Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mike,

I forgot to tell you before that I received an email from one of your favorite actors, Joe Mantegna. I know you liked him because he grew up in Cicero. Anyway, he has been a big supporter in getting the Chicago Police Memorial and Park built and has supported our family since we lost you. Never in a million years would I believe that I could pick up the phone and call him or email him or when your brother was in California that he could meet him and have lunch. He's a wonderful man and loves the police. Heres what his email said when I thanked him for his support:

"Your son is one of a legion of heroes who have dedicated their lives in service to others. I'm proud to have been from the same area as your family."
All the best,
Joe Mantegna

What a great tribute to you and all the other fallen heroes across this country. Your brother John gave him one of your wrist bands and I gave him one of your picture buttons and the Riverside puter pin which he has placed with honor into a display case in his home in California. What a great man who remembers fallen heroes.

The True Blue Awards Night is fast approaching and I hope it is a success so that we can begin distribuing funds from your foundation to the charities we support in your name and the college scholarship that has been established. We are keeping your memory alive and you will never be forgotten. We all love and miss you and think of you every day. Keep watch over the family and especially the kids and all the guys down at 11 who are guarding the Thin Blue Line.

Love,

Dad

October 2, 2006

“Love is not written on paper, for paper can be erased. Nor is it etched on stone, for stone can be broken. But it is inscribed on a heart and there it shall remain forever.”

Happy Anniversary Mike and Guin.

"We're getting married; and him and him and him..."

October 1, 2006

Bless you and your family, you are missed!

P.P.O
CPD 011

October 1, 2006

Dear Mr. Gordon -- I visited the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in DC today as it was my brother's would have been seventy-fifth birthday as well as the feast day of St. Michael the Archangel, patron saint of law enforcement officers.

I went to Panel 29 East 24 and placed a flower and said a prayer for your son from both of us. In the future anytime I visit the Memorial in remembrance of my brother I will also remember to view Michael's name and say a prayer for him as well. I know how much you miss him...

I will keep Michael, you and your family in my prayers.

God Bless you.

Anita L. Culosi
sister of NYS Tpr. S. J. Embarrato eow 7/6/61

September 29, 2006

This hero will never be forgotten. God bless the family.


Mother of sheriff in Ca.

September 24, 2006

Hi Mike,

Just rolled in from Galena where we spent the weekend. Went into town to see the old haunts where I use to take you guys in scouts. The campground is still there but getting crowded out with new building. The farm next to the campgrounds where you would all sneak off to in the middle of the night to go "Cow Tipping" is now a brand new Super Walmart. You guys didn't think I knew you would sneak off and do that did you? I always would worry that one night there would be a bull in that field as you city boys wouldn't know a bull from a cow. Sort of was bitter sweet going there as I have a lot of great memories associated with the town and all the camping we did there over the years for the yearly Grant Pilgrimage. I still like how you guys would go to Traders Square which was meant for trading patches and you would trade the Trail Hike answers with the Cub Scouts. The trail that took all day to hike and complete, you guys would get the answers that where along the trail hike, in about an hour. You guys would tell me it was okay to do as you were trading in Traders Square. Again, many memories, great ones, thank you for those memories. Miss and love you terribly, watch over the little ones for me.

Love,

Dad

September 24, 2006

Chicago PD Memorial - Candle Light Ceremony & Dedication

Mike,

Last night was the Candle Light ceremony. There are estimates that 8,000 attended. I have to say that this memorial is probably the best in the Nation. Allot of planning and work went into getting it built and all done with donations from Officers, citizens and corporate sponsors at a cost of $3.5 million. Ran into a number of your friends there and we are greatful that they remember you. You have a total of 7 brick pavers in front of the main waterfall, 4 from our family and 3 from the 11th District and I want to thank Andy for collecting donations for those and for all those officers that donated from the 11th District. I thanked the Superintendant for spear heading this endeavor and getting this memorial built, the 520 names on the walls deserve that much. All the names were read off by readers, the Chicago Emerald Society played Balmoral and Amazing Grace, dueling buglars played taps and there was the 21 gun salute. Some of the Chicago skyscrapers had their lights on in a checkerboard pattern and one even had a blue light shining up into the night sky. Very nice ceremony. I was sitting in my chair and heard a familiar voice behind me, turned around and it was Dennis Farina, he was there to read some of the names and is a big backer of this project. Well, you take care, we all love and miss you. Please watch over everyone for me and say hi to Gramma & Grampa Gordon for me. You have not been forgotten.

Love,

Dad

September 19, 2006

Hi Michael,

We went to the dedication ceremony last night at the Gold Star Families Memorial & Park to honor you and all the fallen officers that have been tragically lost. The memorial & park are beautiful. CPD & all involved did a great job. It was very difficult for me to look at your name on the wall. I found your name almost immediately and the tears just began to stream down my face. I miss you very much. Please continue to watch over your family and all of us that love & miss you.

Sheryl

Sheryl Palermo
Riverside PD

September 19, 2006

Michael, I just got back with my family from the Chicago Police Memorial . It was a big turnout . You will never be forgotten. We lit our candles in your memory. Rest in peace.

CHGOPDWIFE

September 18, 2006

Flash,
The dedication to the memorial was tonight and you would be proud!! It was beautiful and a very humbling experience.

Karla-CPD

September 18, 2006

Hi Mike,

Thought I'd drop in and leave a reflections. This is sort of my way of journaling I guess. Grace was here a few weeks ago and she is really getting to be a big girl. Bob stopped over with little Nicki and the girls really played nice together. Cullen & Malik are going gangbusters in soccer. This is their first year so they will learn the rules and sportsmanship. I can always find Cullen as he stands with his hands on his hips just like you use to do. Me, Mom and John and little John were at the opening of the Chicago Memorial last Tuesday. It poured rain so me and Mom didn't stick around to hear the politicions give their speeches. The park and memorial came out beautiful and is a real tribune to you and all the others whose names appear on the walls. There is a water fall with a background behind it of the famous checkerboard as worn on your hats made out of stainless steel. Monday night is the Candle Light Vigil and they are expecting over 1,000 people. I wouldn't be going if it wasn't to honor you. Once all the newness dies down, I think I'd like to go when it's quiet (Not during a Bears Game as it's right behind Soldiers Field) and pay a quiet visit where I can sit and relfect. It hasn't been easy for any of us without you so please keep watch over everyone for me as a parents biggest fear after losing one child is losing another or a grandchild. I know other parents who walk in my shoes know what I'm feeling. Take care, you have not been forgotten and I'm sure I will see many of your friends Monday night. We all love and miss you.

Love,

Dad

September 16, 2006

Never forgotten. Thanks for your service and please continue to watch over us down here.

OFC
Fairfax County PD, Virginia

September 15, 2006

As I sit hear listening to Etta James “At Last Love Comes Along”, and all I can do is think of the day of your funeral. I never knew Mike in life but the emotion that I could feel that day listening to his funeral was profound. It happened that my son and I were just taking a walk when we came upon street after street of squad cars. Allowing my son to admire them was a treat until I realized why they were all lined up. Funny thing is that day gave a five year old respect for a profession that so many times goes unseen by the youth. He watched in silence for over an hour, watching every movement and comprehending the entire situation. When the music came on and your family left the church, my eyes welled up and he told me what I have told him time and time again. “They will be ok Mommy, they have another angel to look over them”.

I only ran across this site a couple of months ago and I never would have expected to be as emotional as I have been reading many of the memories and wonderful words of supports so many have given. To Mike’s family, you are truly remarkable. So many times tragedy pulls a family apart. But it seems like you have worked at keeping it together. Hopeful others will take your lead. My son has told me many times that he plan on serving his country. Though it scares me, I can only home he makes me as proud as your children have made you. You are truly blessed.

RG
Cicero Resident

September 13, 2006

Dear Bob,

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a reflection for my brother on his site on the anniversary of his untimely death. As you also know, gestures such as that mean so much to me and the rest of Conrad's family. Although time has passed, our pain is still there, but yet our pride for, memories of, and (most of all) our love for our fallen officers live on. Michael is indeed a hero and made a difference in his community and, therefore, all of our world for the better. I will remember Michael especially on August 8 and for his fine work as a police officer. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers, and I will especially pray for the continued safety of the LEOs in your family. May you and your family continue with your healing, and thank you again for your kind words remembering and honoring my brother. Please take care, and be careful out there.

Sincerely,
Charmaine S. Gernale

Charmaine S. Gernale
Sister of Officer Conrad S. Gernale, EOW 9/6/02

September 7, 2006

Mr. Gordon, I am in tears as I have just read the beautiful poem you wrote to your son Michael-"I Will Remember You". As Cleveland has buried another young officer this week, I have just recently been introduced to this wonderful website. I am captivated, and feel as though I have found many long, lost members of my family. My dad spent 48 yrs. w/ the Cleveland PD, and now my son is a Deputy Sheriff here, making it 4 generations of
LEO's in our family. I still feel lost without my beloved Father, who died when I was just 20. The thought of losing my only son is so overwhelming that I truly don't know how you carry on. Of course only God's grace carries any of us on, but I think you know what I mean. Please think of my son, David,as he follows the family legacy of serving and protecting Cuyahoga County, as I will remember your hero, Michael.---Joanie

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddaughter of LEO's

September 7, 2006

Your in our prayers always. To the Gordon family stay strong and God bless you.

Mike
CPD

September 2, 2006

Malik and Cullen are now playing soccer and last night they both joined Cub Scouts. Guess I'll have to get out all the camping gear and air it out as it looks like I'm getting involved in scouting again. After your death I more or less lost interest in scouting, after giving it 23 years, 18 years as an adult leader. It gave me some great stories though. To this day people can not believe you are an Eagle Scout. I say, ARE, because once an Eagle Scout, always one. I know you use to always remind me of the "Mr. Scoutmaster, Mr. Scoutmaster!" story and bust my stones with it. I can't repeat it here as I would be barred for life from writing at this site. People will just have to ask me about it in person when they see me. Or the time you guys all took off on me at summer camp late one night to pull off one of your night time ninja raids. I stopped on the trail in the middle of no where and one of you jumped up all dressed in black and I almost had a heart attack. Great memories that I will have for as long as I walk this earth and those are only two of the many. I will keep you up on the boys and soccer, Malik's team won their first game and he even got to play goalie and stopped a shot, great play. Take care, talk to you soon, keep watch over all the kids for me.

Love,

Dad

September 1, 2006

TO THE FAMILY, FRIENDS AND CO-WORKERS OF OFFICER GORDON:
YOU CAN BE SO VERY PROUD OF HIM.
HE WAS "CALLED" TO THIS PROFESSION AND HE ANSWERED THE CALL WITH A STRONG COMMITTMENT TO PROTECT THOSE HE SERVED.
WE WILL ALWAYS MISS THEM AND THINK OF THE DAYS THEY WERE WITH US AND REMEMBER WHAT JOY THEY BROUGHT TO US.
THE ANNIVERSARY AND HOLIDAYS ARE THE HARDEST TO COPE WITH, BUT ONE DAY WE WILL REMEMBER THE GOOD THINGS THAT HAPPENED ON THOSE DAYS.
MICHAEL WAS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF THE VERUS'S IN JOHN 15: 12 & 13: (JESUS WAS SPEAKING OF HIS OWN IMPENDING DEATH BUT HE ALSO KNEW THAT OTHERS WOULD ALSO GIVE THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR FRIENDS.) "THIS IS MY COMMANDMENT THAT YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU. GREATER LOVE HAS NO ONE THAN THIS , THAN TO LAY DOWN ONE'S LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS."
I AM THANKFUL THAT WE HAVE THESE HERO'S THAT GO OUT EVERY DAY WITH A COMMITTMENT TO PROTECT US. BUT IT IS SO HARD TO GIVE THEM UP WHEN THEY HAVE GIVEN THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE, THEIR LIFE.
GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY HE CONTINUE TO GIVE THE COMFORT AND STRENGHT THAT YOU NEED TO MEET EACH DAY.

LORRAINE BOND (MOTHER)
HAMILTON CO. TN. SHERIFF DEPUTY:
DONALD K. BOND, JR.
EOW: 09.06.01

August 31, 2006

Dear Mr. Gordon, thank you for the reflection you left on my husband's (Officer Emilio Miyares)page, you are so right Hero's never die, and our loved ones will never died not only because they were and are Hero's but they still live in our hearts and minds.

God Bless you

Terry Miyares, surviving spouse
Officer Emilio Miyares, Hialeah PD, Fl 11/6/86

August 30, 2006

Just wanted to stop by today, like your father, to tell you that you will never be forgotten. You like all the Officers who gave their lives in the Line of Duty will live on in their families hearts for every. Your family like our family and the families of all the Officers here, have been connected in a way that will bond us for the rest of our lives. We will never forget the sacrifice any of you gave the day that God called you home. Michael just watch over your family and your brothers and sister in blue, and tell Clint that we miss and love him everyday.

Bob, thanks for the reflection you left on my sons site, you were right on target when you said that I would have taken Clint's place that day, and I know that you would have done the same for Michael. I know one day we will see them again, but until then we have to make the most of our lives, and I'm trying. I have three blue candles in my windows that stays lit at night for all the Officers that have given their lives in the Line of Duty and one for Officer currently pratrolling the streets, and one for Clint. So I just wanted you to know that Officer Michael Gordon is thought about here in Ft. Walton Beach, Fl. and will never be forgotten.

Connie Barker Fort Walton Beach, Fl
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04 Prattville, Al

August 30, 2006

Mr Gordon

Michael will live in your heart forever....He is a true HERO and will never be forgotten.
They are our angels in blue looking over us and protecting us from above.

sister of LAPD Officer Ricardo Lizarraga EOW 2/20/04

August 26, 2006

Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.
- G. Randolf

I miss you my friend,
India

India S. Gordon

August 24, 2006

Mr. Gordon:

It's true-you do touch many people's lives. As a police wife, reading your reflections and seeing how much you lost makes me appreciate my husband more. It's sad that such tragedies have to happen in order for people to realize how short life can be. I just want to let you know that because of you and your son I am not going to wait for something to happen to realize what I have every day. Your words have made my outlook on life so much better and I know that my children and husband would thank you if they knew what the reason was. Your son will not be forgotten , I look at his page everyday. God Bless you and your family Mr. Gordon.

CHICAGO POLICE WIFE

August 23, 2006

To Michael....I check this page everyday...looking for new heros...finding comfort in the words that people say....One name shows up all the time, on every page...that is your dad! I just wanted you to know how amazing it is that through all his grieving and loss, he reaches out to others to know they are not alone....I have read the reflections on your page, and I see how much he touches everyones lives...I know you are proud of him!

To Mr Gordon....thank you for your support...I dont know if you realize it or not, Bob, but your words mean so much to survivors like me....The reminder that we are not alone....the encouragement to hold our heads up high and continue on....from the bottom of my heart, I thank you!!

know that your son will be remembered by me, as will you!!

Thank you again...much love, Chrissy

Chrissy Henley, surviving spouse
Ptlm William A Henley, eow 3/19/05

August 22, 2006

To the Family Of Micheal P. Gordon, My Thoughts and prayers are with your family. May God Bless you and keep your memories vivid of Micheal. Thank you so much for thinking of my daughter LaToya. You realy touched my heart at a time when I needed lifting. Thank You. Linda B. Johnson, Mother of Fallen Police Officer LaToya N. Johnson EOW 8/9/2004 NOPD.

August 22, 2006