Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Investigator Journey,
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. Army during the Korean War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

January 23, 2024

You were a good friend and fellow pilot. I still have the painting you gave me. RIP Mel. I’ll see you again one day.

Scott Douglas retired sergeant
Washington State Patrol

November 26, 2021

Rest in peace Investigator Journey.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 23, 2020

My dearest father I am so sorry your life ended so soon. What was left behind undone will never be finished. Although I didn't get to know you well in later years you were always in my thoughts and in my heart. The best memories I have of life are when my brother and sisters were with you on our visits to your home. I will never forget those memories and maybe one day we will meet again and I will be able to have that one more smile that one more hug. Until then may the peace and love of Christ be with you. Your loving daughter

Candy Hadaller
Daughter

April 26, 2017

Wish we would have had more time to get to know each other Dad. So many lost years. I Love you and think of you often. Rest in peace knowing you are loved by many. Until we meet again !

Robin Kulyk
Daughter

February 2, 2014

I am sorry for your family, as you were taken too soon for doing your job, and serving the citizens of this State in such an ethical, brave, and complete manner. I was fortunate to have an FTO who trained me with similar qualities. He was "old school," tough, and always did what was right. And after having worked several undercover operations with your LCB colleagues, I know first hand the professionalism displayed by LCB agents, and not nearly for enough salary. Your death likely put an end to much more violence. I honor and thank you for your service. may you rest in peace and know your sacrifice was not in vein.

S. Phillips
Reserve Officer, WA State (Retired)

December 17, 2012

This case was a reminder that organized crime was rampant in Western Washington. I worked with some people assciated with corruption in Tacoma, Olympia and Ocean Shores.
Journey's case was a wedge into the corruption so common in Pierce county. Many in power wanted an honest cop gone. They bad guys tried, Mel fought back.

Sgt. Don Dineen
Retired OSPD

November 11, 2012

Daddy I miss you soooo much. Mommy and I talk of you often and she tells me stories of your love and life together. She misses you all the time. We think of all that has happened in our family and wish you were right here so we could share these with you. We laugh at the new technology and how you would have loved what is available now. She was 79 two days ago. I take care of her just like I promised, and always will. I love you Daddy.

Janet D. Journey
Daughter

May 8, 2012

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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never dimishes respect, and your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I hold your family in my heart's embrace today. Ami. thanks for sharing a daughter's devotion to her beloved father.


Rest In Peace

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

January 23, 2012

I know Mel Journey as Uncle Royce. As a young boy growing up in the 60's and early 70's in the time of "Adam 12" and "Emergency" I had the real Mccoy as a roll model and let me tell you he lived up to everything you would expect from a law enforcement officer. He always had kind words for me and lots of encouragement. He took me fishing one time and just like you would expect we had a great time capped off by the view of a bald eagle swooping down near us and grabbing a fish just like on National Geographic. When I was with him, like seemed much larger and much more spectacular. Whether it be fishing or playing chess or building the Kitfox. When Uncle Royce did something it was always at 100%. I have appreciated him in my life as one example of manhood. I would like to think that I picked up some good triats from him to pass along to my son. I keep his mmemory alive. I will always be nephew jeffew.

Anonymous

February 19, 2010

It's been 10 years Daddy, and I still miss you every day! You have Twin grandchildren you have never met...Dakota Rose and Donovan Royce. You will be a part of their lives through me, as I do my best to teach them some of the things you taught me. You are still my Hero!!

Remember Daddy?
Daddy, do you remember the day I was born, such pride you thought you could fly?
Then you gave me my name, you looked at Mama and said, spell that with an "I".

I remember the stories you'd hold me and tell, and the way you held me when I was hurt, and your love made me well.
The dreams in the night, and I'd creep to your bed, the strength and warmth in your arms took their place instead.

The races we ran in the backyard side by side, and the bike that you built and then taught me to ride.
The night you took me on my first date, or times you kept me responsible for coming in late.

The way you showed me to live with pride in my life, and to handle with fairness all manner of strife.
And oh! the first time I sat behind the wheel, but you taught me to drive and I'm a safe driver still.

You have been the love and the strength in all these things, and to quote an old song, "The wind beneath my wings".

So many things to remember all our days. Please know Daddy that I'll love you always, all ways!!

Ami Journey-Gallier
Daughter

March 15, 2009

Your EOW was 10 years ago, but time has not diminished your service nor
your sacrifice. Thanks for serving the Evergreen State!
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

January 23, 2009

Thank you for serving the Evergreen State. You served honorably and have left
a remarkable legacy.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

December 20, 2008

RIP.Your life will always be remembered by those that know and love you.

Anonymous

October 17, 2008

RIP

Anonymous

September 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 29, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE.

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 15, 2008

I trust that the person or persons who shot you will now be tried for your murder. Sir, you are the epitome of what a Law Enforcement Officer is. God bless you!

Jonathan

October 6, 2007

I wish I could have known you, I am your grandson. It has made me very proud to find out that you were an officer and it appears that you stood for doing the right thing. I am in junior high and I plan to do more research into you and what happened to you. I have little to no contact with my father and it is nice to know that were a good man.
Love Kristian

Kristian Anthony Ruchert-Journey

March 29, 2007

NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEOs

January 9, 2007

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.. REST IN PEACE BROTHER, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!!!

SGT. DANIEL ABRAHAMSON
OSCEOLA COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

October 21, 2005

I never had the chance to meet Mel, I am his Grandaughter But I heard stories about him, and would have wanted to meet him. Maybe someday in another life. Thank you Grandpa for serving and protecting the community.

Cassie

June 24, 2005

You are not forgotten my brother. Even though I didnt know you, I am blessed to follow in your footsteps of law enforcement. I am a 27 year nypd cop so when you first went through your ordeal in 1977, I was only a year old. Anyway, may your soul rest peacefully with the Lord. And may GOD bless your family and friends.

Police Officer Chandler. J
NYPD

June 29, 2004

Each officer deserves a reflection. Thank you so much for your sacrifice.

January 23, 2004