the Bradford County Sheriff's Department. You have lost a beautiful soul, but heaven has one more shining star. Our thoughts and prays are with you all. Thanks Deputy Michael Van Kuren for all you have done for your brothers and sisters; rest in peace.

Patrol Officer
Prince George's County, Maryland

April 13, 2004

Mike may you rest in peace old friend.

Cpl.D.McDonald (ret)
Canton PD

April 11, 2004

As you walked your beat here on earth, and now from above - you protected all of us. We will keep you and your family in our prayers and we will remember you on May 15th. and the rest of the time. BE SAFE UP THERE.

Chief Frank L Baranyai
Cochranton Police - Pa

April 9, 2004

my heart and prayers go out to the kuren family,friends,and co-workers there just are not words to ease the heart ache that you feel now .hold on to the Lord for he will be your comforter in this time of your loss God Bless You officer Kuren thank you for your dedication and ultimate sacrifice
rest in peace for your work here is done another worrior in Heaven


(sister) of Deputy Constable John David Garcia

April 6, 2004

Dep. Van Kuren,

You truly are hero. Your brothers in blue could only hope to be as brave as you. Myprayers are withyou and your family and all the members of the Bradford County Sheriff's Department. RIP.

Ofc. BM Dmaon
T/ Manlius PD, NY

April 6, 2004

To the family of Officer Van Kuren, God Bless you and keep you in this time of sorrow. I have served with this fine Officer and will miss him also.

1SG Vernon Perry III MP
362nd MP Det (L&O)

April 6, 2004

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Deputy Sheriff Michael Van Kuren… and the Bradford County Sheriff's Department… our hearts and prayers are with you all...... Thank you for a job well done Michael... rest in peace as you continue your watch from the heavens......your memory will never be forgotten...

God Bless....Be Safe..... and wear your vests...

Vin, Pook and all of us at beyond-the-blue

Vin and Pook- Site Owners
beyond-the-blue

April 5, 2004

Thanks for loving humankind as you did. You are missed. Thanks

police officer
Minnesota Department

April 5, 2004

TO: The family;loved ones;friends and department members; A POLICE OFFICER'S PRAYER: O, gentle Lord! Keep the day / night watch with me.As I begin my tour of duty, I ask your protection from all mental,physical and spiritual harm. Sustain me with the knowledge that I am doing your work ,endeavoring to keep peace among your people. Help me to be just as I enforce the law without prejudice or favor to anyone. May I be courageous but not reckless in carrying out my duties. Let me respond to all calls with haste realizing that so many are dependent on me for life and safety. Support me with your consoling power when I am tempted to think no one really cares and that I am taken for granted. Sustain in me the conviction that so many thousands do care and are grateful for my presence.Grant that I may be loyal to my partner and my fellow officers, and that I may back them up effectively when called upon for assistance. Lord,I ask that I may return safely ,after my tour of duty,to my loved ones and those who love me.I pray that I may be a good and honroable police officer;and that after my tour of duty is over here on earth,may I enjoy the peace and happiness of heaven that you have promised to those that serve you well. AMEN *** REST IN PEACE*** Sent to you by the father of Officer First Class J.D.Koeppen,Capital City Raleigh NC and Trooper D.C.Koeppen NJ State Police

Chief (retired) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

April 5, 2004

A Brother Warrior has fell and died today in battle.

This Brother Warrior has made the ultimate sacrifice.

He has given his life for his Fellow Warriors, his family and friends too.

Brother Warrior, pass your sword to us, so we can keep your spirit alive.

You, my Brother Warrior will not be forgotten.

God Bless you, your family and your friends.

We honor and respect all of the Fallen Warriors who have gone before us.

We ask you, Brother Warriors to guide us, protect us and pray for us.

We will meet again my Brother Warriors.

For this time not to fight another battle, but to live in eternal peace.

God bless all of the Warriors, past, present and future.

Sgt. Chad McDaniel
Seminole County Sheriff's Office (FL)

April 5, 2004

We thank you my Brother for your sacrifice and dedication to duty above and beyond the call. We are proud to call you a Brother of the Thin Blue Line. Rest in Peace and in the knowledge your loved ones will never be alone. We are but a phone call away.

Bob Johnson, Chaplain
Blue Knights VA-VI

Bob Johnson U.S. Marshal's (Ret'd.)
Blue Knights International Police

April 5, 2004

Micheal, I was born in Bradford County PA and lived their in the beginning of my life before my family moved. I still have family there. I found out today that you and I where related distantly. I made attempts to travel for your funeral however as you knew police work is demanding and time off is not always possible. I regret that we never met, and never had the opportunity to talk shop. But I will continue to keep your memory alive, and continue the fight. "Rest In Peace Brother.....We have the watch now" "Blessed are the peace keepers, for they shall be the children of God"

Master Patrol Officer
Clemson City Police Dept

April 4, 2004

Deputy Van Kuren,
Thank you for protecting the community which you served. Your efforts did not go unnoticed. You died a hero and you always will be a hero. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

To the friends and family,
Michael was a hero and will forever be remember by his law enforcment family. My prayers are with you. may God bless you and help ease your sorrow.

Deputy P. Abdoo
Macomb County Sheriff Office

April 4, 2004

REST EASY SIR FOR YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!!!!

A PART OF AMERICA DIED

SOMEBODY KILLED A POLICEMAN TODAY,
AND A PART OF AMERICA DIED.
A PIECE OF OUR COUNTRY HE SWORE TO PROTECT WILL BE BURIED
WITH HIM AT HIS SIDE.
THE SUSPECT WHO KILLED HIM WILL STAND UP IN COURT, WITH HIS
COUNSEL DEMANDING HIS RIGHTS, WHILE A WIDOWED MOTHER MUST
WORK FOR HER KIDS AND SPEND ALONE MANY LONG NIGHTS.
THE BEAT THAT HE WORKED WAS A BATTLEFIELD, TOO.
JUST AS IF HE’ED GONE OFF TO WAR. THOUGH THE FLAG OF OUR
NATION WON’T FLY AT HALF MAST, TO HIS NAME THEY WILL ADD A GOLD
STAR. YES, SOMEBODY KILLED A POLICEMAN TODAY, IT HAPPENED IN
YOUR TOWN OR MINE. WHILE WE SLEPT IN A COMFORT BEHIND OUR
LOCKED DOORS.
A COP PUT HIS LIFE ON THE LINE. NOW HIS GHOST WALKS THE BEAT ON
A DARK CITY STREET, AND HE STAND AT EACH NEW ROOKIE’S SIDE, HE
ANSWERED THE CALL AND GAVE US HIS ALL, AND A PART OF AMERICA
DIED.

POEM FOR ALL LEO’S KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY!

ANONYMOUS AUTHOR

Tonya Stephenson
Delaware County Private Citizen, PA

April 4, 2004

I am saddened to learn of more law enforcement deaths. I hate knowing we live in such a cruel world. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Deputy Van Kuren.

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.

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 (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 4, 2004