Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Villiard,
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 Sawyer County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 9, 2023

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Villiard.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 4, 2022

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 9, 2020

Mike, I continue to miss you to this day. It's been many years since you've been gone. I pulled duty on the day of your funeral in your honor. I just miss you buddy. So many things have changed.

Retired Narcotics
Saint Croix Tribal Police

October 18, 2019

Respect, Honor, and Remembering.

Surviving parent G Birkholz
Officer Craig Birkholz EOW 3/20/2011

June 27, 2019

I still miss you Ol' Buddy. You were awesome! I remember the good times we shared and the stressful ones. You were and still are a cop's cop. Thinking of you pal.

Rick Fraatz
Ret. Narcotics

January 21, 2019

Thank you Sgt. Gregory Ripczinski, Mike is always in my heart. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. He was a dedicated officer of much respect! Love you always, Kathy

Kathy Veness
Sister

July 10, 2018

18 years ago to this day. I don't speak of that day often, I keep it within me. It has made me stronger as a person, as a cop, and as a father. There are fewer deputies on the job here now that were benefited with having known you. Those newer, younger deputies are at a loss that they will not understand. We will tell them, and we will not allow them to forget.....

Sgt. Gregory G. Ripczinski
Sawyer County Sheriff Department

July 9, 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

July 15, 2015

Hi Mike and Family........Your smile is still there and always will be. I still miss you old friend. I have no idea if you know of the message I send but you are still remembered in many hearts. Miss ya ol' buddy!!!

Rick Fraatz
Ret. Narcotics

January 5, 2015

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten.

Retired Wisconsin L.E.O.

March 5, 2014

I only had nearly 10 years to get to know you, the man of whom I bear his name. Anthony Michael Villiard. I was almost 10 years old when you took your journey, I am now 25 and am still walking my own path. Every year it seems that I discover something new about you. A memory someone shares, a picture I've never seen, something I've read about you, it seems strange that all this time has passed in your absence and yet there is still so much to be said about you. I miss you, and it seems that daily I am reminded of you in some way. Your pictures hang on my walls, your eagle feather (that was given to you at your funeral) your I'D, your Firearms, your home, and our family are all reminders. I often think of what it will be like when it's time that I make my journey, and what kind of reunion waits for us. I know that we have many things in common, because I was old enough for you to have taught me some of them. I look forward to hunting with you and the rest of our fallen. I can't wait to learn your secret to the smoked musky recipe, and of course look forward to testing my abilities against your legendary skill with the gun. I enjoy hearing that somehow I inherited your love for shooting, and that I am my father's son. You will live on in all of us immortalized in memory and spirit. I hope that I make you proud, even though I know that I have strayed from the image you hoped that I would one day grow to be. I will continue to be your "Buckshot", doing what I need to to cut through the obstacles in life, and doing my part to take care of the family as best as you can ask me for. it seems like it will be a long and arduous wait before I can see you again, but one thing that works in my favor is time. I could speak and write for an eternity about how I feel about you and my experiences, but I'll settle it all with you when we get there.

Tony Villiard
Oldest Son

January 28, 2014

its been 15 years and I still miss you I see you very day in your childerens eyes and in there smiles they have your smile and quick wit.I miss you and love you and I will never forget you love your littel sis

kim villiard
sister

October 2, 2012

Thinking of you and your loved ones today. Continue to keep watch over all of them and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will always be remember.

Bob Gordon, Retired Deputy Chief
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

July 9, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP

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

April 12, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 12th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 9, 2010

It's been 10 years since we lost you and I remember as if it was yesterday. I have not forgotten your smile or your laughter. You are and always will be in my heart. We were brightly honored with an amazing fireworks display of your badge number "38" at our annual picnic this year (2008). Your friends, colleagues and family were present and all shared wonderful memories. Chris and I built a memorial to honor you and Dad. The memorial is a star with all five corners topped with blue lights reflecting your lifes passions. That is my place where I can be close to you. Tears flowed when your badge number was lit up so brightly. You are truly missed and loved.
Your sister,
Kathy

Kathy
Sister

July 14, 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

February 22, 2008

hey dad,
i miss you.
i always think about you.
i love the picture of you and kenny where he's sitting on your head with your hat on. its hanging on my wall. i wish i could say i knew how you were but i cant because i dont know. i wish i could have. i love you
always your baby girl

kelsey renee' villiard
his daughter

December 13, 2007

merry christmas dad. i know you loved it. except that time you got sick from drinking windsor and coke.
i love you.

kelsey villiard
daughter

December 13, 2007

hey dad. i miss you and i think about you all the time and so i finally decided to get on this hunk a junk computer and write you something. schools good but hard im in poms and yearbook. people always tell me i have your smile so i look good in pictures. and everyone says i look more like mom everyday and tony and kenny look more like you every second. tony is in arizona at mmi tech and he loves it but ium sure you no that. i wish you could be here. i love you.
always and forever,
kelsey your baby girl.
btw... kenny says hey

kelsey renee' villiard
his daughter now 15

December 13, 2007

I still haven't forgotten you Ol' Buddy.

I miss you Mike.

Investigator Rick Fraatz
St. Croix Tribal Police

August 18, 2007

On July 9, 1998 the Lord advertised for a skilled Law Enforcement officer. The officer needed to be of unquestionable loyalty and integrity. The person needed to be a kind and gentle person and a person of great compassion. Someone willing to listen to others and a person willing to do the right thing. The person needed to be fair applying laws, rules and regulations equally to everyone. The person needed to be color blind with regard to all people. A good sense of humor would be helpful. A person that enjoyed a good laugh and loved the outdoors. Finally, the person needed to earn and deserve the titles of Husband, Father, and Friend.

In the eyes of the Lord, Mike Villard qualified for the position. Mike told the Lord, "Here I am Lord, I will go, send me"

On July 9, 1998 the Lord selected Mike for the position and Mike departed this life leaving family, co-worker and friends to mourn.

A.F.A
HAYWARD P.D.

January 5, 2007

Its been a long time Mike. I still miss you and think about you and your family often. As I look at your picture on this site it seems like you haven't left.....in a way. Thanks again for all that you inspired me to do. I still fight the fight and do my best to protect and serve like you taught me. I know that you look down on all of us in Law Enforcement and are quietly guiding us in your own special way. You were a great cop but most of all a teacher. Know that officers like myself still benefit from you being the man that you were. God Bless,
Rick

Investigator Rick Fraatz
St. Croix Tribal Police

November 27, 2006

Mike taught me a lot. Integrity was the highest among the list of things that Mike had to give new officers back in the day. We shared many shifts together and I always felt good when I was the new guy and 38 asked to meet up. That meant that you cut the mustard in his eyes. I really miss those times. Although it has been over 6 years since he has left us, he and his family are in my thoughts often.

I will never forget Mike's smile or laugh. He was always upbeat and when he smiled, you had to smile with him. Mike was a cop's cop. There could not have been a better family man. He was a great friend and an awesome role model. I know that he is by my side every night.

Since the passing of my father on July 15, 2004, I have yet another example of how precious life is. I really miss these two men that have influenced my life and career as such. Someday I will see you both again in the place that the Lord has created for us. Until then I can only do what great men have taught me and continue to carry the different torches that both of them gave me.

Thank you Mike. We will meet again.

Narcotics Investigator Rick Fraatz
St. Croix Tribal Police

November 3, 2004