Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the family and loved ones of Officer Melissa Jayne Schmidt and her fellow officers with the Minneapolis Police Department:

On this the fourth anniversary date of Melissa's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember her today. Although I never had the privilege of meeting Melissa, I feel as if I know her through the loving reflections left by family members and friends. Her valor and courage will never be forgotten. I also salute her commitment to our country through her service as a U.S. Marine. Semper Fi, Melissa.

My son, Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg Police Dept., was her brother in green as well as in blue as he too transitioned from a career in the Corps to law enforcement. I am sure all our blue Marine guardian angels have heaven even more squared away.

I am so sorry that Melissa was robbed of her life at such a young age, 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 Melissa gave to her community and the citizens of Minnesota, and or the supreme sacrifice she and her family made on August 1, 2002.

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

August 1, 2006

Its been 4 years since that fateful day when you were taken from us. We think of you everyday, but around this time and on special days, your birthday and holidays, or when the family is together, you're in our thoughts even more. Lisa and Gail spent the morning with me and we talked about the fun times and how much you're missed by everyone. Life is just not the same with you not in it. You had a way of lighting up a room or having the best of times whatever the situation. You made things fun. You're still with us in spirit but its just not the same. Someday we'll all be together again. Until then... we love you and miss more than words can say...from here to eternity.
Love, Mom, Dad and Chris

August 1, 2006

To the family of Melissa-
My name is Jen Moore. I live in uptown and was a block leader. Melissa was our block cop and came to my house once a month for about a year. She sat with my husband and I the night of 9/11 glued to the tv. She worried about my skinny cat lucy. She had a huge impact on me and I still think of her so often. A truely authentic, salt of the earth person who I trusted to be the real deal, the instant I met her. I am so sorry for your loss, and want you to know her life mattered to so many people. I can't believe it has been 4 years. You are in my prayers.

civillian
friend

July 31, 2006

Melissa,
Its coming up on 4 years since you left us. Its seems like just yesterday I got the phone call that you got shot. I figured you would pull through cuz you were tough, even though you were a big softy inside--which is why we loved you so much. Then you died--wow, never figured that would happen. I had so much to say to you.
August 1st has been a bad day. Last year we had 2 officers stabbed on that day. They both pulled through and are back working.
Look over us on August 1st, and always, MJ.
Missing you,

Your friend on MPD
Minneapolis PD

July 25, 2006

It will soon be 4 years that your tour of duty ended. I salute you for your honorable service to our country and to law enforcement. Even though it has been 4 years, the tears still flow from the hearts of those that love you and will for many years to come. There is no greater loss than to lose a child. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten as heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones and protect them from harm.

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

Bob Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired

July 22, 2006

I think of you often. I haven't left a reflection for awhile even though I visit your page often. I reckon/suppose it was kind of my rebellion because of the new picture placed here of you for the past few months. I just think the original picture on this page should have stayed; it reflected the true/real you. That picture is the one I still have on my desk in Kansas City and the picture all should continue to see who come here to remember you. Rest easy my sister in blue, you will never be forgotten by me as long as I am here.

S. Gallow
U. S. Marshals Service

April 27, 2006

Dearest Melissa,
Yesterday was your 39th birthday...I think of you often everyday but yesterday you were on my mind all day. I was imagining how we should be celebrating..probably dinner and few beverages and lots of chatter and laughter. Instead, it was a quiet uneventful day. My aunt Joann called and we talked about you and Becky and that it wasn't fair that the two of you were taken way too soon. When I think that Mcguillikitty is with you now it makes me smile...you also I'm sure. You are always on our minds and in our hearts..forever to eternity.
Love you,
Mom, Dad and Chris

Mother

April 19, 2006

Melissa,
I was just thinking about you today and how we used to sit in your backyard and drink beers. I miss that.

Your Friend on MPD
Minneapolis PD

April 13, 2006

Dear Officer Melissa,

I never knew you, but again I see another Hero! your family truly Love and Miss you very much, but you mam'm will never be forgottin. I have a female cousin who is a Council Bluffs Police Officer, i worry for her safty alot. you done your Job, you kept us safe from the evil's of this world, now you can rest in peace. your Brothers and sisters in Blue will take over your watch, One day your family will be with you, to hug,cry, but cry for joy. I honor you, but I also Honor your mom and dad,AND family. may you rest in peace my friend!

Much Love to you from Council Bluffs,Iowa

Daniel Ross

Daniel Ross
Council Bluffs,Iowa

April 2, 2006

Melissa,

I was shcocked to learn of your untimely death in the Leatherneck magazine. I was your Detachment Commander at the U.S. Interests Section, Havana, Cuba, for 4 months before you left the Marines Corps. During the "tidal wave" that destroyed Old Havana AND the U.S. Interest Section, you and your fellow MSGs worked alot of hours, protecting a USINT building that was flooded out and without electrical power for weeks. Your dedication to duty was genuine and you were an outstanding Sergeant of Marines. Kathy and I will never forget you....SEMPER FI.

James L. Stacy III
1stSgt, USMC (Ret.)

1stSgt, USMC (Ret.)
USMC

March 5, 2006

Melissa,

I was shcocked to learn of your untimely death in the Leatherneck magazine. I was your Detachment Commander at the U.S. Interests Section, Havana, Cuba, for 4 months before you left the Marines Corps. During the "tidal wave" that destroyed Old Havana AND the U.S. Interests Section, you and your fellow MSGs worked alot of hours, protecting a USINT building that was flooded and without electrical power for weeks. I remember visiting you on post during MIDWATCH. Your only light was a coleman latern and a MAGLITE.

1stSgt, USMC (Ret.)
USMC

March 5, 2006

Dearest Melissa,
Christmas has come and gone and the new year is just around the corner. Its not as happy a time as when you were here to help celebrate it with us. The Christmas of 2001 I'll remember and cherish forever. We had such a good time and we're left with lots of good memories. It was the last one you were with us in body, but we know you're always with us in spirit. Losing Grandma Dec 2nd and your beloved Mcgillikitty on the 22nd leaves another hole in our hearts. You have both of them with you, along with Grandpa, Uncle Stevie, Patti, Becky and
lots of family and friends. What a reunion we'll all have some day!!
We all miss you more than we can say. The hole in our hearts will never heal but we keep you with us always.
You will always be our inspiration!
Love you to eternity!!
Mom, Dad and Chris

Mom

December 30, 2005

MJ - you are not and will not be forgotten. I think of you often. Thinking of you and your ultimate sacrifice helps to keep your brother and sister officers safe.

Michelle
Mpls Police Dispatch

December 28, 2005

Rest in peace, Oh brave and valiant Hero.

Retired Cop.
EOW 4-04-97

November 10, 2005

Hey there Sis. Mom, Dad and I miss you so much. Please keep looking out for us, because God knows we could use it!

Someday we will all be together again, but for as long as it will be until then--thanks for all the memories that will always be with us. You will NEVER be forgotten. I love you, Melissa.

You ARE my inspiration!

Chris
Your bro, forever!

October 28, 2005

Hi Missy! Dad here! Mom just had a birhday...they are not the same with you not here. Our life has a real empty space....we miss you every single day. We love you MIssy!!

Dad

October 11, 2005

I worked in Minneapolis on the day of your funeral so your brothers and sisters of your department could be with you and your family. It was a true honor to be called to duty in Minneapolis while your family and friends could be with you. Please continue to watch over us. It is hard to believe it has been three years.

St. Paul Patrol Officer
St. Paul Police Department

August 1, 2005

Three years ago today Police Officer Melissa Jayne Schmidt passed through the looking glass of honor and sacrafice. Although we will forever deeply mourn her tragic murder, we will most importantly celebrate her life which was dedicated to family, community and country. For those of us left to carry on we can only hope to stand in the shadow of such a hero.

OMY/COP/WPD

Chief of Police / Olen M. Young
Wauneta PD Nebraska

August 1, 2005

Its been three years today that you were taken from us. Time has gone one but things are just not the same without you with us. You are in our hearts and minds every single day, and will be until we're together again. You are still our inspiration.
Loving you and missing you,
Mom, Dad and Chris

Mom

August 1, 2005

This may not be a normal reflection for this site but here it goes. I collect police patches and purchased a memorial patch for Officer Melissa Schmidt. It started me on an quest to find out more about her. Even though I never met her I feel a bit closer to her as a result of my investigation. My purpose here is to Thank Her and all other officers who paid the ultimate price so that others may be safe. I only wish that they did not have to die to make this possible. Thank You for the space to state how I feel.

Rick Bailey
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Rick Bailey
civilian

July 31, 2005

August 1st is a very rough day for your family and I'm sure they are still asking why. I wanted to leave a reflection to let you know that you have not been forgotten and that you are a true hero. Keep watch over your family and fellow officers.

Robert Gordon, father of Fallen Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Robert Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired
Riverside PD, Illinois

July 31, 2005

Melissa, only you and our God know the reasons why you had to leave at that time. But rest in the knowledge that you will never be forgotten. I served as a assessor for your agency about two years ago. Your served with a first-class agency. Rest in peace.

Lt. Stephen A. Joy
Prince George's County Police Department

July 5, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers go out to This Officer, as well as the Family, Friends, Department and Community.

This is a loss that will never be forgotten. Hours have turned into days, days turned into weeks, weeks into months and months into years but, the difference that Melissa and other officers have made will last forever.

We lost Our Deputy Morris Taylor on September 14, 2002. When he joined Melissa and the other Angels in Blue.

Semper Fi!

God Bless Our Law Enforcement Officers and Those Who Love Them.

Jack & Tracy Van Dolah
Former LEO/U.S.M.C. & Wife in Sutherlin, Oregon

June 16, 2005

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Officer Schmidt.

Sgtm. Thomas Lutz
Swiss Army MP Service

May 30, 2005

Melissa, we never met, but I think of you often as I drive around in my squad. My thoughts are with your family and friends.

Thank you for your service.

Fellow Officer

May 19, 2005