Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It was my first year working at Pembroke Academy when i met Briggsy as i used to call him and so many that knew him have done.He and a couple buddies of his pulled a prank on me {Ricky Griggs and Andy Davis}except i didnt take it that way.As i was to learn,over the course of my seventeen plus years of working with the students of Pembroke you need patience,understanding,and a passion to care about the well being of others.Qualities that Michael obviously possessed and displayed to the communities he touched.He was a SENIOR that year in 1989-90 and i will never forget that day when i went outside to see the back end of my Datsun B-210 hoisted up and sitting in the snowbank.Anger welled up inside me and i vowed i would get to the bottom of this little deed of mischievousness.I did,with the help of one of his classmates.That Prank has been the foundation of the stories i use, as examples of how you make an impression on someone.That impression and my memory of it has filled me with pride.It was a priveledge to know such a fine young man and to see what he became of as an adult.He has by the display of support shown by the community, the state,and our country turned out to be just what we want from our students.Someone who Achieves,Contributes and Thrives.GOD BLESS YOU MIKE,and your family you have made us proud and knowing you has made me especially proud,THANK YOU. SKIP CLARK

Skip Clark
PEMBROKE ACADEMY

October 26, 2006

Mike - "Second to None We Finish As ONE." It is hard to believe that 5 years has passed since we graduated with the 126th Academy. Know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten by your brother and sister officers. God bless your family and brothers in the Manchester PD during this time of mourning. Go rest high.

Officer Laura Purslow
Portsmouth NH Police Dept

October 26, 2006

The state of New Hampshire has lost a great hero who will be missed, but never forgotten. Rest in peace Officer Briggs. The thoughts and prayers of many are with you, your family, friends, and co-workers.

Officer J. Young
New Haven P.D. CT.

October 25, 2006

Rest in peace, brother. We will never forget. You are a HERO!

Trooper
Mass State Police

October 25, 2006

Police Officer’s Prayer


Heavenly Father, Almighty Commander of the Watch,
Watch over me and all those sworn to defend the public good.

Keep me focused on my mission to protect the citizenry of our fair city,
and zealous in my endeavor to pursue the criminal element, and assist those in need.

As I travel on dark streets and into alleys where the shadow of death resides,
Make my constitution strong, my courage deep, and unending.

Help me to maintain a strong body and a clean heart,
For I realize that having one without the other is begging failure.

Show me compassion, and channel Your goodness through me,
For I know there are those who need my help and understanding.

Allow me not to become hardened by the ways of the wicked,
But keep me in awe of Your works, and able to walk in wonderment upon this Earth.

Finally, Dear God, at the end of my watch, welcome me into Your arms with the love You hold in reserve for those that serve others.
May St. Michael walk with me to the gates of paradise, where St. Peter, Your Desk Sergeant, calls the roll. May he speak my name and pass me lovingly into the Kingdom of Heaven.

These things I ask, Father, and in your mercy,
grant me the strength to continue Your work,
for I know that You have saved a place for me,
and for all my brothers and sisters.

Amen

Godspeed Michael
Semper Fi


Sergeant Carl Weston
Providence Police Department

Sergeant Carl Weston
Providence Police Department

October 24, 2006

Sometimes there are simply no words and again this is one of those times. Who can explain but God,,, Rest in Peace as we close the ranks around you.

Officer Thomas Wiederhold #1890
Fort Worth Police,Tx

October 24, 2006

A POLICEMAN'S PRAYER
BROTHER WHEN YOU WEEP FOR ME REMEMBER THAT IT WAS MEANT TO BE.
LAY ME DOWN AND WHEN YOU LEAVE REMEMBER I'LL BE AT YOUR SIDE...IN EVERY DARK AND DREARY ALLEY I'LL BE THERE AS YOU SLOWLY TREAD, ON EVERY STREET CORNER IN THE DRIVING SNOW I'LL HOLD YOUR COAT AND YOU WILL KNOW.
IN PLACES WHERE THE DEVIL IS AFRAID TO WALK...
AT DOORS WHERE YOU MEET RESISTANCE...
IN HOUSES WHERE CHILDREN HIDE...
YOU KNOW I'LL BE AT YOUR SIDE.
THE PLACE FROM WHICH I NOW RESPOND IS OVERSTAFFED WITH HEROES GONE...MEN WHO ANSWERED ONE LAST JOB AND DID IT WELL.
AS POLICEMEN WE UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A CARD DEALT IN OUR HAND...A CARD WE HOPE WE NEVER PLAY BUT WE HOLD IT THERE ANYWAY.
THE CARD IS SOMETHING WE IGNORE AS WE STAND ON THAT THIN BLUE LINE EVERY TOUR...FOR WE KNOW THAT WE ARE THE ONLY PRAYER FOR MANY OUT THERE.
SO REMEMBER, AS YOU WIPE YOUR TEARS, THE JOY I HAVE KNOWN THROUGHOUT THE YEARS...AS THE JOB I LOVED TO DO I PRAY THAT THIS THOUGHT WILL SEE YOU THROUGH.

-AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Detective John Halligan
Philadelphia Police Department

October 24, 2006

A brother officer, husband, father, friend and hero has been taken away from us all too soon. Ofc. Briggs displayed the type of officer that we all strive to be. To his family, no words can take the pain away. Just know that we will be here whenever you need us. To MPD, you have lost an excellent officer and friend. Ofc. Briggs, may you watch over us and guide us through each shift. Thank you for everything that you gave. You truly are a hero! Go rest high on that mountain, son your work on earth is done. Go walk the beat in heaven, you have done your time in hell. Rest in Piece brother.

Former NH Police Officer

October 24, 2006

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. -Albert Pine

Officer Briggs -- The sacrifice you made for your community will not be forgotten.

To all those touched by the loss of Officer Briggs -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Association

October 24, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are extended to you family. Rest in peace!

Cpt. Kara Fagan
Mobile Alabama Police Department

October 23, 2006

SEMPER FI YOU ARE MISSED

SERGEANT OF MARINES
NYPD

October 23, 2006

My heart goes out To Officer Briggs Family, in this hour of darkness. I will pray for you every day until the grief eases. I watched the Calling hours procession from the 12 th floor. It was amazing to see the Officers apying the last respects.

Thank you OFficer Briggs for saving so many lives and making such an impact.

Rima Mathewson RN Health Dialog 12 th floor

RIMA MATHEWSON RN

October 23, 2006

Officer Briggs,
thank you for being such a dedicated Police Officer for the
city that I live in. You are truly a HERO.
My prayers are with you BROTHER, your family, and the
Manchester Police Department. Watch over us, and guide us.
R. I. P.

Officer Don Craig
Methuen MA PD

October 23, 2006

God Bless you and rest in Peace.

no Rank: E.A. Stevens
N.H. citizen

October 23, 2006

I did not have the privilege of meeting Officer Briggs in person. From all accounts Officer Briggs was that kind of officer who reflected tremendous credit upon himself, his agency and the community that he served. Officer Briggs was that kind of officer who treated everyone with respect and dignity without regard to their station in life. Officer Briggs is a sterling example to all who follow after him and are privileged to be a member of this honorable and noble profession. It is men and women like Officer Briggs who make it so honorable and noble. I salute his life, I salute his service, I salute his example and I shall henceforth honor his memory. Rest in peace and Semper Fi, my brother.

Lt. Gerry Millette
Litchfield Police Department

October 23, 2006

Our sincere sympathy for the loss of another great man, our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. Parents of a fallen Massachusetts State Trooper

October 23, 2006

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Officer Michael Briggs,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Officer Michael Briggs. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Officer Briggs is a hero.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network

October 23, 2006

Many families mourn today over the loss of a hero. The Briggs family, the Manchester PD, and all of law enforcement feel cheated over the loss of one of their own that was taken from them too early. Officer Briggs' watch has ended, but rest assured your fellow brothers and sisters will continue on and feel a little safer knowing that you are watching over us. My deepest sympathies to Michael's friends, family, and fellow officers.

Officer William Daisey
Gorham, N.H. PD

October 23, 2006

Ofc. Briggs, thank you for your service and dedication. May God comfort your family, friends, and fellow officers throughout these tragic times.

Fallen but Never Forgotten.

Sgt. Jeff Jensen Colorado Springs Police
Brother of Det. Jared Jensen, CSPD EOW 2-22-06

October 23, 2006

To PO Micheal Briggs

Thank you for your dedicated service. You will be missed by your family, friends, and all members of the police department family. No words I can say can easy your family's pain as I have found. We are praying for you and your family.

Brother of PO Jeremy Chambers 101
E.O.W. 04-24-2006

PO Chris Chambers
St Louis County Police Dept Mo

October 22, 2006

Many flattering and gracious words were spoken during the wake and memorial service for Officer Briggs.
While much more could and likely will be said, all I believe needs to be said is that he was a Marine, and a cop, and by all accounts, a decent family man.
Semper Fi brother.

Lt. Jim Gaudet
Litchfield PD

October 22, 2006

Michael I went to the place where you were shot today with my wife and laid a flower down for you.God bless your family in this darkest hour. I did not know you but can feel the love and happiness you bought to this world.You will be missed by all who you have touched with you kindness.Semper Fi Marine

Lt. Chris Shaw
NHDOC

October 22, 2006

My thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Briggs' family and all who served with him in NH. I am also a former NH Officer (1999-2001) and know how rare this is in a small state. In Broward County Florida, we have our share of violent crime and have also lost a dear friend in February. No matter where we are in this country as officers, deputies or any part of Law Enforcement, we are all united as one large family and we are all mourning this loss of our brother. May peace be with all of you out there on patrol.

CSIA Charleen Crowley
Broward Sheriff's Office

October 22, 2006

To the family and friends of Officer Michael Briggs and to his fellow officers of the Manchester Police Department:

I was so saddened to learn of the tragic death of this young dedicated officer. On behalf of our entire family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you sustained when Officer Briggs was brutally murdered in the line of duty while coming to the aid of another.

May you be comforted and supported by the warm embrace of your law enforcement family, and by other police survivors who share your painful journey.

My heart goes out to this young family. In reading the reflections abouth Michael, it is obvious that he profoundly touched the lives of many people and that he was an amazing husband, father, family member, friend and peer. That is a wonderful legacy to leave to all those who cared for him.

I also salute his service in the Corps. My son Larry is also his brother in green as well as in blue, and I know all those Marines have things squared away and still watch over.

What a tragedy and ironic event that the person whose life Michael had helped save earlier was the scum who took Michael's life. Some things are beyond understanding in this world, and these circumstances are way beyond my understanding.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Michael gave to his community and the citizens of New Hampshire, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 17, 2006.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Pittsburg PD Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

October 22, 2006

Dear Officer Briggs and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. The tribute on Saturday was well deserved. Only good things about this fallen hero were said. Manchester did a remarkble job.MICHAEL IS NOT IN A BETTER PLACE, BUT HE WITH ALL THOSE OTHER HEROS THAT MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.

The Gaughan Family

THE GAUGHAN FAMILY, MERRIMACK NH
SURVIVORS FOR STEVEN GAUGHAN 06/21/05

October 22, 2006