Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace for we have the watch now.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.

March 25, 2004

Rest in peace, and thanks for keeping the peace while you were here. I am a former police explorer and currently am applying to become an officer. It is very disappointing to see another person with a background like me taken so soon. He clearly lived his life the best that he knew how, and that is what really matters. It will be an honor for me to be a police officer because of him and other fallen heroes. He will never be forgotten.

Pat
Baltimore, MD

February 14, 2004

I met mike when he worked for the polk county sheriff's office , he was the roommate of a good friend of mine

mike was shot while on duty here in polk county , I remember the day I met him , he was showing me the scars on his knee .... he survived that with only some small scars I was in so much shock 4 years ago to learn that he had died from a car accident going to back up another officer

I will always remember mike's smile,
One day we will be able to meet again.
Until that day.

Thank you mike for your service.

dispatcher
polk county sheriff's office

December 27, 2003

I met Mike in January of 99 when I was applying at Broward County. I had the pleasure of doing a ride along with him and I will never forget how much fun we had. I kept in touch with him hear and there after that but I lost touch with him. I went on and graduated the academy here in MI and I have often times thought of him and his wit. I learned alot from him and he will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace and we will meet again someday in Valhalla.

Patrolman John Whitehurst
Lake Odessa Police Department

October 22, 2003

I worked with Mike in his last two years.  I was on scene when we pulled him out of the vehicle.  I still can't believe he is gone.  I remember when I unbuttoned his shirt and removed the front his his vest.  Mike was moaning and grabbing my hand at the same time.  I told him it will be alright.  I still can't believe he is gone.  I remember the doctor in the emergency room stitching the back of Mike's head, stating that he thinks Mike will be O.K.  Again, I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE HE'S GONE!  We love and miss you dearly Mike.......Ray Cornine, 509 Zone

Deputy Ray Cornine
Broward County Sheriff's Office

Shortly before I graduated college, I did a ride along in district 5, and that was where I met Deputy Doane. I talked to him briefly when he was backing up the deputy I was with, and he told me that doing this job was probably the most fun that a person could have and still get paid  for it. After talking to Mike, there was not a doubt in my mind what I wanted to do with my life. A few months later, when I was about half way through the academy, I found myself shedding a tear as the riderless horse processed up the pathway in front of the Broward Center for the Performing arts for the very same deputy who encouraged me to pursue my dream. I carried on with that dream, and graduated from the 196th Academy in February of this year. Deputy Doane was a great officer, and will always be a hero to us all. Thanks for everything Mike.

Dep. Brian Middleton
Broward Sheriff's Office

I had the pleasure of knowing Mike for approx 2 years before he was killed inthe lin eof duty. Ill always remember his quick wit and humor. Nobody could make you laugh like him.  Mike was dedicated to his profession and was a true public servant.  He will always live in our hearts and thoughts...  God speed Mike...  Gotcha!  - Tom

Ofc. Tom Labombarda
Aventura P.D.

I knew Mike for 11 years, having met him while an Explorer with Clearwater PD. Mike was a wonderful friend and always had the ability to make a person laugh. I last saw Mike about 2 months ago while he was here on vacation, and I am thankful I had a chance to speak to him one last time. I have held memories of Mike dear to me for a long time, and know I always will. He will be missed.

Deputy Jennifer Towers
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office

Mike and I were in the Police exploring program together with Clearwater P.D.  This is how I came to know this funny character that could always make you laugh.  I remember a few of the officers he would do ride-a-longs with.  They would say how he would always want to push the buttons for the lights and siren to go to the "hot" calls, even if they were not even close to the call.  This just went to show how dedicated he was to assisting other officers or the public.  He was a good friend of mine, so good that he came on vacation with me one year to visit my relatives in Michigan.  My relatives took such a liking to him in the few days we visited, they nick named him "Stosh."  He was a terrific guy and will be missed by everyone he touched with his sense of humor.

Michael Cieslak
Clearwater Police Department

My condolence to friends and family. Michael will always be missed. He will not be forgotten!

Sr. Trooper-Retired
Oregon State Police

Like many others, I met Mike as an Explorer at Clearwater PD. Mike always had a way to make someone laugh, and when he smiled, it was from ear to ear. Mike was certainly a unique individual and will be missed. I am a better person to have known this great man. We miss you Mike.

Deputy Curtis Kindle
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office

I met Mike when he was in the 8th grade. I was talking to his class and mentioned the Explorer program at the Police Department. Mike was interested but at the time did not meet the academic standard we had.
I told Mike he would have to get his grades up and he could join. The next time I saw him he was in the 9th grade and he still struggling with a couple of classes. I told him we would not lower the standard. I got him tutors and told him it was his choice as to whether or not he applied himself.
He wanted to join the Explorers and eventually serve in law enforcement so much, he exceeded the standard and made it to the honor roll during high school.
He never lost sight of what he wanted to do with his life.
As I near my retirement I often think of Mike. The effort he put out to reach his goal should be an example for all of us.
Miss you.

Officer John Coleman
Clearwater Police Department

Rest in peace. May God bless you and your family.

Cpl. Dean Johnson
Palm Beach County (FL) Sheriff's Office

I was shocked to hear that Mike had passed away. We worked together at the Clearwater Police Dept as Police Aides on Clearwater Beach about 10 years ago. Mike always had such a desire to be a police officer. He was a go-getter and was passionate with his profession. I'll miss him!

Deputy Jennifer Williams
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office