Ithaca Police Department, New York
End of Watch Sunday, November 17, 1996
Reflections for Investigator Michael A. Padula
I find this very tragic and upsetting. I think that officer Pedu will always be remebered for his work in the police force and he was well appriciated. By what was read above, he seemed like a good officer who accomplished a lot during his 18 years of service and his death will never be forgotten. I feel as if every fallen officer should be correctly remembered, and officer Pedus especially because he died fighting for his town which the citizens will always remeber
namine Archer
boces
February 24, 2023
To the family, friends, and co-workers of Investigator Michael A. Padula:
On this 26th year anniversary of his passing, I offer my sincerest condolences. When visiting the National Law Enforcement Memorial several years, I first became aware of your loss. An etching of Panel 20F, Line 20, "Michael A. Padula", has been on my desk every since.
I am also a police officer who served with badge #106, and nicknamed "Pud" my entire whole career.
Rest in Peace Brother Michael
Steven L. Padula, Chief of Staff
Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office
November 17, 2022
Rest in peace Investigator Padula.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
May 23, 2020
Mike was my uncle and I think about him every day. His sister was my mother and she passed away 7 years ago, I like to think they are hanging out up there together.
Lindsay Shannon
Niece
November 6, 2019
Still many things crossing our paths regarding Mike, even just today.
Sarah
Family
February 6, 2017
I said a little prayer today for Investigator Padula and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.
Robyn Wilkes
November 16, 2015
You are gone but not forgotten. You were always there when needed. I will always remember you holding the ladder for me and your beautiful smile.
Till we meet again. S~
Anonymous
March 17, 2010
Mike:
I remember you at training classes back in the 80's esp. when we were at The Montour Fire Academy, various agencies were training us as fire investigators, you stood out from the other Ithaca guys and they really enjoyed having you around, we did to. I was on a radar post when I hear about what had happened, Mike I wish that I had gotten to know the Ithaca guys a little better we really weren't that far apart maybe 60 miles, anyway thank you for your selfless service ,you were well liked....
Patrolman(Ret.) Gary A.McCarty
Corning City Police NY
November 10, 2009
Investigator Padula your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.
SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee
April 18, 2008
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.
N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE
April 8, 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
December 18, 2007
You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service
Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
November 29, 2007
Thank you for your years of service and dedication. May you rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.
Police Officer
March 6, 2007
A decade has passed since your end of watch and you have not been forgotten nor will that ever be the case. Your loved ones will keep your memory alive as will the Blue Family. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You have not been forgotten.
Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
November 17, 2006
It's been almost ten years now since you have been taken from us. Each day we think of you.........and your memory is very precious to your sons and those who loved you. You have a beautiful 3 year old grandaughter named Katherine. We wish you were here to enjoy her. I'm sure you are smiling down on her. You would be so proud.
Holley
Holley L. Padula
daughter in law
August 28, 2006
To Investigator Michael Padula, his family and friends, and fellow officers:
On this the ninth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that you are remembered. Your valor and dedication are not forgotten. Rest in Peace, Sgt. Johnston.
May your family continue to be supported by their law enforcement family, and other police survivors.
This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of distinquished service Investigator Michael Padula gave to his community and the citizens of New York, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on November 17, 1996.
Phyllis L. Loya, mother of Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05
November 17, 2005
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 17, 2004
Your story is re-told over and over again and is now used as an example for training. You are a hero sadly lost, but your passing hopefully with allow others to live through the same circumstances when confronted. RIP and God bless.
A Brother in Blue
Ptlm
Corning PD, NY
No words can decribe my grief. You were always the one I could look toward for strength and guidance. You never knew how important to me you were. Even in your last moments, you taught me so much and in those last moments you were embraced by those who love you...and will never forget you.
#139
Anonymous
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