Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I’m praying for your family and coworkers. Thank you for your service. Rest in eternal peace

Maxine Clifford, mother of
Deputy Josh Rutherford EOW 5/29/03

August 8, 2023

I didn't know you, Sir, but I would like to think, in my decades-long, close-second-hand association with the law enforcement profession, that I have known more than a few who are just like you.

I am deeply touched by Chase Curl's "Hallelujah" tribute song to you. Though I didn't know you, I like to think that, indeed, it is a fitting tribute.

Condolences to all family, friends, and colleagues who are affected most by your loss. It won't come soon enough, but here, one day, is to a joyous reunion, where all tears and sorrow will be past, when you are reunited with the ones you love, at last.

Warm Regards and Best Wishes,
-Ken K. Gourdin

Ken K. Gourdin, Civilian
Civilian

September 8, 2022

Office Grey Michael, I am listening to your memorial song by chase curl,I just want you to know that your family, brothers, and sisters will never forget about you. RIP bage number 321

Civilian Seth Jones
Nobody

September 8, 2021

You will never be forgotten. Rest easy brother we will take the watch from here

Staff Sargent William Roux
United States Air Force

August 14, 2020

Rest in heavenly peace

Mark Mottola

August 6, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your memory, service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 6, 2020

REST IN PEACE WE REMEMBER YOU A SOUL GONE TOO EARLY GOD BLESS YOU, DEAR Gary you are not forgotten

Frau
Misses

January 29, 2020

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Gary was killed.

To the Michael family, fellow officers, and all who call Gary beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I know you will receive the same support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace. I hope that your family knows that a nation mourned for you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Officer Michael gave to his community and the citizens of Missouri and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 6, 2017

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

August 27, 2018

I hope everyone will find comfort in Acts 24:15 - "And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." Until we see our loved ones again on an earthly Paradise, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

August 24, 2018

You are a true hero both to your community and nation. I promise to honor your memory by doing everything I can to bring comfort to your loved ones.

Thank you for your selflessly chosing to serve and protect. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, blood and blue. RIP.
Brandy L. Baker

April 8, 2018

My deepest condolences to the family of Officer Gary Lee Michael Jr. May his soul rest in Heaven. My sincere thanks and respect to Officer Gary Lee Michael Jr. for his service to our country, and for his service to his community. He's a true hero in every since of the word; thank you Officer Gary Lee Michael Jr.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police

March 8, 2018

Rest In Peace my brother. You hold the Thin Blue Line from above. We'll continue the fight down here. Rest easy my brother. Thank for your service.

Patrol Deputy Scott DeHaven
Pettis County Sheriffs Office, Missouri

December 4, 2017

So sorry to hear of the loss of this fine officer. May God watch over the Family and Fellow Officers that put their lives on the line for us everyday. We all lose when one of these heroes fall.

B.J.Umbenhower
D.A.V. CHAPTER 11 Springfield, Missouri Color Guard.
Son of Chief of Police.Deceased
Their watch is over, now they patrol in Heaven.

November 26, 2017

Rest in peace brother. We will continue the good fight!

Detective Sergeant Jeremy Sims
Matteson

October 5, 2017

Rest in peace Officer Michael. My sincerest sympathies to your family and colleagues.

William Farrell
SFC, US Army MP, Ret

September 20, 2017

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service. As you join our brothers and sisters in the hall of heroes, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Vires et Honorem

PTLM Frank Kapusta Retired
Mohawk PD

September 9, 2017

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one who’s blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission
Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

September 8, 2017

A real "Hero" taken.
You helped make this world a safer place to live.
May God grant you eternal peace.
Prayers to your loved ones and to your department.

Det. Billy Russo (Ret.)
Nassau County PD, NY

September 7, 2017

May God watch over the Family and Fellow Officers that put their lives on the line for us everyday. We all lose when one of these heroes fall. And this one was a terrible loss. A man who without care for his own safety did such a noble thing. I hope his family will find some type of peace during this time of mourning. God will not let them down. Keep Faith and know he is in a better place. This is just a little ways from where I live. The PD here in Nixa and Springfield were deeply touched by this. Glad the killer was caught. May he receive what he deserves.

B.J.Umbenhower
D.A.V. CHAPTER 11 Springfield, Missouri Color Guard.
Son of Chief of Police.Deceased
Their watch is over, now they patrol in Heaven.

September 6, 2017

God bless Gary,See you on the other side.

SSG.(ret)
U.S. Army/ARNG.

September 3, 2017

Thank you for your service and sacrifice and may you rest in peace. God bless you and your family.

Commonwealth's Attorney Travis Bird
Spotsylvania County

August 22, 2017

RIP Brother, in Blue and Green. May God be with your Family and loved ones. Rest easy now. Protect from above.

Officer Steven Austin
Lawrence TWP P.D. (NJ)

August 19, 2017

My family and I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and fellow coworkers of Police Officer Gary Michael Jr during this very difficult time. May they find comfort and support from those around them. May their times spent together bring forth happy memories to last a lifetime. May God help heal their aching hearts. Thank you for your service and dedication to your community. Rest in peace Officer Michael Jr.

Gail M Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2/16/2004

August 19, 2017

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of police officer Gary Michael and to the entire Clinton Police Dept. RIP.

Wm Jean-Paul Rochat
Swiss Army, MP, Trafic & Escort Unit

August 16, 2017

Rest in peace brother.

Patrolman Stephen Trejo
Donna I.S.D. Police Department

August 15, 2017