Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mr. Gordon: Your idea about the blue lights is a great one-it can never be too much for your son or the other fallen officers. Rest in peace Michael.

CHGOPDWIFE

December 1, 2006

Hi Mike,

Wanted to stop in and leave a reflection. I know a number of people visit your page every day and for that I am so thankful as it is their way of not forgetting you. Then there are those that talk a big talk and you know who they are so I won't even go there. Mom made a Christmas wreath for the cemetery and put it out there. It is the biggest one in the cemetery. Even your son Malik noticed and commented on how large it is. I have all the blue lights up outside the house for Christmas as a tribute to you and all the other fallen officers. They will be lit every night from Thanksgiving until after New Years in conjunction with Operation Blue Light. A mother of a fallen police officer came up with the idea of at least having a blue light in the window in rememberance for fallen officers, well, I went one step further and did the whole outside and will be doing the inside windows all with blue lights. I even have a blue strobe and a rotating Chicago Squad type blue light for the inside, Do you think that may be a little too much? Naaaaaaaaaaaa. Been keeping busy working at your brother Bob's place. What is nice is that it's right next door to Gram Puf's house so if we get hungry we go next door. I can't believe some of the things the previous owner did to this house, but slow but surely we are getting it back into shape and it keeps me busy and I like doing it. Malik will be 10 in another week, he is growing like a weed. Cullen is your clone thats for sure. I moved the couch the other day and low and behold, there were cany wrappers under the couch, just like you, his good old Dad use to do with gum wrappers when you were his age. What is funny is that we never told him you use to do that, so this must be some inherited thing. When the two boys are over, Cullen usually catches me on the ODMP site and questions who the officer is that I am writing a reflection to and have to tell him that particular officers story on how he became a hero. Well, time to go, miss you so much but I don't have to tell you thank. Please watch over all the grand kids for me.

Love,
Dad

November 30, 2006

Officer Gordon your dad must have ESP. I was just thinking of him as I went to my brother's site and there he was...being thoughtful. I visit my brother's site daily just because...and I always visit yours too. I check up on you and your family to catch up on what is going on for them. They are amazing and love and miss you very much. I admire them for how much effort they each expend in keeping your memory alive. You were as fortunate to have them as they were to have you. I always pray for them and you along with other officers that I feel a special bond to. None of you are forgotten.

Mr. Gordon, thank you for including my brother in your tree of blue lights. You are so caring and I am so touched by your kindness. I am not putting a tree up this year, my heart isn't in it. We just found out that a three week suspension is being appealed by the person responsible for my loss because he feels it is unjust. I'm having a hard time equating my son's being taken from us to his pitiful reprimand. We will be updating his justice site soon and I hope you will go to it.

I will keep Michael, his children, family, and especially his marvelous parents in my thoughts and prayers. We all share a bond and I know your heartache and love for your son...I walk in the same shoes...God Bless all of you.

Anita L. Culosi
sister of NYS Tpr. Salvatore J. Embarrato eow 7/6/61

November 26, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving Dad!
Today we did all kinds of fun things. We played baseball with Uncle Bob and Uncle Joe, Mom tried to teach Cullen how to ride his bike and I rode my bike around the block three times in a row. Later on after we left Grandma and Grandpa's house, John, Luke, Alec, Uncle John and Aunt Heather came over and we got to play and eat popcorn with chopsticks. Now me and Mom are watching a movie. We already watched Hoot and Cullen fell asleep.
We have a new kitten named Guinness. She's little and it looks like there is a marking of a Christmas tree on her head. She has little eyes and a big giant head. Sometimes she sleeps with me at night. Fiona is getting fat and Fillmore is still skinny.
I wish you were here right now. It would be the best day ever. I love you.
Your loving son,
Malik also known as Ling Ho (it's from the movie Hoot)

Malik Gordon
Son

November 24, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving Mike! I think about you every day and miss you terribly. Please keep watch over your family and friends. We all love you!

Sheryl

Sheryl Palermo
Riverside PD

November 23, 2006

Hi Mike,Well it's about 1A.M. and wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving, so you like the dark meat, uh, so do I. Bet you and Jeff will be having a feast beyond anything we ever had. Has Jeff been making you go deer hunting or fishing. I know he's got to be doing one or the other. Mike, I get so angry sometime,that you guys had to leave us so soon. You know, I'd like to see that day, where people say's in time it gets better.........I guess at times we get busy and for a few minutes our mind drifts to something else. But not for long. Not even a full 24 hours. So know the saying is true. HERO"S never die. You and Jeff are in my thoughts everyday. Well I didn't mean to ramble on, keep watch over all,Mike, your loved and missed everyday. Carolyn

Carolyn Moore

November 23, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving

Mike,

I wanted to drop in and say Happy Thanksgiving. Holidays just don't mean the same to me anymore, just want to get through them. Looks like Uncle Joe will have no competition for the dark meat with you and Gram Gordon gone, as you both loved the dark mean while everyone else fought over the white meat off the turkey.
Someone very close to you wore your running shoes to take a police agility test, made the run portion of the test which was worrying him. Must have been the shoes as you use to run all the time. I know you sure didn't get the running part from me as I always hated running, even when I was in shape. Hey, your brother Bob was on duty today and got to see and talk to some people moving a semi to Washington, DC with a 70 foot Christmas tree on the truck. Evidently, it has to be going to the White House as they wouldn't let you near the truck. He put one of your memorial magnets on the truck so you will be there when they unload it and put it into place. ABC News Chicago was here interviewing me and Mom about a new device MADD is backing to try and get passed into law across the US, a device convicted DUI drivers must blow into to start their cars. There are ways to beat this but at least its another tool to keep them off the road. I let Mom do all the talking this time. If we can prevent just one person from being killed and and keep them from having to go through through what we must live with every day, is well worth it. Well, will get going, please watch over everyone for me. Miss you terribly. Say hi to Jeff for me and don't fight with Gram over the dark meat.

Love,
Dad

November 22, 2006

Hey Mike-

I’m sorry I haven’t written in awhile. Things have been pretty hectic. It’s sad when you look at the holidays as your time to “relax”. Isn’t that usually supposed to be the most stressful time of the year?

Malik and Cullen have finally finished soccer. Malik’s team came in 3rd place for the season and Cullen’s team came in 1st place for the playoffs. Malik’s team didn’t do that well in the playoffs but did a great job during the season so he brought home a trophy. Cullen’s team didn’t do that well during the season but did a great job during the playoffs so he brought home a medal. They both had a good time and made some new friends. They are really excited about starting indoor soccer in January and as long as it’s warm inside the Sportsplex I can’t say that I mind being a “Soccer Mom” for another season. When else do I get a chance to sit in a chair and scream for 2 hours?

The boys are also doing very well in school. Your Mom and I went to the parent teacher conferences on the 9th and both of their teachers had nothing but good things to say about them. Malik’s report card had all A’s and B’s and Cullen’s had all S’s. There are a few areas they can improve in but all in all they are doing very well. You would be proud, I know I am.

Slowly but surely we’re getting settled into the new house. It’s going to take a little while longer but at least I’m starting to see light at the end of the tunnel. You’re Mom and Dad have helped out tremendously. Your Dad put in all of the kitchen appliances and your Mom has helped me with all of the little “home owner” issues that have arisen. Like when Malik and Cullen clogged the toilet with baby wipes!!! That was fun. I’m constantly asking her questions on everything from “how to recycle” to “what should I do about the mouse in our garage” I don’t think, in fact I know, I couldn’t have done it without their help and/or without all of the help from John. He did more then I did when it came to moving everything. I know it’s going to sound corny but I really think he’s heaven sent.

Well, that’s about it for now. Thanks again for everything.
It feels really good to know I have you looking over my shoulder.
You made me that promise long ago and even in death you’re still keeping your word.

I miss you and I’ll talk to you soon,
India

India S. Gordon

November 21, 2006

Dear Mike, Did you and Jeff think I had forgoten you? NO WAY!!!!!!!I think of you both every day. I've been trying to leave reflections for other Fallen Officer's. It breaks my heart to read about each of them. All of you were just to young to leave us. We will never understand, never quit asking WHY??? Never stop hurting,never stop sheding tears. I love you Mike, I wish that I could have met you in person,but I know you from your parents. Mike your family will forever keep you alive in their hearts,and so will I. Thank you Mike for the service you gave for each of us. How fortunate, those who knew you. Tell Jeff I love and miss him. And tell Bobby and John that I love them to and appreciate them and that they,your Mom,Dad and your children are in my prayers every day. See you soon,Mike,see you soon,You and Jeff keep watching over us,okay? love, carolyn

carolyn moore

November 17, 2006

Still thinking of you and praying for both you and your family. Rest in peace Michael. I read your dad's reflections and it breaks my heart but at the same time I can see what joy you obviously brought to him while you were here.

CHGOPDWIFE

November 15, 2006

Mike,

Just wanted to drop you a note to tell you that your missed. I just recently found out what happend. You were always a great friend and a wonderful guy. You always could bring a smile and a laugh to even the worse of days. Rest in peace...

Michael A. Merzke
SFC, USA
Military Police

SFC Michael Merzke
US Army Military Police

November 13, 2006

Happy Veterans Day Michael. I miss you and will always keep you close to my heart. Please watch over all of us that love you.

Sheryl

Sheryl Palermo
Riverside PD

November 11, 2006

Happy Veterans Day,

Happy Vets Day Mike. I know it's one of your favorite days because all night long on cable tv they have nothing but the war movies that you loved to watch. It really breaks my heart to know that you served this country in two combat zones and have to come back and be killed on a ghetto street by an individual that was not even supposed to be in this country who never had an intention of serving our country. I also blame our polititions for wanting to grant amnesty to some of these individuals. Anyway, thankyou for being a great son and for serving this country that you believed in and loved. Keep watch over everyone for me.

Love
Dad

November 10, 2006

Dear Mike, thought i'd drop you a line o let you know i still look at your picture everyday as well as Jeff's and tell you guys how much you are loved and missed. Your dad sent me the cutest email. I think you know the one!!!!!!!! Talked with your mom and she told me about the MICHAEL P.GORDON BLUE LINE AWARD'S memorial. i know you are proud of john,and the effort he puts into this program. not only to acknowledge Fallen Officers,but those we still have with us who have gone beyond the call of duty. Mike you will never be forgotten, nor ever stopped being loved by those who knew you best. i so admire your dad,mom,brothers and friends that keep you alive in action and deed. the way your family are there for your sons. and India, has to be a jewel for moving to chicago so the boys could be close to their grandparents. mike, one thing i know for sure, your family is the greatest. as you know your mom is having some problems with her feet, so do i ,so i know what she is going through. when she and i talk,and as our conversations always drifts to you and jeff. i cry over jeff alot, but when you mom cries i wish i were in chicago to hold her and your dad to. they really are precious to me. i've never told you this. i wasn't able to go to D.C. for the memorial there. but as tracie and taylor were there,i watched the memorial was on CNN, out of that crowd, i saw john,bobby and your dad, i knew it was them, your mom had sent pictures of you before may of that year. i picked them out becaues you all look alike. and when your name was called,i really paid attention,sure enough, it was your family. needless to say,i never deamed we would become so close. I know as you look down from Heaven its with so much pride you see what your family is doing for so many others in your name. You truly are a HERO, Mike, thank you for being a son of three that has made your parents proud. because each of you have the love of wonderful parents. hope i didn' keep you to long, just needed to talk about things,you already knew. Mike keep watch over all of us, as we hold you close to our hearts and keep your memorie alive. love you, caroly moore. p.s. tell jeff i love him to..i'll be back soon.

Carolyn Moore

November 10, 2006

Guin is so strong. I know you're proud, and I know you're having a blast in Heaven with Peter. Tell him Hi for me

November 8, 2006

Mike,
Even though Im far from the streets of 11, working for UP in Idaho. I have your memorial button attached to my computer screen. I think of you almost every day, I miss the story's you told, you always cracked me up. I feel so fortunate to have been able to work with you. I laughed when your brother told me you referred to me as the "crazy Serb"
Just wanted you to know Ill never forget you and I miss you dearly.
Your Friend,
Milo

Dan Milovanovic "Milo"
Union Pacific PD

November 7, 2006

Hi Michael,

Last night we honored you and other officers that follow the same work ethics that you always showed. Your family & the members of the Foundation did an incredible job with the event. It is wonderful to see how many people keep you close to their heart and vow that you will "Never Be Forgotten". You are always in my thoughts Michael and you will always be in my heart. Please continue to watch over all of us that love you and miss you.

Sheryl

Sheryl Palermo
Riverside Pd

November 6, 2006

2nd Annual True Blue Awards:

Last night we held the Michael P. Gordon True Blue Awards. Once again, it was a big success. Your brother John is the backbone behind the Foundation and I know it takes allot of work and volunteers to pull it off as successful as it was last night. Many of your friends from 11 were there having a great time, really razzing Abe for the Hockey stick he purchased in the auction. Really made me feel good that your close friends still remember you and I hope they always will as I know the kind of policeman you were and you would have been there for one of them if the circumstances were reversed. Your commander was there and came up to me and said that you are still a part of the district and you are stil there in spirit. Now I know why you fit right in with the group of guys from 11, all of you are ball busters-but thats how you survive working in the worst district in the City of Chicago and what you see and have to live with every day. I want to thank everyone that came out, including the award recipiants who all said that the award means allot to them because of the name of the award and the history of who it is named after and the work ethic you had. We had close to 300 people there last night and each year it will get a little larger. Take care, I know you were there in spirit last night and I know the table you were at, busting chops about a hockey stick. Keep watch over everyone for me and those guys still out on patrol.

Love
Dad

November 6, 2006

Dear Mr Gordon,
Tonight we remembered all Baltimore Police Officers killed in the line of duty at our Annual Candlelight Vigil. Something brought me to this page this evening.....thank you for leaving the note and kind words. It truly has been difficult losing my husband. However, I can't imagine losing my children like you have. My children were 3 and 4 years old when their dad was killed. I try very hard to keep his memory alive by sharing stories with them. Our son looks exactly like his father and our daughter has his personality. I am grateful. I truly believe he is living on in them. My heart hurts for you. I do hug my children a little longer and closer because it is through them that I am able to continue my journey in this life. Losing our loved ones to a senseless act of drunk driving is just unfathomable. You have tremendous courage. I am sure your grandchildren are happy to have you around to do things with. Even though I know they miss their dad. God Bless you and your family. Take Care and keep in tough.
Laurie Platt

Laurie Platt
Surviving Spouse, Sgt John D Platt Sr EOW 10-14-00 Baltimore PD

November 5, 2006

Mr Gordon (Dad)-

I just wanted to say thank you for sharing with us as often as you do. Every so often, I will come to this page and read your reflections. I almost always get emotional and reflect on my own life. Your honesty and candidness through your reflections gives me strength and energy to be a better officer and more importantly, a better man. Thank you.

PO
Chicago Police Department

November 2, 2006

Happy Halloween Mike,

I know how you use to love Halloween when you were little. We still talk about how you dressed up as Wonder Woman and went to Gramma's House, she opened the door and gave you a treat and never knew it was you. Then you graduated up the ranks to a teenager and would terrorize the neighborhood in Cicero with your brothers over at Lincoln School. Throwing eggs, bombing the girls with shaving cream, not to mention how the Cicero police would always chase you guys around. I can imagine the things I don't know about that your brothers would never narc on you about. The boys were here in their costumes. Malik was the Grim Reaper and your brother Bob had a Grim Reaper costume also and went out trick or treating with the two boys. It looked like a Father and Son sized Grim Reapers. Cullen has a miniature soldier uniform, with every badge and patch you had on yours when you were in the Army, down to the Airborne Wings and Air Assault badge on it along with your unit patch. Thought about you all day, but thats not unusual. You take care, love and miss you. Please watch over the little ones for me and your brothers too.

Love,
Dad

October 31, 2006

dear mike, just wanted to stop by and let you know i haven't ,forgotten you. think of you and jeff every day. we miss you both so very much. our lives were changed forever when you were taken away. we still ask why? and will never understand, but God see's futher down the road that we do. although we will hurt and cry until we see you again,you will forever stay alive in our memories. when people see the chain and star your mom gave me, they immediatly what to know about it . what an honor to tell them about MICHAEL GORDON,JEFF,and other FALLEN HERO'S. i know your mom and dad haven't been feeling well. Tell the Lord to send a little healing down for them..........also a lot of comfort and peace in their hearts in knowing you are safely in His arms. Never to suffer one pain or heartache,no worry or stress,never cry another tear. and when we get to heaven with you and jeff, all of our tears will be wiped away by jesus himself. so till then keep watch over us Mike. you and jeff. you are both loved and missed so very much, and honored in our hearts everyday for the sacrifice you made for us. Thanks Mike!!!!!! love carolyn P.S. i'll be back to talk to you soon

carolyn moore

October 27, 2006

Mr. Gordon,
You have touched me so deeply. We don't know each other, but honestly, I have shed tears for your loss over the last two days.

I found your son's page because of the reflection you left on Bill McEntee's site. After reading several of Mike's reflections, I learned you frequently write reflections for other fallen officers you don't even know. How thoughtful of you!!! I wonder how you decide on which page you'll leave a reflection?

Your postings are so full of raw emotion, love, sorrow, pain and wonderful memories. I chuckled on my drive home last night as I envisioned the last time you saw Mike (your birthday in 2004). I laughed because of the description you gave about his lengthy body riding a bike like Pee-Wee Herman. I wish you had that on video-tape, too, but sounds like you have a vivid recording forever playing in your mind.

I have two small boys of my own and I can't even possibly imagine the depth of your grief. I promise to hug them a little tighter each day because you've made me realize I may not always have that opportunity.

My heart truly aches for you. Mike sounds like he was a wonderful son and father. I hope you find some comfort knowing you WILL be with him again one day.
Kelly Cox Bievenue

Kelly Cox Bievenue
MO citizen

October 27, 2006

Dear Dad,

I hop evre thing is gowing ok. Scool is grat. I met lots of frends here. Tang you for beying braf and playng wihe me. I hop you nevr evr git hrt in hevin. I mess you a lote. I want to write a store to you abot me and you. Thang you for playg wiche me.

Love,
Cullen

TRANSLATION:

Dear Dad,

I hope everything is going OK. School is great. I met lots of friends here. Thank you for being brave and playing with me. I hope you never ever get hurt in heaven. I miss you a lot. I want to write a story to you about me and you. Thank you for playing with me.

Love,
Cullen

Cullen Gordon
Son

October 24, 2006

To the family of Michael Gordon, I would like to tell you that I think of your son almost daily, as I walk through the halls of the 011th District.

See, I wasn't part of the CPD family until I was hired on Jan '05, just a few months after your tragic loss; I was waiting for my investigator to finish my background when I hear of your loss on the news... ...I still remember.

I joined YOUR family when I showed up to work on JUN '05 at Harrison and Kedzie, on the 1st watch. Michael’s brothers on the 1st watch made sure to talk him up to this new "P.P.O." I was given a black band which I worn on my star to remember him during the next few months as the 011th district mourned.

Michael, I'm off of probation, and time seems to be flying by. I think about you as I walk past your children's pictures, which hang near the desk. I see your face every time I walk past the tact office and look up on that old cork board.

Gordon family, my point is that even though I joined the family after the fact, Michael is my brother because of our CPD family and because I have the privilege of working with the guys he knew.

I am a testament that your son lives on in all of his fellow officers.

Michael, I think back to my first nights on patrol when the guys would hit up the 'jets on 2515 w. jackson. You know- “Sharks” on the PDT. Man, I'm sure you made countless trips, with them, up those concrete stairwells!
Well, I don't know if anyone has told you yet, but they torn down all those buildings and soon condos and town homes will occupy the space on Campbell and Rockwell.

Gordon family, if you ever want to meet me, just stop in at the 011th district, I’ll be wearing the blue shirt with patches on my sleeves!

Fillmore Ranger
CPD -011th District

October 22, 2006