Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Denise, I think about you & Kendall every day.

Daddy's Poem
Her hair was up in a pony tail,
Her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school,
And she couldn't wait to go.
But her mommy tried to tell her,
That she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand,
If she went to school alone
But she was not afraid;
She knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
Of why he wasn't there today.
But still her mother worried,
For her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,
She tried to keep her daughter home.
But the little girl went to school
Eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees
A dad who never calls.
There were daddies along the wall in back,
For everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
Anxious in their seats.
One by one the teacher called
A student from the class.
To introduce their daddy,
As seconds slowly passed.
At last the teacher called her name,
Every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching,
For a man who wasn't there.
'Where's her daddy at?'
She heard a boy call out.
'She probably doesn't have one,'
Another student dared to shout.
And from somewhere near the back,
She heard a daddy say,
'Looks like another deadbeat dad,
Too busy was he today.'
The words did not offend her,
As she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher,
Who told her to go on.
And with hands behind her back,
Slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
Came words incredibly unique.
'My Daddy couldn't be here,
Because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be,
Since this is such a special day.
And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy,
And how much he loves me so.
He loved to tell me stories
He taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses,
And taught me to fly a kite.
We used to share fudge sundaes,
And ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him.
I'm not standing here alone.
'Cause my daddy's always with me,
Even though we are apart
I know because he told me,
He'll forever be in my heart'.
With that, her little hand reached up,
And lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat,
Beneath her favorite dress.
And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads,
Her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter,
Who was wise beyond her years.
For she stood up for the love
Of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her,
Doing what was right.
And when she dropped her hand back down,
Staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft,
But its message clear and loud.
'I love my daddy very much,
he's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here,
But heaven's just too far.
You see he was a policeman
And died just this past year
When airplanes hit the towers
And taught Americans to fear.
But sometimes when I close my eyes,
it's like he never went away.'
And then she closed her eyes,
And saw him there that day.
And to her mothers amazement,
She witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children,
All starting to close their eyes.
Who knows what they saw before them,
who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
they saw him at her side.
'I know you're with me Daddy,'
to the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers,
of those once filled with doubt.
Not one in that room could explain it,
for each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.
And a child was blessed, if only for a moment,
by the love of her shining star.
And given the gift of believing,
that heaven is never too far.

March 8, 2008

When i talk with your mother, she is very proud of what you did. i am very proud. Even though i never had the chance to meet you. every word your mother says to me about you and the ultimate sacrifice puts me in aw everytime i hear her speak.....


Rest in Peace....


Dan Verna

Vol. FF/EMT

Dan Verna Vol. FF/EMT
Relative through marriage

March 4, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day, Hon. I know you always referred to it as a "Hallmark holiday" but I always tried to explain to you that it was just a special day to let each other know that we loved each other. You always responded, "I tell you every day that I love you." I could never argue with that. I did always know that you loved me on any given day but you never failed to come through on Valentine's Day either. Thank you. Love you.

Denise L. Wise
Widow, Michael H. Wise, II EOW 6/5/04

February 13, 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 24, 2008

Well Hon, I may be learning to ride the Fatboy sooner rather than later. Rob contacted me a few days ago asking if I could buy it back from him. I'm excited and scared at the same time but I need some more riding time on my smaller bike before I can graduate to the Fatboy. My goal is to ride it (as the operator, not the passenger) in the Ride for Wise 2009. For this year I'll just ride the Sportster. I know you didn't want me to ride a motorcycle and that you worried about me but I think you'd be proud of me. It's great for relaxation and I really do enjoy it.

Kendall just came into the room and wants me to tell you that she loves you. She talks about you a lot. I really wonder how much she really remembers. Maybe nothing. I will be sure, though, that she never forgets what a great daddy you were and that she was your world.

Love you. Miss you.

Denise and Kendall

Denise L. Wise
Widow, Michael H. Wise, II EOW 6/5/04

January 17, 2008

Hello officer Mike,

Well I cried for you the other day! It's been awhile!
I am this years Myerstown Jaycee President. Well the PA State President for the Jaycees and her "Friend" are doing a first partners program. And this years will be all for the officers that have lost their lives on duty. Money will be raised from the battle of the badges , and some texas hold-em's wiill be played. It was just so touching to see your name! These people have NO idea what a great man you were! They have no idea what a great husband and father you were! And they are going to take an entire year to raise money for a VERY worthy cause!
I am just sad that I know what all these things are. The wall the museum all of it. I would never have known any of these things if this tradgedy would not have happend!
But is all worth it and I am happy and proud to do my part!

Denise and Kendall are good we still talk about you all the time! And we don't cry as much anymore, we laugh!!! Happy times!
Be at peace!
xoxoxox
Marsha

Marsha
Friend/neighbor

January 15, 2008

Just wanted to say hi and thinking of you. I know you are watching all of us down here and that makes me feel a little better. I can't help but think of you a lot even more now since my daughter was born. I sometimes ponder if this job is worth it since I have a family now.......

Co-worker
RPD

December 31, 2007

Denise,

You are never far from my thoughts. Tonight as I browse your husband's reflections I can almost feel your frustration and sadness as I read your words. A tear came to my eye when you wrote that you are being the best mommy you can be, but you just cant be Kendalls Daddy. Oh how that struck a cord in me. I have found that this horrific ordeal, this loss, somehow gives Mommy's the power of two. I am certain that you are doing everything right and that Kendall will grow to be a phenominal young lady and a strong courageous woman. I hope that you are able to be proud of yourself. I have watched my friend face the very same difficult questions and heartwrenching quotes from her daughter. On one hand, it breaks her heart. On the other, it brings her some sort of strength. I am so very sorry that you have to endure this pain, but you are not alone. I can promise you that when your friends and family tell you to call "anytime" they mean it. Thats what "police family" is really all about.

Take Care,

Kathy
911 Dispatcher

Friend of Mark Sawyers EOW 6-5-04
Sterling Heights PD, Michigan

December 30, 2007

I saw Ben Klingston at the mall today and thought of you. He thought he was pretty cool with his electronic device up to his ear--he looked very important. :) I got a chuckle.

Kendall got a mountain of toys, games, clothes and other stuff for Christmas. Now we're trying to figure out where it all goes. We spent Christmas day at Julie's and it was very nice. Lilly is a riot. Evelyn is adorable and sweet. Kendall likes being the big girl.

We miss you and wish you were here. In a few more days it will be 2008 and the beginning of another year without you.

Denise L. Wise
Widow, Michael H. Wise, II EOW 6/5/04

December 28, 2007

THINKING OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY THIS CHRISTMAS. DENISE, YOUR DOING A GREAT JOB WITH KENDALL, I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU GUYS. KEEP STRONG AND TRY TO ENJOY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. LOVE YOU GUYS!

VERONICA JENKINS

December 27, 2007

Mike,
I knew and worked with your father. When he spoke of you, one could see the admiration and sense of pride that he felt for you. My agency has felt the loss of two since I have started my career. I know that you are in good company and in peace. My heart goes out to you and your family during this holiday season.

Denise,
I lost my father several years ago to Cancer. I know that nothing I could say will even begin to help heal the loss you have suffered, but know that you will always be apart of a greater family and there are those that still do care.

God Bless

PO3 Chindblom
Montgomery County Police, MD

December 20, 2007

We attended the Kops for KOPS hockey game yesterday in Hershey. Thank goodness there were only two new law enforcement families going through hell in Pennsylvania this year. It's still too many. My heart goes out to them. As a tradition, Amazing Grace was played with bagpipes. God, I can't stand the sound of bagpipes, especially when they are playing Amazing Grace. It takes me right back to your funeral. Your FUNERAL! I still can't believe that you died and we had to put your body in the ground. When I go to your grave it takes all I have to keep myself from thinking about what is buried there. I know you're not in your body but it's very disturbing. We hold on to the tangible and your body was what we saw every day while you were here. I know you're in a better place and that you are content and happy. We just miss you and I don't know if that will ever go away.

We woke up to an ice-covered yard this morning and the Daddy tree was leaning over. Kendall was very upset. It's not broken, thankfully, but I told her that we could get another one if something bad happens to it. She's been asking me a lot of questions about you again lately. She asked me if I'm still married to you. I hate having to explain things like that to her. Also, when we were sitting in a restaurant the other day, she said "I don't have anyone to call Daddy" then she started crying. Good God that broke my heart. She's too young to even know about death and loss. The only things she should be worrying about are what color dress to put on her Barbie and how many bracelets and necklaces she should wear today. I'm being the best mom I can but no matter what I do I can't be her daddy.

Love you, miss you.
Me

Denise L. Wise
Widow, Michael H. Wise, II EOW 6/5/04

December 16, 2007

Mike,

It's the holiday season and you should be here with your family. You are never far from my thoughts and I wanted to let you and your family know that you are not and never will be forgotten.

Denise,

I wish you all the strength in the world as you continue to raise your daughter. I hope your holidays are filled with peace and joy. God Bless

Co-worker
Reading PD

November 27, 2007

Just thinking of you and staring at your picture. You look so serious in your police uniform photos. I have so many goofy pictures of you that showed a completely different side of you. I miss that funny, crazy guy who made me laugh in spite of myself. I truly believe that I'm a better person for having known you and definitely for being married to you. You were always the calm one who never over-reacted or got flustered by anything.

Thanks for being you.

xoxo
Love you, Miss you.
Me

Denise L. Wise
Widow, Michael H. Wise, II EOW 6/5/04

November 9, 2007

Hello Officer Mike,

Man do I miss saying that. It made you blush! I have been thinking about Denise and Kendall alot lately which brings me here to you. I am so use to seeing them Everyday. Now I get to see them on Thurdays at the Market! But we have a great time! I gave Kendall Chocolate Chocolate triple Chocolate cake the other morning for breakfast. She loved it and we had fun.... Of course mommy did not find it fun.. HE HE HEEEE Kendall and I did. I told Kendall that can not be an Every Thursday thing. But we do need to do it at least once in awhile..
Denise is the best Mom and you would be so proud of her! ANd your daughter is so special but I am sure you don't need me to tell you all of this.
Shelle and Mike Blecker had a baby girl Yesterday.. SHe is soooo cute.
I was just having a rough week and wanted to stop by here to put things into perspective. Rods Mom and Dad are here from SD so you can imagine.
I love and miss you very much!
Don't worry as long as I am around Denise and Kendall will continue to have fun and Eat triple Chocolate cake for breakfast!! I will always always watch over both of them no matter what! I got your back for you!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Marsha

Marsha
Friend and neighbor

November 7, 2007

hello Mr. Wise,
I dont belive we have ever met, but I am the daughter of one of your fellow police officers. My father has always spoke proudly of you and I wish I would have had the honor of meeting you.
R.I.P.
-Angie

Angela Kalin

November 5, 2007

Denise,

I wish you and your daughter the very best for the future, I cannot begin to imagine the pain you both have. One can only hope that it eases with time.

Michael - Rest in Peace mate.

Sergeant
Western Australia Police

October 29, 2007

Well Hon, tomorrow we would have been married 11 years. Wow. Who knew you wouldn't even live to see our 8th anniversary? We will not grow old together. I still can't believe it sometimes. I always considered myself lucky to have you and was glad to know that you were the person I'd spend my life with. It was all ripped away in an instant and it just blows me away. You're not here. You're not coming back. Please know that I would not have traded our life or our marriage for anything--even if I knew you were going to die.

I love you and miss you. Happy anniversary.

Denise L. Wise
Widow, Michael H. Wise, II EOW 6/5/04

October 18, 2007

Mike,

Sorry it's been so long so I've left a note. I wanted to let you know that the Wise family represented at the Run. We filled a lot of the positions at the back of the pack but besides a few people that took some "shortcuts", we made it through. Hats off to the:
Wises - Your lovely wife Denise and your beautiful daughter Kendall (a chip off the old block)
Reigles - Bill, Jen, Matt, Mitch and Aunt Linda
Keims - Aunt Sue and Uncle Gerry
Wises - Uncle Bob, Amy
Harters - Aunt Sal for competing. Also, to your Mom and Dad, your sister Julie, your brother-in-law Matt and beautiful nieces, Lilly and Evelyn as well as Aunt Beth for their support during this event. While I did make it to the finish, I learned that wings, meatball sandwiches and beer are not exactly the foods to eat the day before running/walking a 5K. I tried to look at it as carbo loading but it turned out to be more of an indigestion nightmare. Thank goodness for Pepto! It was a beautiful day but at the same time one more reminder that you are not here to share it with your family. So many get togethers have come and gone in the last 3 years and 4 months without you. While we still find time to laugh, there is always a piece missing without you to add your unique sense of humor. While we were eating lunch after the race, your dad was talking about some blinking Yuengling Lager buttons that he has for the doggie roast. Denise brought up the time that you and I had blinking Zima buttons and proceeded to tell some girls in the bar that we were Zima reps. I had totally forgotten about that but it brought back another good memory to add to the list. Thanks for all those good memories. I love you and miss you.

Chris
Cousin

October 17, 2007

Mike,
There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you and all that you brought to this world. The laughter and times that we shared are forever Dude.
The pictures of Kendall on the bus are priceless. Love to you Denise and little one.
Peace
Matt

Matt Wentzel
Pittsburgh EMS and Life

September 26, 2007

Daddy,

I love you.

I'm concentrating on my learning and learning is fun.

Love, Kendall

Kendall Wise
Daughter, Michael H. Wise, II EOW 6/5/04

September 26, 2007

Mike, Its been a while since I have been here but wanted to drop by and say hello to an academy brother. I never stop thinking about you and your family.. GOD BLESS

Dale
BTPD

September 25, 2007

Hi Hon.

Kendall is doing really well in Kindergarten. She LOVES it. I only wish she started in the morning. Starting in the afternoon leaves her too much time to change outfits and hair accessories. It drives me absolutely batty some days. I thought that behavior was only supposed to start in her teen years!

She's also playing soccer. She gets mad when she doesn't score a goal but I told her that helping her team is what's important. She wants to try karate but I told her she must wait until the soccer season ends. Boy, she's one active little munchkin!

We're going to look at two rescue dogs tomorrow in hopes of adopting one. I've missed Sierra so much and have wanted another dog for so long. Now an opportunity to adopt a Great Pyrenees who desperately needs a home has urged me to just do it. I'm just hoping I don't fall for both dogs because I certainly can't handle two!

I've taken up a new hobby--kickboxing. I should have started three years ago because punching and kicking that bag helps me just let go. It feels so good to just beat the crap out of the bag.

I wish you were here to help me with Kendall. It's so exhausting sometimes. She's so active and around so many outside influences. I'm trying so hard to make sure she's a nice kid who respects adults and other people in general but I never know if anything I say is getting through.

Love you, miss you.

Me

Denise L. Wise
Widow, Michael H. Wise, II EOW 6/5/04

September 13, 2007

Mike. Well I bought a new bike. Went to Whites HD. I stopped to visit Kendall and Denise. All are very well. Kendall is without a dought a "chip off the old block"
It was great visiting and I'm going to go to the open house in York in a few weeks
Wish you could be there/ Well I know you will be there

Bill

William Huhn
City of Pittsburgh Police

September 4, 2007

Kendall and I have both been dreaming about you a lot lately. Most of mine are usually bad but I did manage to have a good one. We were all doing something together as a family. Kendall told me about her dream when she woke up on Monday. She told me that we were all living in our new house. You went to work in the morning then we went to meet you for lunch. She said that "when Daddy came home from work he brought us donuts." It's so unfair that the simple daily things that we should be doing with you are only experienced in dreams.

Kendall starts Kindergarten on Monday and I'm excited to see how she does in this new environment. I think she'll thrive. She's an outgoing little girl. The only thing I worry about is how cruel kids can be sometimes. I don't want them to tease her because she doesn't have a daddy. I know she's not the only kid in the history of mankind to lose a daddy but she's MY kid and I don't want her to suffer more than she already has.

Ugh. I hate this. I miss you. WE miss you.

xoxoxo

Denise L. Wise
Widow, Michael H. Wise, II EOW 6/5/04

August 22, 2007