Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

At least we know he died honorable but it is a shame that it happened. What was the name of our trio. I remember they were going to let us play while the kids started back to their classed but nobody wanted to leave so we were told to quit playing.
Do you remember what the name of our group was?

Rick Vaughn
We played music together back in High School.

May 2, 2016

Mike, its been many years now but I still think of you often while passing through Black Canyon city. I cant express how much you left as an impression on me as I was just beginning my career. Your professionalism as a Peace Officer will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace.

Chief Pilot (retired)
Maricopa Co. S.O.

April 1, 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

May 25, 2015

Hi hon...it's been 32 years since I've had the pleasure of your company.
I, too, remember the many times we'd ride the motorcycle for over an hour, or two, just for pie and coffee.
One time, it was so late, we stayed in a motel in Flagstaff where you pushed the Kawasaki into the room to protect it.
You used to distract me and take a huge forkful of my pie, too. I got wise and asked you what pie you didn't like...you said coconut cream. From that day forward, it was the only pie I ordered. ;)
I miss you.

Nancy Hart
Mikes widow

May 25, 2015

Mike, thank you for the great friendship we shared. You are missed.

Retired Deputy Ross Bergstresser #17
Coconino County S.O./Home Teacher

March 29, 2015

I am a retired deputy sheriff with Coconino County. Mike and I rode to Sedona on our motorcycles for pie at the Hitching Post. Mike was a good man and I miss him.
Charles K. Tyrrell
CCSD #28

Retired Deputy Charles K. Tyrrell #28
Coconino County S.O.

February 28, 2015

I have so many thoughts, so many reflections - no idea how to begin. I do think of you often. Even more recently with the bizarre path some in our country have taken with regards to their relationship and attitude with the police. I have always been so proud of you. You were the brother I was closest to and I miss we do not have our later years to share together. Thank you for your service, thank you for your sacrifice, thank you for being my hero brother.

Col. D. H. Young, USMC (Ret.)
Brother

January 6, 2015

Today would be your birthday, dear Husband. I can hardly believe it's been 30 years.
I still miss you so much.
Love, Nancy

Nancy
widow

August 1, 2013

Thank you for your Heroism Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

September 6, 2012

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

August 6, 2012

29 years Mike. Have thought of you often and will never forget our personal and professional relationship. God bless you for your service to your communities and friends.

L. P. Brannon
He was my Best Friend

May 25, 2012

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

May 25, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th 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.

I hold your family in my heart's embrace today and pray for their solace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen offier Larry Lasater

May 25, 2010

Mike, you taught me to ride a motorcycle, shoot a .45 and drive better. You gave me confidence.
I think of you so often and of your two beautiful girls, Lisa and Michelle. I finally found Lisa and sent her the flag and some other things.
I love the picture of you, here, because it was cropped and I know I was sitting in front of you wearing one of your mother's dresses. You see, I'll always be with you. There is no one like you and never will. I love you and miss you terribly. You were my best friend and husband all in one.

Nancy...
your wife

March 26, 2010

Deputy Young, you obviously made a huge impression on many people. I would have liked you if I had the opportunity to meet you. And I am sure when my tour here is done I will meet you. Rest in peace, Sir.

Al Whitney
Yuma County SO

November 4, 2008

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service. It sounds like you have left a legacy you can be proud of.

Gordon Hobbs
NC Game Warden

October 26, 2008

Daddy,
I am unable to adequately express the emotions flooding through me at the discovery of this website. Pride, love, honor, sorrow...I know anyone in the law enforcement community understands what I mean, so I don't feel the need to explain further.

I talk to you so often. I hope you can hear me. I hope you can see the woman I've become and the beautiful daughter I've raised who wants to serve her community as did you.

My thanks to those responsible for this forum.

Lisa Deputy J. Michael Young's daughter
Oldest daughter of this brave man

February 15, 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

July 25, 2007

G-d Bless.

May 25, 2007

Rest in Peace, Deputy Sheriff Young. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 14, 2007

Well my friend, I did not know such a web site existed until Nancy let me know. What a flood of emotions this has brought back. Since leaving law enforcement in 1997, I have discovered another life, but I have never forgotten our work together in Coolidge and BCC. You were my best friend, and to this day, I have not found another like you.
So much water has passed beneath this bridge since you left, but you are in my thoughts all the time.
You are so missed that we ache because of it.
Sleep well my brother, you did your job well.

Det. Paul M. Ferroni (ret)
Coconino County Sheriff's Dept.

November 16, 2006

D.S. Young - your sacrifice has not been forgotten.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

October 27, 2006

Mike was my training officer, my mentor, often my hero, but most of all he was my friend. I learned so much of what I know about law enforcement and the world from him during my years as a young cop. His death hit me so hard because he was the most cautious cop I ever knew. Now, more than 28 years into my career, I reflect upon his caring and understanding for such a rookie in his car. Thanks Mike for everything you did for me. Your still my hero.

Det. Kel Helmick #174
Chandler AZ Police Dept

November 16, 2005

Deputy Sheriff Young,
On today, the 22nd anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Coconino County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

May 25, 2005