Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

“When God made Peace Officers….”

When the lord was creating Peace Officers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, “You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.”

And the Lord said, Have you read the spec on this order? A Peace Officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn’t touch, and not wrinkle their uniform.

They have to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next day.

They have to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half- eaten meals. And they have to have six pairs of hands.

The angel shook her head slowly and said, “Six pairs of hands….No Way.”

“It’s not the hands that are causing me the problems,” said the Lord, “It’s the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have.”

That’s on the standard model? asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, “May I see what’s in there sir?” (When they already know and wishes they had taken that accounting job.) Another pair here in the side of their head for their partners’ safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, “ You’ll be alright ma’am, when they know it isn’t so.”

“Lord,” said the angel, touching his sleeve,” rest and work tomorrow.”

“I can’t,” said the Lord, “I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on civil service paycheck.”

The angel circled the model of the Peace Officer very slowly, “Can it think?” she asked.

“You bet,” said the Lord, “It can tell you elements of a hundred crimes, recite Miranda warnings in it’s sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five judges to debate the legality of the stop…and still it keeps it’s sense of humor.

This officer also has phenomenal personal control. They can deal with crime scenes painted in HELL, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim’s family’ and then read in the daily paper how Law Enforcement isn’t sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects.

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Peace Officer. “There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model.”

“That’s not a leak,” said the Lord, “It’s a tear.”

“What’s the tear for?” asked the angel.

“It’s for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag, and for justice.”

“You’re a genius,” said the angel.

The Lord looked sober. “I didn’t put it there,” he said.


Anonymous

Senior Instructor
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

August 10, 2004

To the Gordan family, Your loss and sorrow is felt deeply by all of us. Mike you gave the ultimate. Michael, we'll see you at roll call in heven.

Police Officer Edward L. Legenza
Cook County Sheriff's Police Department

August 10, 2004

Flash-
Words cannot express the feeling I had when I got that call on Sunday morning. I hope everyone who reads this will understand what an incredible person you meant to a lot of us. You always seemed to show up on all our jobs and to always back us up if we needed. It was an honor to work next to you for a tour, we had our laughs. I will never forget you... "the ultimate hard charger" Until we meet again....

Officer Andy Camarillo
Chicago Police Department- 11th District

August 10, 2004

On behalf of the men and women of the St. Louis County, MO Police Department Rest in peace ... you are not forgotten.

Humbled Police Officer
St. Louis County Police Department

August 10, 2004

Rest in Peace Michael. I have two sons your age, one named Michael and can only imagine the void left their lives because of this senseless act. May you continue to watch over and protect them.

Detective Bob Graeber
Chicago's Finest

August 10, 2004

Please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Thank you Officer Gordon for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

August 10, 2004

From the men and woman of the Sanibel Police Department, we extent our deepest sympathy to Officer Gordon's family.

Ofc. Michael Gordon,(10-7), gone but not forgotten.

Officer George Krivas
Sanibel Police Department

August 10, 2004

"Flash", I never met you, though I knew you well enough through the great stories Andy told of you and the crew. I believe that when God has to take one of us, he usually takes the most bravest of them all, but when he does he leaves behind a even more stronger person that will continue on the tradition of a brave police officer. Mike, please keep an close watch over these guys. You now are their guardian angel. They now have someone very special up above to watch over them. Rest in peace fellow brother. . .

Police Officer - 017th Dist.
Chicago Police

August 10, 2004

Officer Gordon and Family, we will be keeping you in our thoughts. Thank you for your service in the Thin Blue Line and may your family find comfort during this difficult time.

Deputy J. Otto
Linn County Sheriff's Office, Oregon

August 10, 2004

You were truly a fine officer and an asset to the men and women of the CPD. You worked your tours in one of the toughest neighborhoods in the country and yet you showed no fear. May God bless you and grant us the strength to conquer the evils of this world. Everytime we put our star on it will be in remembrance of you. God speed Officer Gordon.

Police Officer #18573
Chicago Police Department

August 10, 2004

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Tonight, August 9, 2004 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Police Officer Michael Gordon who died in the line of duty just yesterday.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Officer Gordon’s sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

August 10, 2004

Officer Michael Gordon, you were to young to die, it's a sad day when we loose fine young officers to any death. Officer Gordon may you rest in peace. May you watch over your fellow officers so this will never happen again. Keep all law enforcement officer's safe from harm. May god watch over your family and may your kids grow up to be fine young men and women. Rest in peace!

BCSO, Wa. (Ret)

RN WILCOX Deputy Ret
Benton County Sheriff, Washington

August 10, 2004

The death of another officer is painful to hear. I remember you dropping by one of our training sessions to visit your father. I have had to bury a fellow explorer and there is nothing worse than knowing a hero is now gone. Although i did not totally get to know you i will still leave every ounce of my sympathy. You were and still a hero in everyones eyes.

Ex Sergeant Joshua Czerak
Riverside Police Explorer

August 9, 2004

MY BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU. YOU ARE A HERO. MAY GOD BLESS YOUR WIFE AND CHILDREN, FRIENDS, AND COWORKERS DURING THESE TRYING TIMES IN THIER LIVES. MAY THEY KNOW HIS COMFORT AND LOVE. YOU SERVED WELL MY BROTHER.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

August 9, 2004

I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Gordon. LEO’s can’t necessarily train for this type of terrible encounter. A drunk chooses to get behind the wheel of a car and speed recklessly through the streets. Countless lives are forever affected by such a senseless act as he plows into a police car, kills one officer, and seriously injures another. The magnitude of this mindless action impacts everyone. Think of the people these officers couldn’t put behind bars because of this. Think of the people these officers cannot save because of this. Think of the loss of a family, a partner, a department, a city, a state, a nation. We wouldn’t be posting tributes if just one person had thought first-before getting into a car. Godspeed, Michael.

Officer Donna C. Wright
Purdue University Calumet Police Department-Hammond, IN

August 9, 2004

OUR PRAYERS GO OUT FOR THESE FINE OFFICERS.MAY GOD BE WITH THIS OFFICER FOREVER AND MAY HIS PARTNER RECOVER FULLY.WE WILL PRAY FOR THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES.

DET
NYPD-BRONX NARCOTICS

August 9, 2004

Flash, time flies when your having fun. And your time with us was too fast but you gave us a lot. Your friendship, your loyalty and your back up were there until the last hour of the last day you lived and worked with us. If anybody asks about you, Ill tell them you are Gordon, devoted father, friend and fellow officer. It was an honor working and hitting the spots with you. Keep backing us up from heaven because soon we will work together again. Your friend
Abe

P.O. Abraham LARA
Chicago Police department

August 9, 2004

Our thoughts are with the family and coworkers of Chicago Police Officer Michael Gordon. He is now with our beloved James J Mulay eow 05/21/2003.
The friends of James J Mulay
So Peoria County

August 9, 2004

On behalf of the the Wauneta PD we wish to express our deepest thoughts of sympathy to the family and freinds of Officer Michael Gordon. "Mike...we'll take the calls from here...rest easy brother."

OMY/COP/WPD
8/9/04

Chief of Police / Olen M. Young
Wauneta PD Nebraska

August 9, 2004

To those I Love and Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release me, Let me go
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it's time I traveled alone.

So grieve a while for if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart,

I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen wih your heart, you'll
Hear all of my love around you soft and clear

And when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say,
"Welcome Home"

We too lost a good cop in this way to a drunk driver. May Michael Rest in peace and watch over everyone forver as our friend Jim does.

Frien of Fallen ofcr Jim Mulay
PCSO

August 9, 2004

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

August 9, 2004

The men and women of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office would like to offer our condolences to the family of Officer Gordon and the Chicago Police Department.

Franklin County Sheriff's Office (IL)

August 9, 2004

"No greater a man than he who will lay down his life for another." Rest in peace our fallen brother, and may God be with your family

Deputy Andrew S. Hynek
La Porte County, IN Sheriff's Office

August 9, 2004

Our Greatest Fear
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again, I hold back a tear.
They patrol in the state, city, county and town,
in uniforms colored white, green, blue and brown.
The shape of their badges may vary,
but it’s a symbol that they all, proudly carry.
They leave for work with a kiss goodbye,
but some don’t come home, no matter how hard they try.
To uphold the law is the job that they pick,
with such high aspirations, why must some die so quick?
They leave behind loved ones, family and friends,
after their lives have met tragic ends.
Some die in crashes, others hearts not too stout,
too many have been lost when gunshots ring out.
Our Heavenly Father has called them home,
no more these dark streets do they roam.
Through trial and error they have given their best,
please Lord, now grant them eternal rest.
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
" Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again I hold back a tear.



Master Trooper Dave “Stumpy” Miller

M/Trp. Dave "Stumpy" Miller
Indiana State Police Dist. 13

August 9, 2004

"Flash" It was a true honor, pleasure and career highlight working with you in Fillmore. It was even more rewarding when we were partnered up. My best memory is when you and I were working together and Milo and Serg were chasing that armed carjacker. We got in the fight with the other troops and it was amazing to watch you and Timmy Kinsella grab that carjacker as we eventually took him into custody. May God bless you, your family and America!

Officer Andrew Cuomo
Chicago Police Department-011th District

August 9, 2004