Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Pace,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy as a crewmember on the aircraft carrier USS Midway(CV-41) during the Persian Gulf War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 29, 2023

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

January 14, 2020

I went to high school with Mike, and I can say that he saved me and others more times than can be counted. He was true friend, and although I am writing this 20 years after his passing. I can say without question, I think you all the time, and the stories of your youth are told every to a new group of students. I regret that our last meeting was less than perfect, and I sincerely apologize for any and all harm that I caused you.

I take hart that you moved on, and made a good life for yourself. Your passing remains a great loss for humanity, and I pray that you find peace and enlightenment in the next life. I know that wherever you are, you’re “rocking in the free world.” I miss you my friend.

Steve Wilehlm
High school friend

June 8, 2018

Sgt. Pace,
You were my D.A.R.E. instructor at Colbert School and inspired me to become who I am today. I remember when I saw the news and cried as a young boy. Know that you are a true hero. Rest in Peace brother.

Sgt. D. D. Hale
KPD, North Carolina

December 1, 2013

I came across this and wept. I knew Michael from the USS Midway in 1987 when he joined the navigation department and was a quartermaster with me. As i was researching shipmates that i hadn't talked to in a long time i came across a notice that indicated he had passed and it took me hours to verify and when i saw his picture above it broke my heart. Our japanese friends used to call him Pacey and he was a joy to be around onboard always seemed to be talking about Odessa, Tx if i remember correctly. I know it has been almost 15 years now but it is a jolt for me to read this. My heart goes out to his family. Rest in peace Shipmate.

QM3 Terrence Donovan
USS Midway CV-41

June 27, 2013

I read about all these police officers that have been killed in the line of duty the past couple of weeks and my heart aches for them. Even after 14 years, I still think of you. I wish you could see Austen and Haley and what beautiful and smart adults they have turned into. I also wish you could see Dylan and how he has turned into such an amazing young man as well. He misses his Uncle Mike. We all love you and miss you deeply! Keep on watching over us!!

Dana Overton
Cousin

April 22, 2013

Hey brother. 14 years, and I still miss you as much now as I ever have. I hope that I've grown into a lady you can be proud of, and I sure wish you were here. Tony hasn't ever seen the first Star Wars movies, and I think you and he would get along perfect. There's so much I'm involved in now that we wold have in common, and you'd be the coolest uncle ever. Your kids are growing strong and gorgeous (I'm sure you see that).

I miss you - I love you - and I look forward to seeing you again.

Melissa Liming
Sister

January 1, 2013

Hey Uncle Mike...its been a long time...we all miss you so much...Mom Dad Granny...all of us...Ive been following in your foot steps...hoping that one day ill be the man you were always meant to be...RIP Uncle Mike and watch over us all...

HTFN(SW) Shires
US Navy/nephew

August 6, 2011

Well Mike it has been 12 years since that cold and icy night. I can honestly say not a day goes by that I dont think about you and all the fun we had. From taking the bad guys in or going 45 at the waffle shop to end a night and laugh about the idiots we saw and arrested. My youngest son Gavin Michael Daws is now 11 yrs. old. Yes he is named after you old buddy. Your memoriam book still sits on my coffee table and I have explained to him what a great friend, deputy and father you were. He watched the video of your funeral and us carrying you out of the church and lying you down at your final resting place. And that's when he really new how much you meant to me and my family. Well I miss you partner and know I will see you some day and we will pick up right where we left off.

Roby Daws
Partner

December 23, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 11th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

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

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

December 29, 2009

His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was rough, And sometimes I've been violent Because the streets are tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't...I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"

Author unknown

Anonymous

November 18, 2009

Mike it has been almost 11 years now since you left us. Eleven years! There isn't a day that goes by that people don't think of you, your smile, your humor, your funny stories even after all this time. You are dearly missed each and every day. As for my last promise to you, I wanted to let you know that the memorial monument is still a priority. I know that you understand the delays as you are always watching over us, but know that one day soon your name will be proudly displayed outside our courthouse as one of the brave men who gave their lives doing what they do best. We love you and miss you!!!

Dana Overton
Cousin

November 18, 2009

Mike,

It has been 10 years now, it seems like it was just yesterday. I wish you could see how grown up the kid's are now. Austen is 15, soon he will be 16. Haley is 10, soon she will be 11 years old. It breaks my heart that you couldn't be here with them. I know you would never have left them, but GOD decided it was time for you to go home. You were a WONDERFUL FATHER, who loved your family very, very much. You always helped Shanna by cleaning the house, bathing the kid's, keeping Austen entertained playing games, entertaining Haley with the fish aquarium... We miss you and love you forever.

Janis Reasnor
Mother-in-law

March 6, 2009

Michael -

It's been ten years since you've been gone, and I still miss you just as much every day. You are always in my mind, and I know that through the years you have been with me and held me. I know you were there for the milestones I have passed in the last few years, and I felt your comfort around me when I was very sick. I know you are watching over me - and I love you so very much. I talk about you all the time - and tell people I meet all the stories you told us about silly things that happend while you were on watch, and especially about the Equator while you were in the Navy. I am still, and will always be proud to call you my brother.

I love you and I miss you. Thank you for watching over me.

Melissa

Anonymous

December 26, 2008

I am the aunt of fallen sheriff deputy jason scott zunker and a person named dana had left a really nice condolence note for the zunker family I just want to say thank you so much for that it means so much to us WE the zunker family would like to give our condolences to you and your family for your loss as well im so sorry for your pain god bless you all thank you

peggy (zunker)gajewski
no relation

July 5, 2008

Well Mike! It's going on ten years since you left us. Ten years!!! There are times when it feels like just yesterday I spoke with you, but there are other times that feel longer than ten years. You are still loved and missed by many. I wanted you to know that we have finally got the approval for a Memorial Monument to be built and placed on the courthouse lawn. This is something I have wanted since you left. Please watch over all of us who take on this task of remembering you and the other fallen officers in our county. I believe that the journey will finally end once we have your name displayed proudly on the monument. Mike, Dylan, and I love and miss you each and every day. Be at peace!

Dana Overton
Cousin of Deputy Pace

June 22, 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

January 9, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 29, 2007

Mike, another parade done without you ribbing me about having the best lightbar. You were the topic again between me and Sheriff Sturch this year. Thanks for the memories and the stories we talk about you. Dosen't seem almost nine years have gone by. Glad to have called you a friend while you were here with us and still feel that way today. Keep a watch over us till we meet again.

Trooper Steve Nabors 586
OKLAHOMA Highway Patrol

December 18, 2007

It is so hard to believe that it has almost been 9 years since you left us! There isn't a day that goes by that we don't think of you or still miss you! Every time I go by the intersection I still flash back to that night seeing your patrol car on the side of the road and it just breaks my heart all over again. I wish you could see your son and daughter and how big they are and how smart they are and how beautiful they are! Austen looks more and more like you everyday and Haley is such a mess. Haley looks just like your sister, Melissa. As long as we live, Christmas and New Year's will never be the same again. Even though your aren't physically here anymore, we still feel your spirit, even now. You still watch out for your family and your law enforcement family. We love you Mike and miss you!

Dana Overton
Cousin

December 2, 2007

SGT PACE, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. MAY GOD BLESS THOSE WHO STILL LOVE AND MISS YOU.

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

September 15, 2007

God bless you and your family, friends,and co-workers.

February 22, 2007

Mike I'm just letting you know I still think about you every time I cross the intersection. I may have had the brightest light bar but you are walking on streets of gold. Till we meet again watch over us as we continue your watch here.

Trooper Steve Nabors 586
Oklahoma Highway Patrol

October 4, 2006

FROM THIS DAY TO THE ENDING OF THE WORLD...
WE IN IT SHALL BE REMEMBERED...
WE GALLANT FEW, WE BAND OF BROTHERS.
FOR HE TODAY THAT SHEDS HIS BLOOD WITH ME
SHALL BE MY BROTHER.

I STILL REMEMBER THE NIGHT AT THE WAFFLE SHOP AT 3AM LISTENING TO YOU TELL THE STORY OF YOU CROSSING THE EQUATER FOR THE FIRST TIME WHEN YOU WERE IN THE NAVY. I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT STORY. YOU ARE ONE OF THE FEW PEOPLE I HAVE MET IN MY LIFE THAT IMPRESSED ME WHEN I FIRST MET YOU. YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.

MAJOR RYAN RUSSELL
KINGSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

August 14, 2006

Mike:
I attended a police memorial the other day for a U.S. Border Patrol Agent and I remembered you as well. I can't believe it was almost eight years ago that I lost a trusting friend in you. I always punish myself for not keeping you there at the Sheriff's Office a few more seconds longer the night the accident occurred.
You are missed as a law enforcement officer and as a friend.

BIA Chief Palmer S. Mosely
U.S. Department of the Interior

May 6, 2006