Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Michael,
Remembering you today and all that you gave. And also remembering your family. Bob and Carol, you are in my thoughts and prayers today. May God give you the extra strength that you need.
Tammy Persin
Mother of fallen Military Police Officer
PFC Brian Gleason 08-09-2000

Anonymous

August 8, 2008

very sad day mike. in a very shitty way, im telling you Mike, youre not missing anything and thats sad to say. Things are definitely not the way they used to be, especially in our old stumping grounds. be well see you one day.

p.o. lara
cpd

August 7, 2008

Michael,

Another year has come and gone and I still can't seem to come to terms with the fact that your gone. I know that you have touched so many peoples lives in so many ways mine included. And I think that is the reason why I can't understand why, why did it have to be you.. I've come to except the fact that my heart will forever be broken. You will never be forgotten...

There Are No Good-Byes Only Love

Anonymous

August 7, 2008

Michael,

We have reached the 4 year mark. For some it seems like yesterday that we saw your crooked smile and heard your funny laugh. But for me is seems like a lifetime ago when I last saw you. The stories you use to tell all of us are truly missed by everyone. I want to thank all those that have stayed close to us and especially those that remember you. Today I stopped at the cemetery and some of your friends have already been there. A friend from the 11th District left you flowers and JK left you a cup of coffee. Many thanks go out to them and all those that will visit after the posting of this reflection. We all miss you Mike and not a day goes by that we don't think of you. You will always be remembered. Continue to watch over all the kids for us, your brothers and Mom. Take care, we love and miss you.

Love,
Dad

August 7, 2008

Dear Mike,

Tomorrow will be four years since you left us but the pain and hurting is still fresh. I went to the cemetery today to be by myself and found that 011 had left flowers and John Krull had left you a cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee. I started to cry because I was glad people had not forgotten you. I know family remembers and your foundation helps keep your memory alive but it was nice to see personal gestures done. We will be at 8 o'clock mass tomorrow at Charity which will be in your honor.

Watch over your children and the rest of the family.

Love you always and forever.

Carol Gordon
Mother

August 7, 2008

Even though its been 4 years. You have not been forgotten in ANY way. Keep watch over you family.

Anonymous

August 7, 2008

Officer Gordon you are not forgotten, I wanted to stop by to let you and your family know that we are thinking of you all on your 4th Birthday in Heaven. I can tell you that those dates are still one of the hardest times. I know your family misses you, just watch over them and let them know you are close, they will get all the signs.

I still have my blue candles that burn 24/7, for all you guys.

Connie Barker F.W.B. Fl.
Mother of Clint Walker Prattville Al. E.O.W. 1-14-04

August 6, 2008

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


Diane mother of Jeremy Chambers E.O.W.04-24-06
I missed seeing your mom and dad in Springfild this year.

Diane Chambers

August 4, 2008

Michael,
I wanted to leave a reflection and let you know that you will never be forgotten. You are a Hero to so many people and you accomplished so much in the time you were here. It is so hard to understand the loss of a loved one, but you are still living in our future. Your parents, family, and co-workers miss you so much. I know that in talking with your parents we have so much in common with you and Brian even down to the dates. I know also the pain they feel each day and the strength it takes even after eight years just to get through another day without you here. I want to Thank You for ALL that you did and gave to better this world and to protect the lives of us all. You will remain in the hearts of us all.

Tammy Persin
Mother of Military Police Officer
Pfc Brian Thomas Gleason 8/9/2000

Anonymous

August 3, 2008

It will be 4 years in another week. My birthday will be here in a few more days and you know that I hate when that day arrives as it was the last day we were together. I can remember everything we talked about and how your face lit up when I asked you if you wanted my police patch collection. A number of people have forgotten you, some very close to you, but those that love you have kept you close to their hearts and think of you every day. Not a day has passed over the last 4 years that I have not thought of you. I wanted to stop in and ask that you keep watch over everyone for me. I'll be back soon. We have not forgotten you.

Love,
Dad

August 1, 2008

Dear Mike,

This past Sunday your brother John entered the IL COPS bikeathon in Orland. Most started a few days earlier near St. Louis and biked all the way to the Police Memorial. I of course was worried for John as he isn't a seasoned biker but he made it and Heather, the boys, Dad & I were there to cheer for him and the others as they came in.

He rode for you and for all the fallen officers to help keep memories alive and never forget.

Love you always and forever.

Carol Gordon
Mother

July 22, 2008

Mike,
I just met you Dad via email. He is a great man.I am like you. We both followed our Dads in police work. I know that our Dads are proud of us as we are proud of them. That is why we became police officers, to help others and to honor our fathers. You are a hero to us all. Please watch over all police officers for us.
God Bless

Master Tpr Steve Jones (ret)
Virginia State Police

July 10, 2008

Happy 4th Mike.
Yesterday, Me, Mom, Gram Puf, Bob and Uncle Joe, were all at Gold Star Memorial Park at the Police Memorial where we met with Senator Dick Durbin. He presented us with all your Military decorations that I have been fighting the Government to issue to us for almost 4 years. Mom finally said, hey, why not write our Senator, so I did. One of his aids jumped right on it and had them for us in just 2 weeks. They were going to mail them to me but do to the circumstances of you being killed in the line of duty, they asked us if the Senator could award them to us personally. We agreed and picked Gold Star Park as it is where your name appears with so many other heroes. We didn't realize the amount of press coverage that was going to take place and ABC News Chicago did a really nice tribute to you and your children. The newscaster from Channel 7, ABC, has two sons that are both Eagle Scouts and I believe he is also and we talked about you and his sons and that once an Eagle Scout, you are one forever. Allot of people never realized you attained this rank in scouting when you were younger. I still remember how I had to push you to get it and you finally said, "Okay, I'll do it for you!" and you did. I guess you got tired of me hounding you. One of the questions the reporter asked me was, "What do these awards mean to you, they are just pieces of metal and ribbon." My answer was, "You worked hard to earn them and gave 5 years of your life as an Airborne MP to this Country with service in Bosnia and Korea and they will be passed on to your children so that they know you served our Country with pride."
Well, time for me to get going. I'll be back soon. Been pondering over the next Michael Story.
Welcome Home CPD Officer Francis as he lost his life on July 2nd. Keep watch over everyone for me, espcially all the kids and your nephews and niece. We miss you every day and think of you always. We will never let you be forgotten.

Love,
Dad

July 4, 2008

MIKE, WE LOST ANOTHER GOOD SOLIDER..IT HURTS, AND BRINGS ME TO SO MANY MEMORIES OF OUR SUMMER TOGETHER. THE SALUTES, THE TEARS, THE BAG PIPES, THE ANGER. I KNOW YOUR WAITING WITH OPEN ARMS READY TO EMBRACE OUR FELLOW COMRAD. I REALLY MISS YOU MIKE, AND ONE MEMORY I WANNA LEAVE IS THAT 2 DAYS BEFORE YOU PASSED WE HAD A 8 HOUR "DEBATE", ON WHICH MOVIE WAS BETTER, I SAID "PLATOON", YOU SAID "WE WERE SOLIDERS". WE WOULDNT BUDGE, CALLED EACHOTHER DEGRADING NAMES, AND AT ONE POINT DIDNT TALK. WHEN YOU PASSED I FINALLY SAT DOWN AND WATCHED WE WERE SOLIDERS AND NOW IT IS MY FAVORITE,NOT ONLY BECAUSE YOU LOVED IT, BUT BECAUSE WE WERE BOTH RIGHT IN SO MANY WAYS...BECAUSE WE ARE ALL SOLDERS, FIGHTING SIDE BY SIDE WITH EACHOTHER, WILLING TO GIVE OUR LIVES FOR WHAT WE BELIEVE IN. NOW WE BURY ANOTHER OF OUR OWN WHILE WE ALL HAVE TO PICK EACHOTHER UP AND MOVE ON TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY. MIKE HAPPY 4TH OF JULY, LOVE YOU BRO, WATCH OVER US.....OH YEA, I NEVER SAID YOUR MOVIE WAS BETTER

MARIO MENDOZA-PARTNER

July 4, 2008

Mike...It was good to read...on this July 4th...that yesterday...your parents...received your long over-due...military medals.

They are amazing people...and their perseverance...is a lesson to me. After four years...of trying on their own...they never gave up...and finally...they found the person...who could make it happen...and in just ten days.

I commend them...for their untiring efforts...in keeping your memory alive...for your children.

You are well loved...missed...and honored...by them.

God Bless you...on this very special holiday...and thank you...for serving our country...abroad and at home.

With my prayers.

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

July 4, 2008

Hi Michael,

I finally made the video for the St Jude March. It was very difficult but my favorite part is your brother John standing next to me with your picture and your fellow officers smiling as they went by...

Thank you for giving me signs to make this video. Rest in peace. You are not forgotten.

Renee' Lee Greco
webmaster, police memorial

June 30, 2008

Happy Father's Day, Dad.
We love you and we miss you very much.

Love always,
Malik and Cullen

Malik & Cullen Gordon
Sons

June 15, 2008

Dear Mike,

Today, Father's Day, is very hard for your Dad to celebrate. Your two brothers, your nephews and sons were here to help make him feel a little better. Watching your brothers, sons and nephews play running bases brought back happier times when you were still with us even Uncle Joe got in on some of the action having to do a tuck and roll when he was about to be tagged.

Everyone went to the cemetery to wish you a Happy Father's Day leaving all kinds of things on your grave. You are not forgotten nor will you ever be.

Love you always and forever.

Carol Gordon
Mother

June 15, 2008

Today is Father's Day and I wanted to leave a message not only for Michael, but also for his father Mr. Gordon. I love reading your stories about your son, it truly moves me the way you share his life with us complete strangers and your commitment to keeping his memory alive.Michael is a hero and always will be. Thank you for ewverything you did in your life for our country and your city. You are a true inspiration and I hope someday your children will grow up just like you.

Stephanie
wide of a detroit PO

June 15, 2008

Mike, I will remember you at Mass this morning as I pray that you have a Blessed Father's Day in Heaven.

Keep close watch on your Dad, especially on this Day which I know is particularly difficult for him...

God bless you and your family.

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

June 15, 2008

Happy Fathers Day Michael,

Thinking of you today and every day. I will stop in again soon to write more.

Love,
Dad

June 15, 2008

Mr And Mrs Bob Gordon
As I see many reflections I see that Mr.Gordon's name appears. I took the time to research your son incident.
I at the time was a Cook county Sheriff's Gang Crimes Sgt.
And heard of the incident. As I am now in the State of Arizona I still Keep Michael and All his family in my prayers.
This reflection also is for Michaels dad(Bob) sir your son is looking down on you and looking out for you and your Family. Sir if I were there I would hug you and tell you to be proud of what a great person and officer michael was and he will never be forgotten.
Mr Gordon bless you and your family

Sgt. Joseph Dooley
Ariazona State Dept.

June 7, 2008

I put a candle on the wall in DC by your name during Police Week and touched your name and breathed a prayer for you and your family. We never forget.

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom

June 5, 2008

To the Gordon family, I hope everyone is doing well.

Mr. Gordon, Sir, I would like to share a story with you as the wonderful weather has inspired me to pay my respects to your son, and visit his page.

Allow me to share my ‘Michael Story’:

The approaching summer reminds me of my police academy graduation, having graduated summer 2005. That same summer, the 011th district was preparing for the 1 year anniversary of your family’s loss.

I was excited to receive my assignment, the 011th district, and after calling the front office, I learned that I was assigned to ‘midnights.’ I found myself walking down the corridor from the locker room to the roll call room, not knowing what to expect.

As I made my way, an officer stopped me, drawn to my uniform. Without fully understanding what was about to happen, he dressed my shiny new Star with a black elastic band. In so many words, he found it unacceptable that my Star was not honoring your son; he understood I was new and briefly explained why I was to wear the black band.

I had/have the honor to work with the officers that care for your son.


Mr. Gordon and family, it was then, that I knew I had become a member of our law enforcement family. It was a very simple action, but I know you understand the significance of that experience. However brief, that officer passed on a part of your son to me and I wore that band knowing what it meant.

I still have that band; it’s wrapped around my mic-strap, wishing only to wear it for memories, but unfortunately that may not be the case. I walk by the pictures of Michael's sons, which are posted up by the front desk.

It may be time to update those pictures as I'm sure they've grown!

Please have a good summer!

P.O.

Police Officer
Chicago Police Department- 011th District

June 4, 2008

Mike,

Memorials for May are finally over until next year. There are those that attend as a formality and really have no idea what survivors live with on a day to day basis and the many lives that have been destroyed. Then there are those that are really there to support you and all of us and for them I really am grateful. I haven't left a Michael story since the end of April so I imagine those that follow your life may want to read another one. The reason for these little tid bits is so that others who never knew you or met you in person are able to know what kind of person you were. Someday your children will be able to read them as your two sons are always asking me to tell them stories about you, better yet, stories about Grampa's life. You and I always did like to tell a good story, but I have to admit, you had me beat in the story department. Continue to keep watch over everyone for me, especially all the kids and Mom and your brothers. Love and miss you every day.

Michael Story:

You were 17 years old and we were still living in Cicero at the time. Yes, the town of old "Scar Face," Al Capone. You were just about ready to make Eagle Scout. I stil remember how I had to push you to do it as you told me you were going to quit. You had all the requirements completed but at 17 and having females on your mind, Boy Scouts was just not the thing to be involved with. I told you that you would thank me one day and if you didn't want to do it for yourself, to do it for me and you did. Getting back to the story. You were walking down 35th Street near Austin Blvd, which is a business district with many people out walking and shopping. You were with a girl walking down the street when you heard an older woman screaming for help. There in front of you was a crime in progress, two individuals were involved. One individual sat in a running parked car while the other individual got out and walked up behind this older woman, knocked her to the ground and stole her purse and began to run for the parked waiting vehicle. People that worked with you as a police officer knew how tall you were, 6'5" with long lanky legs. At age 17 you were about the same. These same officers that worked details with you such as the "Jump Out Boy Detail," or on the streets in the 11th District of Chicago knew how once those lanky legs started to run that your step at a run was about equal to 4 of theirs. Without thinking of your own safety and not knowing if either of the individuals were armed, you gave chase. You tackled the guy running with this womans purse, both of you fell to the ground and he dropped the purse. The individual got back up off the ground and ran to the waiting vehicle and both subjects fled. You picked up the purse and gave it back to the woman who was not hurt and she thanked you. You continued on your way as if it was an every day occurance. Myself and your Scoutmaster at the time, Mr. Ruehle, wanted to notify the Boy Scouts of America to have you awarded a "Heroism Award," a very prestigious award. You turned it down and told us not to pursue the matter. We asked why? Your answer was, "Because I was just helping out an old woman who needed help." You didn't believe you should receive an award for helping someone in need. Thats the type of person you were, not seeking glory nor recognition. We were proud of you, but at the same time we did the Monday Morning Quarterbacking saying to ourselves, what if one of these guys were armed? Thanks for being there for this woman, but most importantly, thanks for being the "Hero" that you were and still are for all of us. Love and miss you.

Love,
Dad

May 30, 2008