Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: Who should I send? Who will go for Us? I said: Here I am. Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 HCSB]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, D.Div, MSBS, NCCA
Ordained/Licensed Independent Christian Clergy
Ministering to Law Enforcement Nationwide
Merrimack, NH 03054

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

March 3, 2021

Rest in peace Officer Rivers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 31, 2020

Mike Rivers followed me from HPD to Hedwig Village PD and took my job as shift Corporal when I left Hedwig Village and returned to college. I recommended him for the position. We had worked together at Houston PD previously and were friends.

I returned from College Station only two months later to be one of Mike's pall-bearers.

Mike was a good cop - one of the best.

NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT

August 9, 2020

RIP Officer Rivers. May your killer never breathe free air.

Deputy Constable Anonymous Anonymous
31 years of service

April 13, 2018

Sorry, I forgot I already left one. You deserve many more, Love you.

Robert Quintano, former HPD
Partner, Houston Police

July 13, 2017

I am Robert Quintano. I was Mike's partner while he was on the Houston Police Dept. He was my best friend as well as the best partner I ever had. I was very upset when he decided to join with Hedwig Village PD. Essie, I never met you, but I want you to know that your dad was a gentle and kind human being. He taught me so much about how to treat others. I am now a dentist. I loved him, I'm not just saying that. I took off from work to hunt his killer. I can't wait to speak with him in Heaven.

Robert Quintano, former HPD
Partner, Houston Police

July 13, 2017

I still miss you Daddy

(Essie)
Daughter

November 22, 2014

I was Mike's night shift partner up to the day he left Houston to go to Hedwig Village. He was and still is my favorite partner, except for my current wife Maria. Mike was the kindest, gentlest person and policemen I had ever met. Finally, I had a partner I didn't have to call in sick to avoid(just being honest). I was his last partner in the HPD. I can truly say I loved this genuine, guileless human being. He taught me how to handle people with love, a lesson that sustains me to this day. I couldn't believe he was gone, left HPD to go to Hedwig Village. Then I couldn't believe he was truly gone, only a short time later. To his wife, I am sorry we never met, he told me so much about you and I should have took the time to know you. I am here now if you need for anything. To his Mom and Dad, you definitely did something right raising this angel among men. I look forward to choir practice in heaven. We will be on night shift again, patrolling heaven for absolutely no reason. I feel so Blessed to have known Mike and spent so much quality time with him. Rest in peace buddy, I'll be there soon. Your partner, Bob (rat shit) Quintano.

Patrolman, HPD, left 1987
Dr. Bob Quintano, Tidewater Dental

June 19, 2013

I met Michael about this time of year 35 years ago. He has been in my heart since. I MISS HIM.

Diane Anderson
Friend

April 19, 2013

Mike,

After your death, I looked for you. I would catch a glimpse of someone and my heart would catch because I thought it was you. I would cry myself to sleep and wake hoping that it was some kind of bad dream. Hoping that maybe it wasn't really you that died. Two nights ago, more than 32 years after your death, I dreamed that you came back, that it was a mistake. How can that be after all this time?

I have a good life, a good family, a good husband. I am happy. You left me with so many wonderful things. An extended family that I love, wonderful friends, good books, a beautiful son and memories of a kind hearted, sharp tongued, wonderful bear of a man.

I am glad that those last few months of your life were happy ones. I still miss you and wish I had said more that last night before you left home. Thank you for all you gave me. Thank you for the man that you were and the love that you gave to so many.

Mari Rivers McDonald
loving wife & widow

February 15, 2013

Miss You! I will never ever forget the call at night about you being killed. I was a young mother and your sister-in-law. I picked out your coffin at the funeral home. Chad, my youngest born in Aug. 1980 looks like you! RIP

Kathryn Troy
SIster-in-law

October 18, 2012

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. Like you, he was shot during a foot pursuit and he was also expecting his first child, a son destined to never know his father.

I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 6, 2010

I remember you, Mike, at Central Patrol Nights (3556). I remember when you left H.P.D.,and tragically, I recall the night you were taken from us. We will not forget your service.

L.L. Dawson (retired)
Houston Police Department

February 8, 2010

I was in high school and remember hearing about you, and thinking "Why the hell would anybody want to do that job?" I have now been with HPD for almost 7 years, and now I fully understand. Thank you Officer Rivers for your service and dedication. May you Rest in Peace.

Anonymous

November 5, 2009

Thank You Officer Rivers for your service. God Speed and may you rest in peace.

John Hajash II
Former Raleigh Co. WV Deputy Sheriff

November 2, 2009

Officer Rivers, you took an oath to protect and serve the citizens of Texas and this great country of ours. In the performance of duty, you made the ultimate sacrifice.

There is no greater example of honor. May your loved ones, friends, co-workers find peace. May the citizens realize the sacrifice made by the law enforcement officers every second of every day.

Your 28th anniversary in heaven is upon us.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET

Rest in peace Officer Rivers, we have got it from here...

VINCE IELLO
NYPD RETIRED

October 7, 2008

I Will always Rember Daddy Michael as the best Foster Daddy I ever had.I loved him thenand now.Essie

Foster Daughter(Essie)
Daughter

July 13, 2008

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

April 2, 2008

"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

February 13, 2008

"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

February 13, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 30, 2007

I remember the time you spent with me when I was a child. I remember that you would put your gun on top of the refridgerator when you came to visit. You were my hero.
Thanks

Bill
friend

July 10, 2007

Mike, you are a wonderful person and a great Police Officer. I have missed the times we worked together at central patrol on nights. We had a lot of laughs when we called to eat with other Officers from the district. I have told my grandchildren about heroes like you. You wont be forgotten.

Officer Ben W. Russell 111, Retired
Houston Police Department

June 24, 2007

I still miss you every day and am thankful for the short time we had together. I grieve most for the son you never knew and who never knew you. You touched us all. Mari

Mari Rivers Claiborne
widow

August 14, 2006

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, hero.

November 2, 2004