Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I worked for the Town of Poughkeepsie Police when this happened. I was the same age and had the same amount of time on the job when this event occurred. I think about this event every day when I respond to calls for the Toms River NJ PD, where I've been working for the last 22 years.

Cpl Robert Westfall
Toms River NJ

April 5, 2022

Don’t know this hero nor his family. This one thing I do know, we lost a Legend that day. May your memory be a light to someone on the dark roads of life my friend. God Bless you and you family.

Drone Pilot USN
USN

September 11, 2021

Officer Frey,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Eastchester. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 21, 2021

Mike,

I want to thank you for your service. Know that your friends and fellow officers will never forget you and the sacrifice you made to make Eastchester a safer community. I will never forget that day and the response from New Rochelle to Eastchester. I was a lieutenant with the New Rochelle Police Department and the commander of our Critical Incident Unit. We responded with so many other departments to assist your brother officers. It was a day filled with so many emotions from sadness to frustration and a day like too many others that will always remain with me. Your sacrifice had a profound impact on promoting awareness of police officers which seems more important now than it has ever been. My prayers have and always will remain with you and all of your family and friends. Rest in Peace my brother.

Charlie Carlson
New Rochelle Police Department, Lieutenant (Retired)

March 22, 2018

Dear Mike,

I responded that day and was so sad that you were killed in such a heinous way.
I was your PBA of Westchester County President and met your parents and introduced them to Rev. Ray Payne of the COPS organization. Rays son David was murdered in Lewiston Maine and he was accepted by your parents and he ministered to them.

Detective Scott Walton
Mount Pleasant Police / Friend

March 21, 2018

Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called children of God. I had the honor to attend your Funeral.... May the road rise up to meet you.

Police Officer Franzoso
NYCPD 1996

March 20, 2017

RIP brother! You are gone, but not forgotten.

Retired YPD
YPD

March 21, 2016

20 years ago at 3:00 p.m. we lost a hero.

Civilian - Michael Racioppo
Eastchester Resident

March 21, 2016

Just thinking about you Mike. I was at your funeral and just wanted you to know that I think of you often.

Detective
Freeport PD (fmr NYPD)

November 17, 2015

I was in the police academy in NYC, waiting to be called by the New Rochelle Police Department. I remember like it was yesterday, every instructor there that day was part of either NYPD ESU or some other tactical team because they all left in a flash to respond to Eastchester! I remember that the class was left empty without instructors and all us rookies were left feeling helpless that we could not help.......but in awel that we witnessed how Police Officer's and Outside Agencies jumped to in action for one common goal........Out of Many We are One!

Detective Christopher Greco,
President, New Rochelle Police Association

March 21, 2015

18 Years where have they gone!!!
Miss you brother will raise one for you.
thanks for keeping us all safe.

P.O. Ret.
Partner

March 21, 2014

Mike,

Seventeen years have passed since God summoned you to protect the men, women, and children of Heaven. It is because of who you are that I know you were the one waiting with open arms to welcome the 26 newest members of Heaven from Connecticut and ensure them that they are forever safe under your watch.

As I reflect today, I can only say it was an honor and a priviledge to call you my friend. You are sorely missed Mike and you will forever be in my heart.

Lieutenant Eric Fischer
White Plains PD, friend

March 21, 2013

It's hard to believe it was 17 years ago you went to do a job you love, not knowing what you would face that day and that it would be a day that changed many lives. I remember being at work and learning of what happened; I knew you wore your vest and was sure you'd be ok. I'll never forget getting the call and finding out I was wrong.

You are missed by many each and every day. To hear of all the stories about you is a true testament to the great guy you were - genuinely caring, fun, happy go lucky guy who's desire to help people came naturally. You gave me a new appreciation for police officers - most take for granted they put their life on the line every day just going to work. Your legacy will live on and you will never be forgotten no matter how much time passes.

I know you watch over all of us in heaven in much the same way you did in life..and I'm sure you're also cracking jokes up there too with the twinkle in your baby blues, and I know I'll forever have a guardian angel. #27

Laura
sister-in-law

March 20, 2013

Mike,

Remembering you today Brother. I still think about you a lot. Every time a Jets game comes on. Every time I see the number 27. Every time I read about another fallen cop. Our friendship was brief in time, but your memory lives with me forever.
No Greater Love Hath Man That He Would Lay Down His Life For Another.
Rest Easy Michael. Our Angel In Heaven.

Anonymous

Retired EFD

August 6, 2012

Mike's side job was working with me in the deli in town when I was in high school and college. Not a day goes by that I don't think about my friend and how much he influenced me to stay on track and be great in everything I do. Mike set a bar for me as a man and I appreciate the time that I knew him.

God bless you my friend and thank you. Forever in my thoughts.

Cordie DePascale
Friend

April 17, 2012

Another tragedy that should never have happened. My prayers are with the officers and their families. Being in Florida I have no idea what was the status of the shooter. I am sure that will come out soon, but my guess is that mental problems are involved and knowing the mental health facility status in NY I can understand why people like this can go so far without the help they need.

At least we know that things will be safer in Heaven.

Sgt. Roger Haas
Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office Arizona

March 22, 2012

I was a member of EVAC on that tragic day. I will never forget the town of Eastchester being inundated with your brother and sister police officers, coming to your aid.
The outpouring of love and support from the entire country was a sight to be seen.

I always say "hello" as I pass the Gate of Heaven cemetery.

Rest in peace Mike, I know you are watching out for all of your fellow police officers. Your heroism will never be forgotten.

Clare Smith
EVAC - EMT

March 21, 2012

I remember that day like it was yesterday. Mike you are not forgotten and always remembered. As time goes by it does not get any easier but we take solace that you are at peace. Mike please continue to watch over your friends and fellow officers day and night as we continue the work you started.

Detective Ray Flood
NYPD ESU/Friend

March 21, 2012

Mike,
It's 16 years now that you were taken away from your family and friends and I know that you know it hasn't gotten easier for anyone. Your memory still lives on and I still find myself telling stories about the good times we had whether it was a C-Town story or an ambulance call and I laugh out loud. I hold back tears because we all know you wouldn't want that. So watch us all from up there as we grow and keep you with us and we continue to laugh... for you and in honor of you. We love you and miss you every day. RIP my friend 03/21/96

Karen Gizzo

March 20, 2012

15 years ago. A day I would like to forget but never will.....The other day I came acroos the bumper sticker made in your memory. "Thank a Police Officer". Thanks Mike.

Sr. Inv. Karl Meybaum
NYSP-Peekskill

March 21, 2011

I worked with Michael at FINAST in Larchmont prior to his becoming a police officer. I remember him often talking about his dream and desire to become a Police Officer. He always had a smile on his face. After parting ways, I did not find out he realized his dream until that dreadful day of his death in the line of duty. I was deeply saddened and remain so this very day. Rest in Peace Mike.

John Finocchi
Former co-worker

May 14, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 21, 2010

Rest in Peace you are still remembered and loved...

Mark Belserene
State of Maine

March 21, 2009

It's been 13 years, and the memories of that day have been ever present in my mind, I relive that day constantly I made my way to a house next door to the shooter, got to a second story window where I could see Pops in the road, bleeding from his head in the rain, weapon pointed at the suspect location while smoking a ciggarette, the sirens from the cars the guys had bailed out of due to gunfire striking those cars, the helicopters overhead, the gunfire back and forth, Dom crouched down behind the rear wheel of Mikes car taking gunfire getting as small as he could get, then the NYPD guys with the huge sheilds making thier way to the car getting Dom, then Mike, I called the desk and spoke with Christine, I told her what I had seen and that it looked bad, I think he's gone, she responded with "His entire family is here" and he was gone, and we were never the same again...

13 years,........seems like yesterday...........

Robert J. Graf
Eastcheste PD ret.

March 21, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 13th 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 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.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 21, 2009