Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Gordon, I am so sure you're up there hanging out with my dad right now having yourselves a good old time. After all, you guys were cops and I have a feeling that most of you cops were all the same.

We all miss you both, but we know you were doing what you loved. I heard you and my dad are memorial monument neighbors. That seems to be appropriate since you two seemed to both be Super Cops and daredevils.

You have not been forgotten, and you never EVER will be.
Rest Easy, Angel.

Lori Brooks
Daughter of Fallen Officer Richard Brooks

August 15, 2007

I wondered why you left a reflection at my dad's sight. Now I know. They are almost the same. I am sorry for your loss. It has been 41 years today and I can't shake my loss. My life continues but void of that person that helped mold me to who I am. I pray Michael's children find comfort in his family in Blue as I have through the years. My husband is a Sergeant with the Det. Police Narcotics division and my son is now a candidate. Thanks for your kind words to my dad. You have my email.

Paula Bell Meinke
Daughter fallen officer in Detroit

August 14, 2007

Although we never met during your lifetime, it says a lot about you to see the pages of reflections left for you. It is obvious that you were loved, and are now missed so much. 2004 will be a year we will never forget either. I want to thank your Dad for all the messages he leaves to families and especially for the one he recently left on my Dad's page. Yesterday was Daddy's birthday, and those are especially hard days. When Daddy died, we lost so much. As an adult child, you can expect to bury your parents, but I wasn't ready to let my father go at the hands of a murderer. No one is expected to do that. The person who made the choice to drink excessively and drive drunk also made the choice to take a life, and it happened to be yours. The pain is still so real, so fresh.
I have 3 sons and 2 daughters, and my oldest son is almost 16. Since he was in preschool, he has wanted to be a State Trooper and has never wavered from that dream. His name is Matt and I never want to see his piture on this site, just as your parents never wanted to see yours. But as your mother told the reporter that she couldn't take your dream away, neither can I take my son's dream. I'll just pray. I do pray now- for my husband, a sergeant, who narrowly survived being shot by the same assailant who killed my Dad. He is well now and back at work, so I'm back to praying he keeps coming home. I pray for the thousands of other officers still working, that they get to come home. I visit the ones in the hospital nearby who managed to survive a "near miss" and rejoice when they go home. And I pray for all of us who visit this site, and grieve. Continue to watch over all those who knew and loved you, and all those who are still serving. Thank you for the service you gave and the sacrifice you made 3 years ago. God bless us all...

Lori Johnson Rowley, wife of NC LEO
Daughter of James Johnson, EOW 11/11/04, FCSO, NC

August 14, 2007

August 13, 2007

Three years ago today we laid you to rest. I was at the cemetery today and it was very quiet and peaceful, not like 3 years ago when there where 2 1/2 miles of squad cars in the motorcade, mounted horse patrol and the Harley escort and a sea of blue police uniforms honoring you on that day. We made anyone that was there from the 011 District to come out and stand at your casket as those men and women we consider your close family too because they were the ones covering your ass every day. To me it seems a lifetime ago that it all happened. I was cleaning up your grave site, I have to admit, it's the greenest and cleanest in the cemetery except as is your grandparents that lie next to you. I kept thinking, like any parent, it should be you visiting and cleaning my grave site and not me visiting you. Continue to keep watch over everyone for me and those still out there guarding the Thin Blue Line. Greet those officers that arrive and show them the ropes. Say hi to Jeff and Jesse for me too. I'll end with another Mike story.

Mike Memory:

You and your brothers were out celebrating and somewhat a tradition is to stop and get something to eat before heading home. Sometimes you guys would stop at White Castle, (People living in the south, White Castle is the same as Crystal Burgers). You stepped up to the counter to place your order. People have to visualize you, 6'5" tall, standing at the counter which means your waist is above the counter top. You begin to order and one of your brothers reaches down and pulls down your pants at the counter exposing the sun the moon and the stars. You politely told the person taking the order, "Ahhhh, cancel that order," and pulled up your pants and calmly walked out. As to which of your brothers did it, I don't know as you guys would do it to one another and others on a regular basis, meaning you also did it to your brothers.
Take care Mike, we love and miss you terribly.

Love,
Dad

August 13, 2007

G'day mate,

As I sit reading the (many) reflections for you whilst working a cold nightshift I feel I have got to know you very well. Your family are clearly very proud to honour you and now I wish to do the same. I have especially felt the reflections from your Dad, your wife and your boys. I too have two boys of a similar age, and you and I are similar in age as well. From what I have read about you from your family, friends and work mates I feel that we could have easily sat down for a few beers and swapped war stories. Perhaps another time.
I wish your family the best in the future.

Cheers mate.

Sergeant
Western Australia Police

August 12, 2007

Officer Gordon,

I thank God for your service to our city, family and friends! You will never be forgotten nor will your wonderful family who honor you and your legacy daily! There are few men and women willing to give as you have and for that I am eternally grateful!

S. Lee

August 11, 2007

Rest in peace my brother

Ptlm. George S. Galish
Smith Twp. Police Dept. Washington CO. Pennsylvania

August 9, 2007

I don't believe 3 years....just to let you know You will never be forgotten. I'm proud to say I know you and remember how much you love being an officer. Watch out for all of us but don't laugh to hard at our mistakes...Ok, go ahead and laugh they are pretty funny....

Gone but never forgotten...

M Wilk
former co-worker

August 8, 2007

We miss you Dad.
Love,
Malik and Cullen

Malik and Cullen Gordon
Sons

August 8, 2007

Dear Michael,
Three years today you had to leave your loved ones. But the one thing that wasn't taken when you left was the love and admiration that we all have for you. I let the Balloons with the cards attached go a little while ago. Sure hope you saw them coming your way. And I hope so much that someone will find one of them, and contact me. When we did this for Jeff, we never heard from anyone. So hope we get a return from just one person A candle has been lit beside your picture today, you are not forgotten Mike, nor will you ever be. A Hero, in every sence of the word. And a man even more. Thank you Mike for your sacrifice for the rest of us. We lost a Hero, Heaven gained an Angel. One that now keeps watch over everyone He loved.
Mike we love and miss you, it doesn't seem as if Three years have passed already, when it seams like yesterday your life was taken. But your spirit stays with us forever. So, know that you are forever in our hearts and minds. With love and prayers to your family. Carolyn

Carolyn Moore
mother-in-law of Sgt.Jeffrey T. Hewitt EOW: 4-4-04

August 8, 2007

8/7/2007

Your loved ones are in my thoughts as they remember the day, three years ago, that changed their lives forever. Three years is such a very long time to be without someone you love.

Norie Haas
Mother of Brian Haas (EOW 4/24/04)

Norie Haas

August 8, 2007

Thinking of you and your family on the 3rd anniversary of your tragic death. Rest in peace Michael.

chgopdwife

August 8, 2007

August 8, 2007

Michael,

Today is the 3rd year we have had to go on without you and we all miss you terribly. There are no words to express how we feel but we all strive to keep your memory alive. Today we had a mass said for you over at your old stomping grounds in Cicero, some of the old ladies that were at Mass still remember you and your brothers. I want to thank your friends who showed up from Chicago PD and also Riverside PD to show support and remembering you. They still have your mass card with your picture hanging on the wall in the sanctuary where the priests dress before mass and it's been there since the day you were buried from that Church. I also want to thank the woman from ODMP, the Illinois Liason person who always shows up for memorials for you and for other officers that have fallen in the line of duty both in Chicago and Cook County and I'm sure in the Chicago Metro area. Every day is a challenge for us without you, but we go on. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. I don't think many realize just how much you loved being a police officer and what that badge meant to you. I had the chance to have your badge swapped out with a replica to hang in its place in the Honor Case at CPD Headquarters but my feelings are that it should be where it can be seen by everyone, a place with honor where it hangs with the over 500 other heroes who served the City. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones, your children and especially your two brothers. You are always in our hearts and thoughts every day. We love and miss you. I'll have another Michael story at my next visit.

Love,
Dad

August 8, 2007

Michael,

It has been three long years without you. You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday and I know you are watching over all of us that love and miss you. Your picture remains at the window in the lobby of the PD and I talk about you as much as I can to people that come in. You will never be forgotten, Michael. That has been and always will be my promise to you. I miss you terribly!!

Sheryl

Sheryl Palermo
Riverside PD

August 8, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Gordon on the anniversary of his passing. Another Hero taken too young. May God continue to give you all comfort. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

August 8, 2007

In remembrance of this day...I will go to church...to make a visit in front of the Blessed Sacrament...and I will pray for Mike...and the Gordon family.

May God bless all of you.

You are not forgotten.

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

August 8, 2007

Michael, August 8th
I know they say time heals all wounds and it's a nice thought but it's just not true. The truth is you were a remarkable person who over your 30 short years on this earth touched so many people with your charm and personality and that smile oh how I loved that smile. They really did break the mold when they made you. Someone recently asked me if I could go back and do my life up until this point over again would I and I quickly said not in a million years do I have regrets sure, but if I went back and changed just one thing I might risk the chance that we would have never met and I thank god everyday for bringing you into my life, your a great friend I cherish all the memories and will carry you with me always.

There Are No Good-Byes Only Love...

August 7, 2007

Dear Michael,
Three years ago tomorrow, August the 8th, you were taken from your family and friends in such a sensless act of violence.Our prayers and thoughts are with your mom, dad and the rest of your family. Watch over them and help to ease their pain. We know first hand what they're going thru. So many "brothers and sisters" have joined you and Jeff in the past three years. The thin blue line continues to grow and with each death comes so many broken hearts. We pray the violence will stop but in our hearts we know it will only get worse.
You're in our hearts always,
Pat and Bill Hewitt,
Parents of Sgt. Jeff Hewitt, EOW 040404
Buncombe County Sheriff's Dept, NC

August 7, 2007

Dear Michael and Family,

Sometimes I just feel like I have no more words to say to anyone or about anything. Just silence, in my heart, my head, and my life. People want to know how we go on. I don't know. We just do. Waiting, watching, wanting.....
always. I love reading your dad's stories about you, just like I love hearing and telling Matt stories. It's just not ever enough and never will be. You beautiful boys, sons, and daughters, that lived and loved, made us laugh, and made us cry, filled us with more pride than the word can even describe.......and still do.... We love you, we need you, we honor you, we ache for you. Thank you for being born.

Love,
Matt's Mom always

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

August 7, 2007

The Broken Badge


He put on the blue
Late one warm summer night,
His badge upon his chest
Polished so bright,
Though his badge was old
It shined like new,
For it was much loved
By this man in blue.

His badge was his promise
To all who came his way,
“I’m here to serve you,”
It seemed to say,
A silver star
With edges straight and true,
Just like the heart
Of this man in blue.

He didn’t see the car
That took his life,
He slipped away
Crying out for his wife,
His broken badge
Clung bravely to his chest,
A shattered witness
To his last breath.

His badge
Once shiny, bright, and new,
Now lies broken,
Bent, and blue,
A silver star,
Now broken in two,
Just like the hearts,
Of his brothers in blue.

Mike, I miss you terribly. Rest easy...Never forgotten!

John E. Gordon
Brother

August 7, 2007

You live on in the hearts of all who love you and all who's life you have touched. A hero's legacy will always live on.

Sharing the pain of having lost so much,
Roger and Ingrid Wyatt
Parents of BCA SA Tom Wyatt

Roger and Ingrid Wyatt
Parents of Tom Wyatt, EOW 3-3-04

August 7, 2007

Dear Mike,

It's three years since you left us and the hurt and pain are still the same. We will never get over this but we go on for your brothers and all our grandchildren. I always felt bad for people who lost their children but unless you have lost a child no one knows the pain and grief. Our bereavement group helps us because everyone there has lost a child. Your father always says he is quitting the group but he's still going (he likes the goodies they serve).

On the 8th we are having mass said as we have done these past three years. Charity is different since you and your brothers attended but that is the Church you made your communiun and confirmation in, where your boys were baptized and where we had your funeral mass. It just seems fitting to continue to go there.

On your Dad's birthday we had the usual barbeque even though he hates celebrating as that was the last day we saw you. It's a good memory but we would love to have more than a memory. All the kids kept Dad busy because he had to put up the water slide. His comment to me was, "I cooked the meal, made my own cake and took the pictures and video". Some things never change, we are still the Costanza's (your knickname for us). Even at your grave we fight over how things should be done (I'm sure your listening). He says I have OCD.

You once told me that the Gordon's weren't real lucky but things always came out okay in the end. That all changed with that early morning phone call on 8-8-04. I worried when you went into the military. I still remember the recruiter waiting for you at the end of our driveway and you walking to meet him and how much I hurt and when you had to go to Korea and Bosnia. I always felt you would come back but never dreamed you would die here in the streets.

A reporter once asked me if I regretted you being a policeman and I said yes but also said it was your dream and you can't take dreams away from someone.

As a mother I have no regrets for I love all three of you boys the same. I know you loved us and respected us and we could ask for no more.

Love you always,
Mom

Carol Gordon
Mom

August 7, 2007

Dear Officer Gordon,

Thank you for your dedication and service. As the 3-year mark approches, please know that you will NEVER be forgotton. You are a Hero and your wonderful imprint is upon the earth ... forever.

I have not met your Dad yet, but I will. I live in the same metro area and I need to meet him face to face to personally thank him for all he does to console families of other fallen officers. His concern & compassion for others is extraordinary and so very much appreciated.

Your family is, I know, so rightfully proud of you. I pray that God's comforting hand will be upon them.

The following is to your Dad: Bob, on that blessed day, when each of us ... you & me ... when each of us enters Heaven, we will be able to place our arms around our boys and hug them, kiss them ... then we will have peace for we will be with them again, for eternity.


Tom Jensen
Father of Det. Jared Scott Jensen
Colorado Springs Police Dept. EOW 2/22/06

Thomas Jensen

August 7, 2007

Well Mike, today is the very last day I have in my 20’s and I know if you were here, you’d be busting my bells left and right (although your brother Bobby does a great job- it’s still not the same!). You know what’s crazy? It still hurts that I didn’t get to talk to you on my birthday the day before your accident. I’m sure I would have forgotten all about it by now if the circumstances would have been different. Nevertheless, it really bothers me that I can’t remember the last conversation we had. I guess I’m just trying to hold on to every little detail for as long as I can. Other then the boys- those details are the only things I really have left of you. You really were a great father and friend and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of you. You’d think after three years some of this would be a little easier to get through- but it’s not and I’m convinced it never will be. Then again, this pain/grief is a small price to pay for having such a great person in my life. I will never forget you nor will I let the boys forget how much you loved them and how fortunate they were to have you as their Dad. I’ve explained to them that they received more love in the 5 and 7 years that they had with you then what some kids have their entire lifetime. It’s so hard sometimes but I’m trying my best and I hope you’re proud.

The boys are doing well. They’re excited to start school in a few weeks. Malik’s going into Junior High (Junior High is 5-8th grade out here- but still, Junior High!?!) and Cullen’s going into 3rd. They are both anxiously awaiting the start of Fall Ball. I think that starts sometime around the end of the month. I can’t lie- the schedule is a pain sometimes but it’s a lot of fun watching them play. I’m curious to see how cold it’s going to be towards the end of the season. I guess we’re going to have to bring some Irish Coffee just to keep us warm :-) We were over at your Mom and Dad’s yesterday for your Dad’s birthday. The boys had a lot of fun running around and goofing off with their cousins. I know yesterday was hard on your Dad but he hung in there. Then again, he really had no choice, all of his grandsons were there keeping him VERY busy! It was a nice time.

Well, that’s about it for now. Take care and I’ll talk to you soon-
India

India S. Gordon

August 6, 2007

Officer Gordon,

I wanted to stop by and say that you are not forgotten and your family is in our prayers especially on the 8th. These are harder days to get through. Your dates are kinda like our sons dates. I noticed your fathers birthday was the fifth. Our sons passing was the 9th of Aug and our wedding anniversary is the 10th. It just seems so hard with these dates so close to each other to get through. There are so many good memories and thank God for them to help see us through. I think the greatest pain in the world is to loose a child and I always find myself counting down the days during the last week. Life moves on but for us as parents we find ourselves still in the year of your passing. I know for me it was when a part of my world stopped. I thank God for pictures and video cameras that we can always go and look at. We as parents who have loss a child understand the heartache we share when others cannot begin to understand. Life is not always fair and we feel cheated at times, but I know that God does not make mistakes and you were needed more and called to a higher calling from this world. Officer Gordon thank you for your SACRIFICE that you gave and may God hold your family up in His strength during these special days. Romans 8/37

Tammy Persin
Mother of Military Police Officer
PFC Brian Thomas Gleason 8/9/2000

August 5, 2007