Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Officer Deno.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 25, 2022

RIP Mike its been 21 yrs. I often think about what you could have done if not taken from our community to soon. I wish i could have been there for you.

Former Marshal
Francisco Police

February 28, 2021

Officer Deno,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Oakland City. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 29, 2020

18 years but seems like yesterday I got the call. I'm reminded today because I had fried potatoes for breakfast lol. (Weird i know but we used to joke that about every academy meal had fried potatoes) Rest easy brother! #neverforgotten

John Dismang
Harrison Co. Police (Ret)

March 11, 2018

NEVER FORGOTTEN!
copscycling4survivors.org

Monica Zahasky
Cops cycling for survivors

February 28, 2017

This week marks 14 years since your passing buddy. It just seems like yesterday we were marched up on that stage for graduation from the academy! Just know that you are loved and missed by many and your memories live on! Never Forget brother! Rest easy my friend.....

Ofc. John Dismang
Harrison Co. Sheriffs Dept, IN

February 27, 2014

14 years tomorrow Deno. I was blessed to meet you at ILEA and became friends during those fun weeks in Plainfield (note sarcasm). It does not seem possible that has it been that long. I remember you always smiling and making the best of it all. I will always remember how prideful you were on August 20, 1999 when your name was called and you walked across that stage as a certified police officer. You served well Michael, God Bless

Captain Randy R. Burton
Clark County Sheriff's Office

February 27, 2014

Deno its September 26,2013 and another police funeral coming up today. I was reading the officer down post and thought again about you and Baker. We sure did have some good times at ILEA and I miss that time now. Its been 13 years since standing in disbelief that one of my academy friends was killed. Alberring and I still get togather and have a beer and think about you and Baker. I wanted to say thank you again for serving and protecting the people of your community and the State of Indiana god bless you for paying the ultimate sacrifice.

Sergeant Shawn Minton

September 26, 2013

Rest in Peace, Officer Deno. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 6, 2013

I was honored today by being able to be a part of a resolution to honor Officer Mike Deno. I was blessed with the presence of Officer Deno’s mother and sister and had the privilege of meeting several members of his family.
The Indiana Senate granted a resolution to name a bridge on I-69 in Gibson County Indiana. The bridge will now forever be known as the Officer Michael Deno Memorial Bridge. A reminder to all motorists who pass over it of the service of Officer Deno and the extreme sacrifice made by his loving family.
Officer Deno, you will not be forgotten. Your story will forever be told in law enforcement circles, you provide inspiration to the rest of us to carry on. Your family’s strength provides inspiration that even in the darkest of all hours we can and will pull through. Thank you sir!

Sergeant
Indiana State Police

March 4, 2013

I can't believe its been 12 years since you were taken from us. I think of the good times we had growing up. You are missed greatly by everyone who's life you touched.

Dave Novak
classmate & friend

March 1, 2012

Mike, on this day we honor your dedication & service to your profession & your community & to your unwavering spirit as a true family man & champion of justice. You will always be in our thoughts as well as your loving family forever. It is a sad day that marks this tragic anniversary, but we can find comfort in our remembrance of you & your legacy that you left as a dedicated officer, loving family man, & a true friend.

Retired Officer Mike Nichols
Oakland City Police Department

February 29, 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.

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

February 29, 2012

Thanks for your 1 year of services, Michael.

David

February 28, 2012

I recently wrote a book about law enforcement, titled, Everything you wanted to know about the Heroes in Blue and I included your story Officer Deno! Thank you for your sacrifice!!

Charlotte Hopkins

January 16, 2012

Someone recently asked me what I remembered most from my high school graduation. The funny thing is that all I can remember is that I was sitting next to you. Laughing with you. I was always laughing when I was with you Mike…

Jared B
Classmate

August 26, 2011

Mike was a great kid - funny, kind, caring - a truly nice guy. He had a joke to brighten my day every day when he came to class. He was also a true hero even before he became a fallen hero. He and his dad saved someone after a car accident while Mike was still a teen. I think that incident might have had a lot to do with his decision to become an officer and a firefighter - he wanted to help others. He was quick to accept invitations to speak to our Cub Scout dens, and my sons and the other Cubs looked up to him. My younger son now owns Mike's drum set, and it means a great deal to him. Our town will always remember Officer Michael Edward Deno, and I will never forget Mike.

Cindy Sermersheim
one of Mike's teachers

March 10, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends as another year passes. May they know you will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 2, 2010

You are not forgotten Mike. You continue to touch lives every day. I pray that God continues to look over your family and friends and gives them comfort in knowing that you were making a difference. Rest in peace, now and forever.

Anonymous

March 1, 2010

Can't believe it has been 10 years today since you were killed. We all got together today and had alot of fun remembering you. We miss you each and everyday.

Cindy Walker
wife

February 28, 2010

His service & his ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister & granddau. of LEOs

February 24, 2010

Just having one of those days today.....thinking of you.

Cindy Walker
wife

July 21, 2009

Our daughter, Whitney Brown, had the honor to receive the "Michael Edward Deno Memorial Criminal Justice Award today at Oakland City University.Although we were already extremely proud of our daughter this award has made us even more so.After speaking to Michael's family, who was there to give out the award, we realized what a remarkable young man Michael Deno was and what a testament this award is to his brief but honorable life. We truely thank you for sharing a little of Michael with us and we will never forget him.

Don and Beth Brown

April 22, 2009

Been thinking about you a lot lately Mike. I still remember the day we started the Academy and became roommates. We had some good times there and wish we could have had more afterwards. You are missed Brother!

Ofc. John Dismang
Harrison Co. Sheriffs Dept. Corydon, IN

April 3, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones, friends and fellow officers during this time of remembrance. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 3, 2009