Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey Mike watch out you have one heck of a little spitfire down here. Wendell was cracking up because Kendell was showing off her new tatoo to all of the guys in the dugout at the softball game. The RPD family has enjoyed watching Kendell as she is growing up. It's hard to believe that she is going to kindergarten.

The RPD family lives with you in a hearts on a daily basis. The fears and anxieties that are still real for us wives and children as we watch daddy walk out the door to go to work.

You should be very proud of your gorgeous "WISE" women. They are a trip. I am very thanful for my friendship with Denise. She has been an inspiration for me. No matter how bad she is hurting she still carries herself in such a beatiful manner. Very much so like Jackie Kennedy.

See if you can do your ICE brothers a favor and have a chat with the "Hockey Gods" get them some help for this years game. As soon as softball is over they will be back out on the ice. They would love to win one just for you.

Thank you for watching over our officers and keeping them safe. We respect the sacarfice that you made and we pray for peace love and strength for your family. Send strength and love to your "Wise Women"they do miss you so much.

Kelly Buck
Wife of RPD Officer

August 16, 2007

Hi Mike,

Just wanted to stop by and say hello! Thinking of you and all that's been going on lately. It was great to see Denise and Kendall(she's so stinkin' cute), we just wish it was under happier circumstances. I also got the chance to talk to your Mom and Dad on Monday, again, wishing it was for happier reasons. Your dad asked my son if he was planning on becoming a Police Officer and he said Yes! It was a moment that was lost but your father had great words of wisdom for Kyle.
You are missed, you are thought of every day! Denise, I am so glad to know you.......my heart always aches for you and Kendall. Stay strong hon & if you ever need an ear....I'm close by!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KENDALL!!!

Much love,
Cathy

Cathy Rambo
Wife of RPD Officer

August 9, 2007

Michael-

I'm having a little trouble this evening. It's the anniversary of the day Scott Wertz was killed. It's also the day before Kendall's birthday. I'm thinking of Scott and I'm thinking of Trish and I can't stop thinking of you, either. This is a day I know is hard for Trish and I really should call her but I'm having a tougher time than I expected. What the he## is wrong with me? It just brings back so many emotions and I just can't seem to beat them down today.

Kendall is so excited about her birthday. Her theme this year is Tinkerbell and she wants her guests to bob for apples. I wish you could be here to make her party a blast. You would have been so good with all the kids.

I'm sure you saw Scott's new tattoo. He got it in your honor, obviously. It's very cool and I cried when I saw it. Your mom did, too.

I love you and miss you and know I always will.

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

August 6, 2007

Well, Kendall turns 5 in one week. She has spent more time WITHOUT you here than with you here. That's so sad to me. For some reason, birthday number 5 seems like some sort of milestone. Maybe it's because she doesn't look like a baby anymore. Maybe it's because she'll be starting Kindergarten in a month, I don't know.

She made me chuckle the other day because she said something that you used to say all the time. I asked her to make her bed and she said, "Why? I'm just going to mess it up later anyway." Too smart for her little britches.

I've been having a tough few days. It all started when I heard this song ("If You're Reading This") that Marsha told me to listen to. It's a country song so I didn't think I'd ever come across it but I was running through stations and came across it in the car. I figured I'd listen to it and it really hit home. It made me cry and I got chills during the part where he talks about following in his father's footsteps. There are still so many songs that make me cry. There are even ones that have nothing to do with losing you but they were popular around the time you died.

AS was denied an appeal request. He has a few more to go but I'm hoping they'll all be denied. CR goes on trial soon for Scott's death and I'm not looking forward to that. I just want to be there for Trish and her family and hopefully me being there will help her in some small way.

There's much more to say but I'll leave it for another day. Kendall needs a bath.

xoxox
Me

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

July 30, 2007

Well, you're an uncle again. Julie had her baby yesterday. Her name is Evelyn Michael. Unfortunately, you will not be here to pick on her and make her tough enough to take the jokes that go on in this family. :) Kendall is sometimes excited but sometimes realizes that she will have to share the attention. For the most part, though, she talks about teaching Lilly and Evelyn all the "big girl" stuff she knows.

We love and miss you.

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

July 11, 2007

Hey Mike, just wanted to drop by and say hello. I had a great time at your golf tourn. but I would have liked to play a little better. Maybe next year you can help my ball out and give it a push. Anyway god bless and see you later.....

Madison

June 19, 2007

Just to let you know that PA citizens are thinking of you and your family today. I cannot imagine how difficult days like today (Father's Day) are. I can, however, see how much you are loved through reflections left. Your legacy has deeply touched lives and will continue to throughout the years to come.

Breinigsville, PA citizen

June 17, 2007

Father's Day is fast-approaching. It's the day after Kendall's dance recital this year.

It kills me to see all the Father's Day commercials with kids giving their dads gifts, cards and hugs. Below is a poem that appeared in our church newsletter. It made me think that I can only hope that Kendall turns out to be as good a person with me raising her as she would have been with both of us raising her. If I'm lucky, she'll feel this way about me when she is older:

"Again it comes this day in June,
To give this man my praise.
One of two who has done so well,
To guide me on my ways.

He has taken that most special step,
Beyond the golden wall.
And when I need him extra close,
God helps him answer my call.

Known to many, especially to me,
At the time he had to go.
He left behind his special friend,
To stay and help me grow.

He didn't want to leave his friend,
And wishes she could come.
But knows that God will take her,
When her time is done.

Dad and I, we both agree,
How well she has done.
So here's to you on Father's Day,
Happy Day--I love you Mom."

I'm doing the best I can and hope that you are proud of the way Kendall is turning out so far. I can't be her daddy but am trying to give her as much love and guidance as I can. She still talks about you a lot and knows how much you loved her. I will NEVER let her forget what a great daddy you were.

Love you, miss you.

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

June 13, 2007

It hardly seems like it can really be 3 years since you left us. I still recall the fun we had at Julie's wedding and the discussion about getting together on the boat. Rogan was not quite 3 months old at the wedding and barely 3 1/2 months when you died. He knows your picture and today at the cemetary we both talked to you. He told you his name and that he caught a big as* fish when we went upstate to fishing camp. I blame the cursing on his mom. You never got to meet Cael but he will know you. I can only tell him stories but there a couple of good ones in there. I may have to wait a long time to tell him a few of them. Kori continues to keep us all in line. I can be a bear around this time of the year (she would say something else therefore the reason I blame the cursing on her) but I never would have made it without her. She is my right hand woman.
The Golf Outing and Ride were both successes. Thanks for holding off the rain on Saturday for golfing. Sunday was gray but overall not too much rain for the Ride. We don't have the final totals but we continue to do something positive in light of your death. The Michael H Wise II Memorial Foundation provided $5000 in scholarships between Reading PD, Reading FD and Cedar Crest HS. The Foundation is also going to purchase an AED for CCHS. Your mom spearheaded this effort and I am working with Scott at FASP to get it done.
I have to say that over the last several months I have spent a lot of time with your mom in person and over the phone and she is truly amazing. Her strength is unbelievable and I feel blessed to have been able to spend time with her. We had some great recollections of times spent with you. I haven't seen or talked to your dad quite as often but he has always been a man of few words. Any time he comes into a conversation, I still say "Big" Mike because that is what he will always be.
I also spent time with Julie although most of it is on the phone. She misses you very much but she is strong like your mom. She is a great mom and I wish I got to see her more often. She has a great husband in Matt. I only wish that you got to be brother-in-laws for more than 2 weeks.
I have also spent some time with Kendall and Denise. I had lunch with them a couple of weeks ago. Kendall was telling me about dance and some of the things she was doing and I couldn't help but think that I shouldn't be there. Not that I didn't want to be there but she should be telling her daddy not some relative that she sees every so often. She is an awesome little girl.
I guess to finish things off, I think about you every single day. Whether is it is 30 seconds or 30 minutes, a portion of my day includes a memory or thought about you. No matter how much time goes by, you will always be with me. Watch over all the Wise family, your friends and all your brothers in blue especially Bill R and Scott B. I love and miss you. Take care Brutus!

Chris
Cousin

June 5, 2007

To Officer Wise, You made the ultimate sacrifice and even though I didn't know you, thank you. To Mrs Wise and family, I am sorry for your loss and hope that the memories you have give you strength. No one can take away that which you have kept in hour heart and minds. I am sure that your daughter will realize the kind of man her daddy was and be proud.

citizen
lehigh valley

June 5, 2007

Just wanted to let you know that we are remembering you today. I know three years seems like a life time to your family and friends. But I will never forget the sacrifice that you made today three years ago. You are a hero, and I have blue candles in my window that burns 24/7.
To the family of Officer Wise, you are always in my prayers.

Connie Barker Fort Walton Beach, Fl
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04 Prattville, Al

June 5, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Wise on the anniversary of his passing.
Heros are never forgotten. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

June 5, 2007

Mike,on this the 3rd anniversary of your sacrifice, we your brother officers remember and grieve your loss like it was just yesterday. We grieve with your family. Time will heal these wounds slowly. We will not forget you, and you are in our thoughts daily....

Brother Officers, A Plt.
Reading Police

June 5, 2007

Three years have passed since you were called away and I know that for those that love you dearly it has felt like a lifetime since they have heard your voice, seen your smile or were able to hold you. There are no magic words to say to help them except that all any of us can do is take one day at a time. You are a true hero and heores never die. Continue to watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

June 5, 2007

Dear Denise,

We are thinking of you and Kendall today, knowing how tremendous the pain is; it's almost like how dare this day roll around again. I go through most of my days just time passing and not even realizing it. I miss Matthew so much it's hard to even breathe sometimes. Then I get on here and read the reflections and see the strength and the struggles that you and the other young wives have to go through every day, to try to make a life for you and your children without the precious loves of your lives and I cry for your pain and the absolute unfairness of life...wondering how we all got from there to here. I know the pain doesn't leave, but you are trying to go on and that is all you can do. Just know that there are those of us out here that remember you and think of you often with love.

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom Forever
Matthew Rittenhouse, EOW 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse

June 5, 2007

Dear Denise and Kendall,

Please know that our family is thinking of you both today and praying that God gives you the comfort and strength to get by on days like these. Your strength and courage is so admirable.

Lots of Love to both of you!

Christina Diffenderfer
Daughter of Chief Douglas Shertzer EOW 5/11/2004

June 5, 2007

Mike,

It seems unreal that three years have passed. Whenever I think of you I picture you turning around with that beautiful smile and I smile too. You will never be forgotten. God Bless You and your family.

Monica

Monica
Reading Dispatch

June 5, 2007

May G-d bless you and your loved ones.Please don't forget to sen them a 'happy' sign today so they know you are still with them.

June 5, 2007

Well, where do I begin? There has been so much happening in the last few days and my head is spinning. I'm mentally exhausted and would love to just sleep today and tomorrow so that I don't have to concentrate so hard on not thinking about what happened to you three years ago. Has it really been that long? I feel sick every time I think about the events of that night and the days following. The weather today is even similar to that last day that you went to work. The front lights are on just as they were that last day.

The golf outing and the ride went well. We got wet on the ride but it was worth it. It means so much to me that people come out to support these events that honor you and your life. I hope the people who didn't know you can get a feel for what a special person you were. I'm sure they at least get the idea of how much you meant to me, your friends and your family. We all miss you so much.

I wish you were here and still can't stand the fact that I can't talk to you. There was so much to tell you this weekend and something important I needed to talk to you about. I need your advice and I want so badly to call you on the phone. Your cell phone number is still programmed into my cell phone. Even after three years I don't have the heart to erase it.

I'm thinking of you and missing you terribly. I love you.

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

June 4, 2007

Thinking of you as the three year mark approaches. I really don't know how your wife, daughter, family and friends have made it through these last three years. Maybe it is the same courage they saw in you and the legacy continues on. Thank you for making such an impact on this community. You will live on forever.

Pennsylvania citizen

June 3, 2007

Dearest Denise and Kendall ~

Three years is fast approaching and I am sure you are wondering how - how so much time could have passed with out Mike, how you have made it this long and this far on your own, how you will continue to go on without him......

I know how I feel right now - I feel like each day that passes takes me further away from the life Jesse and I had together and pushes me closer towards a future that is uncertain and frightening. I can't bring myself to stop looking back, but I'm too scared to turn around and look forward. I'm stuck in a limbo that seems never ending.

The anger and frustration over what happened to our husbands will never go away. We will forever say that it isn't fair. Our children will never really know their fathers, other than through the stories we tell and the memories we share, and the loss they have suffered is immeasurable. The void in our lives and our souls only gets deeper with time. The pain will never go away, we simply learn to live with it.

My heart aches for you when I read your reflections to Mike, especially when you talk about Kendall and how much she misses her daddy - I go through the same things with my kids and it's just heartbreaking.

You are a strong woman, Denise. You have been an inspiration to me since the day I heard you speak at the FOP ceremony in Harrisburg last year. I just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you this week as the date of Mike's EOW approaches. He is not forgotten.

Thank you again, Officer Wise, for your service and ultimate sacrifice. May God continue to bless you and may you rest forever safe in the arms of the angels.

Warmly ~
Carin
Jesse's wife

June 3, 2007

Lord, please wrap Your Arms tightly around Denise and Kendall now and ever.May they be ever blessed by you.They hav had so much rain in heir lives, please send them a rainbow.
I ask these things in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen

June 1, 2007

I DON'T KNOW OFFICER WISE NOR DO I KNOW HIS FAMILY OR FRIENDS BUT I WANT YOU ALL TO KNOW MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL AND REMEMEBER HE IS AN ANGEL NOW SHINING DOWN ON ALL OF YOU AND I AM SURE HE IS ENJOYING HIS WALK WITH THE ANGELS,GOD BLESS YOU ALL,TAMMY

TAMMY BAKER
JUST SOMEONE WHO CARES

May 27, 2007

Well Hon, three years is fast-approaching but I'm trying to keep myself distracted with the house and the yard. I've been working in the yard like a freak and have gotten alot done--I'm sure you can see and I hope you're impressed. My muscles will be huge soon from mulching, digging, spreading, planting etc!

Scott graduates from the police academy next Friday. Weird timing. He's really applied himself (yes, I just said that about my brother, don't laugh) and gotten very good grades. I told him that I would try not to cry at graduation but I can't imagine it will be easy. I'm very proud of him because he's done well but I'll be thinking about when you graduated and how I pinned your badge on you. (Thankfully not stabbing you.) I was hugely pregnant with Kendall at the time. He has an offer from one police department in York County so far. Please, please, please, please watch over him on the job. Another loss would kill me.

Kendall "graduated" from preschool this week and is so excited about starting kindergarten. She's getting so good at writing her name and remembering letters and numbers. Her dance recital is June 16 this year. I know it's one of those things you would have joked about having to attend but I know you would have enjoyed watching your little girl strut her stuff on stage. She's such a performer and says that she wants to play drums because that's what her daddy played. My girly girl drummer. What a combo! I'm sure her drum will be pink and have sparkles!

Dave Sabagh rode for you in the Police Unity Tour this year and Joe Clark wore your t-shirt during the ride. We'll be seeing both of them and their families again this summer in Avalon again while they're attending their "police chief's convention." Maybe it's a tradition we can start. I'm so pleased that they remembered us and honored you.

Next weekend is the golf outing and the Ride for Wise. What a weekend that will be. Our goal is to get together to have fun and think of you. Sounds like a lot of the Pittsburgh crew will be there so I'm looking forward to seeing everyone. They all have good stories about you that always make me laugh.

Love you, miss you.

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

May 26, 2007

Denise,

I think of you often, more so over the last few weeks. It's hard for me to fathum that three years have passed. Three years ago I learned your husbands name, saw his picture and learned of his passing. His is a face and a story that will remain with me for the rest of my life. Many officers memorials have touched my heart, but it is because we "share" June 5th, 2004 that Michael, you, your family and his department will forever be a part of me. I will think of you as I raise my light to the heavens at our candle light vigil in June, and I will extend a special prayer that you may find continued strength and peace in your life.

Sent with much love and respect,

Kathy G
911 Dispatcher

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

May 25, 2007