Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

dearest mike, just got through leaving a reflection for jeff and could't go to bed until i said hello to you. mike, i look at your picture and see such a handsome man. you are both your mom and dad. they miss you so much. so do i, for them. sometimes to think you were stationed right here in n.c., when you were in the army. and could have come here anytime you wanted to or could have. you would have been so welcomed here. and i know you would have fit right in. mike, i know in my heart and also from your choosing to work on the west side,that as the song "go rest high on the mountain" says, you weren't afraid to face the devil, was true. you truly was the best from the west. thank you for all you gave, to help keep us safe. you gave your all mike. you lay down your life for us. and god's word says "no greater love hath a man that he lay down his life for his brother". it doesn't make it easy for those left behind, but your memory stays forever in our hearts. keep watch over all mike. know you are loved and missed. love carolyn

carolyn moore

October 22, 2006

hi mike, just a note to let you know i was thinking of you and jeff, along with all the other fallen hero's. i never realized just how many officers have given their life for the rest of us. just wish more people would respect the uniforms and the men and women that wear them. when i go into odmp to leave a reflection, your dad has been so faithful to let families know how much others care. not to many people out there like your mom(HOPE SHE IS FEELING BETTER)AND DAD. god gave you wonderful parents. and them three great sons. bet you and jeff wish tracie hadn't gotten me this laptop.you both are probably saying "here she is again'. i have had two dreams about jeff lately, seem so real. tell your mom and dad to read it on jeff's page. well sweetie, it's 3:30 am so i guess i better get some rest. tell jeff and the rest of you hero's i send my love. keep watching over us. love carolyn

carolyn moore

October 16, 2006

Hey Mike,

I've got a story for you-
Today there was a little get together at John and Heather's house for baby John's birthday. All of the grown-ups were outside and Heather's Mom brought out an autographed baseball and all she knew was that it was signed by someone on the White Sox (you know how easy it is to read autographs). Well, all of the grown-ups were standing around looking at this autographed baseball trying to figure out whose signature it was. All we could make out was a "B" and some of the number. Meanwhile, Cullen and baby John are playing right next to us- So, I call Cullen over and ask him which White Sox player's name starts with a "B". Of course, the first thing out of his mouth was Mark Buehrle but we all knew because of the number that it wasn't Buehrle. So, Cullen says let me see it (keep in mind he doesn't know how to even read cursive). He looks at it for a minute and says, "What's that guys name? You know the one from the World Series. He's a pitcher. Bobby Jenks?" Sure enough he was right!!! Somehow I knew he would get it but I was still shocked. Leave it to the 7 year old to figure it out. He's such a sports fanatic.

Speaking of sports, Malik scored his first goal in soccer on Saturday. He was so happy. He's really doing well and seems to enjoy playing. Your Dad comes out to the games and John comes out when he can. Even Uncle Bob and baby Nikki got a chance to come out and watch. I try to not let them focus on the fact that you're not there and focus on who is but it doesn't always work out that way. They miss you a lot and think about you always. We all do.

Talk to you soon-
India

Oh yeah- One more thing, First the Steelers win the Super Bowl and now the Bears are 5-0 (their best start in two decades). Don't think I'm not on to you and Grandpa! You two aren't slick! But at least you let his team go first.

India S. Gordon

October 15, 2006

Mike,

Just got back from the State Capital where I was with the Chief and the AC from Riverside. The Illinois Chapter of MADD presented the Department with a certifcate and a MADD Challenge coin for all their effort in getting your law, "Micahel's Law," passed and put into affect this year. They had your picture up at the front and had me light a candle for all those individuals who have lost their lives to Drunk Drivers. There were officers from across the State of Illinois who received awards for their effort in fighting DUI and there were two Chicago Officers honored who have written over 2,000 DUI's between them over the past several years, a great feat. You have not been forgotten and hopefully more officers from this State will learn about the law change and start charging these individuals with a felony under the criteria of "Michale's Law." We love and miss you terribly, keep watch over the little ones for me.

Love,

Dad

October 15, 2006

Mike,

I went camping with your two boys last weekend for their first campout with Cub Scouts. What an experience that was with little kids running around in the woods. I know they really liked the campfire, all kids like a good campfire to tell stories around. Cullen even volunteered and sang a song. I told them a scary story and then I felt bad as they kept asking me if the story was true. I finally told them it was not so they wouldn't be up all night or worse go and tell their parents. Sleeping on the ground all night isn't like it use to be for me when I did it with you when you were a Boy Scout. I didn't have arthritus in my knees back then and when I woke up the next morning I paid the price. But, it was worth it as the boys had a great time. You are in our thoughts every single day. Please watch over all the grand kids for me.

Love,

Dad

October 11, 2006

May Gold Bless your family.
Tracey DeLitta Tousley

Tracey DeLitta Tousley
daughter of Fallen officer David DeLitta eow 10-28-88

October 11, 2006

hey whats up muchaco. alls good down here, all new faces that you wouldnt recognize nevertheless theyre hungry like you was. things change, now we have to really work hard for those three hours. not the way it used to be when it just fell on your lap after roll call. been a while, but ill always be here and will always be coming back. had a nice little get together today, josh and mcnichols going to saturation, i'd say they'll be back too boring for them.
everybody still trying to do it with your help.

take care see you soon.

p.o.
cpd

October 9, 2006

MICHAEL, WELL, I'M FINALLY HERE! GUESS YOU AND JEFF WERE BEGINING TO THINK I HAD FORGOTTEN YOU, BUT THAT WILL NEVER BE. MICHAEL, I LOOK AT THE PICTURES OF YOU AND JEFF ON THE TV EVERY MORNING AND ALWAYS TELL YOU BOTH I LOVE AND MISS YOU BEFORE I GO TO BED. SO VERY MUCH I NEED TO SAY. MOST OF ALL HOW VERY MUCH I HAVE LEARNED TO LOVE YOUR PARENTS. I KNOW YOU AND JEFF PLANNED THAT. THANKS! YOUR MOM AND I LEAN ON EACH OTHER SO MUCH, YOUR DAD TOO. WHEN THEY CAME HERE IN MARCH I WAS SO THRILLED. MIKE, I NEVER MET YOU IN PERSON, BUT YOU ARE AS MUCH OF OUR LIFE AS JEFF. I KNOW IN MY HEART O HEARTS THAT WHEN HEAVEN RECEIVED YOU AND JEFF
MY HERO'S, AND THERE WERE SO MANY LIKENESSES ABOUT YOU AND JEFF, THAT IT JUST WOULD'T HAVE BEEN RIGHT HAD I NOT HAD THE HONOR OF MEETING YOUR PARENTS. YOU KNOW GOD ONLY ACCEPTS THE BEST. MY HEART BREAKS EVERY TIME I HEAR OF ANOTHER FALLEN HERO. THAT IS WHAT EACH OF YOU ARE TO ME. I HAVE PROBLEMS IN TRYING NOT TO ASK WHY? YOUR DAD HAS BEEN SO KIND TO SEND ME THE DVD'S OF DIFFERENT EVENTS IN HONOR OF YOU, AND YOU DESERVE EVERY HONOR THERE IS. HOW PRECIOUS YOU ARE AND ALWAYS WILL BE TO YOUR MOM AND DAD, ALONG WITH JOHN AND BOBBY. EACH OF YOU HAVE MADE THEM PROUD IN YOUR OWN WAY. MIKE, YOU AND JEFF KEEP WATCHING OVER ALL OF US. AND ESPECIALLY BOBBY ON THAT BIKE. WHEN I KNOW HE IS GOING SOMEWHERE ON IT, YOU KNOW I'M SAYING A PRAYER FOR HIS SAFETY. HOPE HE DOESN'T GET UPSET, THAT YOUR MOM LETS ME KNOW. FORGIVE ME IF ALL THIS SOUND CRAZY BUT TRACIE JUST GOT THIS COMPUTER FOR ME, AND I'M TRYING TO LEARN IT. BLESS YOUR DAD, HE WAS THE FIRST ONE I EMAILED. SO I WILL BE TALKING TO YOU AND JEFF MOORE. PLEASE TELL JEFF HOW VERY MUCH I LOVE AND MISS HIM. AS LONG AS THERE IS A BREATH IN MY BODY I WILL BE THINKING OF YOU BOTH. IN THE MEANTIME KEEP WATCH OVER THOSE STREETS OF GOLD AND WAIT FOR US ALL, JUST INSIDE THE EASTERN GATES. LOVE YOU MIKE, FOREVER IN MY HEART. CAROLYN

CAROLYN MOORE

October 4, 2006

Officer Gordon,
May your family find peace in God. Thank you for keeping a watch down here and now up there. You will never be forgotten.

Detective Shawn Darby
Kentucky State Police

October 4, 2006

Mike,

I forgot to tell you before that I received an email from one of your favorite actors, Joe Mantegna. I know you liked him because he grew up in Cicero. Anyway, he has been a big supporter in getting the Chicago Police Memorial and Park built and has supported our family since we lost you. Never in a million years would I believe that I could pick up the phone and call him or email him or when your brother was in California that he could meet him and have lunch. He's a wonderful man and loves the police. Heres what his email said when I thanked him for his support:

"Your son is one of a legion of heroes who have dedicated their lives in service to others. I'm proud to have been from the same area as your family."
All the best,
Joe Mantegna

What a great tribute to you and all the other fallen heroes across this country. Your brother John gave him one of your wrist bands and I gave him one of your picture buttons and the Riverside puter pin which he has placed with honor into a display case in his home in California. What a great man who remembers fallen heroes.

The True Blue Awards Night is fast approaching and I hope it is a success so that we can begin distribuing funds from your foundation to the charities we support in your name and the college scholarship that has been established. We are keeping your memory alive and you will never be forgotten. We all love and miss you and think of you every day. Keep watch over the family and especially the kids and all the guys down at 11 who are guarding the Thin Blue Line.

Love,

Dad

October 2, 2006

“Love is not written on paper, for paper can be erased. Nor is it etched on stone, for stone can be broken. But it is inscribed on a heart and there it shall remain forever.”

Happy Anniversary Mike and Guin.

"We're getting married; and him and him and him..."

October 1, 2006

Bless you and your family, you are missed!

P.P.O
CPD 011

October 1, 2006

Dear Mr. Gordon -- I visited the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in DC today as it was my brother's would have been seventy-fifth birthday as well as the feast day of St. Michael the Archangel, patron saint of law enforcement officers.

I went to Panel 29 East 24 and placed a flower and said a prayer for your son from both of us. In the future anytime I visit the Memorial in remembrance of my brother I will also remember to view Michael's name and say a prayer for him as well. I know how much you miss him...

I will keep Michael, you and your family in my prayers.

God Bless you.

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

September 29, 2006

This hero will never be forgotten. God bless the family.


Mother of sheriff in Ca.

September 24, 2006

Hi Mike,

Just rolled in from Galena where we spent the weekend. Went into town to see the old haunts where I use to take you guys in scouts. The campground is still there but getting crowded out with new building. The farm next to the campgrounds where you would all sneak off to in the middle of the night to go "Cow Tipping" is now a brand new Super Walmart. You guys didn't think I knew you would sneak off and do that did you? I always would worry that one night there would be a bull in that field as you city boys wouldn't know a bull from a cow. Sort of was bitter sweet going there as I have a lot of great memories associated with the town and all the camping we did there over the years for the yearly Grant Pilgrimage. I still like how you guys would go to Traders Square which was meant for trading patches and you would trade the Trail Hike answers with the Cub Scouts. The trail that took all day to hike and complete, you guys would get the answers that where along the trail hike, in about an hour. You guys would tell me it was okay to do as you were trading in Traders Square. Again, many memories, great ones, thank you for those memories. Miss and love you terribly, watch over the little ones for me.

Love,

Dad

September 24, 2006

Chicago PD Memorial - Candle Light Ceremony & Dedication

Mike,

Last night was the Candle Light ceremony. There are estimates that 8,000 attended. I have to say that this memorial is probably the best in the Nation. Allot of planning and work went into getting it built and all done with donations from Officers, citizens and corporate sponsors at a cost of $3.5 million. Ran into a number of your friends there and we are greatful that they remember you. You have a total of 7 brick pavers in front of the main waterfall, 4 from our family and 3 from the 11th District and I want to thank Andy for collecting donations for those and for all those officers that donated from the 11th District. I thanked the Superintendant for spear heading this endeavor and getting this memorial built, the 520 names on the walls deserve that much. All the names were read off by readers, the Chicago Emerald Society played Balmoral and Amazing Grace, dueling buglars played taps and there was the 21 gun salute. Some of the Chicago skyscrapers had their lights on in a checkerboard pattern and one even had a blue light shining up into the night sky. Very nice ceremony. I was sitting in my chair and heard a familiar voice behind me, turned around and it was Dennis Farina, he was there to read some of the names and is a big backer of this project. Well, you take care, we all love and miss you. Please watch over everyone for me and say hi to Gramma & Grampa Gordon for me. You have not been forgotten.

Love,

Dad

September 19, 2006

Hi Michael,

We went to the dedication ceremony last night at the Gold Star Families Memorial & Park to honor you and all the fallen officers that have been tragically lost. The memorial & park are beautiful. CPD & all involved did a great job. It was very difficult for me to look at your name on the wall. I found your name almost immediately and the tears just began to stream down my face. I miss you very much. Please continue to watch over your family and all of us that love & miss you.

Sheryl

Sheryl Palermo
Riverside PD

September 19, 2006

Michael, I just got back with my family from the Chicago Police Memorial . It was a big turnout . You will never be forgotten. We lit our candles in your memory. Rest in peace.

CHGOPDWIFE

September 18, 2006

Flash,
The dedication to the memorial was tonight and you would be proud!! It was beautiful and a very humbling experience.

Karla-CPD

September 18, 2006

Hi Mike,

Thought I'd drop in and leave a reflections. This is sort of my way of journaling I guess. Grace was here a few weeks ago and she is really getting to be a big girl. Bob stopped over with little Nicki and the girls really played nice together. Cullen & Malik are going gangbusters in soccer. This is their first year so they will learn the rules and sportsmanship. I can always find Cullen as he stands with his hands on his hips just like you use to do. Me, Mom and John and little John were at the opening of the Chicago Memorial last Tuesday. It poured rain so me and Mom didn't stick around to hear the politicions give their speeches. The park and memorial came out beautiful and is a real tribune to you and all the others whose names appear on the walls. There is a water fall with a background behind it of the famous checkerboard as worn on your hats made out of stainless steel. Monday night is the Candle Light Vigil and they are expecting over 1,000 people. I wouldn't be going if it wasn't to honor you. Once all the newness dies down, I think I'd like to go when it's quiet (Not during a Bears Game as it's right behind Soldiers Field) and pay a quiet visit where I can sit and relfect. It hasn't been easy for any of us without you so please keep watch over everyone for me as a parents biggest fear after losing one child is losing another or a grandchild. I know other parents who walk in my shoes know what I'm feeling. Take care, you have not been forgotten and I'm sure I will see many of your friends Monday night. We all love and miss you.

Love,

Dad

September 16, 2006

Never forgotten. Thanks for your service and please continue to watch over us down here.

OFC
Fairfax County PD, Virginia

September 15, 2006

As I sit hear listening to Etta James “At Last Love Comes Along”, and all I can do is think of the day of your funeral. I never knew Mike in life but the emotion that I could feel that day listening to his funeral was profound. It happened that my son and I were just taking a walk when we came upon street after street of squad cars. Allowing my son to admire them was a treat until I realized why they were all lined up. Funny thing is that day gave a five year old respect for a profession that so many times goes unseen by the youth. He watched in silence for over an hour, watching every movement and comprehending the entire situation. When the music came on and your family left the church, my eyes welled up and he told me what I have told him time and time again. “They will be ok Mommy, they have another angel to look over them”.

I only ran across this site a couple of months ago and I never would have expected to be as emotional as I have been reading many of the memories and wonderful words of supports so many have given. To Mike’s family, you are truly remarkable. So many times tragedy pulls a family apart. But it seems like you have worked at keeping it together. Hopeful others will take your lead. My son has told me many times that he plan on serving his country. Though it scares me, I can only home he makes me as proud as your children have made you. You are truly blessed.

RG
Cicero Resident

September 13, 2006

Dear Bob,

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a reflection for my brother on his site on the anniversary of his untimely death. As you also know, gestures such as that mean so much to me and the rest of Conrad's family. Although time has passed, our pain is still there, but yet our pride for, memories of, and (most of all) our love for our fallen officers live on. Michael is indeed a hero and made a difference in his community and, therefore, all of our world for the better. I will remember Michael especially on August 8 and for his fine work as a police officer. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers, and I will especially pray for the continued safety of the LEOs in your family. May you and your family continue with your healing, and thank you again for your kind words remembering and honoring my brother. Please take care, and be careful out there.

Sincerely,
Charmaine S. Gernale

Charmaine S. Gernale
Sister of Officer Conrad S. Gernale, EOW 9/6/02

September 7, 2006

Mr. Gordon, I am in tears as I have just read the beautiful poem you wrote to your son Michael-"I Will Remember You". As Cleveland has buried another young officer this week, I have just recently been introduced to this wonderful website. I am captivated, and feel as though I have found many long, lost members of my family. My dad spent 48 yrs. w/ the Cleveland PD, and now my son is a Deputy Sheriff here, making it 4 generations of
LEO's in our family. I still feel lost without my beloved Father, who died when I was just 20. The thought of losing my only son is so overwhelming that I truly don't know how you carry on. Of course only God's grace carries any of us on, but I think you know what I mean. Please think of my son, David,as he follows the family legacy of serving and protecting Cuyahoga County, as I will remember your hero, Michael.---Joanie

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddaughter of LEO's

September 7, 2006

Your in our prayers always. To the Gordon family stay strong and God bless you.

Mike
CPD

September 2, 2006