Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

“When God made Peace Officers….”

When the lord was creating Peace Officers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, “You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.”

And the Lord said, Have you read the spec on this order? A Peace Officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn’t touch, and not wrinkle their uniform.

They have to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next day.

They have to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half- eaten meals. And they have to have six pairs of hands.

The angel shook her head slowly and said, “Six pairs of hands….No Way.”

“It’s not the hands that are causing me the problems,” said the Lord, “It’s the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have.”

That’s on the standard model? asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, “May I see what’s in there sir?” (When they already know and wishes they had taken that accounting job.) Another pair here in the side of their head for their partners’ safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, “ You’ll be alright ma’am, when they know it isn’t so.”

“Lord,” said the angel, touching his sleeve,” rest and work tomorrow.”

“I can’t,” said the Lord, “I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on civil service paycheck.”

The angel circled the model of the Peace Officer very slowly, “Can it think?” she asked.

“You bet,” said the Lord, “It can tell you elements of a hundred crimes, recite Miranda warnings in it’s sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five judges to debate the legality of the stop…and still it keeps it’s sense of humor.

This officer also has phenomenal personal control. They can deal with crime scenes painted in HELL, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim’s family’ and then read in the daily paper how Law Enforcement isn’t sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects.

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Peace Officer. “There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model.”

“That’s not a leak,” said the Lord, “It’s a tear.”

“What’s the tear for?” asked the angel.

“It’s for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag, and for justice.”

“You’re a genius,” said the angel.

The Lord looked sober. “I didn’t put it there,” he said.


Anonymous

Senior Instructor
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

October 11, 2005

To the family and friends of Officer Michael Saffran and his fellow officers with the Chesapeake Police Department:

On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Officer Saffran was brutally murdered. His valor and bravery will not be forgotten.

Our family grieves with you and for you. We share your agony as we lost our beloved Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg Police Dept. when he was fatally shot during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers on April 23rd. I am so sorry that another family has to face this devastating trauma.

May you be comforted by the caring and support of your law enforcement community, and other police survivors. There will be many who will be with you each step of this awful journey.

I also pray for the continued recovery of the wounded hostage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Michael gave to his community as a police officer and to his country through his military service, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 8, 2005.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg, CA PD eow 4/24/05

October 11, 2005

My thoughts and prayers to the department and family for your loss. May he rest in peace and always be remembered.

Special Agent Shaun Alcodray
Canadian National Railroad Police-Port Huron, Michigan

October 11, 2005

I can only imagine the pain the Saffran family is experiencing right now. Please know that people all over this country recognize the honor of one willing to give their life to protect others. I pray for peace for all Officer Saffran's family, friends and commarades in uniform. There is no sacrifice as great as that given so selflessly to protect the greater good.

This site is bookmarked for me to Officer Julie Jacks, who's mom I am close to. She died in the line of duty as well in Chattanooga Tennessee. I often look over other posting, which is how I found this site for Officer Saffran. It touched my heart so I wanted to let you know I will be praying for all of you.

Lori Duckworth
Georgia

October 11, 2005

My sincerest condolences to the friends, family, and co-wokers of Officer Saffran. I can't find the words to express my sorrow over the loss of this "brother-in-arms."

Detective K. W. Saucer
Portsmouth Police Department

October 11, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Saffran's family at home, and his family at the Chesapeake Police Dept.

In valor there is hope.

Det. W. V. Lasher
Currituck Co. Sheriff's Office

October 11, 2005

Today in the sun, we bid him farewell
A man, a hero, we never knew well
Like many before him,
Who answered the call, wearing a badge,
He was destined to fall


Though by choice a long life and a happy
Old age would he have chosen, had
He written the page
But the office he chose never promised
Long life...
Just half of his salary, for his
Children and his wife


He went without fear, into the darkness
Of night
Bringing comfort to some, so someothers
He brought light
Easing their pain and
Calming their fears....He did his duty,
Never asking for cheers


A husband, a father, an officer we call
Friend....He answered the call
We bid him farewell for he gave his all


"In Valor There Is Hope"
- Tacitus

Heroes Live Forever....

God Bless and God Speed to Sandy, Ronnie, Trevor and the Saffran family. You will always be in our thoughts and hearts. Know that even though Mike is no longer with us, your extended family in blue will forever be at your side. Mike, watch over all of your families - be their Guardian Angel in Blue. Respectfully, Keith & Ginger....
Police Unity Tour 4

POS/Sr Disp Keith & Ginger Bailey
Chesapeake Police Department

October 11, 2005

I know you as Saffran. We went through the academy together, graduated together, and worked the street together. Eating together was a common thing between us. I know you're in a much better place and it's selfish to wish you were still here, but you are very sorely missed. You were most appreciative of the slightest little thing. I'm a better person for knowing you. God Bless you and your family. You are forever in my thoughts and prayers. May you sign on with each of us every shift.

Officer S. Grimstead
Chesapeake Police Department

October 11, 2005

My thoughts are with your family and you ,I'm proud to have Oficers out there like you, we will cover the watch brother rest in Peace. God bless your family and you.

Sergeant Robert Denault
Department of Defense Police

October 11, 2005

Brother, you made the ultimate sacrifice. We will never forget you.A hero you are to us all. Rest easy brother, job well done! Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, your family and your brothers and sisters in blue at the Chesapeake Police Department

Patrol Officer BN BENNETT
Wilmington Police Dept. N.C.

October 11, 2005

The policeman stood and faced 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 a badge
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 time 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 a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

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

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

October 11, 2005

As human beings we all wonder about the finality of death. We wonder if there is something more on the other side or if this is all there is. Many of us believe, by faith, that death is only the beginning and there is so very much more on the other side. We believe but we cannot know. Mike knows now. I believe he knows what it is to receive a hero's welcome in Heaven. I believe he knows what it is to stand before Jesus Christ himself and hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant". Mike knows and I believe we all now have a mighty guardian angel watching over us. Rest well my brother.

A Chesapeake Police Officer

October 11, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Ofc. Saffran. As a fellow brother in blue, we'll never forget you.

RICHMOND POLICE DEPT.

October 11, 2005

My most sincere condolences to the family, friends, and brother officers of Officer Saffran. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Sgt Thomas Hauser
Swiss Army, MP

October 11, 2005

Rest easy brother.

Ofc Michael Wilhelm
The George Washington University Police Dept

October 11, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Officer Michael K. Saffran, his good deeds to his community and country will always be remembered. May God bless you.

Chief Ferrell J. Stewart
Cooter, MO Police Department

October 11, 2005

you served your community with honor and were taken from us a HERO! Our prayers are with the Chesapeake Police Department and the family of Officer Saffran...

Officer Jim Gilbert
Columbus OH Division of Police

October 11, 2005

I spent 25 weeks training Mike during the police academy. I spent 25 weeks inspecting his uniforms, teaching him how to be a cop, PT'ing with him and making him do push-ups,leg lifts, flutter kicks and the whole gammet of calisthenics till he and the rest of his academy broke down. I told them over and over that no matter how bad it would hurt if you got shot, you had to fight to stay alive no matter what. You had to fight until you heard the sirens coming to rescue you. I drilled that into your heads. They told me Mike, the medics told me you fought to the very end. They told me you stayed in the fight till your tired body could not fight anymore. At that point it was no longer your choice. I love you and I am proud of you!!! You are MY hero Mike. It kills me that for 25 weeks in your academy we hung up the officers on this Website in your classroom everyday to remind you guys that it can happen to any of us at anytime. Never in a million years did I ever think I would have to see any of my rookies from the 47th session on here. It rips me in two to see you here. Mike, I promise you, I will look out for your family and i will take care of them, so rest Mike, rest in peace, knowing that your training officer will keep them safe and take care of them........Don't forget, you made me PROUD!!!!
Faith

Training Officer Faith Gollob
Chesapeake Police Department

October 10, 2005

Officer Saffran,

I heard of your passing while celebrating my son's birthday her in NC. My family there in Deep Creek felt it necessary to tell me as soon as they saw me. Although I never knew you personally, I do know many of your fellow officers at CPD.

I grew up just a mile or so from where you were when you were called home. I recall walking and ridign my bike over near the container company just on the other side of the tracks.

As I grew older many of your fellow officers played a role in my desire to become a police officer. As I worked through high school and college to make that happen I became closer to several officers there in Chesapeake. It was my dream to become a Chesapeake Police Officer. Well, God had different plans for me and instead I am a police officer in Wilson, NC. Although I am not there at home in Deep Creek, I still attribute my success to people who serve the fine citizens of Chesapeake and most especially the Deep Creek area. It is because of officers just like you that I was able to grow up in a safe neighborhood and later grow up with a desire to be "one of them." It is because of you and your fellow officers that my and my wife's family can continue to live in safety and with peace of mind as the boys and girls in blue protect the streets. Thank you, your fellow brothers and sistes and your family for the service you have given to the citizens of Chesapeake.

To the family, thanks to each of you for the sacarfice you have made for so many years. Although often forgotten, I know that behind each good officer is a good family. Without the support from each of you, he would not be the man he is today.

"For your call of duty here on earth has grown cold, you now have been called home to patrol the streets of gold."

May God Bless you!!

Senior Police Officer Luke Marcum
Wilson Police Department

October 10, 2005

RIP Officer Saffran

October 10, 2005

Officer Michael Saffran Rest in Peace, you are a true Hero. May God Bless your family and fellow officers who are left behind to mourn your passing.

Lt. Tim Sampey - Bancroft PD - MI
Blue Knights International L.E. M/C Detroit Metro

October 10, 2005

Rest in peace Brother Michael, you are a true hero and will never be forgotten for your service and courage.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

October 10, 2005

If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go, Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always, Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own, And in time when men decide and feel safe to call the streets insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind. We will se you in Elysium..

OFC Crociata
GPD, Illlinois

October 10, 2005

So saddened to hear of your watch being over Mike...to the family, both at home and on the street, please know that there is someone here in FL who understands your pain and is thinking of you today and everyday...knowing the sacrifice we must accept and somehow endure...Mike will not be forgotten...I recieved word of his passing from my family in Blue at SPD...you all were there for me when Drew died...and now WE are all here for you...in prayer...in love...at anytime...at any moment...what ever you need...Hold you head up high...and show how proud you are of the man he was, the outstanding police officer, the wonderful father, and the loving husband you remember...Heroes live forever...forever in our hearts...all my love, Chrissy Henley wife William "Drew" Henley EOW 3/19/05

October 10, 2005

On behalf of the members of the Sutherlin Police Department, I send to you, our heartfelt condolences and prayers in your time of sadness. May your fallen officer’s legacy live on in the memories of his friends and family. Rest now brother, after a job well done. We’ll take it from here.

Cpl. Justin Marquis
Sutherlin Police Department, Sutherlin, OR

October 10, 2005