Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

MIKE,
YOUR PARENTS LEFT ME SEVERAL ITEMS HERE AT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WHEN THEY STOPPED BY ON THE WAY HOME.I CAN TELL THEY ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU.I WILL PROUDLY DISPLAY EACH ONE IN HONOR OF WHAT I CONSIDER TO BE A FRIEND THAT I JUST NEVER HAD THE FORTUNE TO MEET.REST IN PEACE BROTHER..SAY HI TO JEFF.

LT.CHUCK LONG
BUNCOMBE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

April 6, 2006

Hey Mike,

Long time since I've left a reflection but I try to stop by once a week or so and read what other people have to say about you. Things are going pretty well down here, school is winding down, only 2 semesters left then an internship, so pretty soon it's going to be me doing all the police testing and finding out where I'm going to spend 40+ hours of my week. I'll bet it seems like yesterday to your dad that you were doing the same. As always, keep an eye on your family, they love and miss you tons.

Brian

P.S. If you get any free time, feel free to help the Cubs out, they'll probably need an extra arm or two.

Brian

April 6, 2006

Hey Mike...I just wanted to stop by and tell you I met your Mom & Dad last week at my Sheriff's Office. WOW, are they ever proud of you! After talking with them it is easy to see why. My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family. Your mom gave me a few of magnets that go on vehicles. I have put one in my patrol car. Now I hope to have both you and Jeff looking out for us as we continue this service to our community. Please wrap your arms around Jeff tonight, for it was two years ago today we lost him.
We will never forget the sacrafice you and your family have made to make this world a better place.
Thank You!

Amy
BCSD

April 4, 2006

Mike,

Today was Cullen's 7th birthday. He is a clone of you thats for sure. I can remember back 7 years ago when we got the phone call from you, the proud father letting us know that we were grandparents of a baby boy. We got back from Florida a few days ago, went down to see the Policeman's Hall of Fame in Titusville. Your name is there on the wall. The room where they have all the names engraved on marble walls is so quiet and peaceful. It's a beautiful place. I left my Chicago hat at the base of the panel where your name is engraved along with a Chicago and Riverside shoulder patch. I never dreamed in a million years that one of my sons would end up on police memorial walls and I know how you felt about officers paying the ultimate price because you would always attend the funerals of fallen officers. Well, take care, say hi to Sgt Hewitt for me as I know he's probably your partner. Give us some good weather on Saturday for the Cubs rooftop. They won their opener today, but so did the Sox last night. Love and miss you.

Love,

Dad

Dad

April 3, 2006

Mike,

Drove down to Chicago FOP Hdqtrs today to buy something in their store. It's really hard for me to go down there as I have to pass the hospital where they pronounced you and also the street you died on in the 11th Dist. I almost turned onto it to go down to the intersection but figured I shouldn't and continued on. Stopped in Riverside, even thats hard as I always check out the spot I took that picture of you with my new digital camera in May 2004 at the Riverside Police Memorial Day, the picture that everyone uses of you now. It's on more web sites, memorial plaques etc. Then I go into my old office where you and I would drink coffee and BS. I make sure I don't sit in your favorite spot that you would always use. There are good memories and then there are the bad as I've mentioned already. I'll be driving Mom down to the Policeman's Hall of Fame in Florida next week, we want to visit and see how it is. We think of you every day and always will, you have not been forgotten nor will you ever be. Oh, before I go, remember the sting you were involved in, Operation Double Play? I have a video of you on the news that day making an arrest and I stop actioned the video and printed a picture of you and the arrestee, a woman with her head down. Your son Cullen wanted to know what you were doing with "Michael Jackson." Some of the stuff that kid comes up with. But, I have to admit, sort of resembled Michael Jackson.

Love Dad

Bob Gordon

March 22, 2006

I often visit this site to read the stories of fallen officers. My father is a retired cpd and my husband is ccspd. Most people take for granted that they have no worries about their loved one making it home from work alive. I pray for you, your family and all the other fallen officers. I will think of you during the run to remember. Rest in peace.
Mr. Gordon, I love to read your letters to your son. He was lucky to have a loving and caring father. I am so sorry for you loss.

sheila

March 20, 2006

Hi Mike,

Your brother Bob just left, he helped me load and unload a giant jungle swing set I bought today. It was my income tax money, but what better way to spend it than for the grandkids. Money means nothing to us anymore, never really had any to worry about anyway. When we lost you our lives changed dramatically and will never be the same. Thats true for all the families on this site, each one has their own story of losing a hero such as yourself. Your niece Nicki turned one this month and we had the 1 year birthday party for her last weekend. Bob had your picture up on the bar with a shot of Jamison scoth sitting in front of you. When we were packing up to leave Mom went to get the picture and Bob told her she couldn't take the picture until someone downed the shot, so Mom did. You should have seen her face. I told her I wasn't going to do it so she did. Big brave me right? I was shocked she did it as she doesn't drink. But as she said, it was for you. Anywhere we go, any function we attend, you are always with us in our hearts and always will be as long as we are here on this earth. Take care, tell Jeff Hewitt happy birthday for us as today is his day. Look out for one another. We miss you and will nover forget you. Before I go, Riverside gave me a few of your DUI arrest tapes they were clearing out, I love the one where you are trying to speak with a drunk who only spoke Polish. We love you.

Love,

Dad

Dad

March 20, 2006

Mr. Gordon, this past weekend there was a DUI detail where I work. 9 people were arrested for DUI, my DUI arrests were all in the memory of your son.

officer who cares
pa

March 19, 2006

Just thinking of you today, and holding your memory in our hearts with love and honor.

Love,
Linda Rittenhouse
Matt's Mom

Linda Rittenhouse
Mother of Matthew Rittenhouse E.O.W. 9/16/04

March 19, 2006

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

-May the light of heaven shine on your grave-

We miss you,

India, Malik, and Cullen

India, Malik, and Cullen Gordon

March 17, 2006

Hi Michael,

Happy St Patrick's Day!! I really miss you alot Michael and I hope you know that you are in my thoughts every day. Please keep watch over all that love you.

Love,
Sheryl

Sheryl Palermo
Riverside PD

March 17, 2006

Happy St. Patty's Day Mike,

Your favorite day of the year is hear. You sure loved being Irish. Did you know that originally I wanted the name Sean Patrick, but Mom won out with Michael. Every day is a real challenge for all of us without you. I think of you every morning waiting for your call to hear that phrase, "Ya Dad, whacha doin." Yesterday I was backing out of the driveway and a silver colored Jeep, exactly like yours was coming down the street but it just kept on going past the house. You know I thought of you coming over for one of your visits after court in the City. The Cubs Rooftop is coming on April 8th, Cubs will be playing the Cards so look down on the Cubs and also give us a nice day so the game gets in. Keep watch over everyone for me, especially the kids, Mom and Guin and your brothers. I keep hanging in there and take one day at a time, thats about all I can do. There are no words that can express how we feel and how much we miss you. You are remembered every hour of every day and will always be in our hearts. You will never be forgotten. Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Love,

Dad & Mom

Dad

March 15, 2006

Gordo,
Just thinking about you and missing you - I owe you a chipotle burrito when we meet again. God Bless - Thanks for the memories.

Po-Po
CPD

March 10, 2006

To Mike and all his loved ones:

I saw this on another site and wanted to post it for Mike and all our other heroes.

Mike, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Mike. Your memory is honored and revered today and everyday.


Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 7, 2006

Flash, I had a guilty plea for a DUI in court the other day. He plead guilty because he had no DL, no insurance and it was his 2nd offense, he did not want the agg dui charge that is in effect because of your dad. It seems to be a small victory but it is something. I was happy that he got something and I chalk that victory up to you.

CPD

March 5, 2006

Your Dad came into the station today. We were talking about the Alderwoman in Chicago trying to get a street named after a Black Panther leader slain by the CPD in the late 60's. I was a patrol officer in Area 4 SOG at that time. We later had one of our officers from SOG shot while driving past their headquarters at Madison and Western. I remember responding to the call and we surrounded the building. I climbed up to the 2nd floor roof via telephone pole with a shotgun. My partner had a carbine. Someone from inside fired a shot and all hell broke loose. It's something you don't forget. No other coppers got hurt luckily. The panthers in the headquarters later surrendered rather than go out in a blaze of glory. Some of them had actually crapped in their pants. Real Brave guys! Luckily our SOG guy was only shot in the rear end. We always kiddingly told him he shot himself getting out of the car.

As a retired CPD officer I know that all Chicago officers are ashamed of the fact that a black panther would be honored in any way. These individuals openly espoused the killing of police officers and acoording to the media at that time had day care and medical centers on the West side, where they had coloring books for little kids printed showing black panthers shooting police officers. How disgraceful that the people of the City of Chicago, including Mayor Daley himself do not speak out against this type of honoring garbage. Where is the mayors leadership at this time. He has no class! Where are the schools, streets and parks named after slain police officers in Chicago. No streets, one school that may not be in existence anymore and thats it. What a slap in the face to the families of those officers slain by black panthers and others who gave their lives such as your for their fellow citizens.

Lastly, I wanted to tell you today what a great father and mother you have. They have consistenly thought of others welfare instead of themselves. It is a shame that altho your Dad & I grew up only several miles from each other, we did not know each other until I came to Riverside PD. Your Dad has been one of my most loyal supporters and could never have accomplished anything without his support.

I got to go to a Police & Fire Commission meeting in five minutes Mike. I'll tell them you said hello. See ya later!

Chief E. S. Karczewski
Riverside Police Department

March 1, 2006

Dad,

Did you know that it's almost my birthday? I wish you could be there but you're up in heaven with God. I miss you very much and think about you everyday.

Love,
Cullen

Cullen Gordon
Son

March 1, 2006

REST IN PEACE MICHAEL...
TO THE GORDON FAMILY,THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE FOR THE FAMILY OF SGT.JEFF HEWITT...I AM SURE IT HAS HELPED THEM TO HAVE SOMEONE WHO CAN RELATE TO WHAT THEY HAVE HAD TO DEAL WITH..IN MY 26 YEARS WITH THE DEPT.APRIL 4TH 2004 WILL ALWAYS STAND OUT NOT ONLY AS THE DAY THIS DEPT.LOST ONE OF ITS FINEST IT IS ALSO THE DAY I LOST A TRUE FRIEND...I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT A DAY LIKE THAT DOES TO A FAMILY.....THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE...

LT.CHUCK LONG E-1
BUNCOMBE CO.SHERIFF

February 25, 2006

Dear Gordon Family,

I wanted to take a little time to let you know you are in my prayers. Even though we have never met, and I did not know Michael, I came across this site not too long ago when Officer Solorio died- a friend of mine.

The main reason I am writing today is not only to let you know that I acknowledge your son's courage, integrity and honor; but also to let you know that every day I pass Jackson & Sacramento on my way to work...and each day I say a little prayer and pause in a moment of silence for your family(especially his children), as I look at the crosses left in Michael's memory.

May God Bless everyone who's lives Michael touched and know that his memory will remain alive.

Sincerely,
Jenny L

Jenny

February 24, 2006

Happy Birthday Michael,
I long for the day I see my beautiful son again and get to meet all of you. I know you know what a comfort your dad is to all of us left down here. It is such an honor to be the parent of a police officer.

Remembering you and your family,
Linda Rittenhouse
Mother of Officer Matthew Rittenhouse, E.O.W. 9/16/04

February 21, 2006

Michael, Happy Birthday. I really miss you. I think about you all the time. Keep watch over your family. "MPG" forever in our hearts.

Sgt Frank Lara
Riverside,IL PD

February 20, 2006

Flash Gordon, your name suits you well. You were a superhuman being, in other words, a hero. Thank you for all the times you backed all of us up. You are an amazing person. We all miss you very much. Meeting your family, reminded me of you. They are such wonderful people. Your children will be so proud when your named is mentioned, because they will know you for who you are, a hero. May God bless your family, friends,& all that was fortunate to have meet you.May God watch over all of us in Blue, who risk our lives everyday to make the world a safer place to live. You will never be forgotten. R.I.P. Brother "Flash" Gordon.

P.O. Patch

February 20, 2006

Happy Birthday Bird. Missing you terribly.

Love,
Rudy

February 20, 2006

Mike, thinking of you on your birthday today.

John
Brother

February 20, 2006

Happy Birthday Mike,

I left a shorter message early this morning but figured I'd come back a leave a longer one. Had a mass said for you this morning for your birthday at Our Lady of Charity, your old parish where you and your brothers tormented the religion teachers. The priest came up to me and Mom after the mass to speak with us and said he will forever remember your funeral as he never saw one with so many police officers or squad cars. It was the biggest they ever had there. I believe the funeral procession was at least 2.5 miles long. Funny to reflect back 32 years ago on that Wednesday morning that you were born. You were about 21 inches in length, who would ever guess that you would grow to be 77 inches, or 6'5". Mom and I were talking about how you more or less grew up at the police station as I always had you there with me when I wasn't working. Sometimes I feel guilty about that as thats probably where your dream started of becoming a policeman. Keep watching down on your family as it's been really rough for all of us. We miss and love you dearly. You will be forever in our hearts and thoughts.

Love,

Dad

Dad

February 20, 2006