Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My family relocated to Rock Springs WY in 1970. Dad worked at Jim Bridger, union cement finisher as a general foreman. We lived in the Rex Hotel in the 1st year, it was located above Woolworths store, next to Fanelli Music which was located on the corner of K street and North Front street.
Long story short here.. we seen more than kids our age should have back then.
I was 15 when Mr. Rosa was murdered, our families and friends were shocked yet never in doubt who was responsible for his cold blood murder. I'm sorry
I had always heard what a great fellow
and officer Mike was, but reading
these reflection stories now I know he's akways been a stans up guy.
To your children and grandchildren, I'm inspired by your stories. God bless, RIP Mr. Rosa

Anonymous from Green River, WY
Just a kid from the '70s in Rick Springs Wy

July 19, 2024

I happened to stumble on to this article. Your father was a true hero, all of us owe people like father everything. He stood up and gave his life to do what was right. I lived in Rock Springs from 1974-1983. I was in the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and in 1977-1978 we were building Unit IV at Jim Bridget Power Plant. I believe your dad Michel was working with us at the time as a permit hand. I didn’t know him but maybe said hi to him a few times. I didn’t know anything about what was going on until after Cantrel killed him, which in my mind was absolutely murder. Apparently Michel was investigating the Boilermakers and organized crime in Rock Springs at the time! Jerry Spence got Cantrel off a yr. later on a plea bargain, then wrote a book called “ Gunning for Justice “ The unjust walked away that day, but not in the next life! Michel Rosa was hero who will not be forgotten!

Joe Bellamy- April 11-2024

April 11, 2024

As Detective Lieutenant I worked with Michael in Gillette during his undercover drug assignment. He was a man of integrity and did not deserve what happened to him in Rock Springs. I left WY in ‘79 and retired as a Police Chief in Oregon a few years ago. Michael was taken much too soon.

Rick Lewis Chief of Police (Retired)
Gillette

May 25, 2022

My Name Is Andrew Rosa Sarvis, I am The Grandson of Mike Rosa I’m 19 Years old beard plenty of Stories about my Grandpa and how well respected and honorable he was. If he was still around he’d Be proud to know I am Joining the Marines and have enlisted In honor of him I’ve always wanted to carry out his legacy and Be great Just like he was So that we can Sit Together one Day and Share the Same honor He did with his fellow brothers .

Andrew Rosa
Grandson

September 10, 2020

I served with Mike while in the Marine Corps in Vietnam. He was an honorable, brave, and conscientious young man back then. It’s so difficult to believe that he is now gone. When we returned from Vietnam, we got together in New York City to celebrate life and the birth of his new baby.

Bobby (Hobo) Hancox
United States Marine Corps

September 6, 2020

Number 42, the amount of years you have been gone. Always a piece missing, never forgotten. I love you dad, words I’ve always wanted to say to you personally.

Your son, Christopher

Son
Father

July 15, 2020

Sadly in today’s environment I felt the need to protect your memory several times recently. Part of me is relieved that you don’t have to see what is going on here. You gave your life for the good of humanity and right now humanity doesn’t deserve it, forever a hero...BTW you would approve of the man I have in my life, something tells me he is just like you ♥️

Jasmine Rosa-Belgio
Youngest daughter

June 9, 2020

I’m not sure if this is the same Mike Rosa I served with in Vietnam, over there he was in communications as a wireman. We were very good Friends over there. After the war he lived in Manhattan and I lived just across the river in Hoboken. Mike was a good man and Super Marine. This is a very sad story especially after we went through over there. May God deal with the bastard that is guilty of his death. Semper Fi my Brother

Sargeant Bobby Hancox
Unites States Marine Corps

February 15, 2020

never knew him, my Dad did, they were in Gillette, Wy. and took different cases to take on. My Dad went to Texas, Rosa went to Rock Springs, Wy. From everything my dad said about him he was a Great man. He was killed by a Crooked Sheriff in that town, my Condolences to the Family. Would like to chat with any family he has left.

Nicholas Lee Wales
Son of the Man, who considered Mr. Rosa, one of his only friends.

November 10, 2019

I came upon this story while searching for my family name "Rosa" online. I am very proud of what he did. He truly was a hero and his sacrifice should never be forgotten. My respect to Michael and his family who sadly and painfully Became victims of an entire corrupt city.

My love goes out you...

Angela Rosa
Miami Dade Police Dept. (Retired)

October 28, 2019

It is a coupe days after anniversary of going to heaven. Would be awesome to have you here to help and guide us in to continued adulthood.

Christopher Michael Rosa
Son

July 17, 2019

As a retired New York State Police Veteran and Homeland Security Assesor, I just want to express my gratitude to our fallen comrade and his family, who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
I recently had the pleasure to meet Mike’s son, Chris. Mike would be so proud of his kind, intelligent, and successful son, and beautiful grand daughter.
Having lost my baby brother to a senseless murder 11 years ago, I understand the emotions and permanent ache that a family endures after such a senseless tragedy.
RIP brother and know your wife raised a wonderful young man, who has honored your legacy in countless ways!

Staff Sergeant Toni PALMER-retired
New York State Police

July 17, 2019

Well Mike, we’re pushing 70 while you are forever pushing 30. How we wish you were here in person to meet your grandchildren being raised by your amazing kids, getting old and ornery with us!

Deborah L Smith
Sister-in-law

July 2, 2019

Jasmine Rosa, sorry for your loss, i cant say any more, but i know someone who knew and respected your Dad, very much

Nicholas Lee Wales

October 25, 2018

I just visited The Law Enforcement Memorial in Judiciary Square. So many names. Gone 40 years, seems like way less time. Never forgotten.

Christopher M Rosa. Proud Son

September 22, 2018

It’s nice to come back to this page from time to time and see another life who was touched by my father ❤️ The 40th Anniversary of his sacrifice is coming up this month. Gone but never forgotten...

Jasmine Rosa
Daughter

July 3, 2018

Just watched this story on city confidential. Amazing this corrupt officer got away with murder you keep secret his illegal activities. My sincerest condolences to the surviving family of Mchael Angel Rosa. Though this man may have escaped justice on this plane he will no doubt be served up in the afterlife.

John Dozier
Private citizen

April 4, 2018

God bless the Rosa family, and give you peace. My family and I were in business in Rock Springs during those days, and virtually everyone knew of the crime and corruption that infested the town. I hope you find comfort in knowing there are very many people who believe Michael was a good officer, fearlessly trying to his duty. I didn't know Michael personally, but have tremendous respect for him.

Mark Haddock

July 25, 2017

I knew Michael Rosa in Rock Springs. He went by another name at first the name was Carlos Pacheco. Some friends and I were working at the Silver Dollar when he came to work as a bar back. We were living in a hotel and I think he must have thought we were prostitutes (we weren't - but there were plenty in town. Mainly at the BBQ Shack ran by Mr. Dottsy). We were going to leave Rock Springs and Mike brought over his son and daughter to our hotel to say good bye to us. I always wondered if they remembered that?
One friend of ours stayed in Rock Springs and she called us the night he was killed. She worked at the hospital and told us he came in DOA.
We were very sorry to hear about that.

Janet Maxwell
I knew him in Rock Springs

November 27, 2016

I remember well the events of that night, though at the time, my life revolved around achieving high levels of success in sports. At the time, nothing scared me, but I was very naive to what really controls law, lack of law, politics, and capitalism. Yes, I was naive to the power of money. No one I knew thought for a second that Cantrell was innocent. Everyone knew he was shot in cold blood, over laws being bent, broken, and shattered for money. Years later I waited tables in Laramie, where Ed C was a regular customer. I remember being scared of him, even though he seemed old and maybe even frail. Yours should not have been the broken family. But know, your father is forever. Not just in your heart, but in the eyes of most every resident in Rock Springs in that time period.

B Brown

March 22, 2016

I was 15 at the time of this incident. I remember well conversations about this incident among my parents and local friends. I grew up in Rock Springs, and with my later experience in Law Enforcement this case has always interested me. I have never believed for a minute that Ed needed to defend his life. He was only in fear of being caught. I grew up with the children of Rock Springs Mobsters, and Drug dealers, some of which are drug dealers and criminals today. It has taken many years for Rock Springs to settle down. I remember when Don Anselmi was executed in his home alone with another unnamed man in Anselmi's home after rumors of Don going States Evidence. I have no family left in Rock Springs, and have only been there once since I graduated in 1982. Officer Rosa's family can be very proud. An Air Force brother of mine, Duane Pacheco is now the Chief of Police in Rock Springs. Officer Rosa has paved the way for a more peaceful Rock Springs. God Bless

Sgt. Anonymous

January 14, 2016

July 1978......I believe you, Rosas. I was in Rock Springs for one very frightening night, on a cross country camping trip with my younger sister. We slept in the car, on that main street. Only night in my life I slept with a bowie knife in one hand and the other on my sister, who I made sleep in the back seat, just in case. Asked a cop for help, he told us to get out of town before dark. Or we could sleep underneath our stuff and he would try to be sure we were safe, but no guarantees, better to leave. Never looked at my face, looked left and right as if he himself were afraid.

After dark, all kinds of things were happening. It was the most frightening night of my entire life, and I'm almost some 40 years on now.


He was not your dad, but another good man.

I believe your story.

Passed through Rock Springs July 1978
Human being

August 17, 2015

God continue to bless you Mike and thank you for protecting your wife and children to the bitter, bloody end. I know you have watched over them and continue to watch over their beautiful children now as well. I never heard my father weep until the morning he phoned me with the unbelievable news of your murder...he is with you now and no doubt still you two are still having your friendly arguments..your story and your truth continues..we have had the luxury of getting old thanks to you, and you remain forever 29..and forever in our hearts.

Debi Smith
sister-in-law

August 29, 2014

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

July 15, 2013

Ms. Rosa,

I lived in Wyoming when this happened and Ed Cantrell was hiding at the Spence Ranch in Dubois, Wyoming while waiting for the trail of the murder of your father. I was 13-14 then and I remember seeing the Spence/Cantrell guys in town a few times. I never met your dad but I know he was working in a very dangerous town during a "lawless" time with the oil & mining workers and drug dealers running around. One thing is for sure, Ed Cantrell was no hero...he was a murderer and Gerry Spence has always been an unscrupulous lawyer looking to make a name for himself and sell books.

The Rosas can be proud of their Father.

JCG
None

December 1, 2011