Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mike in three days it will have been five years since your death. I miss you everyday, and wish all fathers could have a son as good and fine as you are. Mike I love you with all my heart. The Lt. Governor Pete Kinder signed a bill into law to name a section of Interstate 44 after you. Mike it will be from the city limits of St. Louis to Kingshighway.You and the fine job you did will always be remembered. Son I love you. Your Dad

Father
Father

August 26, 2007

Mike, where does the time go. It will have been 5 years this month. Im writing because i dont know if i will have access to my computer during the end of the month. Anyway, I am still kicking. Man I wish i could tell you my stories we would be in the bar all night, shitfaced. A fellow officer was murdered yesterday and i found out today and im all the way on the other side of the planet. It brought back memories for me an I figured I would go ahead and leave you this message. This guy was on for only a year and was cut down in his prime. I just had the feeling of when you were taken from us and what his family and friends are about to endure. Anyway, I still wear that badge in my body armor and im still here so that is where it will stay until i leave this hell hole. Just wanted you to know I think about you all the time and wish things could have worked out different. Love ya bro.

Your friend
Lew

PO Lewis Bouwman
friend

August 16, 2007

Mike,
Somebody in my squad asked me about the tattoo i have on my chest tonight. I sat them down and gave them the scoop. These guys are young as hell and we are getting ready to go into a very hostile environment....YES I reenlisted...Ill let you tell me about it later. Anyway these kids remind me of me and you when we were just out of highschool. Full of piss and vinegar. Alot of them want to be police officers when we get back. I tell them that it is the nobelest of professions but the drawback is that there is a very high probability that you can lose people close to you. Im honored to have known you and to have been your friend. You make me proud to be a policeman and a soldier. I got my badge with your picture on it with me and im going to wear it in my body armor. Hopefully you can help me get through this one. Afghanistan is in for a rude awakening. Anyway, miss you bro.........

Lewis Bouwman......"fat chicks dig me too"

Lewis Bouwman
Friend STLCOPD

February 27, 2007

Mike,
I think of you often. You are truly missed and always remembered. I know that you are watching over us all.

Janice and Mitch,
It has been awhile since we have talked, but I think of you often. Mike would be so proud of everything you both do to keep his childhood dream alive.

Melinda
Friend

January 2, 2007

To the family and loved ones of Officer Michael Janson Barwick and his fellow officers with the St. Louis Police Department:

On this the fourth anniversary week of Michael's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. Mike's professionalism and dedication will never be forgotten, nor will his valor and courage.

In reading the loving reflections left by his family, friends and co-workers I can see that he was very loved, well respected and is sorely missed. I hope that God is holding him in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

No doubt that Heaven has another hero in Michael, but I am so sorry you had to lose your beloved. To his parents, I too share your anquish of having lost a cherished son in a line of duty death. I am also trying to heal by finding some way to work for the betterment of law enforcement so your focus is very inspirational. May you all continue to be comforted by your faith and your law enforcement family and other police survivors.

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

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Michael gave to his community and the citizens of Missouri, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 29, 2002.

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

August 30, 2006

Officer Barwick,

Thank you for being a hero and protecting the streets of St. Louis. You will not be forgotten. You, Nick, and all the other guys should celebrate the hard work you all did while you were here. Thank you for a job well done.

Tracie
Friend of Nick Sloan

August 29, 2006

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this day for I know the pain they feel every day as I also walk in their shoes. I know what your Dad feels every morning when he wakes and what he feels when he retires for the night. There is not a day that has gone by that he has not thought of you. I know if he could trade places with you he would, so that you could be back here living your dream, being a cop. I would do the same for my son in a heart beat. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

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

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

August 29, 2006

Mike, Although we have never met, I have come to know your parents through the foundation that they have set up in your name. In fact, we were one of the families who they helped this year. What a remarkable way to honor your memory. It has been a rough road since our son was killed,but seeing the wonderful things that your mom and dad have done for other people, after going through the heartache also, is somewhat of an inspiration. I hope you are all together watching over us who continue to struggle with our pain every day. We will always remember. Sincerely, Mary Ann Tatoian, Mother of Missouri State Trooper Ralph C. Tatoian, E.O.W. 4-20-05.

Mary Ann Tatoian

August 29, 2006

Mike,

It's hard to believe that it's been 4 years since you were taken from us. We still talk about you and Jenn and the events of that tragic night. Just know, Mike, that you are still in our thoughts and prayers.

DE
St. Louis City Police

August 29, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are of you and your family at this time - you have unbelievable parents who love and miss you very much, but are keeping your memory alive by helping others - I know they have really been supportive of my family even though their pain is still strong. Please continue to watch over them and keep them safe. - Jayne McEntee, Sister of Bill McEntee EOW 7/05/05

August 28, 2006

Our prayers are with your family and friends. I know the pain is still there, even as time moves on. I have gotten to know your parents and have been grateful for their comfort and words of wisdom after the loss of my brother. You are loved and you will never be forgotten. Kathy McEntee, sister of Bill.

August 28, 2006

I am really thinking of your parents at this time of the year.They are two of the nicest kindest people I have ever met They have helped so maney people going through the same pain as they are I think one of the biggest reasons they are so strong for others is their unbelievable love for you.I know you are as proud of them as they will always be of you.God bless you and your family Mike Mcentee brother of Bill

August 18, 2006

Mike
Words can't express the pain I feel everyday. I miss you and love you every much. We are having the get together on Aug.26,and all you friends will be here to show there respect for you and let everyone know how much you are missed.

The Barwick Newton National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund that was started in your honor is doing fine. You my son are still helping a lot of people.The fund has not had to turn down any family members of fallen officers.Mike your website is www.barwicknewtonfund.org.

This time of year gets rough August 29 will be four years since we lost you.I have taken on a new mission fighting for the people you loved Law Enforcement. We are working on making some chances to help your brothers & sisters.I know you will be proud of the changes that are coming. The Fund and working for the better of law enforcement is what keeps me going.I love you
DAD

Mitch Barwick
Father

August 13, 2006

Going on 4 years...know that you will never be forgotten.
Bless you and your family Officer Barwick.
Rest in peace!

Family of Officer Bob Stanze
EOW 8/8/00

June 15, 2006

Mike:

It sure doesn't seem like three years ago you were taken away from your family and friends. I hope you and Nick are having a good time under the circumstances. As we are getting to know your parents better, they are truly an inspiration to so many people. The memorial fund that they began is an unselfish way to help so many families in the time of need.

Take care and say a prayer for us all. We sure do need it.....

Parents of Officer Nicholas Sloan
E.O.W. 01-30-04

Chris and Terry Sloan

August 30, 2005

Mike-
I just want your family to know that they are in our thoughts especially today. It just doesn't seem to get any easier down here without you guys. I wish we could have met your parents under different circumstances. They are great people.

Just know that we will never forget any of you. Give Nick a big hug for me.

Kelly Brown
Nick Sloan's sister

August 29, 2005

officer barwick
i remember hearing of the great loss to the st. louis pd. they had lost another one of their own. another brother had fallen. it was one month to the day before i started the acadamy and i remember how it sort of put things into perspective for me. made me realize what i was about to commit to.
i recently met 2 city officers at another police funeral that knew you well. i wish i had the pleasure to meet you.
in valor there is hope. 10-42. god bless and godspeed.

officer michael mainieri
chesterfield pd

August 29, 2005

On the anniversary of Officer Barwick's death, I Honor his sacrifice as a true Hero should be remembered. Rest in Peace.

Belia Fessenden
Retired-Pinal County SO-AZ

August 29, 2005

You will be in my thoughts and prayers today. Stay close to your family as they will need you on this difficult day.

August 29, 2005

In Valor there is Hope. Rest in Peace Brother. You and your family are in my prayers.

P.O. Chris Welby
Bridgeton Police

July 8, 2005

MIKE MY SON THERE IS NOT A HOUR GOES BY THAT YOU ARE NOT IN MY MIND. I MISS YOU SO MUCH. YOU WERE A GREAT INSPIRATION TO ME YOU GAVE ME THE STRENGTH TO DO THE THINGS I DID. I KNOW HOW YOU LIKED TO HELP PEOPLE MIKE YOU ARE STILL HELPING PEOPLE. THAT IS WHY WE SET UP THE BARWICK / NEWTON NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL FUND. I PROMISED I WOULD SUPPORT YOU 100% AND I STILL DO TODAY EVEN THOUGH IT HAS CAUSED GREAT PAIN.SON I'M VERY PROUD OF YOU AND THE THINGS YOU ACOMPLISHED. YOU ARE THE SON A FATHER DREAMS OF HAVING. WORDS CAN NOT EXPLAIN THE LOVE I HAVE FOR YOU , AND HOW MUCH I MISS YOU. MIKE I LOVE YOU SO MUCH.
MITCH BARWICK
THE PROUD FATHER OF A FALLEN OFFICER

MITCH BARWICK
FATHER OF OFFICER BARWICK

June 6, 2005

Mike,

My partner. It has been so hard these past few years. Your accident started a downward spiral that it seems is never ending for us. My heartbreaks so often now I have trouble breathing. My brother I wanted to let the rest of the world know what you meant and continue to mean to me. You gave me the biggest honor I will ever have by asking to ride with me. We both know brothers don't always see eye to eye, but I can honestly say you taught me more about this job than anyone. Lets just say I'll never forget where Hadley is again. You've changed both Jenna's and my life forever. I felt so helpless man. Standing in that intersection I know you made me let you go. I did my best to take care of Jenna as you wished. But, I never would have guessed that James would be taken from us so soon after. I am still trying to find my way. I know you're with us always, but I can't help but think of how things could have been different. Only a few people know what really happened with the four of us. Still trying to figure out what God had in mind. If you get a chance have a beer with him and let me know. I will always keep your memory close to me my friend.

Your friend, Stag

Stag
SLMPD

January 31, 2005

Officer Barwick, I honor you . . . you were a warrior.

Officer Bonenberger, I honor you too my brother . . . thank you for "being there" . . . when duty called . . . I'm so thankful that you survived.

With brotherly love and utmost respect, Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer.)

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

November 4, 2004

Mike,
I just wanted to say that I have not forgotten about you. In order to keep your memory with me I printed and laminated a small picture of your police photo which I wear fastened to the back of my badge. I just wanted you to know that I am still fighting the fight. God bless you for being one of a kind and someone who we all loved.
Mich and Janice,
You guys have been so strong since Mikes passing and you should be congratulated. Mike would be very proud of both of you.
I miss you Mike, I will see you soon.

PO Lewis Bouwman
St. Louis County PD

October 27, 2004

Michael my friend,

I don't know what to say. I wish I could tell you, just talk to you again. I don't know how to say I'm sorry. There was nothing more that we could do. I hope you know you were not alone. We would all be with you now but as fate would have it, we only have you memory.

I saw a "Fat Chicks Love Me" shirt the other day and I lost it.

I don't know how to deal with this.

I think about how you left us every day. A long sleeve shirt cannot hide the memory of that night.

I love you my friend and I miss you more than you will ever know.

I will see you on the other side.

"God willing and the creek don't rise..." GWS circa 1994

P.O. David Bonenberger
St. Louis Metropolitain Police Department

August 9, 2004