Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I did not know this Officer personally, but I know his story well. He truely died a hero.

Anonymous

February 23, 2010

Michael was so excited and proud when he was hired as a Patrolman from Cadet. He is missed and remembered with love. I was a disptacher at Du-Comm and on shift, it was
awfull night, eve of Easter. My thoughts and prayers continue for his family, friends, for those he loved and those who loved him.

Anonymous

September 5, 2009

I met Michael when I was 10 years old. We moved in the house next to his family. He wanted to be a policeman his whole life to make a difference and he did. Michael was the best friend anyone could have. My life is better & I am blessed to have known him. Seventeen years later he is still missed.
Rest in Peace My Friend

Donna Eichman
Friend

April 20, 2009

Mike, I stared at the etching on my wall today, that I had framed of your name. It was from the memorial wall from the American Police Museum in FL. It was pointed out by a fellow officer who came to visit me. He asked me when did you leave us.

I took a second and realized it was 16 yrs ago today. Mike I have never forgotten about 04/20 except this year. I am so sorry. I have been recovering from an injury I received on duty 03/15/08. Thank you for watching over me that night.

I have been to this site many times and this is the first time I have been able to leave a message.

I am once again heading to Springfield next week to honor you and the rest of our fallen here in Illinois.

Officer Jason stein
Village of Bridgeview IL

April 20, 2008

"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 whos 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
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

January 8, 2008

I was a good friend of Mike's from 2nd to 5th grade in West Chicago before my family moved to Wheaton. I reconnected with him after returning from my Army stint in Germany. He was a good person with a great heart and it chokes me up when I think of his untimely death. I am thankful for the memories I have of him and hope he is in a better place. Peace Mike, you are not forgotten.

Ezio Magarotto
Childhood friend

October 13, 2007

Mike, I never knew you for I was only in 8th grade when you gave your life. Now I follow in your shoes as a West Chicago Police Officer. I feel your presents every time I pass the dealership where you were killed or the graveyard where you rest. I often visit your grave and speak as if we were friends. I only wish you could be here to speak back and give advice. I know you are looking down watching over all your brothers in blue, protecting and guiding them home every night. May you rest in peace my brother.

August 20, 2007

I was working the night Mike was killed. I was working the next town over and shared the same radio frequency with West Chicago. God it was the worst thing you can ever hear, " officer down, I need help" from his back up officer. I did not even think, I just went as fast as I could to go help, as anyone that is an officer would.I believe I was the 3rd or 4th officer that was on scene and saw the pain and anguish everyone went through. This was a bright young life that was snatched away by a person that does not deserve to live. I hold alot of respect to all the cops that were there that night, a couple of officers could have easily shot and killed the offender, but chose to do it right and hold him to a higher power. This untimley death I will never forget, Michael you are never to be forgotten. Rest in peace my brother.

Officer G. Fehling
responded to the call of officer down

May 7, 2007

G-d Bless.

April 20, 2007

I never met Ofc. Browning, as he died when I was far too young to be a police officer. I, never the less, am greatly saddened. I see many similarities between us, including how we both grew up in the towns that we ended up serving and how we both started off in civilian positions. I think how now, many years later, he could have been a sergeant, FTO, detective, or just a general inspiration to newer officers. As an officer in DuPage, right next to West Chicago, I see it as my responsibility to do my job with as much integrity as possible, to honor this young man who I wish I had the pleasure of meeting.

Ofc. CJ Incrocci
Carol Stream Police Department

December 15, 2006

I never met Ofc. Browning, as he died when I was far too young to be a police officer. I, never the less, am greatly saddened. I see many similarities between us, including how we both grew up in the towns that we ended up serving and how we both started off in civilian positions. I think how now, many years later, he could have been a sergeant, FTO, detective, or just a general inspiration to newer officers. As an officer in DuPage, right next to West Chicago, I see it as my responsibility to do my job with as much integrity as possible, to honor this young man who I wish I had the pleasure of meeting.

Ofc. CJ Incrocci
Carol Stream Police Department

December 15, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

September 11, 2006

Rest in peace Michael.

CHICAGO POLICE WIFE

August 27, 2006

My heart goes out to Officer Browning his family and police family.

dispatcher
grand prairie police dept,tx

April 15, 2005

I had the priviledge of working with Mike when we were both just police cadets. When Mike got hired by West Chicago I was very happy for him because his life long dream was to be a Police officer, and for the short time he was allowed to do the job he quickly became Great at it.Mike possessed all the attributes that make for the best police officers. He was always firm but fair and consistent. He cared about the citizens he protected and his fellow "brothers and sisters" I just hope that I can be half the cop that Mike was.

Rest in peace Mike, Job well done

Deputy Thomas Thornton
Dupage county Sheriff's department

January 7, 2005

If the officer must give his life
Then we must pick up the weight
We must cry and tear, give a salute
And comfort his family of his fate

The brass will be more polished tomorrow
As we strive to be at our best
We will choke with overwhelming feelings
As we lay our brother down to rest

He never thought of him self as a hero
But only a defender of what was right
From the early morning details
To the load parties late at night

The honor guard is ready now
And flag is folded crisp
We fight the pain, as we stand shoulder to shoulder in the rain
My dear god, we were never prepared for this

We recall his last laugh we can
And cherish his last remembered sight
We will watch out children more closely now
And hold the wife twice as close tonight

We must where the uniform more proudly tomorrow
And remember his sacrifice was true
We must never forget our fallen comrade
Because we are Policemen too

December 10, 2004

every fallen officer is a hero. though you may not walk the beat with us, your legacy is carried on through us. may our conduct and dedication always reflect the man that you are.

May the good Lord keep you with him always.

your brother in blue.

anonymous

September 12, 2003

No officer that gave his life should be without reflection……

“For those who pledge to uphold it, Freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know”

I honor you

Anonymous