Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Mitchell,
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 Lake County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

June 12, 2024

Paul 23 years ago I lit a candle at candlelight vigil in DC for you along with other and I had the honor of doing it again tonight ! You will never be forgotten !

Deputy Russ Gix
Washington county (current) was a Co worker

May 13, 2023

18 years today. Thank you for your service. Rest in peace.

Dmytro Goloborodko

June 12, 2017

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

June 15, 2015

Paul,
Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. But you have had a front row seat in my brain lately. The State of Indiana and Lake County Sheriff's Department are getting ready to honor your sacrifice by naming the road you died on after you. I have never been prouder to call you my brother. I miss you so bad it hurts. Please continue to watch over our family. Thank-you for keeping us safe.
All My Love,
Cheryl

Cheryl Santucci
Sister

April 19, 2014

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

Officer 11169

April 5, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 13th anniversary year 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 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 that love and remember 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

November 18, 2012

RIP Sir

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

August 22, 2012

Hey Mitch I just wanted to say hello...

Special Agent
Classmate

May 15, 2012

You will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace.

Pjea

June 12, 2011

Rest in Peace Brother

Deputy Randy Bennett
Henry Co. Sheriff's Dept. (Indiana)

June 12, 2010

Just wanted to sit on your step for awhile...I still think back to the academy with you and your broken hand...lol But you never let that stop you..Rest in peace brother..

DCG

Special Agent
98-134

January 29, 2010

Still think of you almost every day and how much this world lost when you left it...

Brad Barker

October 29, 2009

"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

Paul,
I remember the night of your passing, how very sad we were. I was working the midnite shift. I had met you several times when you came into the jail, you were one of those guys that it was always a pleasure to see come into the Sallyport. Always kind to us, and a great officer. May God Grant you Peace always. I will always remember you. Although the years have gone by I have not forgotten.

Connie Metz
Lake Co Jail Booking Officer

July 10, 2007

"IT IS NOT HOW THEY DIED THAT MADE THEM HEROS, IT IS HOW THEY LIVED."
REMEMBERING DEPUTY MITCHELL TODAY.

MOTHER OF A FALLEN DEPUTY

June 13, 2007

What you did in service to your community meant more than you'd ever guess - Thank you so much for your service

Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen Retired
Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee, WI

May 19, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

January 9, 2007

Paul it has been a long time my friend I remember having you in my car for phase one of your FTO program, you were always upbeat and ready to go. I remember going on Cline Ave sitting on the launch pad and recking havoc on all the people up there and how much fun we had, and getting you your first Arnies Hot dog (only Cheese, see I still remember). I knew that you would amount to great things, and in your short time you did. God has a funny way of making things happen but they do happen for a reason. I know that where you are now is safe because you are up in heaven protecting it like you did here on earth. Seven years goes by fast but I never forget my friend, take care and hope to see you again one day.

Ofcr.Jerry Gonzalez
Lake County Police Dept

August 15, 2006

Rest in peace, Paul; you are not forgotten.
Barb
ILEA 134-98

Sgt. Barbara L. Beland
Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, IN USA

October 5, 2005

REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. I SALUTE YOU! MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. A TRUE HERO INDEED.

TO THIS HEROES FAMILY: MAY YOU FIND PEACE IN KNOWING THAT I WILL PRAY FOR YOU ALWAYS. ALSO KNOW THAT PAUL DID NOT LOSE HIS LIFE, HE GAVE IT IN SERVICE TO OTHERS. GOD BLESS YOU.

JIM SWEENEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

August 27, 2005

Your family and brothers and sisters in blue are in our prayers. Although I do not know you, I read through your reflections and can tell you were much loved, and still are! Rest peacefully in God's care. Thank you for your service.

Michigan Resident

October 3, 2004

Paul, today, September 23rd, is your 30th birthday. I remember 6 years ago you were finishing up at the academy. You called us so that we could wish you a happy birthday. Two days later we were down there for your graduation. I was so proud I wanted to shout to the world "look at my son, the police officer - isn't he wonderful." You were so happy that day. Little did we know we only had a short time left with you. Although I miss you every day, I am so proud of who you were. Since losing you I have found out just how special the law enforcement family is. They have taken me, your dad and your sister into their hearts. To everyone in the law enforcement family, I thank you with all my heart for your love and support. All of you are in my prayers. Happy 30th Birthday, Paul. I love you and miss you so much. Mom

Barbara Mitchell

September 24, 2004

This is for the entire Mitchell family and friends. I am a friend of Paul's cousin Mike and I never had the great chance of ever meeting Paul, however knowing MIke like I do and what a great person he is and how close those two were I know Paul is deeply missed, I am truley sorry for all of your losses. I am from a family of law inforcement and my husband to be is a police officer and all you brave men that put your life on the line every day for this cruel world I would just like to thank you and I do believe that there is a special Police Department up above that all our fallen heroes go. They need good men to protect us from above, right well Paul maybe 10-42 from the Lake County Police Department, but he is 10-41 for the department that is ran from above. Rest in peace to all our fallen heroes. And God Bless the family of Paul Mitchell.

Jessica

June 22, 2004

Today is the 5th anniversary of your death and I am sure that pain your family and friends felt that day are still a huge part of their lives because it never goes away. Thank you for your service and dedication. Rest in peace, Sir. You are a HERO to us all!
Shirley Roberts-Aunt of Fallen Officer John Logan EOW-March 14, 2004

Shirley Roberts

June 12, 2004