Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

On the anniversary of 9/11, I thank you and your comrades for your selfless duty and courage that momentous day. Your sacrifice and those of the victims and other first responders will forever be honored in the annals of brave men and women who gave their all for their city, state and for the United States of America. A hero in every sense of the word.

James Lopey, Assistant Sheriff (Ret)
Washoe County Sheriff's Office (Reno, Nevada)
Nevada DPS

September 11, 2023

Today I ran for you, To remember your sacrifice. May God watch over your family. Thank you for your Service and Sacrifice!

Sgt. Brian Iames
Maryland Dept.of Public Safety and Correctional Services

November 5, 2022

Officer Wallace,
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 the state of New York and our Country as well. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 11, 2021

I cannot say enough or offer enough tears or emotions for the numerous, numerous amazing men and women who gave so selflessly and heroically that day and for still many, the numerous days that followed over the numerous years to come. On this 19th anniversary of one of the deadliest days for American law enforcement I'd like to say to you all thank you, God Bless you and rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 11, 2020

Posted on Queens Daily Eagle September 10, 2019

Court officers honor colleagues who died on 9/11

Sgt. Thomas Jurgens, Sgt. Mitchel Wallace and Capt. William Harry Thompson died in the World Trade Center.

Eighteen years ago, court officers working in the Manhattan courts or in the old Beaver Street training academy heard that two planes had collided with the World Trade Center towers and sprang into action.

More than 20 officers ran into the building to rescue victims of the attack on Sept. 11, 2001. Three didn’t make it out.

Capt. William Harry Thompson, Sgt. Mitchel Wallace and Sgt. Thomas Jurgens died on 9/11 and other first responders, including Court Officer Lt. Theodore “Teddy” Leoutsakos, died from injuries and illnesses related to their experience at Ground Zero. Their memory lives on through service and an annual ceremony.

Court officers will gather Wednesday in the ceremonial courtroom of the Queens Criminal Courthouse to honor their heroic colleagues and to remember all who died on Sept. 11, 2001.

The ceremony at Queens Criminal Court is one of several events taking place at courts around the city and state, said Chief Joseph Baccellieri, Jr., the commanding officer/chief of training at the New York State Court Officers Academy.

“A lot of locations put together their own local way of paying homage to everyone we lost on 9/11,” Baccellieri said. “A lot of them are locally done by the people who work at those facilities. There will be moments of silence, small ceremonies.

The flag that draped Captain William Harry Thompson’s body when he was taken from Ground Zero and his official shield and the jewelry that was recovered with him. Photo courtesy of Joseph Baccellieri.
The flag that draped Captain William Harry Thompson’s body when he was taken from Ground Zero and his official shield and the jewelry that was recovered with him. Photo courtesy of Joseph Baccellieri.

The state court system’s official ceremony will take place at the Captain William H. Thompson, Sergeant Thomas Jurgens and Sergeant Mitchel Wallace New York State Court Officers Academy in Brooklyn, which opened late last year. The academy is named for the three officers who died in 9/11.

Baccellieri said the academy graduated the largest class of new court officers in state history. The 240 recruits began their training in February and will observe their first 9/11 ceremony in their careers.

Deputy Chief Administrative Judge George Silver, the acting administrative judge in Queens Supreme Court, Civil Term, had the idea of moving the ceremony to the Brooklyn academy, Baccellieri said.

“At some point, [Silver] said, ‘Why don’t we have our ceremony at this magnificent facility that was dedicated to them,” Baccellieri said. “We hope to have it here from now on.”

Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence Marks, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Vito C. Caruso, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Edwina Mendelson, Chief of Public Safety Michael Magliano, Silver and Baccellieri will all be in attendance

Baccellieri was one of the first court officers to arrive at the World Trade Center. He and two colleagues entered the North Tower and climbed the stairs, pausing to assist people.

Baccellieri said he and the officers reached the 51st floor of the building when they felt the building shake. The South Tower, where Thompson was working to rescue people, had just collapsed.

Workers at Ground Zero eventually recovered Thompson’s jewelry, including a special anchor pendant, which they delivered to his family.

“Thompson has two sons, each of them had an anchor, so recovering it had extra special meaning,” Baccellieri said.

In 2015, Leoutsakos, a court officer lieutenant, died from pancreatic cancer related to his experience as a Ground Zero first responder.

Later that year, the city renamed the corner of 29th Street and 21st Avenue in Astoria “Theodore Leoutsakos Way” in a special ceremony attended by Leoutsakos’ family and local lawmakers Michael Gianaris and Costa Constantinides.

The street sign is located near the home of Leoutsakos, who served as a court officer for 24 years.

“We are so honored to have the street my family has lived on for 47 years co-named in our father’s honor. Our father was a man who believed in serving his community and country,” Leoutsakos’ daughters Stacey, Cynthia and Stephanie said in a statement. “Today is a celebration of my father and a proud day for our entire family.”

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

September 10, 2019

I remember Mitch from Bayside Volunteer Community Ambulance Corps.He not only fulfilled his shift requirements as an EMT, but could be counted on to volunteer for additional activists such as standbys.Always friendly, always looking to help! A great guy!!!

Lt Stewart Wolf FDNY EMS ( retired)
Bayside Community Volunteer Ambulance Corps

April 5, 2019

Mitchell Scott Wallace was a friend and former roommate I was blessed the day I first day I met him in May (1988) I was a Fitness Trainer at a Gym in Sheapshead Bay Brooklyn He lived across the street Walked in wearing his EMT uniform We clicked on the spot Forever in my heart I miss You Big Guy

William A Rodriguez
Friend

March 11, 2019

That was Mich court officer and volunteer. NYS EMT AND GREAT NEW YORKER. I was on over 100 calls with Mich. A man who really cared to help others.

Joseph Heffernan
Work with Mich on Bayside volunteer ambulance corp.

September 11, 2018

His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, 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 tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got 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 an unmanly tear.
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 often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"

Author unknown

May God be with everyone

Motor Officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, TX

February 10, 2011

To the family and loved ones of Officer Mitchel Scott Wallace and his fellow officers and most especially to Mitchel:

Mere words seem insignificant to honor your heroism and courage which will never be forgotten. On this the eighth anniversary month of the tragic devastation wreaked upon our nation, those brave men and women who lost their lives safeguarding others are remembered and revered.

May your spirit continue to soar and your memory continue to inspire. Your family had to endure losing a beloved hero and how I wish they had not had to endure this tragedy.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect and gratitude for the distinquished service Mitchel gave to his community and country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 11, 2001.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg Police Department, CA; eow 4/24/05

Anonymous

September 19, 2009

Your sacrifice has not been forgotten. You are a true hero, Thank you for your service Sir.

Deputy and Firefighter
Glades County, Florida

September 11, 2009

You are not forgotten...thank you

Anonymous

September 11, 2009

Officer Wallace,
On today, the 8th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow LEOs who were also killed that day for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

September 11, 2009

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your friends and family. May God bless and keep them.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, FOR HELPIPNG PROTECT OUR COUNTRY!!!!

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

March 12, 2009

DEAREST MITCH-----YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY THOUGHTS AND HEART. TODAY, MARCH 11th, IS YOUR 42nd BIRTHDAY. SO HARD TO BELIEVE IT IS 7 1/2 YEARS SINCE THAT DAY. ALL MY LOVE IS WITH YOU TODAY AND ALWAYS. LOVE, MOM

RITA WALLACE
MOTHER

March 11, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Senior Court Officer Wallace and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

January 12, 2009

Thank you, Sr. Court Ofc. Mitchel Scott Wallace, for your dedication to God, your family and, ultimately, your country.

Your sacrifice was not in vain, and you will never be forgotten. Your family remains in my prayers.

God speed and God bless. Rest in peace, Ofc. Wallace.

God Bless America.

LRVirgil, Civilian
Texas - Law Enforcement Supporter

September 30, 2007

With a tear in my eye, I remember and am so in awe of
you and all the others who sacrificed themselves for
others. God bless you and God bless America. With
love from one coast of America to the other,
Lynn Kole
Washington State

September 14, 2007

You are not and will never be forgotten. You and the other brothers we lost that day are HEROES and will be remembered forever! Rest high on the streets of Heaven!

Deputy Brant Pewitt
Williamson Co. Sheriff's Dept TN.

September 11, 2007

Mitch we will never forget you and the bravery you displayed that day. I often think of your first days at Manhattan family court. Your fellow sister officer

Linda Carney
New York State Courts

July 31, 2007

Dear Mitch:
My promise to you and all the rest that gave all they had on 11 September 2001, is being fulfilled. The promise of giving each of you a reflection of your own. You earned it, and a lot more. More than I or anyone else can ever repay.
An airplane hits one of the Towers...then another hits another Tower. Our fellow countrymen are trapped, scared, and dying. And then, out of the mayhem and carnage, a hero arose. A hero who gave his life to save the lives of so many others. Then another and then yet another hero rose up to the challange. And you, Mitch, are among the heroes that day. Though those murdering bastards killed so many of our countrymen, 10 times that amount were spared because of your actions and the actions of all the other brother officers. And your bravery sparked a fire in so many people, and has helped so many other officers who are still here, become that much more tenacious in keeping our oath to "serve and protect".
Charles Dickens once wrote in his novel, "A Tale of Two Cities", a very fitting description of you and your bravery. A saying that I would like to commit to your legacy: "It is a far better thing I do, than I have ever done; and a far better rest I go to, than I have ever known".
Thank you for all you did, and for your determination in the face of death, to save so many others. May you know only peace, and the love and respect of a grateful nation. May Almighty God bless you, your family, police officers everywhere, and God Bless America. Amen

Detective Ron Tomassi
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office-Florida

January 17, 2007

you will live in our hearts forever...

September 12, 2006

Thinking of you and your loved ones on this tragic day in history. You will never be forgotten and will be forever a hero.

Nicole Burdette
Wife of Deputy Alex Burdette EOW 3-12-05

September 11, 2006

HERO! Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
Tennessee

July 17, 2006

Officer Wallace, We never met, but I know just how compassionate and brave you were. You never hesitated to help where there was a need. You went into those towers because you knew others needed help. You were true to your oath, rest in peace, we have the watch now.

Sergeant James Alfieri
New York State Office of Court Administration

September 3, 2004