Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mike,

I was reminiscing about my career the other day. As is often the case, I couldn’t help but think of the lives lost during my time with the Albuquerque Police Department. It is unfortunate that my first thoughts are of the day I learned of my friends deaths and the services that followed. I always try to look past those events to the good times. The camaraderie, the laughs, and the friendship we shared.

At your service we made vows to never forget. I haven’t forgotten. My memories of you, Rick, Jeff, John, and Shawn will live in my heart and mind forever.

Rest in Peace my brother

Ed Sauer, Deputy Chief of Police
Albuquerque Police Department, Retired

September 27, 2025

Officer King, i'm sorry for what happened to you and your partner that day 20 years ago, as it should've never happened. The man who took your lives that day was just an overall evil person, as he not only took your lives, but he took other people down as well, which says alot to how cruel and unfair he was. What pains me is the fact that you never had a chance to fight back as you died immediately, and although it may sound different to some, but for me, i think that if you had survived or atleast had an opportunity to return fire, it would've been a different ballpark. However, on the bright side of things, your killer was eventually subdued and caught, meaning that he won't ever hurt anyone else again. But however, he's so far gone and ill to the point that even now he's incompetent to stand trial, which tells me everything i need to know as to how vile and sick he truly is, and honestly, i think he should've been put down a whole lot sooner judging by his actions, since he was a dog that needed to have been put down quicker. What's also dissappointing and sad to me is the fact he not only killed a police officer that day, but he took away a husband, a father, a friend, a son, and somebody that the public knew they could trust and be around, since you spent 20 years on the job, and had recently joined back after retiring for a short time. Speaking of which, let's get into the positive side of things: For one, i read that you had retired after doing your time as an officer, and you believed that you weren't done serving your community and protecting the public, which is a sign that you were overall a wonderful and amazing police officer despite me not ever knowing you or meeting you. To be a police officer to the point you retire is one thing, but going back in and already knowing the drill takes alot of courage and dedication to do, since most retired veterans choose to not go back as they've done their time, but you were one of the few to get back in the game shortly after retirement, and if that doesn't describe your amount of bravery and dedication, i'm not sure what will. Although it's been well over 20 years, i know that as of now your sons have grown up to be wonderful men, and have gone on to pursue their own careers and advance in life knowing that you would be proud of them right now if you weren't murdered on that day in question, which in itself is a shame. I don't understand why, and i'm pretty sure i never will, as to why people feel the urge or need to kill or harm an officer, and for what reason? I think the only answer i can come up with is that they're so far gone and worried only about themselves that they don't realize what they're doing and how it'll not just effect them but the officer's family and loved ones, and in most cases it's because they're selfish and don't even bother to stop and think about what they're doing. The individual that took you and Mr. Smith's lives was truly a scumbag, and instead of him being put in a mental institution, i think they should've done it differently and thrown him under the jail, but considering he's far too gone to even be considered well, that says alot. But however, speaking of which, he was sentenced to well over 100 years in that said institution, meaning that he won't ever see the light of day again, which is good since all he knew beforehand was to cause terror and fear among the citizens of New Mexico. I think when it comes to cases like these where it involves a individual who has murdered numerous people, and when confronted by police who attempt to stop him, he ends up taking them out as well. It makes you ask why and wonder what was going on through his head at the time, and although i personally can't confirm that, i do know that he was overall just a lost cause who didn't understand right from wrong, and even if he did know, he didn't allow that to stop him from doing what he did. As said earlier, you were one of the few officers in the Albuquerque Police Department to actually come back from retirement at the time, and that is something that is truly remarkable and honorable, since you really were one of God's servants sent down to earth, and you did it for well over 20 years before your passing. I'd like to think that as of now, you're up in heaven, currently serving as one of God's warrior angels as you weren't just a public servant, but also a warrior as you confronted a dangerous individual in your last moments and knew the danger of the suspect, and although you never had the chance to return fire or fight back, it still doesn't change the fact that you were bold and brave enough to confront a man who was already a bad sign of trouble and was already set up for failure. I believe that all these years later, your loved ones like your wife knows that her husband was a hero and protector, and that your sons know that their father was a legendary police officer, and not just that, but a hero and servant to the citizens of Albuquerque, and there's much more than the fact you were an overall veteran officer with a passion to serve and protect. I could add so much more, but i do know a few things; No matter how much time passes, your service will never be forgotten or less talked about, and that as long as your name is said and you're remembered, you aren't truly dead as you live on in the hearts and minds of others, and that your sons will carry your legacy and continue on, knowing that it's what you would've wanted. But as of now, may you rest in peace knowing that your service is deeply cherished, and that the man who took your life has been permanently sealed away from society and will never bother or hurt another soul again, as his time will come eventually, and that there's a special spot in hell for him for what he's done. Rest Well Mr. King.

Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line

August 27, 2025

Thank you for your service and rest in peace always knowing that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 18, 2020

Rest in peace Officer King.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 16, 2018

Hi Mike, You were one of my Training Officers way back in '87, I do remember the hole time we spent together, you taught me many things that I carried with me even until this day. You were a great Police Officer, friend and mentor. I do still miss you, Rest in Peace my friend.

Keith D. Miller - Deputy Warden
NMCD

February 23, 2018

Rest in peace Officers King and Smith.

Steve Van Slyke, retired K9 Handler
El Cajon Police Department

August 18, 2017

My husband is retired APD. He worked closely with Mike and Richard for many years. That day was so incredibly hard for everyone in our city. They will never be forgotten

Liberty Speaks
Wife of Retired APD Officer

August 18, 2017

Thank you for vour service my brother. May you rest well in the kingdom of our lord. May your family gain strength for your loss.

Lieutenant Ray Flores
N.Y.P.D. (retired)

August 18, 2017

I was younger when you where with us, We have a picture of you on our wall of a bunch of APD officers and my family when my older brother Jacob had cancer, and you all escorted us the airport for his make a wish trip. Thank you and we will NEVER FORGET you.

Brandon Maez, Supporter of APD
Son of an APD officer

October 27, 2015

Hey Mike,i was going through some my stuff that collects 0ver 60 years of time. one item in the bottom of my safe deposit box was a letter you wrote to me when you still lived in Colorado and worked odd jobs long before you decided to be a policeman,it started out "Hey ASSBREATH! then went on to tell me your woes as you were having trouble getting your P.O.S. Honda 750 backtogether..Mike,i miss those days of dirt bike riding so close to one another that I could smell what you had for lunch!We were supposed to grow old together still riding the dirt! Ya know, I was there for your family when your pop was laid to rest.i try to visit mum but any more, she doesn't know me.Every time I go up Comanche street I laugh at you for pulling an awesome wheelie on your trials bike only to smash into a no parking sign!,Every time I go up to Cedro Peak and rip the singletrack like we used to, I think of how I used to count the white hairs on the back of your neck under your helmet, I was riding right on your tail. You were fast! Mike,please forgive me as I have not been to your final resting place since you went away ten years ago. I just cant let you go! You are very much alive with me when I rip my KTM in the woods,or Southern or whereever You are there! I will always remember you as the tall snot blowing 3rd grader with the English accent that passed out on the playground and fell, eyes rolled backwards, imbedding rocks into your chin because you werent acclimated to the heat,to the 9 Weinerschnitzel eating 3 Coke guzzling poolshark in a beatup 66 VW bug with a megaphone for exhaust,(I hated that) to finally what turned out to be the best person I have ever known. Mike, I will always miss you!

Tom H Foreman
personal longtime friend

September 7, 2015

rest in peace my brother, you served valiantly.

Sergeant Barton
Garden City PD

August 18, 2015

We still have a picture of all of the guys and you when we where escorted to the ABQ SunPort when my older brother had cancer. We all miss you, God Bless.

Police Officers Son Brandon Maez
Civilian

May 29, 2015

Was looking through old photo's of our family gatherings in Albuquerque and thinking about the great times we all had during our trips over from the UK. You always made sure we went back home with new experiences and tales to tell the folks back home.

We are always thinking of you Mike, from your English family back home in Norwich, England.

Matt Stevenson
Cousin

September 12, 2013

I knew Mike since we were in seventh grade.
A lot of people don't know that, in the late seventies, he was a United States Champion kick-boxer.
I remember when I heard he'd been killed thinking that was impossible; he was just too smart and too strong. It couldn't be him.
Alas I was wrong.
I'm glad this memorial is here.
Guys like Mike should never be forgotten.

Gracie Hunter

March 14, 2013

So sad, in what we do the rewards are what we've done . May god bless your families. RIP from Trinidad in the Caribbean, West Indies.

#1943 W/Constable Semonne Mark
Trinidad&Tobago Suplemental Police

February 19, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

January 27, 2013

Has it really been seven tears? It seems just like yesterday we were joking around waiting for court to start. I remember all the "people watching" we did, I'd swear was only a few seems ago. I miss your advise and giving you my "two cents". You were one that actually listened. I remember where I was when I received the news, no way not Mike. The poor guy telling me how you died was near tears. I just kept shaking my head. Now, seven years later, I'm still choked up; however its easier to hear your laughter.

S. Gold
retired

August 18, 2012

Mike,
I never had the pleasure of meeting you. I have met some pretty amazing cops who knew you, every one of them has said how truly amazing you were. If these Officers can't say enough about you then you must have been one hell of a cop and even better human being! On this anniversary of you being taken I just wanted to leave a note to say that you will never be forgotten!

Officer
Rio Rancho Police

August 17, 2012

Today is 05/28/2012, Memorial Day, and while we remember those soldiers who have fallen while protecting our freedoms I remember my friend who gave his life for the preservation of these freedoms. The sacrifice is great and will never be forgotten as along as there are people who never take for granted what it means to be free and one nation under God. Rest in peace my friend.

Retired Police Officer Tom Perea
Albuquerque Police Dept. Albuquerque, New Mexico

May 28, 2012

Mike,

My brother in blue. Your name and memory will live forever. Take care and God bless you my brother.

Lt. Mark Garcia
Albuquerque Police Department

September 1, 2011

Michael,

On this 6th anniversary of your being taken from us, I just want you to know that Tom and I think of you every day and miss you more than words can say. The pain is still there and will be always.

Sharon Foreman
Friend

August 18, 2011

Mike, still miss you brother. There are memories of you everywhere. Debbie, Mike and Ryan. My prayers still go out to all of you.

Sergeant A. Montano
APD

September 14, 2010

To Officer Michael King, his family and his fellow officers with the Albuquerque Police Department:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Officer King’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Officer King and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc.
Members and Staff

August 18, 2009

Mike, It will be four years ago on August 18 that you were taken away from us. I could not understand or comprehend why. The world so needs to keep people like you on earth.
I finally have come to terms that God must of needed you and Richard more than we all did.I never got to show you my new Honda motorcycle and you would of been so proud of me because I got rid of the Harley! You were like a brother to me and though we didn't always see each other for months, we would talk like it was yesterday. My family had the utmost respect for you. There wasn't anything that Mike King couldn't do. We couldn't wait to hear the next story or the latest crazy idea that you would conger up.
I truly respected you as a man and a human being.
Thanks for always being there to rescue me when I broke down or needed some advice on a problem. Thanks for always defending me and making me feel competent that I could achieve anything I wanted to physically or mentally. Thanks for always lending me your Sporty when I came to visit from Houston. Thanks for helping my brothers out when they got into some kind of jam and needed you. Thanks for being you and making our world a better place. Thanks for giving up your life to protect and keep us all safe. You had a good run brother and no one could make a motorcycle dance like you!
I love you forever and look forward to being with you again to show me what you have learned since you left. Until we meet again....

Connie Kawcak
neighbor and friend

July 20, 2009

Mike, I never thanked you for helping my son back in h in Little League days...... And also for giving my son his first speeding ticket to teach him a lesson.

My son and I will always remember what a fine Officer you were!

Kim Rowland
Just a friend of many years

May 5, 2009