Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

MJ: I thank God for all the meories and all of the times we laughed togethor and I mourn the silence now. In the academy you exhibited discipline learned in the Marines. As a friend you taught me how to laugh at myself and not take life too seriously. On the street you showed me what it means to be a hero. Your in my thoughts Melissa. Always. Off. Rena Dudgeon MPD

Patrol, Officer Rena Dudgeon
Minneapolis Police

SEMPER FIDELIS.....NOW REST EASY MELISSA, WE WILL TAKE IT FROM HERE.

UNITED STATES MARINE
NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPT

You've done your time on hell's streets. Rest easy.

Police Officer
Denver Police Department

Dear Melissa:

I visit your "Reflections" almost daily as I start my workday...of course the new one from Chris and "Mom" brought me to tears immediately. Even though we could not get together more often as you grew up and followed your life path (and I "tried" to follow mine), you always were, and are extra special to me. When you, Chris, Jayson & Ryan were younger we spent many fun times together. Your smile, the twinkle in your eye and your easy going attitude always drew people to you. Your honesty, kindness, compassion, and helping hand made them friends for life...YES Melissa you are a very special person and will never be forgotten. We ALL miss you! OK...now that Patti has joined the ranks...as your Mom said...heaven will never be the same. Give Grandpa & Stevie a hug for me too. Keep that watchful eye on all of us and guide us along our way.
Love You,
"GodMom"

Aunt

Dearest Melissa,
All my reflections are in my heart..you're with me everyday and night. Our good friend Patti was buried yesterday...I know you'll both watch over all of us down here.
What a great reunion in the sky..heaven will never be the same!
If tears could build a stairway......!
Love you to eternity
Mom

Mother

Hi Sis--

Just want to say that I'm doing okay, and that I miss you more and more each day. I was thinking recently about how much "trouble" you and I used to get it about twenty years ago. I think about everything---and it brings a smile to my face because even though we might have not seen eye-to-eye back then, you were my sister-----and I'll always cherish the memories of you forever. (and Melissa, you KNOW I have a verrrry good memory!)

I miss you, sister. I know, and I do believe we'll see each other again someday. Until then, I'd appreciate it if you could guide me a little when I need it. I know you'll help me out. You always have before......

Love.

Chris
Your brother, always.

May god look over and bless the loved ones you left behind

PO Andrew
Chicago PD

REST IN PEACE OFFICER SCHMIDT THE STREETS OF HEAVEN ARE TRULY GUARDED BY UNITED STATES MARINES SEMPER FI LADY DEVIL DOG

Anonymous

Melissa, Your funeral was beautiful and I have never seen more LEO's in one place. A group of us drove over to Wis. to partake in your rememberance. Your service to your community and our great state will never be forgotten. Though I never knew you personally you were my sister. Because of the uniform you so bravely wore you are and will forever be remember as a hero. My thought's are with your family and your department. You served with pride and because of that you will live forever in the kingdom of God. Blessed are those who protect the children of God for they will forever have a place in Heaven.

Loyality above all else except honor.

Deputy Sheriff Jason LaSart
MIlle Lacs COunty Sheriff's Dept.

For the loved ones I am sorry for your loss more than words can express Semper FI Devil Dog You are and always will be the Nations Best Rest easy warrior you have done your time in hell

State Trooper K-9
Tennessee Highway Patrol

The Christmas season is upon us once again......and not having you with us is very hard. I'll try my best to make it through, and with your help Melissa....I know I can do it.

Thanks for watching over us. I love you.

Merry Christmas.

Your brother always, Chris

Rest easy...your memory lives forever.

Semper Fidelis

To my fellow Marine and Sister-in-arms. You will never be forgotten. You went down fighting. Melissa, our hearts and prayers will always be with you and your family and friends. Once a Sister, always a Sister - you are our hero.

Chief Steven C. Guibord
Inv. Jackie G. Guibord, ret. Provo Police Department (Utah)

Chief Steven C. Guibord
Naples Police (Utah)

Dear Melissa:

This is National Military Appreciation Month which should be 12 Months of the year. I KNOW since your tragic death on August 1, 2002, I for one have a renewed, very deep, sincere, appreciation and respect for you & everyone who puts on a uniform and takes on the responsibility of enforcing, protecting, helping/teaching, and putting their life on the line daily for all of us. We live in a beautiful, land of the free because of you. I will forever keep you in my heart and prayers. You did not die in vain. So many good things have come about because of your bravery, dedication, kindness, & valour.

Anonymous

Officer Schmidt,

Your determined warrior spirit are an encouragement to us all. You truly were in keeping with the traditions and standards of the United States Marine Corps, and with Law officers everywhere, who carry the sword for those who cannot. Thank you for your devotion, valor, and sacrifice.
Once a Marine, ALWAYS a Marine! Semper Fidelis!

Sgt George Erdel
USMC Military Police, MCAS Beaufort, SC

Melissa-

You were the consumate professional when we worked together, your apprearance made the other officers take a look at where they could improve themselves. You made the step up to the Minneapolis PD, which was that city's gain. And now, we find out, that despite a fatal wound, you saved your partner and kept the suspect covered until the backup got there. You did your duty, you did it well, and paid the ultimate price. Semper Fi, "Gunny." You will always be remembered in my thoughts and prayers.

the "Wing Nut"

TSgt (Ret) Larry Ryan
USAF Security Police

Officer Schmidt, It has been several weeks since your passing and many people have left reflections for you. Some are very simple ... some are very heartfelt. No matter the words, it is clear that your life and career touched many people. I am an aspiring law enforcement student and just wanted to say thank you for being an example for the rest of us out there in the profession. Saying a simple "Hi" or "Hello" and offering a smile can mean a great deal to someone. To Police Officer Melissa Schmidt's family; I am very sorry for your loss.

Reserve Sgt. Andrew Dixon
Maplewood PD MN

Not a day goes by that I don't think about you, Melissa.

I find myself looking towards heaven very often, and asking God why you had to go so soon. Someday I, and everyone else, will know the answer when our time here on Earth is done....and I'm sure God's reason will make sense when that time comes.

I miss you so much, Melissa. I'll always love you and will never forget you.

Love always,

Your brother

Chris

Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5.9

CSO Jesse Zilge
Newport PD

Melissa...

I'm sure you are glad all the "fuss" is over and can get on with your new adventure. I just want you to know I will never forget you...your smile, your strong opinions, your big heart, your helpful arms......you are one very special person. They say the good die young and you are indeed one of the best...the finest...especially when it came to helping & being there for anyone in need.

That feeling is obviously felt as well by your fellow officers, entire community, & your many friends. The overwhelming display of honor, dignity and appreciation shown for days and remembered forever is quite a tribute. You have to be bursting at the seams with PRIDE!!

Our plan to get together more often will have to wait until it is my time to join you, Dad, Stevie and others...save a place at the card table for me.

I will never forget you and the stong, responsible, dedicated, compassionate, loving young woman you are...I am so VERY PROUD of you Melissa. (You will always deep down be "MISSY" to me).

Love you...

Not a day goes by that I don't think about you Melissa. Thank you for all the fun times and the visits to my part time jobs...I MISS YOU!

Anonymous

A day doesn't go by that I don't think of you and wish we could have talked one more time, Melissa. You are one of a kind. I do miss you.

LC #1351

God Bless, Melissa. Semper Fi.

Officer S. Strange
DFW DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

To the Family of Police Officer Melissa Schmidt:

Please accept our deepest condolences. While we know that God has a plan for all of us, it is sometimes hard to see a plan during these times of great sorrow. We know that God watches over all of you, and that your loved one is in His kingdom. Know that Melissa is with our son who was killed in the line of duty on August 4. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten. We will see them again some day.

God bless you all.

Dorothy & Don Tardy
Surviving parents of Police Officer Christopher Wayne Russell

Dorothy & Don Tardy

You will be missed, however, you will not be forgotten.

Police Officer
Unites States Dept. Veterans Aff. Police