Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We still miss you every day, Mike.

Sgt. A. Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office

To the family of Deputy Meyer: You are in our thoughts and prayers. I am glad that I was able to attend the services that celebrated a life that was dedicated to God and your fellow man. What a testamony and witness you were even in your death. Please know that The Arizona Concerns of Police Survivors are here for you and your family.

Sharon Knutson-Felix, President
Arizona Concerns of Police Survivors

On behalf of the Yuma County Sheriff's Office, I would like to thank you all for leaving such wonderful reflections for Mike. I know he is reading them. I know he appreciates it. His family is doing well and I know it is with the support of all of us and their own family that have gotten them through this. Mike will be with us ALL always.
Thanks again so much.

Senior Deputy Barry J Adams
Yuma County Sheriff's Office

To the friends and family of Mike,

On June 7th 2001 I lost Corporal Joseph Cushman (Joey), a good friend of mine. I know the hurt and I still suffer it every day, but I know time heals. You've got another person watching your back and I wish you the best in this your worst, most dim hours. Till the sun comes out again. You will miss him, but he will always be with you...

Casey 8-29-01

To The Yuma Co.SO : My heartfelt sympathies on the loss of one of our brothers. When we lost our Jason Lopez, we thought the hurt would never heal. It has been close to 4 months and we have Not Forgotten! Time heals.

To the family of Deputy Myers: Be strong and know that we in law enforcement do not abondon the families. Michael will be remembered and mourned throughout the State and the Nation. Our prayers are with all of you! God Bless you at this time of sorrow and know that Michael Myers will not be forgotten. Rest in Peace brother.

Deputy Belia Fessenden Bravo #112
Pinal County S.O./Region 2/Bravo Dist.

Mike, it has only been four days since we laid you to rest and it still seems like a bad dream. I saw Helen last night and she said she had stopped by the house and Penny and the kids were doing pretty well. I know you are watching all of our backs from above and that gives me a small amount of comfort. But I have to tell you, everyone misses you more than you could ever realize. We lost you way too soon but I believe that we will be together again someday. We don't know when that will be but make sure you save me a spot on your duty roster. I still expect to hear you on the radio....."Paul 78, I'll be off the water." Rest easy, my brother, and I will see you again and what a reunion we will have. God Bless the Meyer family, and God Bless you, Mike. And Semper Fidelis.

Sgt. Al Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Yuma, AZ

Mike,
I've had many Friends over the years, but none like you. There is and old saying; "friends will come and friends will go." Well, you Mike have gone but I will never forget you. You always had something funny to say, a well timed and appropriate wisecrack to make, and you always seemed to find a bright spot.
You were always trying to get me to go out with you on your boat and I never made it. It wasn't because I was afraid of you running into a sandbar (again), but because I thought I would be more useful to you on land. Working the lake detail will never be the same now.
This past week I kept catching myself listening for "P-78, I'll be out with a golf cart at >>>>>>" or "P-78, I'm off the lake and back on channel 2." They never came and it was noticeable.
When we tested for SRT not long ago I watched you shoot the final phase of the test. After you got back to the HUMMER I told you that I didn't know how you shot so fast and accurrate, and that someday I hoped to shoot that well. You said "nothing to it." I will remember that and someday I hope to be able to say "nothing to it."
Mike when I was still a limited deputy and I used to ride with you, you used to quiz me. You would ask me what I was observing, what I thought about differant situations, and how would I handle different things. You always kept me involved in what you were doing, observing, and why you took the actions you took. You kept me involved when we were together, I was not just a large seat weight, I was learning and I appreciated it.
You told me that we have a scary amount of power in that we have the power to take someones freedom away and we need to be careful with that power. That is something I have always remembered when making the decision to arrest. One of the first things you told me was that what ever actions I take during a call I need to be able to articulate what I did and why I made the decisions I made. I will never forget the things you taught me.
I will ALWAYS remember you Mike.
I've decided this is not good bye, but a very long wait until we can "45" again.
Thanks old friend.
George

Deputy George Pesce
Yuma County Sheriff's Department

Mike,
I'm sure you saw it, but I just wanted to let you know how wonderful the last celebration of your life was.
The ENTIRE Yuma County Sheriff's Office mustered in the south parking lot yesterday morning. The vehicles were shining, the uniforms were pressed. All our wives and children were with us.
Five motor units escorted you from the funeral home to the City Convention Center. While the Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Ogden, proceeded "Code-2" to the Yuma Police Dept. There, we met up with 90% of the city police, as well as officers from every other agency in the area. There was at least one representative from probably every law enforcement agency in Arizona. I even saw representatives from the Imperial County Sheriff's Office and the California Highway Patrol. Several fire agencies were on hand as well.
We all mustered at attention at the city police dept while seven motor units went to your home, just down the street from my own. They escorted Penny and your children and your other relatives to the convention center. Two Border Patrol helicopter flew overhead and escorted them as well. As they approached the city police dept, we all fell in behind them. We were still led by Sheriff Ogden who was immediately followed by several trailered boating units from the area. Your newly painted patrol boat led that pack. Your boat truly looks great Mike.
We all continued through the city "Code-2", to the convention center, Border Patrol still flying overhead as escort.
We all entered the parking lot of the convention center where we drove under two City of Yuma fire engines, facing each other with ladders raised and crossed with the American Flag flying between them. Firefighters standing at attention.
Inside the convention center, you were waiting for us, adorned with flowers and pictures.
Several pastors that you knew and loved spoke highly of you and read passages from the Bible in your honor.
Two highly decorated Marines spoke on your behalf and freely admitted that they are the Marines they are today, because of you. They instilled even deeper in my heart, what a special person and friend you really are.
Your Mother and Father spoke of you and told wonderful stories of your childhood and growing up. Stories I wished I could have heard from you as time went on.
You were escorted out of the convention center by your Pallbearers, between a gauntlet of hundreds of Deputy Sheriff's, Police Officers, Federal Agents, and Firefighters. All standing at attention with tears running down our cheeks.
We then proceeded to the cemetery, in the formation that we were before. Helicopters still flying overhead. You could see the look of amazement on the faces of the residents of Yuma who were standing on the side of the road, with their hands over their hearts, showing their condolences for you.
We arrived at the cemetery where a final word was given by your pastor.
You were honored with the playing of taps by bugle and a 21 gun solute by your beloved Marine Corps. Amazing Grace was played by a piper dressed in traditional garb along with kilt.
Several helicopters flew less that 100 feet over our heads in the "Missing Man" Formation in your honor.
We all took our black mourning bands from our badges and placed them on your coffin and said our own personal good-by's. I'm sorry Mike, I accidentally dropped a tear on the beautiful wood.
Your final call over the radio said it all.
"This is the last call for Senior Deputy Mike Meyer, badge number 78"
"Mike you will be deeply missed".
Mike, it was truly a beautiful celebration of your life. I was honored to have been a part of it.
I am truly honored to have been called your friend.
"I will see you again...but not yet"

Senior Deputy Barry J Adams
Yuma County Sheriff's Office

All of us within the Chaves County Sheriff's Department wish to express our condolences and deepest sympathy in the death of Deputy Michael Meyer.

Whether it is in the line of duty or from other causes, the death of an officer, friend and loved one is not easy to accept. I hope that knowing that your department and the family of your officer will be remembered in our prayers will be of some comfort in the days to follow.

Sheriff Patrick R. Jennings
Chaves County Sheriff's Dept.

Mike,
I only knew you for 2 years, but I came to realize in that time what a great guy you were. You were always willing to help no matter what the mission was. You always had words of advise to share. I remember joking with you in regards to your favorite " Sweater", and how you wanted it to be a standard issue uniform item. I will buy a sweater no Mike. Even though I said I never would.

I know you are in a better place now, and I know you are watching us. I only hope that you know how much you are missed. You were a good cop, a great supervisor, and an even better man.

Take care Mike, and Be safe.

Deputy Michael Knox
Yuma C ounty Sheriff's Office

You are not forgotten! We will continue to do the job in your honor and in memory of you and all who laid down their lives so that we could live in a civilized society. We are stronger because of you. Rest in peace

Ptlm. M.W. Ludlow
Palmyra Police Dept., NJ

Mike,
We were partners in the Foothills when you first came to the Sheriff's Office. I know we started out "shaky" and didn't get along too well. But in time we grew to understand one another and developed quite a strong friendship.
After a year passed, I went to Traffic Investigations and you to the Boating Unit. Three years later, we were both Senior Deputies, supervising in our own areas. It was always reasuring to see you walk in the office and no matter what the day was like, or no matter what your mood, you were sure to wave and say "Hey Barry, what's up?" Words could never express how much that really means to me now.
On 8-13-01, at about midnight, you stopped by and sat in the supervisor's office with me and chatted for awhile. We looked over your report from the traffic accident that we investigated together just a few days prior. We joked a bit and talked about fishing. We made plans that you would teach me how to fly fish on our next days off. I was really looking forward to that. Then, 14 hours later, you were gone.
I can only repeat what everyone else has been saying, you will be missed but not forgotten Mike. I guess Thomas needed you more. I take great comfort in knowing that you are with him now because after all, a boy needs his Dad every now and again.
I will learn to fly fish Mike, I swear. Everytime I go fishing, I will think of you and your big bright, "Hey look at me! I'm doing something!" smile. I know you are with us all and always will be. I swear you were riding shotgun with me tonight. I could here your laugh so clearly.
I miss you buddy. Stay safe.

Senior Deputy Barry J Adams
Yuma County Sheriff's Office

On behalf of the Fraternal Order of Police lodge #1 were are saddened at the loss of another law enforcement officer in the line of duty from Arizona. We shall never forget your dedication,bravery,and ultimate sacrifice in this collective effort to defend this Nation and your community.We are thankful to have known and loved you as our brother.We are also grateful to the Lord for providing in every generation people,such as yourself,to fight the good fight in this institution ordained by God in eternity past,to protect us from the evil in this world.

Ofc John D Sainz,Chaplain
Tucson Police Department

Mike,
I know that you're looking down on us at this very moment. I also know that if there were some way for you to ease all of our hurt you would do it. You are that kind of man. I want you to know that I think of you like a brother, we all do. Dave and I knew that before we met you at the academy. Before you decided to dedicate your life to the Brown County uniform you were a Marine. Only an individual who has suffered the trials and tribulations of obtaining the title “Marine” can truly understand what that experience entails. Dedication to your fellow Marines, your Corps, and your Country. You’ve left a doubly large hole for Dave and I, a hole where an outstanding police officer and Marine has served. You will be missed.

You are my friend, a fellow police officer and a brother in arms. Your efforts on the road injected a sense of camaraderie in us all. Your guidance and assistance was always appreciated. You where never far when I needed another hand. A Code 6 on a lonely highway never left me feeling very comfortable…I guess it shouldn’t. But I’d always turn around and there you would be, with that big grin and reassuring pat on the back. You have no idea how much comfort I felt because of your desire to make sure everyone got a “roll by.” That night in the Foothills was no exception…thanks buddy.

The world is a little sadder tonight. I know that is not what you would want right now, but I can’t help it. Oh we’ll get over it, but there will always be times when something triggers a memory of your dedication and devotion to the people of Yuma County, fellow officers and the people of this country that you served with unswerving devotion for 20 years.

I’ll always have a spot for you riding shotgun and I’ll buy this time!

Michelle and I know that the light of the lord is shining down upon your family and you know he will watch over them. Love ya big guy and Semper Fidelis.

Major Tracy L Peacock
United States Marine Corps

Mike, You are going to be missed but will never be forgotten. Thank you for everything that you taught me.
Fair Winds and Following Seas my friend.
Neil.

Deputy Neil Luchene
Yuma County Sheriffs Office

"Last Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The Policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a Saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
but if you don't...I'll understand
There was silence all around the throne
Where the Saints had often trod
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

Author unknown

Sergeant Michael A. King
California Highway Patrol - Blythe Area

It is always very unfortunate when a member of the law enforcement community pays the ultimate price. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Senior Deputy Meyer.

Deputy Randy Rosenberger
Monroe County Sheriff-Michigan

God bless you and your family, You will always be remembered.Pap

Police Officer Tim Pappas
Cincinnati Police/SWAT

God Bless the Family, Friends, and Fellow Officers of Sr. Deputy Michael Meyer of the Yuma County Sheriff's Department. Our Prayers are with you.

Captain Ken Shultz
Green Valley Fire District, Green Valley, AZ

To the family and friends of Deputy Meyer, our thoughts and prayers go to you.

May God Bless you always,

Terry Miyares
widow
Officer Emilio Miyares
Hialeah Police Dept, Florida
E/O/W 11/6/86

Terry Miyares,
Hialeah Police Dept.

GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU.

SGT BOB WASHINGTON
SOMERTON AZ PD

Rest in Peace my Brother. May God watch over you and your family. Rest Assured that you are in a better place now.

Petty Officer Robert Crumley
United States Coast Guard