Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

On the anniversary of your passing, the morning is exactly like it was one year ago today.

It's a typical fall day in New Hampshire, leaves are turning color, the sky is a beautiful blue. It is frosty cool in the morning and the day warms up with a gentle sunlight.

Kids are scurring to school and adults rush to get to work on time.

There is a sadness about today, an emptyness that you feel when something is wrong or is missing, and that is you.

Our City still moves on with the healing process over your loss, you are spoken of and remembered so often.

You are remembered today as always, thank you for all you did.

God Bless you Officer Briggs, your family, police family and friends.

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 17, 2007

The McKay family is thinking of Michael's parents, children, wife and sisters on this day, a year since his EOW. I know from personal experience that words don't come easily, but prayers certainly do.

Blessings,
Meggen

Meggen McKay Payerle
Sister of Slain Officer Bruce McKay

October 17, 2007

Mike:

I can't believe a year has passed. I know you were looking down on all of us early this morning as we stood in the alley at 0245 to pay our respects. We all had a cold one for you (the guys off duty of course). I knew you were looking down wondering; 'why are all these guys out here so late in the morning rather than home snug in their beds?' Believe me, there is NO other place we would rather have been at that very moment.

Reardon spoke briefly - how poignant he can be in a time of need!! He really said some special things about you and what you represented.

I kept looking up into the clear sky and realizing that the feeling of the night air was the same feeling as that fateful night just one year ago.

FYI: The Sox are blowing it BIG TIME! They just lost to the Indians .....again! They still have one game in Cleveland and the Sox are down 3-1 (Best of 7 series). They are on the brink of being sent home early. Hopefully; Beckett can right the ship Thursday and get them back to Fenway. Then, Schilling can take over and get us squared away at 3 a piece.

The Patriots are tearing it up. Apparently, the Commissioner of the NFL has already signed sealed and delivered the trophy to Foxboro.... The Patriots have been labeled "the greatest offense to ever play football". I can't imagine how good they would be if they were still videotaping their opponents.

Anyway Mike; just wanted to touch base with you for a few moments, say hello and let you know you are missed terribly! I often think of that night (at shift change) when you were so happy to tell me you got the boys tickets to Fenway. Every time I watch a game at Fenway, I briefly stop and think of that conversation we had and how happy you were to get them down to Boston to see the Sox.

You are missed brother!!!

Semper Fi Devil Dog,
Fellow MPD Officer

Patrolman
Manchester

October 16, 2007

My prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former N.H. Police Officer
Fauquier County, VA

October 16, 2007

WE MISS YOU......LOVE YOU ALWAYS.....GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTON.....MOM AND DAD

mom and dad

October 16, 2007

We miss you very much Uncle Mike Love Jordan and Myles.

Jordan and Myles
Nephews

October 16, 2007

Semper Fi Jarhead,

It has been a year, we still miss you every day.

Mike Dempsey
Friend

October 16, 2007

Marine it has been a long sad year.Your family misses you more than ever. God bless them and give them the courage to move forward.

Lt. Chris Shaw
NHDOC

October 16, 2007

I miss you Mike.It still feels the same way it did a year ago today.

October 16, 2007

Your leaving us left such an impact on this city and all of the community. We think of you every day and can't help but stop this week and remember what happened a year ago today. Mike gave everything he had and we will Never Forget.

Wife of Manchester Police Officer

October 16, 2007

Almost a year has passed, Becca is doing great, we can never thank you enough.

Civ. Christy
Forever Grateful

October 16, 2007

Officer Briggs,
It has been one year since you were called home. Reading through reflections left by family and friends tells me that you were not only a hero in the law enforcement field, but also an honorable and dedicated husband, father, son, son-in-law, brother and friend. May the legacy of courage, bravery and love continue on forever. We thank you for giving ALL. You will always be remembered.

Pennsylvania citizen

October 15, 2007

A Year.....I can't help but think....yes 3am morning that call.....yes Oct 16 3AM WE GOT THE CALL,,,,,MIKE WE MISS YOU...."MY HEART STILL ACHES WITH SADNESS AND SECRET TEARS STILL FLOW....WHAT IT MEANT TO LOVE YOU....NO ONE CAN EVER KNOW" I MISS YOUR SMILE ...AND YOUR VISTS WHEN YOU HAD A FEW MONENTS FROM YOU BUSY LIFE....YES MIKE WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU VERY MUCH....YOU WERE SO PROUD OF WHAT YOU WERE....YOUR POLICE UNIFORM ...HONOR GUARD...MARINE'S AND YOU FOLLOWED YOUR'S DAD'S FOOT STEPS.....PEOPLE HAVE SAID YOU WERE A PRIVATE PERSON AND HUBMLE.....NO YOU WERE PROUD OF WHAT YOU WERE....YES MIKE WE KNOW YOU AND WE LOVE YOU...WE MISS YOU VERY MUCH TODAY....MARYANN

mryann
mom

October 15, 2007

The bitter cool morning awaits you Mike. Your smile was infectious. Your heart so big. Such fulfillment you had when with your sons and Laura. Your kindness had such meaning. We learned from you. Growing up was not always easy for you but your life succeeded any plan of unjust. Your spirit was always so positive. Your laughter was music to our ears. We miss you so much Mike. This week, one year since you've been gone is so hard. We want you here and know we have your spirit amongst us. All your friends love and miss you terribly. Please leave the light on for us. We will be home with you someday. xoxo

October 15, 2007

Mike was the best son-in-law anyone could have had. I would brag about him whenever I had the chance. I knew he was a good person but it wasn't until this nightmare happened that I foud out how many lives he really touched. It was the diversity that was so impressive, the homeless, with everything they owned in a trash bag, standing shoulder to shoulder in the pouring rain with little kids,dignitaries, past inmates from Valley Street Jail, people he had once bought a coffee for when they needed it, the list goes on and on. He was so unpretentious. I knew he was a cool person and I'm so glad to know others knew that too. But, Mike is not the only person I am proud of, I am proud of my daughter and grandsons for the quiet dignity they have shown this past year. It's my opinion that Mike would be so very proud of the way they have conducted themselves. We were lucky to have had Mike in our lives, his heart, soul and, spirit will live on in all of us whose lives he touched.

mother in law

October 14, 2007

Our group went to a meeting Tuesday evening where the Mayor announced a proposal for tougher jail sentences for crimes where a weapon is involved.

The US Attorney spoke, as well as the County Attorney and Chief Jaskolka. The Sheriff's Department was represented by Jim Hardy.

Community Police Office Mark Ampuja was there, as he is taking over for Dana Langton. He will be working closely with the Neighborhood Watch Groups.

You are missed and the Heart of the City of Manchester, NH continues to heal after your loss.

We will all be at the Road/Foot Race held in your honor and all of the fallen officers from MPD which is to be held on Sunday, October 14.

God Bless, you Officer Briggs. You, and all of the fallen from MDP will never be forgotten

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 12, 2007

I was lucky enough to work with you and learn from you. I'm on mids and I think of you every night at 0245.

You will not be forgotten and are missed.

D. Gotthardt Patrolman
Franklin PD

October 9, 2007

Mike,
Its been along time..... Yea I remember being caught by the Gunny. Cleaned windows for hours. The Gunny saved us. Those where great times in Sigonella and Souda Bay. Wish we could go back in time. Mike Clark called me yesterday. You where a great friend and a great person.
You will always be remembered just as that! Your memory will stick with me forever! Semper Fi

Chris Conrad

Chris Conrad
USMC

October 6, 2007

You were my little boy....you grew up to be a fine young man mom and dad brought you there.....a great son,brother,father,so many people loved you....yes Mike we think of you every day....we miss you

October 4, 2007

Mike.......you are a great Hero.....we love you and think about you everyday....Yes you were a great dad and a fine young man your dad and I talk about you every day....and we know we raised you to be the man you were....we know the stars at nite over our house are watching us....we love you and you were our son we loved very much...miss you GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTON.....WE MISS YOU....LOVE YOU.....LOVE YOU ALWAYS...MOM AND DAD

maryann briggs
mother

October 3, 2007

You will always remain in our hearts and souls. The times we have shared were so special. Not because of what you were but because of who you were. You have triumphed your whole life, and believed in yourself even when you may have felt others did not. You were a husband. You were a father. You were our friend. You were the true hero. You were silent about your achievements and always worked to be better. You are truly what heroes are all about. You were compassionate and you were sincere. For those of us who shared in your daily life, you were a friend. Michael Briggs, we are so proud to have been a part of your life and truly feel honored to have been your friends. We cry because we miss you but we also cry because we are so proud of you. Take care of all the angels Mike! And keep an eye on all of us! Friendship eternally!

September 25, 2007

Mike.....I love you and miss you very much....there is not a day that goes by that your Dad and I don't speak your name ....it's hard to believe a yr has past and so many things have happen your family is so sad and we miss you always.....love you Mom and Dad

maryann briggs
mother

September 23, 2007

Michael
My son there is not a day that goes by that your dad and I don't speak your name....you are always in our thoughts..I can't beleive almost a year has past since you left us.....we miss you and always so proud of you....what a fine young man we raised.....love you...Mom and Dad

Maryann Briggs
mother

September 23, 2007

The Weed and Seed Block Party was held today at the Sheridan-Emmet Park. Many of the Community Police Offices were there, Sgt Kevin Kincaid, Matt and Anna and of course Dana who has just been promoted to Sgt. How happy he is and how everyone is thrilled. He receives his gold shield Monday at the Old Pals Building now named after you.

You were thought of and talked about. It is so evident how you are missed. God Bless you, your family, police family and friends. We all now know that you never know what you have until it's gone.

Your untimely death will always be a sadness in the heart in the City of Manchester, NH.

Pat Van DenBerghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

September 22, 2007

Mike,
It has almost been one year since you have been gone I miss you more than ever. You will be forever in my heart.
Love your Sister Tracie

Tracie (Sister)

September 22, 2007