Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

HEY FLASH, IRAS IS CLOSED FOR GOOD, YOU BELIEVE THAT? HARD TO BELIEVE BUT DONT WORRY WE GOT A LOTTTTTTTTTTT OF MEMORIES WITH US, JUST ASK GUIN. TAKE CARE SEE YOU SOON.

P.O. LARA 19429
CPD

September 27, 2005

Michael -
I have come across alot of postings done by your father on other officer's odmp pages. I had to come to your page today and see who you were and who and what you represented. I lost my Fiancee almost two years ago, and I was saddened as I read your page. Another wonderful life that was taken and it is so sad to comprehend sometimes. I am orignally from the Chicago aread and although I never met you - I thank you for the job you did in protecting the city. Only God knows why you were taken and while that doesn't provide any comfort - I know you have met Daniel and he is showing you around.

May your family and friends take comfort in knowing you are safe.

My thought are with the Gordon Family -
Jessica Ruhl
Fiancee of Police Officer Dan Starks
EOW 10.25.03
Ft Myers PD - Florida

September 16, 2005

To all of Officer Michael Gordon's family and friends,
Just wanted to say that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers constantly. I visit Michael's ODMP often and read the many wonderful stories. I never had the pleasure to meet Officer Gordon, but from every posting, I can see he truly was an amazing person. I know this past month must have been even more difficult, being that it marked the 1 year since he was taken from all of you. My boyfriend Jonathan was killed just days after your Michael. Michael and Jonathan seem very similiar in that they loved being police officers and liked making people smile. I don't think Jonathan ever left for work without a smile on his face. He truly had a special gift in his heart, a calling, to help others. I had the chance to see some wonderful pictures of Michael displayed at a church service last year on Sept. 11th in Plainfield. I regret not introducing myself to any of you, but at that time, the pain was just unbearable. I just wanted all of you to know that you are in my prayers. I'm sure that Michael and Jon are enjoying themselves in Heaven and keeping everyone on their toes.

Tristen
girlfriend of Jonathan Walsh EOW 8/20/04

September 7, 2005

Mike,

Keep us safe. You have not been forgotten.

Lou.

P.O. Luis Carrizal #15808
Chicago Police Dept.

September 1, 2005

To Officer Gordon's, Wife, Children, Family and Co-workers,
Nothing that anyone says will ever "make it right". No combination of words can really "make it better." As a police widow, I have learned to lean on other police survivors' in times of my heaviest grief. It is still very difficult because I often wondered where the year went after my husband, Bryan was killed. It is hard when time marches on, but your heart remains so shattered and incomplete.
Please know that I am thinking and praying for your family daily.

To Officer's Gordon father,
Thank you so much for your heartfelt reflection that you left on my husband's web page. I always check it daily and it is so nice to know that he is still remembered and thought of. As I approach his 2 year marker, I feel grateful for my extended police family across the United States. Again, my deepest and most sincere condolences for the loss of your son.
Sincerely,

Juli Verkler
Widow of Ptlm. Bryan S. Verkler EOW 12/13/03

August 31, 2005

Officer Gordon,

I have read every reflection left for you. Many of them bringing tears, especially the one's from your Dad, wife, brother and children. I wish I could have personally known you. Everything said about you shows honor, compassion, integrity and most of all, a great person. Take good care of yourself "up there" and please watch over your family and all of us working the streets of hell. Thank you for all you have done. You are missed more than any reflection can say.

Deputy Sheriff
Mesa County Sheriff's Office, Colorado

August 29, 2005

brother its been a while since i visited you and im sorry for that. time is a luxury that none of us can afford, and the little time we have, we relish like the memories that they will soon be. a few of us were at mass on your day with your parents and it felt real good. we had a bike ride the other day and it was great, next year hopefully well have ten times the amount of bikers because as you know its a great cause. saw the family there and everyone was in good spirits. your sons always smiling. everyone misses you. you take care and keep looking down as we keep lookin up.

abe

p.o. lara
cpd

August 28, 2005

Mike,

The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation held a ralley and fund raiser show over the weekend. Movie stars you always loved were there to help raise funds. Your brother John got to meed Joe Mantegna the day before and gave him your memorial bracelet which he wore and at the big show last night, "A Salute to Chicago's Finest," he got up on stage and said your name 3 times and held up his arm with your bracelet on it and said this is why I'm here and what this memorial is all about. Guin got backstage to see him and gave him your picture button. Today I got to talk with the MC of the show, Tom Dreesen, the comedian who would always open in Vegas for another of your favorites, Frank Sinatra. He told me and Mom that Mantegna was real emotional about us honoring him to wear your picture and bracelet. From what I understand, the bracelet and pictured will be put in a place of honor in his home in California. Mom gave her bracelet to Dreesen since he was good friends with Sinatra and we know how much you loved him and Vegas. He was honored that we gave it to him. We are keeping your memory alive, thats the least we can do for you for your sacrifice. Next year they will start building the monument and we will all have a place to go and honor you and all the others that have fallen before you and we know there will be more. Keep watch over the kids and Guin and the rest of the family. We all love you and miss you so much.

Love, Dad

Dad

August 28, 2005

Hey Mike,

I just wanted to take a minute to say hello and let you know how your boys are doing. We just got home from Chicago Saturday night. We were supposed to have come home on Monday of last week but Malik ended up with pneumonia and then to top that off Cullen came down with a cold. Your Mom and Dad took care of Cullen and Guin and I took care of Malik. Everyone was such a tremendous help. That was the first time I actually got to see what family’s all about.
So…
I’m finally making the move to Chicago. Well, not really Chicago. I’m trying to get an apartment in Darien. I’m hoping to have everything done here and be there by the end of next month. I’m just sorry I couldn’t have done this a hell of a lot sooner so the boys could have spent more time with you before you had to leave, but I guess late is better than never. I keep thinking about all the times Guin, you and I talked about me moving there with the kids and how scared I was. My biggest fear was learning how to drive in the snow. How insane is that? I’m extremely excited. The boys will be surrounded by so many people that love them and it will give us all a chance to start fresh. They will be able to teach their baby sister and cousins all the bad things they have learned from their years of daycare and they’ll be able to teach baby Nikki all the wonderful words their Uncle Bob has taught them. It’s going to be great! The hardest part of all of this is waiting until it’s actually finished.

Wish us luck and please continue to watch over us all.

Talk to you soon,

India

India S. Gordon

August 24, 2005

Dear Michael Patrick,
Your Dad left a reflection on my son's page and I am tring to repay the honor and gratitude back that he gave to us. Matthew is and was the light of our lives as I can tell you are to your family. The Brotherhood of Law Enforcement is in a word amazing. I knew my son loved what he did but I never thought he would lose his life doing it. Mainly because he always said, "Mom, I'll be ok." And I believed him. From now until we are reunited with him in eternity we will honor him and his profession and all that walk the same walk--his Brotherhood in blue. God bless you and your family and your sacrifice for all of us.
Love,
Matt's Mom Forever

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

August 23, 2005

Your sacrafice has not been forgotten, Officer Gordon.

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers.

Sgt. Glen Biddiscombe, Jr.
Somerville, MA. Aux. Police Department

August 22, 2005

Mike,

Sunday they had the Ride to Remember for the Chicago Police Memorial fund, 200 people rode in it and was a big success. Your brother Bob had his Harley with Guin on the back. Funniest thing is to see 200 bikers riding through downtown Chicago with all the traffic stopped and the riders all looking like hard ass bikers. Allot of your friends from the 11th Dist. were in the ride as well as other friends from Riverside and other departments. People should only know that most were cops. They say next year it will be bigger and better, think Mom will let me get a Harley? Didn't think so. Today the Illinois Chiefs of Police awarded Guin the Police Cross in your honor. All the medals will never bring you back and its hard for us to attend these functions but we do it in your honor. Keep looking down on the kids and Guin and your Brothers and of course Mom. Hey, she still fights for you as I know you saw the big argument she had at the cemetery with the woman in the office. Thats Mom. We love and miss you so much and there is not a hour that I am awake that I don't think about you. Say hi to Jeff for us, going to light a candle right now for the boys as you are all in my thoughts.

Love Dad

Dad

August 16, 2005

Hi Michael,

We went to the Cubs game yesterday and I've got some good news and some bad news. The good news is that we had a really good time and the bad news is that the Cubs lost. We went to the game with the tickets that I won while honoring you. I thought about you alot during that game. Actually, I think about you all the time. I really miss you. I know your watching over all of us Michael and always know that you are loved by so many.

Love,
sheryl

Sheryl Palermo
Riverside PD

August 11, 2005

To the family of Michael Gordon...your in our thoughts and prayers...

To Michael (and Jon) please watch over our police families and take care of them.

Good bless.

police officers wife

August 10, 2005

Mike,

Your two sons will be leaving today and in a few days back to Las Vegas until maybe Christmas. There were times they drove me crazy and they think Grampa is 20 years old like yesterday. I took them to a ball diamond and pitched them league balls instead of the trusty rubber balls. The temperature was 95 and we were the only ones in the park, wonder why. Malik has great hands and can be a great infielder. He was so proud that he didn't make an error and caught all the ground balls that were hit to him. Cullen, well he can bat pretty well but will improve on his fielding with practice. He wore that little glove you bought him last year, said he wanted to use it as you got it for him. They had a pretty active summer. They went swimming a number of times, fishing, miniature golfing and even took in a Cubs game. They kept us on our toes when we had them with us thats for sure. We talked allot about you and they asked me if you were a good baseball player so I went up into the attic and pulled out your trophies, 1st place, 2nd place and even the MVP (Most Valuable Player) trophy. Malik still says he wants to be a Boy Scout and become and Eagle Scout like his father. I told him not many scouts reach that rank but he said he wanted to do it. I told him if he really wanted to and tried hard he could do anything. Malik helped me build a bench on the deck on my birthday. I taught him power tool safety and let him cut a few boards with the chop saw and work with some other power tools. He then asked me that if I can build things like we did, why didn't I become a carpenter instead of a police officer and that if I would have been a carpenter, you would have been a carpenter and you would not have been a cop and would still be here. I told him I often thought of that myself, but your dream was being a Chicago Police Officer (The real police as you call it). Pretty sharp mind for an 8 year old. I stressed how their father is a Hero and will never be forgotten and that you love them so much even though you are not here. Cullen says that you are in all our hearts, I said that was right. They miss you just as much as the rest of us do. Please watch over all the kids, Guin, Mom and your two brothers. I'm glad allot of your freinds stopped in and even others that didn't know you and left reflections. Talk to ya soon.

Love Dad

Dad

August 10, 2005

Mikey, As tears roll down my face I still struggle with what happened. I keep your picture above my desk so I can talk to you from time to time. As everone says you will and cannot be forgotten. We all love and miss you.

JJ Rodgers

August 9, 2005

My heartfelt wishes to the family and loved ones of Officer Gordon, that you may know that many are thinking of you and mourning your loss. I know you just passed the one year anniversary and, as all days have been since his passing, that day was extremely difficult too. One month, one year, five years, it will never be easy for us. My brother was murdered seven months ago today. I still feel like I am walking in a thick dream of unreality. I find solace in you, our extended family. I share your heartbreak. I am so sorry for your loss.

Sincerely,
Sister of Howard Stevenson, EOW 1/9/05

August 9, 2005

Mike,

I took the easy way out this year and got out of town for the "anniversary." However, thoughts of you were never far from my mind. Every time I saw a police car or saw Alec taunting his big brother John, I couldn't help but think of you and how lucky we all were to have you as a part of our lives.

Alec knows you from the picture we all wear around our necks. He was looking at the pendant today and I asked him if he could give Uncle Mike a kiss. I could almost hear your laugh every time that little boy picked up the chain to kiss it.

John Jr. is too smart for his own good and asks questions about you constantly. He found a penny today and asked me if I thought it was from Uncle Mike. That boy knows how to tug at the heart strings.

John's memory is unbelieveable as well. He was playing with Cullen a few weeks ago and out of the blue tries to pull Cullen's pants down. Thinking I have a weirdo for a son I start yelling at him and lecturing him. When I ask him why he did it he tells me it was because he saw Uncle Mike do it to Uncle Bob. I'm hoping he remembers more about you than just that.

I don't know how or when it started, but every time you and I would say goodbye to each other we would hug and say "love you bra." I'm pretty sure it started as a joke, but I'm glad it stuck. I was able to hug and kiss you goodbye that last time. The last time I would ever see or speak to you. No regrets. "Love you, bra!"

John Gordon
Brother

August 9, 2005

God Bless Mike...you will never be forgotten. We had Mass today and finished the day off in good spirits at Ira's in your honor. Keep watching over us...you are doing a fine job so far.

PO Camarillo
Chicago Police Department -011

August 8, 2005

Well Michael I'm not so happy that I have to write on this page given the circumstances. 1 year ago you were taken from us, either those who knew you or knew of you. I will light a candle for your memory today and leave it burning in your memory. May you rest in eternity and give the safety and guidance to your fellow brothers. We all miss you and I'm quite positive thier is not a day that passes without a thought of you in it.
Airborne...All They Way

Deputy R. Wright
King County Sheriffs Dept, WA

August 8, 2005

Mike, we all really miss you. Many celebrated your life today at Ira's. It was a fine tribute to you and your family. Take care brother and thanks watching over all of us from above...

Officer Andy Cuomo # 5853
Chicago Police Department

August 8, 2005

Michael: I wanted to acknowledge and honor your anniversary date today. You will always be our hero now and forever, and your courage, valor, dedication, and joy of life will always be remembered. I know that this day is especially sad for all your family members, and each and every one of them are in the prayers of our entire family. I read a reflection by another police survivor that referred to the first anniversary date as being the first birthday in Heaven. That is a nice image, and I know that you are with all your brothers and sisters in blue and that you are looking after us as you see us all struggling with missing each of you. When our fallen officers die, it isn't just that hero or heroine that dies, but a part of us dies too. Pride is forever and we are proud of you and your honorable brethen. Rest in Peace, dear Michael.
Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater,
Pittsburg P.D. eow 4/24/05

phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer

August 8, 2005

August 8th

Mike,

The day has finally reached the one year mark. I have not been looking forward to this date and it seems so long ago that we last talked. Today we had a mass for you and a number of guys were there from the 11th District and others were there from Riverside. Mom had the priest after mass come to the back of the church where he said a special prayer for you and all the police personnel there and he then blessed all of them. We then went to the cemetery and others had been out there before us leaving flowers, one friend of yours from the academy left a beautiful statue of a little boy dressed as a police officer. I also heard that at the location of the accident a number of your friends were there and at the time of your death 5 squads pulled up with lights and sirens as a salute to you. Allot of people still remember you and always will, we love and miss you so much. I'll be back soon.

Love, Dad

Dad

August 8, 2005

Officer Gordon..1 year ago today you paid the ultimate sacrifice..you - your family - friends & co-workers are in my thoughts & prayers..please watch over them & your fellow brothers/sisters in blue..

p.s..if you need a good laugh up there in Heaven..here you go..when i was living in IL (mooseheart to be exact), i had only been there 3 months when i got my first speeding ticket..the officer told me that i either had to give him the money for the ticket or give him my driver's license..well, i didn't know what to do (in MI we just get the ticket & mail a check to the court), so i told him to keep my license, not knowing that i would have to wait 10 days to pay the fine..i was headed back to MI for a visit..so i did what any other law abiding citizen would do..i drove to MI without a license :) being careful not to speed or bring any attention to myself while driving..now that i look back at it..it is kinda funny now..it's all good though (i still have my IL license too!)

REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL..YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!!

karen
girlfriend of a leo

August 8, 2005

Officer Gordon..1 year ago today you paid the ultimate sacrifice..you - your family - friends & co-workers are in my thoughts & prayers..please watch over them & your fellow brothers/sisters in blue..

p.s..if you need a good laugh up there in Heaven..here you go..when i was living in IL (mooseheart to be exact), i had only been there 3 months when i got my first speeding ticket..the officer told me that i either had to give him the money for the ticket or give him my driver's license..well, i didn't know what to do (in MI we just get the ticket & mail a check to the court), so i told him to keep my license, not knowing that i would have to wait 10 days to pay the fine..i was headed back to MI for a visit..so i did what any other law abiding citizen would do..i drove to MI without a license :) being careful not to speed or bring any attention to myself while driving..now that i look back at it..it is kinda funny now..it's all good though (i still have my IL license too!)

REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL..YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!!

karen
girlfriend of a leo

August 8, 2005