Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Officer Cowdery, today is the 8th anniversary of your passing. I cannot thank you enough for you service and dedication to your work and family. Today we are a much safer community because of your concerted effort to keep our streets safe. Rest in peace.

Anonymous

March 13, 2009

Michael,
I still think about you, and always have. I never wanted anything but the best and the happiest for you. You were the sweetest, the kindest, and the wittiest. A bit of light went out of this world when it lost you.

jenna

October 2, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

April 8, 2008

Michael was a great person and a fabulous father. And I know that he is as proud of our son as I am, as he enters the University of Md. Michael is Matt's angel, and although we miss him dearly I'm comforted by the thoughts of him always watching over Matt. We love and miss you.

Monica
Matt's Mom

January 2, 2008

Mike was a good friend and officer, he is missed and remembered at the NED.

Police Officer Shawn Williams
B.C.P.D and a friend

December 31, 2007

"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

November 7, 2007

Hey Babyface,

Just was on here reading some of your reflections. I just want you to know that I havent forgotten you. Miss you friend.

See you when I get there.

Tony Lovette

Tony Lovette
Friend

May 12, 2007

I was 19 when you died, fresh outta school.Its funny how God can allow some of the negative things in life to a catalist for awe inspiring positive things; your death has been one of the reasons Ive committed myself to justice. God bless your family, C u when i get there bro !

Specialist l. Lamont J Echols
Baltimore School Police Department

April 30, 2007

I was 19 when you died, fresh outta school.Its funny how God can allow some of the negative things in life to a catalist for awe inspiring positive things; your death has been one of the reasons Ive committed myself to justice. God bless your family, C u when i get there bro !

Specialist l. Lamont J Echols
Baltimore School Police Department

April 27, 2007

i read through your reflections and the one that truly touched me was the one from your special friend who called you "baby mikey." my heart goes out to her as she struggles for closure and understanding. my heart goes out to you--for you made the ultimate sacrifice. and while we are well aware of the fact that it could be any of us on any given day, when it does happen...we are always caught unaware and unprepared. from the description that your friend gave, you seem to be an awesome guy--a friendly face in this often ugly and cruel world. i pray that you rest in peace and that your friend will see you again. take care, rest easy, and know that the thin blue line is still in effect.

Corporal
Prince George's County Police

April 20, 2007

it is the 6th anniversary of your EOW. Thank you for all you did in your short life here on earth. Rest in peace.

Melissa
wife of a leo

March 13, 2007

i remember that night like it was yesterday. you and i were sitting at the desk at cbif talking about our sons. i remember telling you that you had a baby face and your nickname should be baby mikey. you laugh and it filled my soul. we talked and talked. i asked why be a police officer if you have a degree, you replied it was my dream. i wanted to be just like my dad. i told you i wish i could find a guy like you. you said are you busy tomorrow. i stated i'll be here you stated i'll bring dinner. i just laugh. for some reason it was just that thought that counted. you asked why haven't i ever talked to you before. isaid i quiet. i asked you the same you said i am quiet to. after you left i just remember holding your number and smiling, finally a decent guy. sitting at the desk i heard signal 13 officer down. i heard your partner but i did not hear you. i remember ever officer in the building took off. i just kept praying baby mikey say something. when i hear it on the news i knew. i called your phone and there was no answer. i called and called. i just want you to answer... we had a date tomorrow. i wish i would have talk to you earlier or got to know you sooner.
to mr. m.c. sr
you have a beautiful son who absolutely admired you. i hope you are proud of him because he was proud of you.
thank you for being michael's dad and putting some into him. thank you thank you thank you for sharing him.
thanks to his mother and to india and michael jr. for understand the job and allowing him to live his dream.
i miss you michael aka baby mikey

a ver special friend
dear friend

February 24, 2007

God bless you and those you left behind

Patrol Officer
Scituate,MA

December 15, 2006

Mike

Man how I miss you I can still see you and that smile you use to have. Sgt Miller thought it was cute. Iam still doing this with you help of course. It keeps me going back to when we first arrived in NE District miss you very much

Semper Fi
JJMcdowell
F114

P/O James J McDowell
FAU

August 8, 2006

To Agent Michael Joseph Cowdery Jr. and his loved ones:

On this the fifth anniversary week of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.

Michael, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Agent Cowdery

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Michael gave to his community and the citizens of Maryland, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 13, 2001.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 14, 2006

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, March 13, 2006, we dedicated the shift to the memory of Agent Michael Joseph Cowdery Jr., who died in the line of duty on this date 5 years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Agent Cowdery's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

March 13, 2006

MISS YOU MICKEY

PTLM. BEN WIND
LOWER WINDSOR TWP POLICE DEPARTMENT

March 11, 2006

My Brothers and Sisters, we have all sworn to perform our duties, impartially and without hesitation or fear. Our present duty, and though it be painful, is to pay a just and deserving tribute of honor to a Brother or Sister who has embarked upon that lone journey which leads through the valley of the great shadow into the sunlight of perpetual day and lasting tranquility.
These feeble but heart-felt words can do little more than remind us of the duty which we owe to our departed friend and colleague.
As he was ever faithful to us in the full performance of his task and the protection of those who slept, so let us be, my Brothers, faithful to him, ever zealous to protect and cherish the memory of his good deeds, forgetting his imperfections, and emblazoning his accomplishments.
As time runs on, in sun and shade, may we bear with us ever-pleasant memories of a hallowed friendship, a kindly feeling, and a deep respect for all our Brother stood for. As an indication of our regard and affection, let us pause and, in silent meditation, typify what mere words cannot express.
Let us pray:
Almighty God, be with us on this occasion. Strengthen us in a firm resolve to do right, to serve well, to be faithful to our tasks, to our community, and to our Brothers. Make us appreciative of the opportunities to do good and to lend a helping hand. Inspire us with a new devotion to fulfill the duties, which are entrusted to our keeping. May those who mourn be comforted in this sad hour, and may they be strengthened by the knowledge of Thy presence and Thy omnipotence.
May we be constantly reminded in the hours of the night, as well as in the brightness of the day, of Thy everlasting love and kindness, and may Thou guide us through this uncharted valley and bring us at last to the shore of the eternal stream, our ranks unbroken, to dwell with Thee forever more. We ask this humbly through Thy redeeming grace and power. Amen.

Ret. Officer William Hackley
Baltimore Police

December 16, 2005

We ask Thy blessings and eternal rest to all our brothers and sisters
Who have sacrificed their very lives in the performance of
their duties. Give their loved ones the peace and
Strength to bear the anguish of their loss. Remove all
resentment from their hearts, knowing that eternal
peace and rest will abide their departed loved ones
forever. This we beg, Thy name forever and ever,
Amen.

Ret. Officer William Hackley
Baltimore Police

November 21, 2005

Mike-
I've tried many times after your funeral to visit you at your final resting place, but grief overcomes me every time. As the two "new guys" in the squad back then, we showed what we were made of! You were not only my side partner, but one of my best friends on this job. I will never forget that rainy evening- so badly wishing I was working with you on that detail.
Mike- you are always in the thoughts and prayers of me and Susan. Our tribute to you, our son, born 6/15/03, Ethan MICHAEL Taylor.
Love and miss you pal!

Det Bill Taylor
Balto PD

September 11, 2005

Mike I only knew you briefly but you left an impression on me. I remeber the night your life was taken and I will never forget it. I will visit you and go to the memorial this year to honor you.

Now you work the beat on heavens streets you've done your time in hell.

Detective Robert S. Rainford
Seattle Police

August 24, 2005

Mikey,
I don't visit you in Timonium as often as I should but you're always in my thoughts. You were a great cop and an even better man. Your family should be so proud...

Pfc. David Crossley
BCOPD

June 12, 2005

I was looking at an old HU video I came across. Mike.. you were the one filming me. Kevin and Leon were in it to. It caused me to reflect back to the last time we spoke. It was a Friday, the last Friday before GOD took you home. I remember how excited you were to be undercover and how much you enjoyed your job. We spoke of the crew getting together for the next HU homecoming. Little did I know that would be the last time we would speak! I'm truely blessed to have had you as a friend, and to see you laid to rest is something I'll never forget. Mike, you'll never be forgotten! May GOD continue to bless your soul and your family.

Bill Spears
HU Class of '91 (Dubois Hall)

May 9, 2005

I never knew you but i see u everyday in the district at roll call. Your fomer locker is right behind mine and i am reminded everyday of the dedication and sacrifice we face.God bless you brother On these weeks the officers of the NED will remind every law breaker who steps foot in the location of this fatal moment, how you will never be forgotten....

P/O Obi Linton
Baltimore City Police

March 11, 2005

~~~To those I Love and Those Who Love Me~~~

When I am gone, release me, Let me go
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it's time I traveled alone.

So grieve a while if indeed you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart,

I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll
Hear all of my love around you soft and clear

And when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say,
"Welcome Home"

January 13, 2005