Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Denise,

I think of you often, more so over the last few weeks. It's hard for me to fathum that three years have passed. Three years ago I learned your husbands name, saw his picture and learned of his passing. His is a face and a story that will remain with me for the rest of my life. Many officers memorials have touched my heart, but it is because we "share" June 5th, 2004 that Michael, you, your family and his department will forever be a part of me. I will think of you as I raise my light to the heavens at our candle light vigil in June, and I will extend a special prayer that you may find continued strength and peace in your life.

Sent with much love and respect,

Kathy G
911 Dispatcher

Friend of Mark Sawyers EOW 6-5-04
Sterling Heights PD, Michigan

May 25, 2007

Mike,
I can't believe that 3 years is approaching. We have attended so many events in your honor. Bill just celebrated his 40th birthday. I wanted you to call him and give him a hard time. I know that you were loving every minute of this monumental birthday! We miss you so much. I still have to concince myself that you are not here. We spent the evening at another event for the Wise Foundation. Your daughter gave me a wonderful hug and kiss. She is the bright spot that keeps us going. We love you man! I had a piece of pizza tonight in your honor!

We love you!

Jen
Cousin

May 19, 2007

Hello officer Mike,

boy do I miss saying that to you. It's good you had a wife that loved me.. The "special way I said that and all". Just been thinking about you this week. I went with Denise to a memorial on the court house steps on Monday.. She asked me to go with her and I said " sure". It was very nice of them to mention you, and they gave Denise a rose. She did well, can't expect her to do any better then that. I think she will cry for you for the next 60 years. You were her true love. And you were so great together.
She is dealing with a ton of emotions this month, but she is so strong.. You would be so impressed with her!!! I am going to keep watching over her and Kendall and helping out where ever I can.. But you will be able to do it best from where you are.
We all love and miss you... Glad I came here today to see your face.
xoxox
Marsha

Marsha VanOverbeke/neighbor and friend

May 18, 2007

Denise,
You and Kendall and all of your family are in my thoughts this week (as always). I visited Mike's name at the memorial in DC on Sunday and I still can't believe its been almost three years. You are so amazing and so strong. And remember that you will always have the support of many, many people, even those of us you don't know.

Nancy

Nancy Bubbenmoyer
Former Dispatcher, Wyomissing Police

May 16, 2007

Dear Mike, It has taken me almost 3 years to do this. My memories of you are different from most. When you were a young lad I worked as a PO in North Cornwall Twp. where you and your parents lived. Of course I knew your dad from the job, so when I was cruising through I would stop to visit. You could not wait for me to get out of the car so you could sit in it and play with lights, and the siren if I didn't catch you in time. It was hard for me to believe what happened that night 3 years ago. I see your dad at work sometimes and other places, he is doing pretty good. I just did Law Ride in DC on Sunday in your honor again and made my visit to your place on the wall. Went to see Scott's too, he is across from you. Getting ready for the motorcycle ride again, so we will be seeing all your friends again. See you on June 3.

Dave Sherrid, Chief(Retired)
Pine Grove PD

May 15, 2007

Well, it's National Peace Officers' Memorial Day and we've all been thinking of you. You were mentioned at a ceremony honoring fallen officers in Lebanon City yesterday and they gave me a flower. It was very nice of them to honor you along with their department's fallen officers. It means so much to me that you are remembered.

The upcoming weeks will be tough but I'm chugging along. There are so many memories of our last days together and Police Week seems to bring them all back. The events of 2004 leading up to your death seem so clear: first week of May I found out I was pregnant; that previous weekend we had taken Kendall out on the boat; May 18 you bought the Jetta for your commute to Reading; May 18 was also the miscarriage; May 22 Julie and Matt got married; Memorial Day weekend we were at the Bay house with Matt and Erica; June 5, you died. I try so hard not to focus on our last weeks but it's impossible. We had no idea they would be our last weeks together.

Love you, miss you.

Denise L. Wise
Widow, Michael H. Wise, II EOW 6/5/04

May 15, 2007

DEAR DENISE AND KENDALL, YOU DO NOT KNOW ME BUT I HAVE BEEN TO EVERY RIDE FOR WISE SINCE THEY BEGAN. I ALWAYS STAND AT 422 AT HARDEES IN THE GRASS STRIP BETWEEN THE HIGHWAY. ME AND MY HUSBAND AND DAUGHTER HAVE BEEN DOING THIS SINCE THE FIRST RIDE. WE DO IT TO HONER MIKE YOU AND KENDALL.YOU SEE MY HUSBAND COUSIN IS A STATE TROOPER AT JONESTOWN AND WE KNOW THE DANGERS THAT COULD HAPPEN TO HIM.WE PRAY FOR YOU AND KENDALL THAT ONE DAY THINGS WILL BE A LITTLE BRIGHTER.WE WILL ALWAYS STAND ON THAT GRASS BETWWEN HARDEES AND THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY EVERY YEAR TO HONER MIKE YOU AND KENDALL BECAUSE THATS WHAT TRUE POLICE FAMILYS DO.I HOPE ONE DAY KENDALL WILL KNOW WHAT A BRAVE MAN HER DADDY WAS.GOD BLESS BOTH YOU AND KENDALL AND I WILL SEE YOU PASS BY ME ON THE NEXT RIDE FOR WISE I WILL BE STANDING THERE ON THE GRASS TO HONER YOUR HUSBAND AND YOU AND KENDALL.GOD BLESS DENISE AND KENDALL.

cindy blatt

May 11, 2007

Well, we planted the "Daddy tree" this weekend and it looks beautiful. It has bright purple flowers on it and it really stands out in the yard. Kendall is very proud of her "Daddy tree" and she showed it to her new friends in the neighborhood who came to play with her yesterday.

Someone very close to us just lost a dog and it brought back memories of when I had to put Sierra down last summer. Give her a big hug for me. I miss you both so much.

Kendall is doing great in swimming lessons. She's very brave and loves the water. She can't wait until Debbie and Tiffany open their pools. She starts Kindergarten in the Fall and is very excited. She also wants to try karate and soccer. She's definitely our little extrovert!

Police Week is fast-approaching so we'll be attending various local events to honor fallen officers. These ceremonies don't get any easier and they still take a toll on all of us but we feel like we should go. I'm still not brave enough to attend the ceremonies again in Washington, DC but someday I hope to return. It's just too much. When Kendall is old enough to understand I'd like to show her your name on the wall. Until then, I'll try to answer her many questions. As she gets older I think she's really trying to figure this all out. Yesterday she asked me where you are. I told her that you are in Heaven. Since she knows about your grave she asked me what is in the ground. I told her that your body is in the ground. Your soul and your being are in Heaven but your shell is still here on Earth. I told her that our bodies are just the place where we live for a while. I have no idea if she can grasp that concept but I want to be as honest as I can without scaring the crap out of her. I still go to your grave and have to talk myself out of thinking about what is in the ground. I hate knowing that your body is there and I refuse to even step on that spot. I always sit on my side of the plot.

Most of the Pittsburgh gang is coming in for the golf outing and the ride. Rob will not be here for the golf outing and I'm really bummed. Things are changing so we'll see how it goes for future events. Hopefully this will be the only year he misses. I still haven't decided if I'm going to ride my own motorcycle for the ride. I can't believe it will be three years since you died.

Love you. Miss you.

Denise L. Wise
Widow, Michael H. Wise, II EOW 6/5/04

May 2, 2007

Kendall, I know you are too young to read this now but one day you will get to see it. Everytime I hear this song, I think of kids like you who have lost a parent. I can't begin to imagine what that is like and I wish you didn't have to know either. Your dad was a great guy. He was always nice, he had a great smile that would just light up a room. I didn't know him long but he made an impression on me. I think of him, you, and your mom often and wish things could be different for all of you. This song was written about a mom who passed away and the dad is telling his daughter that she's still there and she's always watching. In your case, it is your dad who will always be there and watching over you. He may not be here physically with you anymore but his spirit will be. You will be able to talk to him anytime you want. He will be the sunshine that peaks through when you are having a bad day. He will be the beautiful flower that blooms at the beginning of spring. He will be all the wonderful things that you love in life and that will come to mean the most to you. I wish you the best and I know you will grow into a beautiful young woman. Take care.



One day shy of eight years old,
When grandma passed away.
I was a broken hearted little boy,
Blowing out that birthday cake.
How I cried when the sky let go,
With a cold lonesome rain.
My mom smiled, said: "Don't be sad child.
"Grandma's watching you today."

"'Cos there's holes in the floor of Heaven,
"And her tears are pouring down.
"That's how you know she's watching,
"Wishing she could be here now.
"An' sometimes if you're lonely,
"Just remember she can see.
"There's holes in the floor of Heaven
"And she's watching over you and me."

Seasons come and seasons go,
Nothing stays the same.
I grew up, fell in love,
Met a girl who took my name.
Year by year, we made a life,
In this sleepy little town.
I thought we'd grow old together,
Lord, I sure do miss her now.

But there's holes in the floor of Heaven,
And her tears are pouring down.
That's how I know she's watching,
Wishing she could be here now.
An' sometimes when I'm lonely,
I remember she can see.
There's holes in the floor of Heaven,
And she's watching over you and me.

Well my little girl is 23,
I walk her down the aisle.
It's a shame her Mom can't be here now,
To see her lovely smile.
They throw the rice, I catch her eye,
As the rain starts coming down.
She takes my hand; says: "Daddy don't be sad,
'Cos I know Mama's watching now."

"And there's holes in the floor of Heaven
"And her tears are pouring down.
"That's how you know she's watching,
"Wishing she could be here now.
"An' sometimes when I'm lonely,
"I just remember she can see.
"Yes, there's holes in the floor of Heaven,
"And she's watching over you and me."

Watching over you and me.

Watching over you and me.

Watching over you and me.

April 28, 2007

When one of us bleeds, we all hurt. Police week 2007 is approaching. Your sacrifice will be remembered in my prayers.

P/O Joseph Leighthardt
Philadelphia Police Department

April 28, 2007

Hi Denise. I have tried to get in touch with you to check on you and see how you are but I must have an old email address. Please get in touch with me, I want to know how you and Kendall are doing. I check Mike's site often but Id like to still keep in touch. Miss talkin to you. Love Denise

Denise Zimmerman
Wife of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman

April 27, 2007

Mike,

I'm not very good at typing my feelings. I come here often, read the reflections and think about you. But I never know what to say. I will never foget that horrible night that I left a call and raced to St. Joseph Hospital to be the first one there. I didn't know what to do or how I could help. Then,the Capt. gave my one of the hardest jobs in my 7 yrs. of service, to go get Denise. I was honored to do it but at the same time horrified. I didn't know you very well but I didn't know Denise at all. Every police officer's wife has that nightmare of a police officer showing up at their front door and that nightmare was "ME". I think of you, Denise and Kendall often and will never forget that awful night. Then 2 years later it happened again. This time to Scotty. We went through the academy together and were very close friends. It still makes me cry everytime I think of either of you. It hurts the same because I miss you both so much and feel for your families. I try to stay in touch with Trish and the boys to help them through this all. I wish I could reach out to Denise but I don't want to keep reminding her of that awfull night. I know the first time she saw me was the worse night of her life and I don't want her to have to relive that everytime she sees me. I just want Denise and Kendall to know that they are always in my thoughts. You will never be forgotten and I respect your courgage. I don't know how I have had the strength to go on after loosing two of my fellow officers. You both are truly heros.

Officer Stacie Courtesis
Reading Police Dept.

April 24, 2007

Looking forward to "The ride for Wise"
First sunday in June
A yearly "must do"
Bill Huhn
Pittsburgh Police

William Huhn
City of Pittsburgh Police

April 22, 2007

dear Denise , as i sit here and try to console myself just enough to leave you this message i pray that it will help you to become whole again . my fiance died before we ever got the chance to share a home together , i lost 3 fellow officers in one day 12 days after you lost Mike , then 2 yrs. later i lost a very dear friend also a fellow officer , who retired and went to another police dept. and was killed in the line of duty , so to a certain extent i know your pain . many say those words , but until they have had to live each day as we do they really don't have a clue . Denise , for some reason i've read several of your entries and i know that GOD has HIS loving arms of protection around you and Kendall . there is so much He has in store for your life and i know you think that your life is over inside ... it's not!!!!...i have so much more to share with you , i don't know how yet , but i will get in contact with you , possibly through Reading police dept. stay strong and know that Kendall is just as strong as Mike , may GOD continue to be your stronghold as you find your way back to you... officer Wise thank you for sharing the thin blue with me and answering the call...rest in peace dear brother you will never be forgotten...

officer val pickens
b'ham p.d./b'ham,al

April 12, 2007

Officer Wise, your family and friends are in my prayers. R.I.P. You will never be forgotten.

Deputy M. Reed
EPSO (Colorado)

April 10, 2007

I will be riding in your honor in this years Police Unity Tour. God Bless you.

Chief Sabagh

Chief David Sabagh
Montclair Police Dept

April 10, 2007

Dear Denise,

I come to this page often to see all the wonderful things people write about Mike.

Your last post broke my heart.
I also saw the news clip of the father surprising his son at school and I sat and cried.....

Just want to say....LOVE YOU, MEAN IT.

Hope to see you soon.....Lisa

Lisa

April 9, 2007

Mike,

Just got back from hockey night. The Bears pounded Norfolk 6-1. Josh got to experience his first hockey night and he enjoyed it. I think he ate everything available and he cheered during the multiple fights. Mitch was crazy as usual. He is a riot. Bill made Matt and Mitch share a slushie. I told him he was cheap. Eddie, Brad, BJ and their friends are picking up the slack for us old guys in the drinking department. The rest of us are feeling our age and recovery time takes days instead of hours. Scott was telling me about the academy. Sounds like things are going pretty well. He really should be telling you and I shouldn't be sitting here typing you a message but unfortunately life isn't fair. I will be heading up to deer camp with the guys to take our kids fishing. I will drink a lager or two for you. Bill will finally drink the last Bud Light from deer camp 2005. He likes to savor them. Well, time to call it a night. Keep watching over us all. Send your mom a message some time. She is still waiting to hear from you. Love you and miss you. Also - Happy Birthday. I tried to send a message last Sunday but it didn't work. I guess April Fool's on me. Peace.

Chris
Cousin

April 7, 2007

Kendall has been talking about you a lot lately and telling me that she misses you. I finished her "Daddy Wall" in her bedroom and she kisses your pictures.

Yesterday we were watching the TODAY Show and they did a story about an Iraq soldier surprising his kindergarten-aged son in school. The look on the boy's face was heart-wrenching as he ran into his daddy's arms. Kendall looked at me and said, "I don't get to see my daddy" and she put her head down on the table and cried. Yes, she cried. I scooped her up and held her tight as I cried myself. I stood in the kitchen and we just cried and hugged. I told her that you love her very much and that you would be here with her if you could. It's so unfair. She's really starting to realize what it is to not have you. Her friends have a daddy but she doesn't. Ugh. We miss you.

Oh, and Happy Birthday. We spent that day at Julie's. We ate steak and cake and thought of you.

xoxox
I love you.

Denise L. Wise
Widow, Michael H. Wise, II EOW 6/5/04

April 7, 2007

Officer Wise,
Thinking of you today, and of the sacrifice you made for our community. The family that stood behind you and continues to today will forever be in the hearts of Pennsylvanians.

Lehigh Valley citizen

April 1, 2007

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday Dear Mike
Happy Birthday to you
WE still love and miss you like crazy
You are in our thoughts always!!
You will NEVER be forgotten.
The VanOverbeke's

Marsha
Friend and neighbor

April 1, 2007

It's sad to see such a young officer fall. God bless you and your family. You will be missed Brother. R.I.P. We have the watch from here.

Patrolman Jason Bell
Bangor Police Dept. - Pennsylvania

March 30, 2007

I wanted to stop at your page and leave a reflection to let you know that you are a hero and will never be forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones, protect them from harm. I probably brushed shoulders with your loved ones in Washington, DC in 2005, but I'm sure, like me, we were all in a daze. Continue to watch over those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. I salute you and your family.

Always in our Hearts
Always in Our Words
Forever Young
Forever Blue
Our Guardian Angel

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

March 24, 2007

I came across the following in a book I'm reading, "Love You, Mean It." It made me think of you.

"To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded."

You touched so many lives and made them better. Thank you. We love you.

Denise L. Wise
Widow, Michael H. Wise, II EOW 6/5/04

March 23, 2007

To Michael's family:
Just want you to know that there are lots of support and prayers always. I met Mike when we worked in Pittsburgh-I was a social worker in an ER at Mercy and AGH. I'm sure many have told you this but Mike was truly a wonderful person. Always with a smile on, too! Being married to someone in law enforcement now, I only hope you find the love and strength from a unique group of officers who really do stick together and support not only one another but their families as well. The website is beautiful and what a fantastic tribute. God bless, DG

Donna Gano
friend

March 21, 2007