Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mike,

I'm glad your close friends have not forgotten you. It makes me feel good to see they leave reflections and even the friend of yours from your District that I ran into at the cemetery paying you a visit. The one year mark is getting closer. To some people it may seem like yesterday this all began but to me if feels like a lifetime as each day I awake and miss your call early in the morning and asking me "What Ya Doin?" I remember all those stories we use to tell you guys back when you and the Cicero group were in scouts about the Indian Chief who sat beside the river bank waiting for his two sons to return from a canoe trip which they never did. They found the Chief in a sitting position dead of a broken heart. I just received a DVD the other day of you when you were 18 messing around with all the guys down at the Police Explorer National Conference in South Carolina. At the end you were holding the tail of hair you cut off the one explorer we had that use to hide it under his hat. I was the only leader down there with you guys, God, I must have been sleeping to miss all the roudy rough housing that showed up on the DVD that someone took a video. Another good memory for us that we will add to our cherished videos. WIll talk to you agin soon and thanks to all the friends that haven't forgotten you and the strangers that didn't know you and visit your site, thank you. You will never be forgotten.

Love Dad

Dad

July 23, 2005

WADDUP, TO MANY PEOPLE THE 08TH IS JUST ANOTHER DAY, BUT TO US ITS THE DAY WE LOST OUR GOOD FRIEND TO A BETTER CALLING. YOURE UP THERE FOR A REASON, AND THATS TO WATCH OVER US. TAKE CARE SEE YOU SOON.

ABE

P.O. LARA 19429
CPD

July 23, 2005

mike its almost a year and its still hard to believe that you just a second ahead of us, but thats an eternity down here and thats too bad for us. just know that a bunch of us are still crying for you and raising our glasses to heaven everytime we get together. take care.

your friend always

P.O. LARA 19429
CPD

July 22, 2005

Mrs. Gordon,
I left a reflection earlier, but I did not realize the poem did not transfer to the message, so here it is..
Your in my thoughts...

A Dads Poem

Her hair was up in a pony tail,
her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school,
and she couldn't wait to go.

But her mommy tried to tell her,
that she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand,
if she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid;
she knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
of why he wasn't there today.

But still her mother worried,
for her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,
she tried to keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school
eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees
a dad who never calls.

There were daddies along the wall in back,
for everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
anxious in their seats

One by one the teacher called
a student from the class.
To introduce their daddy,
as seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name,
every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching,
a man who wasn't there.

"Where's her daddy at?"
she heard a boy call out.
"She probably doesn't have one,"
another student dared to shout.

And from somewhere near the back,
she heard a daddy say,
"Looks like another deadbeat dad,
too busy to waste his day."

The words did not offend her,
as she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher,
who told her to go on.
And with hands behind her back,
slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
came words incredibly unique.

"My Daddy couldn't be here,
because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be,
since this is such a special day.
And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy,
and how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories
he taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses,
and taught me to fly a kite.

We used to share fudge sundaes,
and ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him.
I'm not standing here alone.

"Cause my daddy's always with me,
even though we are apart
I know because he told me,
he'll forever be in my heart"

With that, her little hand reached up,
and lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat,
beneath her favorite dress.

And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads,
her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter,
who was wise beyond her years.

For she stood up for the love
of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her,
doing what was right.

And when she dropped her hand back down,
staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft,
but its message clear and loud.

"I love my daddy very much,
he's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here,
but heaven's just too far
You see he was a policeman
and died just this past year.
When gunfire hit the streets
and taught the community to fear.

But sometimes when I close my eyes,
it's like he never went away"
And then she closed her eyes,
and saw him there that day.
And to her mothers amazement,
she witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children,
all starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them,
who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
they saw him at her side.
"I know you're with me Daddy,"
to the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers,
of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it,
for each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.

And a child was blessed, if only for a moment,
by the love of her shining star.
And given the gift of believing,
that heaven is never too far.




message...

Wife of an Indianapolis Police Officer

July 22, 2005

I didnt read the reflection very good or i would have saw the one responsible has paid the ultimate price. So many times the drunk or impaired driver lives after taking our hero's or loved ones away. I am sure he has had to stand before the man and explain what he has done. Sorry for my error.

Cpl Gary Mintz, Director Traffic Enf.
Henderson County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina

July 21, 2005

I try to read reflections sent to these fallen hero's because how special they are. I just dont know how the families can go on. I know everyone says it gets easier but how can it. I think of the familes often but by Gods grace i hope i never have to find out or leave my wife and kids to find out how to carry on. Officer Gordon i read you were friends with Sgt Jeff Hewitt EOW 4-4-04 with whom's agency i work the next county over. I hope the EVIL coward pays the ultimate for his crime and dont get a "dont do it again" speech and set free. Please know you will NEVER be forgotten. The city of Chicago and a greaful Nation will be forever in your debt.

Cpl Gary Mintz, Director Traffic Enf.
Henderson County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina

July 21, 2005

To Officer Gordon's family and friends:

I come to this website daily, to check in our friend Officer Bob Stanze EOW 8/08/00. When I saw that Mike died on the same day I felt an immediate connection to you all. It will be five years this August. Each day is still tough and sometimes a struggle to get through. We all do the best we can. Bob left behind his wife, 18 month old son and twins on the way. It brings us joy and sadness to watch these children grow up. We are so happy to have a part of their Dad with us always, but breaks our heart that they will never know or remember his hugs and kisses. I hope you know that people who never met you or your son keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers. This year, when we get together on the 8th for our "Bob" day we will also think of Mike and his family. We will always remember.

Friend of Officer Bob Stanze EOW 8/08/00

July 16, 2005

Mike,

I was just sitting here putting together a scrapbook of Marcus' awards and certificates and stuff from work. And before I knew it, I was looking back at the articles and mass cards and buttons with your sweet face on them. Almost a year and it just still seems so hard to believe. There truly is no sense to all of this, you were just taken too soon. And while I put together this album with letters, awards and the rest, I can't help but feel like it could just be filled with the articles about you. Because you meant more than the rest of that stuff, your life taught more to all of us than any course or class and unlike medals that tarnish and wear away, you will be cherished and shine on forever.

Guin, hang tough little girl.

Love,

Lauren

Lauren Yanez
Wife of RPD Police Officer Marcus Yanez

July 10, 2005

I wanted to extend my deepest sympathy to the family, friends, and fellow officers of Michael Gordon for their painful loss. It sounds like Michael loved being a street cop, but what else would you expect from such a distinquished family of law enforcement. The reflections to him are very touching and honor his memory, and unfortunately, memories are all some of us have now. Those loving memories do help make the unbearable bearable as does the support of the brotherhood and sisterhood of law enforcement. Michael has my gratitude and admiration for his service to his country and community. I would especially like to tell Michael's parents that their messages to him convey so many sentiments I would like to say to my own son, but cannot at this time. My son, Larry Lasater was shot on April 23rd in PIttsburg, Ca during a pursuit of two criminals who had just committed a bank robbery. Larry was my youngest son and I was so very proud of him, just the way you were and are of Michael. Larry's wife was seven months pregnant with their first child when he was killed and we are so looking forward to the imminent arrival of Cody ...now considered very much a gift from God and our link to Larry. Mr. Gordon, when you wrote that all you ask is that your son be remembered, I totally understood what you meant. Life will never be same without our sons. I do want justice for my son's senseless murder but I am resigned that it will be a long wait.
Every time I open this web page (what a great web site), my heart sinks when I read of another fallen officer. My thoughts and prayers are sent with the utmost repect to all of you who loved Michael.

Phyllis Loya, Mother of fallen officer

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer

July 7, 2005

To the wife of Officer Gordon,
I am the wife of an Indianapolis Police Officer. Last year 10 days after tradgedy stuck Chicago, it struck Indianapolis. We lost one of ours (Jake Laird)to gunfire. I was reading about your husband and saw that you had 4 children. There is a poem I got on my e-mail yesterday and thought I would share this with you.
My heart is heavy for you. I will be praying for you and your family.
Know that when your husband joined the police force your family grew more than you can imagine. You are my sister... God bless you, to give you strength when you think that you are too weak to stand, to give you patience, to let love conquer all.

Wife of an Indianapolis Police Officer

July 6, 2005

Well the boys are in Chicago. I flew with them up there over the weekend. They seem to be having a great time with everyone. Your Mom and I went to the cemetery on Friday. You marker is truly the most beautiful one I have ever seen and the cemetery was very peaceful and serene. Your brother Bob took the boys out on Saturday and they had a chance to visit the cemetery too. I was a little worried at first that they would not want to go, but I figured if anyone would be able to take them for the first time it would be their Uncle Bob. He can make anything seem like its fun. I think they were a little worried about what it was going to be like out there. The last time they saw it was during the funeral.
Guin and I went to the CPD’s 170th anniversary fund raiser and I had a chance to meet a few of the officers you worked with in the 11th. I have to say they were a great bunch of people. They all welcomed me with open arms and made sure my glass was never half empty! I had a really good time.
We spent some time with Gracie and David. David is becoming such a handsome young man and he is such a big help with the kids. In fact I tried to even convince him to think about going to UNLV- Hey, free baby sitting is free babysitting! Gracie is such a little cutie. I can’t believe how much she has grown. She is very independent and smart and she looks just like you. Her crooked smile lights up the room.
Well, that’s it for now. Take care and please continue to watch over us all.
Talk to you soon,
India

India S. Gordon

July 1, 2005

Dear Daddy,

I miss you since you have left. We are now visiting grandma and grampa Gordon for the summer. I have been riding my bike and Cullen will learn how to ride a two wheeler this year we hope. We are going to the Cabin on the 4th. We saw Gracie and she really got big. We have been swimming at Barbara's pool, she told us how she use to babysit you when you were little. Uncle Bob took us to the cemetery to see you and then we went with him to a lake where we went row boating. I will talk to you soon and tell you how things are going this summer. Oh, I almost forgot, I got all 3 honor rolls this year. I love you and miss you.

Love Malik

Malik

July 1, 2005

Dear Daddy,

I miss you. I wish you were still alive. I visiting grandma and grandpa Gordon this summer. I am going to the cabin with Gracie, Gigi to do fireworks on the 4th of July. I have played wiffle ball with your favorite bat and hit 5 homers with it. Talk to you again soon. I love you.

Love Cullen

Malik

July 1, 2005

Tomorrow, in honor of your Mom's cancer survivorship, I will light a luminaria in her name for you. I wish that she and your Dad could join me at the ACS Relay For Life in Pekin. The two of us could walk the survivor lap and talk of our sons.

Cathy Barnard
Mother of Officer Patrick Righi-Barnard EOW 11/25/2004

June 24, 2005

its almost a year now and the image is still very vivid of that morning when you went home. i know its gonna be hell on the 08th but i know that when we gather at the site, you'll be standing right next to us.
see you soon.

p.o.
cpd

June 22, 2005

One more holiday past, and it was no easier then any of the others. It tore me up to not buy you presents or cards from the kids. I remember how we joked that only a copper would get binoculars or a telescoping ladder for fathers day. I'll never forget how happy you were when you got that ladder - you were like a kid on Christmas. It always made me so happy to see you that way.

Babe, I wish you could see Gracie right now... she looks so much like you and is such a happy baby. She is a handful though, guess she's going to be a tough one like most of the women in our families. Dave is doing good, he'll be a senior in the fall. He's grown up so fast. I still remember him wearing your blue tie to his grade school graduation. Cullen and Malik are coming to spend the summer with us, they'll be here this weekend. They are so excited and so are all of us. You'd be so proud Sweetie, they are growing up to be such good boys.

John Jr. and Alec are growing like weeds. John can't get enough of Gracie and we all have a feeling that Alex and Grace will be our little 'hell-raisers' when they are together.

Nicolette is starting to smile and is just beautiful. You were totally right about your brother...... he's a GREAT father and is so in love with her.

The guys in 11 have been absolutely wonderful. They are family now and are always looking out for us. I know they miss you terribly.

I have so much more to tell you but I'll save it for tonight when we talk.

You are my moon and my stars. For-ev-er. Please watch over everyone.

Until I see you again...... Guin

Guin Gordon
Wife

June 22, 2005

Happy Father's Day Mike. You're always in my thoughts.

John Gordon
Brother

June 19, 2005

Mike,

Wanted to stop in and wish you a Happy Fathers Day. Mom asked me what I wanted for Fathers Day and my answer was that there was only one thing and no one could give that to me, that would be to have you here. Malik and Cullen wanted me to put their pictures at the cemetery for you, I will do that this weekend. They are both dressed in Cub uniforms. I will also put one of Grace with them in her little pink Cub uniform. I am not looking forward to Sunday at all, but it is another day that I will have to get through. When me and Mom look back at our lives and the rest of the family and how happy we all were just one year ago, how life can change in just a split second. Each day is a challenge for us and we take one day at a time, thats all we can do. There is not an hour in a day that goes by that we don't think about you. Well, take care, say hi to Jeff for us and we need the both of you to keep looking down on all of us left behind. Put your arms around the children and protect them from harm. Comfort the rest of us too as we sure need it. You have not been forgotten and you never will. I can not tell you in words how much we all miss you.

Love Dad

Dad

June 17, 2005

I just started thinkin about you and thought to look you up on the net. I still remember the few times we were at the gym, early, to lift some weights. We would pass each other by in the halls, wearing those dumb Elmer Fudd blue hats, and acknowledge each other. All though we never really hung out and bonded, I still remember you and our short time in the academy. Handle your beat up there and show them how the real police do it.

P/O
CPD-007 "Da Wood"

June 8, 2005

So many of these needless things. I have lit a candle and have sent my prayers.

The Lord will certainly bless you all.

Most sincerely,

George Nottoli

Ofcr. 2 George Nottoli
Monrovia PD CA (Ret)

June 6, 2005

Mike,

Happy Memorial Day to a deserving veteran. The "Michael Gordon Law" made it through the State Senate with a vote of 55-0 and has been sent to the Governor for review and approval. Hopefully soon this law will be passed and officers able to start using it later this summer. For those that read this and don't know what the Michael Gordon Law entails: Aggravated DUI: If a Driver is over .08, and no Drivers License and No Vehicle Insurance, they are arrested for a Class 4 Felony. We don't see any problem with the Gov. signing the law. Well, just wanted to let you know how the Law was coming and wish you a Happy Memorial Day, say the same to Jeff as he's a vet too and deserves recognition. Miss you terribley.

Love, Dad

Dad

May 30, 2005

Officer Gordon,

I get to see your son every week here in Las Vegas, and you would be very proud of him. He is doing wonderful in school, and is a very good hearted kid. He speaks of you all the time, and says you are a hero. I tell him all the time that you are a hero, and his whole class knows it also. We will always remember you, and so will your son.....your memory lives on through him forever.

State Trooper Robert Borchardt
Nevada Highway Patrol

May 27, 2005

Meet your family in DC. What wonderful people but you know that. Your Mom and I hit it off right away. We are making plans to see each other soon. She misses her Michael Patrick as much as I miss my Patrick Michael.

Cathy Barnard
Mother of Patrick Righi-Barnard EOW 11/25/2004

May 24, 2005

Mike,

Riverside remembered you this past weekend with the final of several memorials the month of May had to offer. All recognized you as a great man and a great police officer. You would have loved all the 'pomp and circumstance.'

While each tribute was awesome to experience, the fact that you are gone hit home all the more. At times it was like reliving the funeral without the shock and haziness. So many thoughts of shattered dreams and being cheated. Thoughts of the children of the Gordon boys never truly knowing you. Then Chief Karczewski said something to me that I will never forget. He said that even if the kids don't remember everything about you, they will remember that you were a hero. To me that speaks volumes. I miss you baby brother.

John Gordon
Brother

May 23, 2005

Mike,

Riverside had their 10 Annual Police Memorial yesterday. Was the last of the 8 memorials that have been given in your name over the past few weeks. It's been hard attending them but we did it in your honor. Guin did 2 more than us. Met allot of wonderful people, unfortunate that we have to meet them under those circumstances. When the Chicago Memorial is finally built it will be beautiful and a place that I can take the kids and just sit and reflect. As you know Riverside made you Officer of the Year, great looking plaque. All the medals, plaques and pomp and circumstance can never replace you and we will keep your name alive for as long as the Gordon name lives on. Everyone knows what a great cop you were and all wonder what you would have become if you only were given more time. We know how much you loved being "the real Police" as you called it. Even the people in the ghetto told the television news people they respected you but they didn't know you by your name, only by, "The Real Tall Guy." I guess that is a great tribute to you if you left an impression on them. Riverside Chief K gave a great speach, I was finally given the opportunity to talk, the Chief had already said most of what I wanted to say in my speach but thats okay, the word got out. I may have to go down to the State Capital one more time on the Michael Gordon Law and they don't think there will be a problem with it going through the State Senate, I may have to be with the Chief and AC Weitzel in the Governor's office for a press conference when he signs it into law. I don't care what it takes lets just get that Michael Gordon Law passed and on the books. Well, you take care, there is not a day that goes by we don't think of you. Say hi to Jeff and I ask that the both of you watch over your respective families as we are all having a bad time of it at times and ask that you comfort and protect us. I don't know if you ever met the two twin brothers that are involved in Exploring, Bahouska brothers, they were at the Riverside Memorial, both
Airborne, Korean War Vets, served together. I showed them your tattoo, they said, "Boy, He Really Was Airborne" to have a tattoo like that. Their answer to me was, "All The Way."

Love,
Dad

Dad

May 22, 2005