Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I will be thinking of you and Stephanie on August 29, 2003, the day you would have been married. My heart just aches for Steph. No matter how lucky she was to have you even a short time, I know that day will be the hardest yet on her. I know you will be cradling her in youre angel arms taht day, wishing too that you could be there.
You will always be here in spirit Mike. Even those who did not have the honor of knowing you, will feel you in their hearts forever more.
On August 29, I will light a candle and mourn the union that never will be. God Bless you Mike-hold Steph tight that day, and continue to watch over us with your shining smile forever.
We love you and miss you-
I'm gonna live my life like every day is the last
Without a simple goodbye
It all goes by so fast
And now that you're gone
I can't cry hard enough
No, I can't cry hard enough
for you to hear me now
I'm gonna open my eyes
and see for the first time
I've let go of you like
a child leting go of his kite
There it goes up in the sky
There it goes
There it goes beyond the clouds
For no reason why
I can't cry hard enough
No I can't cry loud enough
for you to hear me now

It has been over 3 months now. As much as you were missed in the past 3 months, it is really hitting home that you are not coming back. This summer just hasn't been the same on maple street.
we love you.

Anonymous

Michael is looking down on all of us, especially watching over his police and fire brothers; responding to calls with them and looking out for them. You know those "good calls" Mike loved to respond to??? Well, for all of the future "good calls" at Youngstown Police and Canfield Fire, Mike IS still along for the ride!!!!

Anonymous

Its been over two months since Mike was killed. I am just now able to look at this site, and i am amazed at all of the tributes to him. I worked with Mike in ems in the city before he became an officer. Mike was the all around public servant. When he got his commision he was the happiest person around. I remember he came by the station a few days after he started as an officer, on his way to work, he looked happier than a kid in a candy store. That is how I will always remember him. Take care Mike........

rick
ems

Officer Hartzell, Although you are greatly missed, we will move forward in YOUR HONOR! We can move forward because we now have one more guardian angel watching over the rest of us.

Deputy William A. Mays Jr.
Mahoning County Sheriff's Office (Youngstown, OH)

Mike,
It has been almost two months since you gave your life so that we could be safe. Everytime I drive on W. Federal st, I am so overwhelm with so much pain in my heart. I only ask god to give all of us the strength to overcome this tragedy. Everytime I put on my uniform and badge, I think of you. You represented dedication, honor, committment, and your memory will always be cherish. Mike I know that you are watching over your fellow officers. Thank you Mike for protecting us.

Youngstown Police Department

To Mikes Parents Mr. & Mrs. Hartzell, his brother Kevin and his fiancee Stephanie may I offer my deepest sympathy and condolences. Mike loved doing what he did and did it well. I can honestly say this because every time I worked with him he always made a point to tell me about a call he had at YPD or CJFD and he always did it with a smile on his face. Mike was the type of person that no matter what he was either smiling or laughing (I loved his laugh). I spent alot of time with Mike and I AM HONORED TO SAY HE WAS MY FRIEND. To all his brothers and sisters in law enforcement and the fire service, take comfort knowing Micheal is watching over us every call we respond too. I do!!! To everyone else, remember what safety forces do for you and the risks they take to keep you safe.

I will miss you but never forget you Mike.

Rob Tieche FF/Medic and FRIEND
Cardinal Joint Fire District

FF/Medic- Rob Tieche
Cardinal Joint Fire District

To the family...this day one year ago I also lost my loved one. My husband also lost his life on a traffic stop, and was shot in the chest and head. I am so sorry for your loss. I know how painful this is. If I can be service to you, please do not hesitate to contact the Temple Sheriff Station, in Irwindale California. My prayers are with you. May God Bless you and comfort you......Teri March wife of Deputy David March EOW 4-29-2002

Widow of Deputy David March
Sheriff Dept/California

Mikey,

I met Mike when we worked together at Pellin EMS. During my two yrs. of service there I don't think I have ever met someone as great as Mike. It didn't matter when or where but he was always smiling, and his laugh I'll never forget. Although we didn't get to see each other much when I left there, and he joined YPD. The times we did meet on calls or in the streets were special, and I'll never forget them. You are, and always be a friend to me Mike. You are a HERO! in the truest sense of the word. God Bless you Mike, Your Family, Stephanie, Your fellow Officers, and friends at Canfield Fire Dept. I will miss you my Friend.

Paramedic Eric Ginn
Lane LifeTrans

Dear Mike,
The last time I spoke to you is when you said hello to me. Never in a million years that I would realize that it would be the last time that I would hear your voice. You are Youngstowns finest. You died a hero, and made the ultimate sacrifice for someone you didnt even know. You were a dedicated officer, who wore the badge with pride and honor. I will always miss you. God Bless you Mike, your family, Stephanie, and your fellow officers.

Youngstown Police Department

Anonymous

i was born in hubbard,oh and im saddened that a young man has been killed. to his family and fiance my families thoughts and prayersare with you. may the lord bless and keep you godspeed my two little boys say thank you. you are a true rescue hero. thank you brother in blue you gave all for all of us

vol. firefighter
walker co. fire/rescue

"Acts of courage shape human history. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope." -Robert F. Kennedy

We miss you Mike

Please watch over us

Patrolman
Y.P.D.

In this tragedy, it is very hard to find any words to bring peace to those who were blessed to know him. I just wanted to share something that I was told that made me feel a little better.
I was discussing Mike's horrible departure from this life with a mutual friend, and he told me that every time he saw Mike he would say ,"Mike, why would you pick Youngstown? Are you crazy?"
Mike's response, with a smile every time, was," I'm having a good time." I am so happy that Mike was proud to be an officer, and that he enjoyed what he was doing. It doesn't take away the pain, but it just verifies what all those who knew Mike say.........he was a hell of a person, and an officer that put all he had into his job. Mike touched more lives than he would have ever dreamedjust by being himself.
Thank you, Officer Hartzell, for keeping our streets safe, and for blessing us, even if only for a short time, with your laughter and wholehearted service.
I know that you are up above smiling upon us, and that you will be there when we reach the gateswith that wonderful smile that touched us all throughout the county and our country.
One last thing that really proves what a wonderful officer you were....the night you were taken from us was not your shift. You were there because a fellow officer could not make it to work. Your dedication to keeping us safe is still appreciated after you are gone.
Stephanie, Mr. and Mrs. Hartzell,family and friends, Youngstown Police Department and the rest of those were left to cherish his memory-may God keep you strong and get you through this hard time. I know that is what he would have wanted.
Thank you, Mike, for being here to remind us how precious life is, and that we should treat every day as though it is the last. We in the Mahoning Valley will never forget you and the service you provided us. I will always appreciate our law enforcement a little more now. I'm sorry we had to lose you, but I thank you for the lesson.
Until we meet again.........

Anonymous

This goes out too the family and fiance of Micheal Hartzel. My deepest sympathies and condolances go out too the family of the downed officer! It is a tragedy beyond anyones belief that a human, a soul could be so cold as too take a life the way Mike's was! It is in my heart that The Officer is in the loving hands of God now and he will watch over him and his family and loved whom are here too mourn him! Sympathies are from family members of Past Youngstown Police Dept employee Valerie J. Beeman, who also past away this year on 01/31/03.

Melanie

I didn't know Mike, but I know quite a few YPD officers and their wives. My boyfriend is also a patrolman with YPD. My heart and soul have ached since the terrible tradgedy. I know the dangers the officers face each day, day in and day out, but it really hit home in the early hours of April 29, 2003. The words "officer shooting" sent a cold chill through me as I immediately began to pray. I've been forever transformed by this senseless, cowardly act. I can only begin to imagine the effect it has had on Mike's family, fiance and friends. You are frequently on my mind and forever in my prayers. As for his fellow officers, I pray this is the only brother you will loose and you will not have to suffer this paralyzing grief again. May the light of God surround you and protect you, and any evil thought or deed be blessed and sent back to its originator. BE SAFE!

Anonymous
Grieving Youngstown Citizen

Mike I wish i could tell you in person how much you mean to me and everyone that is left behind, but never thought to say the words while you were here..i know your in a better place, and all i can do is try and live a good life, and maybe i will get to laugh with you again..i know your watching us, and I hope to make you proud..promise to keep fighting the good fight...and I know when my time on this earth ends you will be waiting to show me the way..I miss you buddy

Ptl. W.K. Burton
Youngstown Police

To the family, friends and co-workers of Patrolman Hartzell, please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. We all grieve the loss of this hero with you.

Jamie Johnson, surviving sister of
Officer Jon Cook
San Francisco Police Dept.

Rest in peace my brother—You will not be forgotten. You have done your duty.

As I visit the Law Enforcement Memorial every May 15th, I will say a prayer for you, your family, and all those that have been affected by your passing.

See you some day brother.

CPL Jodie L. Warren
Prince George County Police Department, Virginia

The only time I have ever came into contact with Mike was when i was involved in a car accident on April 4th. H ecame as one of the officers to led his helping hand. I send all of my sympothy to his friends and family. God Bless You Mike. Sincerely Holly Kimmel

Holly Kimmel
none

God bless you mike, thank you, you are my hero....

Anonymous

Mike,
I really had a lot of fun working with you. You were a good officer but more importantly a good person. You will be missed, especially that laugh of yours, but you will not be forgotten. You will always be in our hearts. We miss you and we love you Mike.

Patrolman John Fields
Youngstown Police Department

To the family of Patrolman Micheal Hartzell,
You have my thoughts and prayers with you during you time of tragic loss, just know that micheal is now with the heavenly father, and he is home at last . He has served his time on earth with great pride and dignity, he will be remembered by all he touched and those who never got the chance to feel it.

may god bless all of you and stephanie,
you have my deepest sympathy

Ashley Hopson

Ashley Hopson

May God bless the surviving members of Patrolman Michael Hartzell. May he give you all the much needed strength and comfort during these difficult times.




God Bless Him..

Patrol Officer. R.Gomez
Pinecrest Police, Florida

MICHEAL,
ALTHOUGH I NEVER KNEW YOU I HAVE BEEN HEARING SO MANY GOOD THINGS FROM THE PEOPLE WHO DID KNOW YOU , IT MAKES ME SAD TO KNOW I'LL NEVER HAVE THE CHANCE, YOU ARE NOW JUST ANOTHER ANGEL THAT HAS ARRIVED IN HEAVEN. MAY YOU REST EASY
ENJOY YOU PATROL IN THE LORDS KINGDOM,AND YOUR DUTY TO GUARD THE GATES OF HEAVEN .

GODSPEED AND GOOD LUCK
WE WILL ALL MEET YOU AT THE GATES WHEN WE GET THERE!

ASHLEY HOPSON

ASHLEY HOPSON

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Patrolman Hartzell.

While many of us in law enforcment wear different colored uniforms, we all share a common goal. We protect society from the criminal element. Rest well my friend, those of us who remain will cover your place on the thin blue line.

Anonymous