Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My dear friend Mike… can’t believe how much time has passed, I’m an old man now, but I think of you often. I’m long retired from Flag PD. I’m soon going to donate a custom rifle I built to C.O.P.S. Concerns of Police Survivors. Hopefully this 106 yr old rifle can be raffled to raise money to support all the families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty. To you, Nancy, your family, Jeff Moritz (Flag PD, EOW JUNE 2020), my deepest respect and honor to have known you!

Sgt. David VanBoxtaele
Flagstaff Police Dept

June 18, 2025

It’s that time of the year again…May 25th, the anniversary of your death…42 years ago.
You will never, ever be forgotten by me, your loved ones and friends.
I remember you, I love you and I miss you so much. Not a day goes by without my mind reflecting on something you said or did.
One memory was how you placed our little black kitten in your flannel shirt pocket and walked around with her.
True that, Badge 12…you, AWJ and KH have always been in my life.

Nancy
Widow to this fine man

May 26, 2025

Time has not changed and you have not been forgotten, The midnight patrols and surveillances are the memories of so many tasks, mandates and mindsets of doing the job and staying safe.
The tag team security checks at “mile post 132, Arizona Blvd., with Union Tom Ocean Tom Edward Mary”, the tactical surveillance of San Carlos park and finding those who didn’t belong in our community!
Not to mention the ride-a-longs when we were in different departments and the “Tarnished Trio” gang who still exist, in your memory and honor!
The Las Vegas MC run and the funeral has not lost its lights!
AWJ, LPB, and of course Nancy, will never be forgotten of our little gang!

Badge 12, Lloyd Paul Brannon, II
Coolidge Public Safety colleague

May 19, 2025

Met Mike when I was 14 or 15 and he was mid 20s. I can't remember many weekends or holidays we were not doing something together between when we met and I departed for the Army in 1973 and then overseas. Whenever we could would be on motorcycles either on dirt bikes or on street - so many memories. If it wasn't for Mike my life probably would have been different and not in a good way. I really would like to talk with his wife, Nancy Hart, so Nancy if you ever read this please reach out to me as I would love to share many of them with you.

Frank Voorhies
Retired Federal Govt.

March 19, 2025

I cannot believe 41 years have passed since that tragic day. We've lost so many now over the years, and lately age is a factor in our losses of brothers, sisters , partners. We never really thought of those things when we were younger. It was our calling, not a "job". I think of you often and will never forget. RiP my friend.

Deputy Chief, Retired RD Steel

May 25, 2024

41 years have passed by since you were killed.
I miss you to no end.
I think about you every day.

Widow Nancy Hart

May 25, 2024

O God of Peace, so many of America’s Peace Officers who are on the front lines to protect us never make it back home to their families. We pray for these fallen law enforcement officers, Lord God, who gave their lives for us. We pray for the families of these heroes, who have to now endure life without their loved one. Lord God, society tries to move forward, but there is always bloodshed occurring. We approach Your throne of glory and grace to beg of You for peace. Lord God, bring peace to this land – the United States of America. We plead for Your divine intervention to quiet our hearts and unify our communities. Stop the violence that occurs amid our cities. We thank You for all America’s Peace Officers who have died protecting us, and ask that You send an everlasting peace so that America’s Peace Officers on the streets may be safe and return home to their loved ones at the end of their assigned shifts. In Christ Jesus, Your blessed Son, I pray. Amen.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department

July 22, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Young,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Coconino County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 25, 2023

Mike, you are not forgotten.

Gene Wikle
Coolidge Police Department 1974 - 1975

May 25, 2023

It’s May 25, 2023…40 years have passed…
I want you to know “I’ll leave this world loving you”.

Nancy
Widow to Mike

May 25, 2023

You were only 39 years old when you were killed.
I am in disbelief that you have been gone for 39 years now. :’-(
A week ago, I was watching (and listening to) Freddie Mercury sing “Another One Bites The Dust” and I burst into tears and sobbed for what seemed like hours. My how you loved rock and roll. I grew up with old time country and heard rock for the first time with you.
I am so happy I met you….but I miss you so. I love you.

Nancy
Widow to Mike

May 24, 2022

Mike, I came up from Peoria PD and got hired- I had to replace you. I had to drive your patrol truck. I saw the effect on N. It broke me. But Terry and everyone did a great job drilling your and John Jamison's events into me. They made me know your story and read the reports and forensics. Mark and Keith were great to me. Thank you for fighting the good fight. Coco60

former CCSO Deputy
former CCSO deputy

July 17, 2021

38 years ago...seems a lifetime.
I miss you SO much. I will never forget you.
I love you, Mike.

Nancy Hart
Your widow

May 25, 2021

So many years since February 1975. Rest in Peace and know you helped so many.

Richard (Dick) Goodridge
Past Co-worker

May 26, 2020

Every year I remember, since 1983, the sacrifice you made bringing this fugitive to justice. It always hits hard, the tragedy of it all but I always remember, never forget... we both loved music, motorcycles and at time I was Sgt on Motors, you were a friend, my brother

Deputy Chief, Retired RD Steel

May 25, 2020

Another year has passed Mike. You taught me so much as a young cop. Rarely does a day go by that I don't think of you in one form or another. Thank you for all you did.

Detective Kel Helmick; Retired
Coolidge PD, then Chandler PD

May 25, 2020

Every year I remember, since 1983, the sacrifice you made bringing this fugitive to justice. It always hits hard, the tragedy of it all but I always remember, never forget... we both loved music, motorcycles and at time I was Sgt on Motors, you were a friend, my brother

Deputy Chief RD Steel
Page Police

May 25, 2020

May 25th will be 37 years ago you were killed.
I still miss you terribly. You were a good husband to me...
I love you.

Nancy
Widow

May 25, 2020

36 years ago on the 25th of May...you were killed.
This year is hitting me hard.
I miss you.

Nancy
Widow

May 25, 2019

Found this page again for the first time in a long while as one of Mike’s classmates from Bladensburg High School asked about him. I sent this link to her. I left a reflection before not knowing there were so many others who left their own testimonies and memories. Reading them made a surge of missing you swell within me. Hopefully no one asks me what I am writing as I am sure the emotions would blossom in my chest and pour out of my eyes with tears.

I think about all the years stolen from us Mike, where we could have shared our lives, our kids, our loves after our careers had run their course. I hope I have lived my life in such a way that you would be proud of me. I miss you and love you. And I have to remind you that I have never held you responsible for our accident. It was a huge significant event in our lives that we shared and I do not know a different life without it.

Colonel USMC (Ret.)
Brother

January 27, 2019

Mike, I was a rookie police officer in 1974 and you were assigned to be my training officer. You were the best as a training officer and as a new found friend. Susan and I enjoyed having dinner with you in our home. I miss those second shift patrols in Coolidge where we experienced the “Wild West” and talked about life.

Gene Wikle, Major USAF retired, Phoenix
Coolidge PD 1974 - 1975

September 10, 2018

Well Mike, I have had some time recently to reflect on you and how much time has passed since you went away.
With the current state of affairs in our country, I can only imagine what your position and comments would be. I do miss our visits when you would ride up to Forest Lakes and spend time with me.
Leslie and I have been married 37 years this September, and are considering moving back to Arizona soon.
We think about you often and hope to see you again, God willing!!

Det.Paul M. Ferroni (Ret.)
Coconino County Sheriff's Department

July 8, 2018

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

May 26, 2018

Oops, it has been so long I misquoted how long we would have been married!
It would be 40 years.

Nancy
Widow, 5/83

May 26, 2018

Hi hon...besides trying to find some of your close friends leaving reflections, I came across a pink book marker I wrote on to you. (We were always leaving notes for each other)
I was apologizing for the messy house I left before leaving for work. When I came home, you had already left. I read your response to my note...Hon, the house ain’t messy, just lived in. I love you, Mike
35 years now. 35.
We would have been married 39 years on May 27, 2018.

Nancy
Widow of this wonderful man, 5/83

May 25, 2018