Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Van Kuren,
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 Bradford County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

March 31, 2024

Remembering you and Deputy Burgert on this day of your ultimate sacrifice. Your law enforcement family will never, ever forget. God Speed.

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

March 31, 2022

I am visiting Towanda and recently learned of Deputy Van Kuren's death in 2004. I am very sad to know this and am sending my condolences to the family of Michael Van Kuren. We are related but probably very distantly. My grandparents were Harry A. and Ethlyn Van Kuren who lived in Bradford County the entire lives; my father was Aubrey H. Van Kuren and my mother was Anita G. Van Kuren. I took a photo of the beautiful memorial tribute in the City of Towanda.

Jane Vankuren
relative

August 9, 2018

I never met you. I am very honored to receive the DT award that is in your memory from the sheriffs academy. Your legacy lives on. Thank you for your service brother. RIP

Deputy Luis Santiago
Lancaster County Sheriff's Office

September 8, 2013

RIP Sir, a Hero you were

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

March 31, 2012

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge - Proverbs 14:32.

Heroes are never forgotten. My heart aches for your children and all you will miss in their lives.

RIP brother.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

March 31, 2011

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 31, 2010

Sheriff Michael Kuren, you are remembered today and everyday. I thank you brother for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, the pain of the loss will never be forgotten. God Bless you and your family.

Detective M. Marks
Pittsburgh Police Department

February 3, 2010

You have not been forgotten. Thinking of you and all of your loved ones and close friends on this day. Continue to keep watch over all of them and also those still out on patrol.

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

March 31, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 5th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 31, 2009

Thinking of your loved ones today and everyday. I know the daily struggles they face without you and the terrible pain within their hearts. God, wrap your loving arms around them and help them with their grief and let them feel your presence.
Your sacrifice has not been forgotten.

Brenda Lucas
Mother of Chief Anthony D. Lucas, EOW 2-4-2005

March 31, 2009

The 3rd year we have been involved in the benefit 5k is approaching. I never knew who you were prior to that; now I think of you and Chris often. I hope time has eased your families pain. The tears never go away; hopefully just less frequent. May God keep your families safe.

The Sperr Family

March 5, 2009

You are not forgotten.RIP.

Anonymous

October 7, 2008

just checking in and seeing how everyone is doing.
i was thing about mike and chris today, i wanted elane
to know i wrote a song about mike and chris,its sad but it
pretty much get's to the point how we all felt when our
friends mike and chris died. i wish you the best, oh ken has the song if you want it,ok!
your friend always
randi

Randi Hade
just someone who cares

September 18, 2008

this is kind of funny, when i went to the court house and got pfa's on my ex-husband for reason's
id walk in the sheriff department and mike would get out of that chair like a spring in is bute, he was a sweetheart.
that anyone could like.
i wish his family,friends, and the sheriffs the best, we all miss boh of them.
yours truely
Randi hade

Randi Hade
friend

July 3, 2008

Thankyou for your service and sacrifice, you are a true hero for us all to look up too. GOD bless your family

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

April 18, 2008

hey mike just wanted to say we miss ualot.wish this day would never come but cant stop it.god bless u mike keep awatch over your family.afriend from troy denise

March 31, 2008

The four year mark has arrived and for some it seems like yesterday and for others it has felt like a lifetime since they heard your voice, saw your smile and felt your warm touch. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and protect them from harm and also watch over those still out on patrol guarding over the Thin Blue Line. You are a true hero.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

March 30, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE, GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSE THAT LOVE YOU

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 28, 2008

hey mike just wanted to say hi i know its been awhile .but i know u are in good hands .u have chris with u. cant beleave fours years next month.u just keep watching over your family we miss u god bless u. afriend from troy pa denise

February 13, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 15, 2008

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family... Rest in peace brother.

Sgt. Chad Aldenderfer
Jersey Shore Borough Police Dept.

April 24, 2007

DEPUTY VAN KUREN,YOU SIR, WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION. CONTINUE TO KEEP WATCH OVER US.

NC LEO
WINSTON-SALEM PD

March 31, 2007

Mike,

An Officer who knew you two is now working for Gates PD. He started a race to honor the two of you. This year he has added to the race another fallen officer; AJ Sperr. He works so hard at ensuring all fallen officers are remembered and speaks highly of you two as well as AJ. Please know, we are here for him, as well as your family including the rest of your family in blue.

God Bless,

Ellen Guerdat
VP WNY Concerns of Police Survivors

Ellen Guerdat
VP WNY COPS

March 31, 2007

Remembering you today and everyday.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

March 31, 2007