Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Michael Anthony Callin

Orange County Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch Wednesday, August 2, 2006

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Michael Anthony Callin

Mike,

The love and communion of your fellow Officers and Deputy Sheriffs were shown today at your funeral.

I now have the honor of working side by side with those you worked with at "The Blue Roof Inn", as the Comm Center is lovingly called.

Robert and Michelle were telling funny stories about your antics here at the Comm Center, and it brought a smile to my face, as the tears came down, especially, the "Sparky" story!

You were, and still are, so loved here. We will continue to uphold the tradition of "Making a difference".

Rest in Peace Mike, we will take it from here.

9-1-1 Operator I
OCSO Communications

August 8, 2006

Deputy Callin, Im not sure if anyone could leave anything on here to ease the pain of your family and/or your friends. Please give your sister strength to graduate and go on to make you proud. How hard it must be for her. We pray that anyone who knew you will somehow find peace.

Rest easy sir, we have the watch from here. God speed hero.

Friends of Larry R Cox EOW 4/21/05
Chillicothe Ohio Police Department

August 8, 2006

D/S Callin:

I Was saddened when I saw the news that you had made the ultimate sacrifice. I didn't know you personally but I saw you name on the roster sheet at the beginning of the the watch while briefly employed by OCSO as a comm dispatcher and I felt on this day as though i knew you for the longest time. You made that ultimate sacrifice for all and now may you WATCH over all your fellow Deputies and others and keep the safe.

To the whole Callin family and the OCSO community: stay strong and don't let this get any of you down, you know Mike would want you all to be happy.

Mike Rest In Peace my Brother From the Members of the Woonsocket Police Department
Woonsocket, RI

Dispatcher Brandon Pinette,Woonsocket RI Police
Former OCSO Communications Trainee

Dispatcher Brandon Pinette
Woonsocket Ri Police Department

August 7, 2006

Rest in peace blue angel!

August 7, 2006

Mike,

You are with God now.

The time between last Tuesday and coming home from the cemetary today has went by like a blur. A series of events that I would never wish upon anyone. We are comforted in knowing of your faith and the faith of your family left here on earth. You can rest knowing that your parents, sister and Vicki realize you are still serving us in your new home.

It was an honor to have known you in life, and to have been touched by your ministry. You are truly a man of God.

The Unit made me proud today, standing tall to honor you and your family. All of us miss you. We will continue to stand tall for you, we will be out there continuing to serve in your memory. You will always be with us and never forgotten.

"MOTOR-52" is 10-7 and Motorcycle #1923 is retired.

Cmdr. Ken Wynne
Orange County Sheriff's Office

August 7, 2006

Callin Family,
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to your entire family in your time of loss. While words can do little to ease your pain, I hope you find comfort in the truly inspiring example that your family's faith and dignity has left on our community. Michael, your love for him, and your extraordinary faith in Jesus has left a strong impression on everyone touched by this earthly tragedy. Thank you for your sacrifice and dedication, you are all in our prayers and thoughts...

Kevin Farrington
FBI

August 7, 2006

Michael excelled in every endeavor. As a student in my academy class he was always a step ahead. Everything you would look for in a Law Enforcement Officer could be found in Mike. Mike, you will be forever loved and missed. Your brother on the job forever, Billy.

M/D Bill Cornaz
Orange County Sheriffs Office

August 7, 2006

Today we burried you my brother. Or at least your vessel as the pastor called it. I can honestly say that I have never been so sad in all my life. You are the best man I have ever known other than my father. Its hard to imagine that I never realy payed attention to that fact. I simply knew you were strong in faith, pure in heart, and could be counted on when it mattered.

I wish I had spent more time with you, but at our age we dont expect these things to happen. For many of us the coming years will be difficult without you, for others it will be a lifetime.

I would like to thank everyone that came to honor Mikey, and if you couldnt make it I would like to thank you for reading these reflections. If you read everyone of them you may understand in half what a great man Mikey is.

Mikey, we love you ,we miss you and we know you are with your Father in heaven. I can only imagine that you have a new motorcycle, and a ride to take on it. Thank you for being my friend, I love you.

August 7, 2006

Vicki,
My thoughts and prayers have been with you since the accident. Although we only live a few minutes from each other and have probably passed each other a hundred times in walmart or the grocery store, today, we have only just met. We spoke for a few minutes before the funeral service when Patty introduced us. As someone who has had to stand where you are today and grieve for a husband who has been called home to God, I just wanted to say how much of an honor is was to be in the presence of such a warm and loving family. When the time is right for everyone, we will have to take up Patty's offer of lunch, but until then, please know that you may call me for anything you need.

Christina,
It is such wonderful news that you are still continuing with the academy. I didnt start the academy till a few months after Wayne died but I knew he was with me through all of it. I am sure you will always remember, Michael is with you, as well. He will be there when you gradutate and take the state exam. He will be there when you qualify and he will be your special angel on the road. As you said earlier, he was always your protector, and he still is.

Mr and Mrs Callin,
As I watched Michael's service today, I know one thing. You have raised truly wonderful and spiritual children. It was displayed by the testimonials of those who knew your son, who meant so much to so many. I was humbled to be in his presence. As a parent myself, I know how much we try to instill the values and morals in our children, especially in todays society. We guide them through life with all the hopes and dreams of them one day becoming caring and compassionate adults.
As I carry many hats today ( Wife of a fallen Deputy Sheriff, Deputy Sheriff myself, and a parent ) I want to thank you for allowing us the honor of sharing today with you.

Ashley Koester
Widow of Deputy Wayne Koester EOW 2-09-05

August 7, 2006

Michael,
Several hours ago I returned home from your funeral my dress still damp from the rain. It began to rain as the car carrying you drove by me. I smiled. One last trick! I am in awe of your family. The strength of your parents, your sister and your wife. I remember when you first met her and always wanted an extra five minutes on your break so you could spend more time with her. (Don't tell on me). It was an honor to be the last Supervisor you had in Communications and to write your letter for admission to the academy. Every time I think of you I will think of your goofy grin and know that you are smiling down on all of us. Thank you for being a part of my life.

Supervisor Toni D'Alessandro
Orange County Sheriffs Office

August 7, 2006

My prayers and thoughts are with the family..
God bless..

officer Maya Ashouri
Melbourne Police Department

August 7, 2006

Mike,
You left this world doing what you love to do. Thank you for everything you have done. My heart goes out to you, your family, friends, and co-workers. Thank you again!

Debbie Raybern
Sarasota County Sheriff's office Communications (former OCSO employee)

August 7, 2006

To the family of Deputy Sheriff Michael Callin,

Our prayers are with you all during this time of loss. We understand first hand what you are going through. My husband's son Cpl. Scott L. Severns who was a Police Officer in South Bend,Indiana was shot on April 21st, by a 17 year old who was trying to rob him and the person he was with (Scott was off duty @ the time.) Although Scott was a strong, and healthy young man he battled for his life for many hours one breathe @ a time. The damage from the gun shots to his body were too much for him to overcome and he died two days later. It has been three very long and hard months for our family. Everyday will be a challenge for all of you. I hope you grab a hold of the love and support from your fellow police officers and the community during this time. We live in Brevard County and were shaken from this horrible tragedy. We have found that there are many more citizens that love, honor, appreciate, and respect Police officers and what they stand for more than those who do not.

Officer Callin my husband too was a Police Officer and had the priviledge of working w/ Scott for over 18 months before he retired and we moved to Florida. He cherishes those memories and we pray that you will too. I hope that Deputy Callins sister who is @ the academy now will carry on in her brothers footsteps as our son promises to do when he is of age. We also hope that his wife and Mother find confort in knowing how much he loved them both. They will need to help one another get through the many long and challenging days that are ahead. This is not easy to go through, no one expects their child to go first. Again, we want you to know how sorry we are for your loss, and that we feel and understand your pain. Your husband, son, and brother was a hero!
Sincerely;
The Dennis Severns family
Merritt Island, Florida

Dennis, Jeannie, and son Bryant Severns
Retired Police Officer, Wife and Son

August 7, 2006

May you rest in peace my brother, for we are still here to deal with your loss, but to be protected by you and the other fallen hero's around our country.

Rest for I have the watch now and will continue the watch. Also co-worker of Fallen Officer R. Rios of Douglas Police Department EOW 09-04-2005

Officer Jose Duarte
Douglas Arizona Police Department

August 7, 2006

My fingers do not know what exactly to type but today, my heart hurts very much. Having a father as a police officer and growing up in that enviornment has always given me a special appreciation for this type of work. They are the unsung heros of our time. They give their all and ask so little in return. Just to make a difference and keep others safe.

I feel all of us can take something from Mike Callin. To be a better person....to help those in need....to sincerely care about others....yes we get distracted but it can be so helpful to so many.

Although I am not a polcie officer, I have it in my family and I help them plan for their future. Today.....in that church......it was a powerful feeling to honor a truly noble person. A servant of God. A person so rare these days that it touched me deeply. I've always tried to keep others from harm and help in any way I can. However, this man....so young and yet, so experienced...has impacted my life.

To all police officers...thank you for the work you do. I am always proud to see you in action and sincerely respect your profession.

To Mike, I hope I can meet you again soon...not to talk...but to listen..

Jeff Green
Police Officer's Son

August 7, 2006

Vicky, Dave, and Anna,
You are in our prayers. God blessed each of us with the opportunity to benefit from knowing such a fantastic young man. In his short time here on earth, he showed us what it was like to live the walk. I remember how Mike would seem to find me on calls in the middle of the night on his way home from his shift at the com-center. I can't remember anyone who was so enthusiastic. We would stop and take time to talk and visit. He was proud of his family and his profession. Mike's belief in the Lord was truly strong and made him who he was. His time here was short, but the memories of Mike will last a life time. It is comforting to know that he awaits in heaven keeping watch over each of his brothers and sisters. Dave, you have always been the kind of cop who everyone looked up to and respected. Mike followed in the same manner. I truly believe that he affected others in such a way that they longed to get to know him better. Vicky, Dave and Anna, May God bless each of you, and look after you. Your faith in God has touched each of us who have been witness to your loss of such an awesome young man. We are each reminded of the way Mike lived his life as a believer. God Bless each of you.

Sgt. Ed Waite and Family
Orange County Sheriff's Office

August 7, 2006

May your spirit have a joyous homecoming and you rest peacefully "High on the mountain". I pray your family and friends find comfort in the reflections left by your extended LE family.

D/Sgt. Vence Woods
Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality-Office of Criminal Invest.

August 7, 2006

Mike -

I'm stuck in traffic leaving the cemetery, so I thought I'd use the time to thank you again for being a shining example of why I put on this stinky vest and heavy belt every day. Working with you was always reassuring and downright fun. I know I am both a better deputy and better person to have had the privilege of calling you my colleague and friend. By the way, thanks for looking out for us yet again with the brief sunshower during your service...it took the heat out of the day, and kept us all standing tall to honor one of our own.

DFC Tim Nazzaro & Narcotics K-9 "Coco"
Orange County Sheriff's Office

August 7, 2006

Deputy Michael Callin's family, friends, and Orange County family;

I attended the services today. What I saw was just inspiring. It was a picture of a man who dedicated his life to Jesus Christ. The love of Jesus just filled the church. I saw it on every face that walked by me. Deputy Callin did the will of God Almighty; to be the salt and the light to the world.

To Deputy Callin’s wife, family, and friends, it’s not easy to lose someone you love. Several verses came to mind that have helped me and I hope they help you. First, just know that God is still in total control and He is still on His throne. The first verse is Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Next is Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Finally in 2 Corinthians 12:9, Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

God’s grace, comfort, and peace be with you all.

David A. Seeley
Umatilla Police Department, Lake County, Florida

August 7, 2006

May God bless you and your family. Thank you for your courage and dedication as it gives us the strength to were the badge and continue the fight. Peace Brother...

OFC. E. Nieves & Family
Winter Springs PD.

August 7, 2006

Mike,
Although I did work with you as much as some people did, I will never forget the couple of times we did work together, you were a great role model and I really admire the work you did, Thank You!!! You will never be forgotten, rest in peace.

Volunteer
OCSO

August 7, 2006

I would like to express my sincere sadness to the family of Deputy Michael Callin. My family and I was visiting in Orlando when this happened and it grieved me as I watched it on the news. May God be with his family and friends during this time, and strengthen you.

Teresa L Welch
no relationship

August 7, 2006

Rest, brother.

Cpl Steve Headley
Mishawaka, IN police

August 7, 2006

Michael,
It seems surreal that you have crossed over to God's Country to a tour of duty that is far more divine than the one you left behind. It was too early "Fledgling" for your flight. I will always remember that big smile of yours and that twinkle in your eye as you sat up in radio all excited when you were working a code 3 needing Chase and K9, or when you spoke of your family and stated that you wanted to be a deputy just like your Dad. You were like a kid brother to a great many of us up there in the Comm Center while you anxiously awaited that letter to go to the road. On the old midshift squad of long ago, you deemed us "Top Gun" names up in radio like "Mother Goose" and "Cosmo"...what a hoot you were! To hear of your injury was heartsickening; to learn of your passing was heartbreaking; to have to go to the studio to record your 10/7 message was heartwrenching. I let your first radio trainer do the message instead of me that was handed down from the Casuality Assistance Team. Patty wanted the honors and I think you'll be proud as you hear it today. Know that today we celebrate you but mourn your loss. We miss you and we know that you are an Angel among us.

To the Callin Family - May God continue to hold you in His loving embrace to ease your pain of your great loss.

Ellie Cardenas

Ellie Cardenas, Dispatcher
Orange County Sheriff's Office

August 7, 2006

Mike,
Although I did not get to know you as well as some people did, I will never forget the couple of times we did work together, you were a great role model and I really admire the work you did, Thank You!!! You will never be forgotten, rest in peace.

Volunteer
OCSO

August 6, 2006

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