Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My oldest brother Mike was so special to us all. Miss him so much. We love you Mike. It’s always tough for us when they have the remembering the fallen officers. I still go to support Mike and all the others officers who lost their life. It was so tough when he passed away, especially to our parents. My mom said you not suppose to burry your kids first. Her and our dad is with Mike in heaven. The tragedy still haunts me. Mikes daughter Tina is what we have of him. We love you Mike. It still tough for us around Christmas time. He lost his life too early.

Love your little sister Kim (Ritchie) Linton

Kim (Ritchie) Linton
Younger sister

October 18, 2023

OMG...didnt know this site existed.....only tonight did I realize that Mike and my son could be the same person ...both born in September.. only a few days apart... in fact was due on mikes birthday. ...both left handed...only 2 in the family history...both struggled in reading and math...both in trouble with the law at 16....both had baby girls that stayed in the hospital for the first 3 months..both 5'10 ...both the most loving people I've ever met.....both my best friends....mike, thank you for being in my life every day...I sorry I didn't get to tell I love you that friday.....Thank you for ALWAYS being my best friend.

Rocky Ritchie
Brother

November 21, 2022

Worked with Michael when he would do extra duty at K&B in Brownfield he was one of the nicest people I had the pleasure of meeting. He just popped in my mind today.

Linda G Temple
Friends

June 27, 2022

Your name and service came up in conversation today. Rest in peace , Cpl. Ritchie. Gone but never forgotten.

Capt. Steve Bezet
Plaquemine, La. Police Department (Ret.)

July 11, 2020

Rest in peace Corporal Ritchie. Forever young and heroic!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 17, 2019

I was also a young deputy at that time. Michael's death forced me in a profound manner to quit the department. At his funeral I assured his widow we would find his killer. A month later I turned in my badge. Now I'm under a double lung transplant watch with 24/7 oxygen use. I know my days are limited so IV been reflecting on my past. Michael I will see you soon my friend. God's blessings to his wife and children.

Mark W. Prager
Former deputy sheriff east Baton Rouge parrish

December 17, 2019

I still remember the day this happened and I was working at the lady of the lake hospital....they brought in the store clerk to the emergency room that had been shot also....he also passed away later and I still remember how selfish their deaths were....to the families my prayers are with you God Bless.....John

John Louis / security one
Lady of the lake security 1981

October 11, 2018

I still think of you and miss you. I've gone by your grave often. I loved you so much and it hurt when I had to let you go. But God knew I loved you too much to have to endure your death and thats why he stesred you in another direction. I could've never mentally handled losing you if we would've remained together. Hope you are at peace and are able to see the ones you love.....Mike

Anonymous
Friend

April 27, 2018

What more can I say my love. You were a wonderful and dedicated husband. You held me when I was scared, hurt, and thought I was worthless. I love and miss you so much Mike. Your wife, Karen

Karen
Wife

September 15, 2017

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

March 21, 2017

It is hard to believe that Mike has been gone for 32 years tomorrow. I had the honor of serving with Mike as a Deputy with the EBRSO. I knew Mike, I called him a friend. He loved his family and friends. Mike was quick with a joke and always had a smile on his face. I often think of him and too many others in our line of work that have passed on. I make a point to visit Mikes gravesite when I come back to Louisianna. My father, Lt. Reed Sweet, who was with the Baton Rouge PD is buried not too far from Mike. I miss them both, but I know that one day we will meet again. May God continue to bless and guide Mikes family.

Detective Mike Sweet #95
Denton Police Department, Denton, TX

December 11, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Montina, you are in my heart's embrace today.
Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 13, 2011

To the Ritchie and Simmons families: I now work with Kenny Simmons who was a friend of Michael’s and Gerald’s cousin as well. Gerald and Michael were the same age, worked for the same department, and were murdered seven years apart. I pray all the families and friends of these brave young men will find comfort in knowing that they will FOREVER be heroes and will NEVER be forgotten!

SGT Mark B. Hanna, Retired
Fayetteville, AR Police Department

October 4, 2011

My father, Michael Wayne Ritchie has been gone now for 29 years. I did not have the opportunity to know him because I was only 5 months old at the time. To thoughts who have added their thoughts, thank you. It's wonderful to see that people still to this day remember him so well.

Montina Pittman
Surviving Child

May 12, 2011

My father, Michael Wayne Ritchie has been gone now for 29 years. I did not have the opportunity to know him because I was only 5 months old at the time. To thoughts who have added their thoughts, thank you. It's wonderful to see that people still to this day remember him so well.

Montina Pittman
Surviving Child

May 12, 2011

I was a senior in high school and going hunting on a cold Saturday morning. I was going with a friend to some land that was owned by one of my high school football coaches. I needed to stop and get gas. I pulled up to the pump and realized that I had forgotten my wallet. I went home and grabbed my wallet, angry that I had left without my wallet. Now, I was really short on gas and running way behind on time. I returned to the same 7-11 and found that the entire area was covered by police. I drove to another store to get gas and my car was now on fumes. However, I made it and went for a day of fun, hunting with my friend. I didn't find out what happend until I watched TV later in the afternoon. Tragic, is what they called it. Well,I went on to live a good life, married and I have two sons. Proud, I served in the military and fought in three of our countries wars. I have traveled and lived all around the world. I often wonder if they would have found my body next to yours. I will never forget your dedication and service. Nor will I ever forget you.

Lead Officer Marty Tarver
Dept of Homeland Security

March 2, 2011

This was my son-in-law's first cousin, their mothers are sisters. I remember it well...we lived within 2 miles of the store where it happened. What a sad day this was....so young to be taken in such a violent, useless way.

Lona Waldon

March 1, 2011

Mike used to get off his shift at the prison and then come ride with me on patrol out of the Central Sub-Station. His eagerness to learn our job, even as I was learning, was awesome. Thanks Mike for the time we spent together.

Sgt. Dwayne Rogers, former EBRSO Deputy

January 13, 2010

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 6, 2007

Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice so others may remain safe. You will never be forgotten. RIP sir.

November 25, 2007

"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

October 31, 2007

Thanks Mike for helping me get started, I still miss you...

Sgt. Danny Sutton
East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office

October 1, 2007

Rest in Peace. Always Remembered.

Dy M. Martin
St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office LA

December 12, 2006

Thank-you for your dedication and service. I pray that God is watching over your family.

Anonymous

August 14, 2006

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

July 3, 2005