Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Michael Paul Haugen

Riverside County Sheriff's Department, California

End of Watch Sunday, January 5, 1997

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Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Michael Paul Haugen

I just wanted to let you know that I have been thinking about you a lot and to let you know that I still miss you so much. Our Children are all grown with Children of their own. You would love being a Grandpa, and our Grandchildren are great kids. You would be so proud.

Elizabeth
Widow of Deputy Michael Haugen.
Riverside County Sheriffs Department

November 26, 2024

Deputy Sheriff Haugan,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your Partner for your service and sacrifice for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Riverside County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 5, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Haugan,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your Partner for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Riverside County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 5, 2022

Still hear your booming voice in my ears, Brother. Still smell the bitter odor of jail coffee emanating from your heavily worn mug.

Mike Angeli Sr. Dep. ret.
Riverside Sheriff

January 5, 2019

I responded to the officer down call from Moreno Valley Station with a partner and was one of the first to arrive. It was a long hard night on that January 5th in 1997. The details went out and a description was given. A perimeter was set. Cold rains, hard winds and showers of snow blew through the valley. There was no air support due to the storm. Street lights and porch lights were being broken all over to keep any light from casting a shadow on anyone. The thing that kept us going was knowing that we were there for you. We were not leaving until the job was done. The attacker came out from hiding in the wee hours of the morning like a frightened coward. My partner and I saw your attacker and was able to take him into custody. After 20 years I remember it like yesterday. You won't be forgotten! Thank you for every minute of your service! Rest in Peace! Prayers to all of your friends and family.

Brian Mehlbrech
Investigator, Retired 2014
Riverside County Sheriff's Office

August 8, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You are honored and remembered on the 21st anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

January 5, 2018

Your sacrifice is not forgotten. Rest in peace my brother.

N.Y.P.D. Lt. Ray Flores (Ret.)

January 5, 2017

Its been 18 years today since you went off duty Mike. I still think about the times we worked together. I still remember the last words you ever spoke to me. Rest in Peace my brother.

Sergeant
Riverside County Sheriff's Department

January 5, 2015

I worked with mike at Hermosa Beach Police Dept.
I did not know about his murder until very recently. I remember Mike very well, who could not remember him. "A man of infinite jest"
I have laughed many times because of my friend Mike.
I am so sad for his family.
I miss him.

Sergeant Wm. Spike Kelly (Retired)
Hermosa Beach Police Department

September 23, 2014

Thankfully your killer was a coward and killed himself today

Ret. P.O. J.Smith
N.Y.P.D.

October 10, 2013

It has been 16 years since you left us at the hand of a coward that shot from the darkness. I think about you often Mike. You gave your life while making this world a safer place. Rest in the presence of our Lord. You will always be a hero and an fine example of wht a deputy should be.

Sgt Steve Callas
Riverside County Sheriff

January 5, 2013

Rest in Peace, Deputy Haugen. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 19, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 15th 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.

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

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 5, 2012

Today, many of us within the department remember Mike for his final sacrifice!

Deputy T. Morgan
Riverside Sheriff

January 5, 2011

While working at the old RGH (Riverside General Hospital) Mike would patrol the north 40 (i.e. big 'ol parking lot). Everytime he had someone stopped for some reason or another, you could tell his heart was so in it. He got into so much stuff, he would look for things. Mike once tackled a man in the process of taking a baby from the nursery, ending a "code pink" that could have gone a completely different way. His words were always colorful! I remeber the time he explained how a suspect (homebiscuit) dived under a stove (?) to escape detection, his arms flailing about throughout the whole story. The next morning after hearing the "homebiscuit" story, I went 10-8 at RGH to find my partner in tears. "Did you hear?" he asked. "No, what's wrong." "Everything!!!" The world dimmed that day. Tears pouring down my face, I had to pass the news on to others and watch more tears roll down. Something interesting happened later that day. As we all talked about Mike we began laughing, whole body, shaking laughing. Mike, you just wouldn't let us be would you? We could all hear you storming into the unit telling us, in full Haugen form, what happened that night, arms up, coffee spilling, colorfull and engaging...Mike, we still are laughing with you and loving you brother! Keep the Angels in stitches, we know you are!

C. Deputy Nikki Lazan (ret.)

January 25, 2010

Deputy Sherif Haugen,
On today, the 13th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your partner for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Riverside County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

January 5, 2010

To the one who questioned this.. yes he is the same Mike that worked at Hermosa PD. I had the opportunity to work with him while working dispatch part time there. His dream was to be a police officer. I was so happy for him when I heard that he had become a Riverside Sheriff. I was shocked and saddened when I heard the news of his death.

Kathy Police Dispatch
Torrance PD

April 2, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 31, 2007

Deputy Haugen, on this Christmas Eve as I prepare to go on shift, I wanted you to know that your brothers and sisters in Law Enforcement are thinking of you and your loved ones. I had the opportunity to meet your wife. Wow you have an incredible family!

Merry Christmas Deputy Haugen

Leif R. Haugen #V-34
Island County Sheriff's Office Coupeville, WA

December 24, 2007

I had the pleasure of meeting Michael when he came to the Banning Station. I was his first FTO. Mike was vibrant and had a great sense of humor. He always had a big smile and enjoyed every moment of being a Deputy. He had the kind of personality that drew people to him to join in the fun. Even after all these years I can still hear him laugh. He will be remembered fondly.

Kathy Fuller Deputy Sheriff
Riverside County Sheriff FTO

November 12, 2007

Hi Mike, I do miss you, I think about you and Jim all the time. I will never forget all you have shown me at the Station
all the times you backed me up at the casino. These two Deputies are two Deputies that made that 6 point star on their
chest mean something. I will truly miss them. Its been 10 years now and they will be in my thoughts and heart forever.

SONNY H. LAY-CHIEF
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SAFETY

November 6, 2007

I read the reflections of other fellow deputies that were friends and acquaintances of Mike and Jim. Even 11 years later. Despite what time and distance deal to us, it's comforting to know that an everlasting bond exists with those of us that have served and will serve. Our buddies will not be forgotten. In Mike's case, who could forget such a deep voiced, gung-ho kinda guy? He served as an example to all. Peace be with you and your Family.

Sr. Dep. Michael Angeli - retired
Riverside Co. Sheriff's Dept.

November 1, 2007

DEPUTY HAUGEN, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. SURELY A HERO. MAY YOU NEVER BE FORGOTTEN FOR YOUR SACRIFICE. REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

October 18, 2007

"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

September 20, 2007

I too remember Mike as a quick witted man with the dedication of ten men. We attended the academy together almost 17 years ago. I start with RSO 07-19-2007. I had been working for Laguna Beach PD since graduating the academy. God Bless you and all who knew you.

Mark Litchenberg
Riverside County Sheriff

July 17, 2007

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