Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It's been almost 11 years since that terrible day, and I still vividly remember every second of it. You are still with us, Maria, forever young.

Sr. Trooper Peter Arnautov
Oregon State Police

June 24, 2012

I'm thinking of you today my friend for no particular reason other than I miss you.

Sr. Ofc. Kris Knox
Salem Police Department Salem, Oregon

June 10, 2011

I read of another Trooper who was first in her department, as you were, that fell like you did. So I looked you up again. I sat here and read the tributes to your life and service. I can not help myself as I think of you, Jason and John and that terrible day you where taken from us and I cry.

I did not know you personnally but you touched my life anyway. I have known many State Troopers in my life, as the kid of the C.oP. of Brownsville and Junction City. Dad left this world the year after you left. My two favorite Troopers where Lee York, Game Division and Big Bob Rissmann, Patrol. Bob was the first officer who ever put handcuffs on me. He did that one day when I was being a pest and he cuffed me to the porch rail, I was about 8y/o. I could have followed in their footsteps, but after dad was gunned down in '59, I could not bring myself to join the OSP. So I spent 20+ years in the military instead (1969-1994), it turned out safer than being an OSP Trooper.

Since those days I have had a special place in my heart for all the State Troopers. May you Rest Peacefully in the Arms of our Most Merciful Father. Your smile will always brighten the day, as a sunrise does.

My Love to All OSP Troopers
Richelle A. Kemnow,
LPN(ret), HM2(FMF)/USN, Sgt/USAR, ACM/olc, VNeVet, GWVet, VFW/DAV Life Member.

Richelle A.Kemnow, LPN (GS6-6) (ret)
civillian

June 3, 2011

We all miss you very much. We hope to have a portion of Interstate 5 named in your Honor very soon.

Sr Trooper Jeff Leighty
Oregon State Police Officers' Association

August 19, 2010

Wow,it's been 9yrs since I've seen your picture and it truly has brought back the day everything went dark.
I was one of the first dispatchers that took the call of this incident.... I remember as Maria was leaving the dispatch center, I was trying to talk to her and she said I have to go Valerie so I will talk to you later. Later never came. I know that you're just resting and we will see you again. If your family and friends are reading this please know that Maria was a GREAT PERSON and that smile was loved by many...
your co-worker Valerie

Valerie
co-worker

February 15, 2010

TROOPER MIGNANO I WAS IN AWE WHEN I READ YOUR REFLECTION. TWO DAYS IN JAIL AND THREE YEARS PROBATION FOR NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE FOR TWO OFFICERS IS UNBELIVABLE. EVERYDAY THAT YOU PUT ON THAT UNIFORM YOU TOOK A RISK A RISK YOU WERE WILLING TO TAKE BECAUSE YOU LOVED YOUR PROFESSION. YOU WENT BEYOND TO SERVE AND PROTECT. YOU MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE AND FOR THAT YOU ARE A TRUE HERO AND HEROES ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN. YOU MADE THE HIGHWAYS AND STREETS SAFER FOR ALL OF US. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO DUTY.

AL LLANOS
FRESNO,CALIFORNIA PD RET.

April 14, 2009

Thankyou for your service TROOPER MIGNANO, you are remembered today and everyday as a hero who made this world a better place.You will never be forgotten. God bless your family

POLICE OFFICER 9TH DISTRICT
PHILA PA

December 6, 2008

On the 7th anniversary of Trooper Mignano’s death, we honored her service during roll call by reading her entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job.

Trooper Mignano may be gone, but is not forgotten.

Sergeant Jeffrey W. Timmons
First Responder Unit
United States Capitol Police
Washington, D.C.

Anonymous

September 4, 2008

Thank you for your willingness to serve your fellowman. You are a hero. It has been seven years since the end of your watch and you have not been forgotten. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones. Rest in peace my sister.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

September 4, 2008

This month and year has so many painful reminders: your loss, 9.11, and the EOW of Matt Herzog, a Whatcom County Sheriff Deputy. So many Americans doning the uniform to serve and protect so selflessly and passionately. You glorified Jesus with your life and now you are with the King forever. One day in His court is better than 10,000 elsewhere. Rejoice and we'll worship together when I arrive.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

September 4, 2008

Trooper Mignano your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now sister. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

April 17, 2008

All of us miss you very much.

Sr Trooper Jeff Leighty
OSP

February 4, 2008

"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 14, 2008

Hi Maria, the new memorial with the stones looks really nice. I still look at it every day as I drive by, and take a moment to think of you, Jason and now Kelly. You are truly missed and you and your family are always in my prayers.

Officer Joe Kaiser
Turner Police Department

September 26, 2007

Maria - it's been 6 years and that doesn't seem possible. We think of you often and know that you truly are in a better place. We miss seeing your smiling face though. May the Lord give your family peace on this day and may they only remember the good times.

Chuck & Judy Hayes

Judy Hayes
Oregon State Police

September 4, 2007

Dearest Maria:

I will always remember our good times, we used to be roommates and you always treated me like family, like a sister. We spent alot of time together, talking about the Lord and His goodness, talking about our hopes and dreams.....I will never forget.

The last time I talked to you, I remember, you were practicing your Flamenco Dancing....=o) Now you are dancing before the Lord and I can't wait to see you again, perhaps we can dance before His thrown together.

My heart continues to go out for your family and I hope they can forgive me for not making it to your funeral, I didn't find out about it until several months later.

Every time I hear a police car or fire truck go by with sirens, I say a little prayer for the driver...that God would keep them safe and take them back to their loved ones that day.

God Bless you Maria,
your friend forever,
~Laurie~

Laurie Wells
Friend of Maria and family

April 20, 2007

Two days in jail is a disgrace for our criminal justice system!

Trooper Mignano, continue to watch over your family, and your brothers and sisters in uniform.

Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

February 20, 2007

Words do not seem enough to express how much your family and fellow officers miss you. Carol and I have gotten to know Theresa, Della and your family. Through them we have grown to love and appreciate you. We all miss you and are comforted knowing you are with Jesus and the Father, waiting for our arrival.

Chaplain John

Chaplain John Elms
Oregon COPS

January 18, 2007

I didn't know you personally. I only knew you as "that officer that was killed on I-5" from the radio and t.v. And like so many in our community, I grieved for the loss, for the family, for the tragedy that it was.

But now I've been allowed to know you thru the eyes of your twin. I've come to know that you were a spirited and energetic woman who loved to laugh and dance, an incredibly dedicated officer who served selflessly, and an
un-compromising and dedicated Believer who's life spoke daily to those around her.

Maria, you've left a legacy you never knew existed. You touched lives that never even saw your face. And you left your fingerprints all over the hearts of those who shared life with you here on earth.

I'm one of those who's life you have touched.

We're sisters in Christ, so I will get to meet you one day. Until then, I will celebrate your life with my beloved friend and sister in Christ, your twin, Theresa, who is precious to me; I will continue to pray each time I hear a siren, as I've done for most of my life; and I will do what I can to protect those who work on the road, via my job.

Blessings to the family.
Thanks officers for all you do.
Beth

Beth
Friend of Theresa

October 23, 2006

Thinking of you on the 5th anniversary of your homegoing. You are definitely in a better place, but that doesn't mean we don't wish you were here instead. Time has not diminished your sacrifice. I really wish
the person that ran you down would have gotten a harsh sentence, not a slap on the writst. But God is the true Judge and He rules with a righteous hand. God bless all those who miss you, especially your twin. I look forward to seeing your beautiful smile in heaven.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

September 5, 2006

To the family and loved ones of Senior Trooper Maria Mignano and her fellow officers with the Oregon State Police:

On this the fifth annniversary of Maria's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember her today. Maria's professionalism and dedication will never be forgotten, nor will her valor, courage and selflessness.

I hope that God is holding her in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul. No doubt that Heaven has another hero in Maria, but I am so sorry you had to lose your beloved. May you all continue to be comforted by your faith and your law enforcement family and other police survivors.

I am so sorry that Maria was robbed of her life so young and so tragically, but through her heroism and the profound sense of duty with which she lived her life, she made an immeasurable difference. May her spirit continue to soar and may her memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Maria gave to her community and the citizens of Oregon, and for the supreme sacrifice she and her family made on September 4, 2001.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

September 4, 2006

We remember... we will always remember.

September 4, 2006

It has been 5 years since you were called away and you have not been forgotten by those that love you nor has the Blue Family forgotten. You will always be remembered as you are a true hero. Heroes never die. My thoughts are with your loved ones on this day, keep watch over them and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

September 4, 2006

To the family of Trooper Mignano-
Remembering and honoring the heroic service and ultimate sacrifice made by Sr. Trooper Mignano five years ago today. Her brave example and service will not be forgotten.

Michelle Walker
Widow, CHP Lt. Michael Walker EOW 12-31-05

September 3, 2006

It's been over 4 years now and I still vividly remember the day her sister emailed me with the tragic news. I think of Maria and her sister often and give silent prayers for continued strength for those she left behind. Theresa, Maria will always be with you and her fellow Officers.

Dale

March 21, 2006