Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It's been so long ago now, but I still think of you with tears in my eyes. We were classmates in the OCPD police academy. I only rode with you a few times, but I remember one evening we drove by to see your son play baseball for a few minutes. You were so proud of him and devoted to your family. Those of us working the night you were murdered realized that you died for us because it could have been any one of us who caught that bullet. It just happened to be you. I hope your son reads this and knows that his father is still remembered and honored by those who were his brothers.

Captain Brad Holt (retired)
Oklahoma City Police

October 9, 2022

Officer Ratikan,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Oklahoma City. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 14, 2021

The world lost a good man when you passed away sir. I know you from you little boy..he's my dear friend.,
He talks about you a lot...He's a good man. That's how I know you are a good man.
Thank you for your service.

Govt.Tech. RET/ USMC vet; Kelly Smith
Family Friend

October 8, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Ratikan.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 19, 2019

I was fairly new officer and riding the same district as you were but was on my day's off when you were killed. I liked you when we met and thought you were a good, dedicated officer. Rest in peace my brother. OCPD 1970 to 2001.

Ret. Lt. Jodie Perkins
Okla. City Police Dept

May 17, 2016

Michael and Donna have been on my mind. I worked with Donna a Schlumberger Oil Well Services. Your father loved people. Your mother was so much fun to work with. She was a serious employee and did an excellent job. During our lunches together, I learned a lot about life in New York. We had a lot of fun. I remember you. May God bless you and help you through the dark times!!!

Sandy Wade
Friend

April 8, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 15, 2015

I have seen the memorial at Headquarters every day and have looked at the faces on the wall inside many times. I have seen Ratikan's name and photo and read the brief synopsis never knowing what person committed this crime. Today, I was driving my car when his name was mentioned on the radio. I made a note of the name and pulled up his DOC photo so I could look into his face. I was only two years old in 1971. I feel so helpless knowing I couldn't do anything about it. I think of you and your family and the other families of fallen officers on a daily basis. May peace be with you.

Detective Sergeant
OCPD

May 12, 2014

Michael, My thoughts and prayers have been with you and your family since this death of your father. Mike was a good man and a good officer. His death was so senseless. There is not a day goes by that I don't think of him and wonder about you and your mother.

Capt. Charles H. Shelden, Jr.
Okla. City Police Dept. Retired

August 13, 2012

A "No Parole" letter for the thug that killed you has been sent. You will never be forgotten!

Kristi
Surviving Daughter of Special Agent J. Robert Porter
Federal Bureau of Investigation
E.O.W. 8/9/79

August 10, 2012

A "No parole" letter has been sent, so your cowardly killer remains locked up - and denied the pleasure of living in a world that you made safe for all of us.

Det. Billy Russo (Ret) (Mcy Platoon)
Nassau County, NY Police Department

August 8, 2012

Michael, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May god be with you.

State Trooper (ret.) Jim Maddrey
Florida Highway Patrol

August 8, 2012

Michael, I am also sending my letter to the parole board. Your father is not forgotten. May Fowler rot in prison.

Major Larry Carter
Norfolk Sheriff's Office VA

August 8, 2012

MICHAEL,I'M SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND I;M SENDING MY LETTER IN TODAY.YOU JUST HANG IN MY FRIEND AND SAY YOUR PRAYERS TO KEEP THIS BAD PERSON WHERE HE BELONGS.

TOM FAIRLEY
FORMER POLICE OFFICER

August 8, 2012

My Father ,Officer Michael J. Ratikan, was killed by Jerry L. Fowler (a man who has since been able to enjoy breathing unlike my father! My mother died of a broken heart and I still to this day carry deep depression from losing my father! please tell this man to be happy with what he's got cause he has way more than my father ever could have!) deserves Justice! He died for it!

none, (son)
Michael J. Ratikan Jr. (son)

August 7, 2012

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 41rst anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

To your son with respect to preventing parole, I hope you have contacted this site and asked them to post iyour father's story in their section regarding parole letters. Contact victims group that are active in your state and ask them to ask their members to write oppostion letters. Ask the Oaklahoma City PD's police association and department for help. Many will help you if you request it. I hope that justice continues to be served.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

June 15, 2012

thank you to all those remembering my Father! I too, will never forget him!
and I would like to know how to prevent his killer from being paroled! thank you!

none, (son)
son

March 19, 2012

Brother, rest in peace and know you will never be forgotton. We placed flowers on your grave ths past week in remebrance. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotton!

Officer
OCPD Honor Guard

May 13, 2009

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 9, 2008

Rest In Peace Brother. Thank you for your service.

Anonymous

August 12, 2007

I remember Mike very well, working in an adjacent district on numerous occasions. I was on my days off when I heard about the incident the night before. Although officers never forget such incidents and learning to live with the risk, wives do not. Mine became distant after Mike's death and we eventually divorced. Mike's sacrifice should never be forgotten, even now, over thirty-six years later.

Officer Joe Van Ness
OCPD (1969-72)

November 29, 2006

He looks just like his son Michael jr. He left behind a loving family, wife Donna, recently departed, and son Michael who has accomplished much in life. He is missed.

July 10, 2006

My sympathies to Officer Ratikan's family and colleagues on the Oklahoma PD. May he rest in peace as I know he will. God bless him.

SFC William L. Farrell
US Army Militray Police, Ret.

December 15, 2005

Sir: This was such a senseless death. Your life and contributions will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Officer Ratikan.

June 29, 2005

Rest in peace. We have the watch now.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department