Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mike,

Got back from Springfield yesterday from the State Memorial. Saw a number of your suburban friends from the surrounding Police Departments around Riverside, all there in your honor. Didn't see anyone from Chicago that personally knew you. Cullen had his first baseball game last night, he struck out but the next time up he got a single and was really happy. He has a red uniform shirt and says its like the one you had when you played ball for the Cardinals at Vittum Park. His plays on the Angles. Doesn't really fit him, ha ha. The coaches change the kids positions every inning and he got o the chance to picth, struck out two batters and he was really excited. I can find him with ease out on the field, he has the same body movements as you had at his age. Stands the same, squats the same and so on, so no matter where he goes each inning he's easy to find out on the field. Time to end, keep watch over everyone for me. We still can't believe your gone and some days expect to get that phone call or have you walk through the back door and hear that funny laugh lof yours. Love,

Dad

May 4, 2007

Dearest Mike,
Well Mike here it is May again, the month that honor's our Fallen officer's. Most people are celebrating that Spring is here and flowers are starting to bloom. But those who have lost a loved one have our minds on you,Jeff and all the Hero's who lay down their life for us.
I will always hold you in my heart Mike. Thank you for your service to Chicago, in trying to keep the drugs and bad guys off the streets..Mike you served your country proudly. You were faithful in every area of your life, whatever you set out to do, you did it with all of your heart. Son,Brother,Grandson,nephew,Father,Soldier,Officer.
You are remembered for all of these things Mike. Thank you for all you did, thank you for all that you were. And you will always be one of our forever Hero's. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and your brothers and sisters in BLUE...You are loved and missed very much. Carolyn

Carolyn Moore

May 2, 2007

Mike,

Me and Mom stopped at the Chicago PD Memorial last night downtown on the Lake front. To start May, Law Enforcement Month, they had a 24 hour honor guard stationed there with the cleets on their shoes, full parade dress with a rifle. It was like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers the way they would march and change guards. This is going to be a really tough month because of all the memorials. We will make some of them but it does take its toll on us. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line, also stand at Karla's side over in Afghanistan too and watch over her.

Love,
Dad

May 1, 2007

You and your family are in my prayers. Its very hard reading your father's reflections without shedding a tear, for I to am a father. My heart goes out to your family. All Gave Some, Some Gave All.

"Officer"
NJ LEO

April 26, 2007

Mike,

Welcome home the 9 Airborne Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne, 5th Squadron, 73rd Calvary Division, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, all from Ft. Bragg, NC., that were killed in Iraq a few days ago. You may have personally known some of them. Since St. Michael is the patron saint of both Police Officers and Airborne Soldiers, introduce them to St. Michael. Thinking of you today as every day. Keep watch over everyone for me, the little ones, your two brothers and walk by your brother Bob's side as he patrols in that ghetto he works in because you know he's just like you, never runs from trouble, always toward it.

Love,
Dad

April 26, 2007

Michael,

Thought I would drop by and say hello, maybe think of a Michael story to leave everyone. The flag and certificate arrived from Afghanistan, a great tribune to you. The flag and certificate will go on display in our home. I know that you being a vet knows that it is an honor to have a flag flown over a base in ones honor. The month of May is almost here. That is the one month that both your mother and I really dred as there are so many memorials and events honoring fallen officers and it gets really hard to attend them, but we try and do the best we can as it is in your honor and all the others that have fallen.

Time for the Michael story.
I was out in the garage looking for something the other day and came across a baseball cap that I took away from you when you were 17 years old. It was the old style Seattle Mariners baseball team hat, blue, with the M for Mariners that looked like a pitch fork. Gang Officers know that an upside pitch fork is degrading for certain gang affiliation. The story begins when I got a call at work while I was working the 4-12 shift from a neighboring police department to tell me that they had you and two of your friends sitting on a bench in their police station. The officer that called was a Gang Tactical Officer for that suburb and told me the following story. You and your two friends drove to this town to buy Burritos from this well known hole in the wall place noted for the Burritos, as you and your friends were walking up to the entrance to this dive of a place (I've been to this place many times myself) you were all confronted by street gang members that saw your hat with the upside down pitch fork and immediately took offense. Words were being exchanged and I know you were never one for a loss for words, and the screaming and yelling began. All of a sudden, the gang bangers took off running. You and your friends were in your glory as it appears these big tough gang bangers backed down from you and your friends, they fled and you held your ground in their territory and had won without any physical contact. Victory was short lived because you turned around and there were two Gang Tactical Officers standing behind you. The bangers saw the Tac Officers and took off for parts unknown. You had to drive my car that you had that night, along with your friends to their police department where the Tac Officer then called me and informed me what happened. He asked me if I should let you go, I said if it was alright with him and the parents of the two other boys that were with you, to let you sit on the bench in the station and meditate and I would come there after work and make sure all of you got home in one piece. I let the three of you sit in the police station on a bench in their booking room for about 2 hours. Showed up after I got off work, followed you home so you could drop off your friends and then home where I immediately took that hat away from you so that you wouldn't end up getting killed for a stupid baseball hat. I can't find the heart to throw away the hat now as it is attached to a memory.
We all miss you terribly, continue to keep watch over everyone for me, especially all the kids. Mom too as she hasn't been feeling to well lately.

Love,
Dad

April 24, 2007

Hey Mike,
Haven't stopped by for awhile, to let you know that you are in my thoughts every day...We miss you Mike, and still thank you for the sacrifice you made for the rest of us. Your family was blessed to have you as a member of their family, and you were blessed to have had a family like yours..Mike you will never be forgotten, you will always be alive in our hearts..I know that you are proud of the work they continue to do in honor of you and other fallen officer's, along with being there for all parent's who have lost a child..
Mike, I know that you and Jeff got together and decided that your parents and myself would need each other to lean on. I can never thank them enough for their kind and loving friendship..
Well, I'll go for now but will stop back by soon. Keep watch out for your loved ones, and your brother's and sister's in blue...Sending love to you and Jeff, along with all the other Hero's in Heaven today..Carolyn

Carolyn Moore

April 22, 2007

Thanks for your service in the military and here at home. Know that you will never be forgotten. I despise drunk drivers and the next one I come across will be taken off the roadways or waterways in you honor. Rest in peace brother.

NC Game Warden

April 22, 2007

I wanted to thank your dad for leaving a message on my brother's site. I am sure you and my brother have met and are watching over all of us to continue to keep us safe. We appreciate all you have done for your country and community, you are truly a hero and will always be in our hearts.

Sherri Corr-Philipkoski
Sister of Joseph D. Corr, EOW 2/27/06, NHPD

April 21, 2007

Mike,

Today was a tough day for me. It started off with the opportunity to speak at the CPD training academy. I spoke highly of you and your many achievements as a PO, and stressed the importance of 'giving your all to the job.' Then tonight, Bob and I attended a benefit for another fallen officer.

While I promise to do all I can to make sure you and your brothers in blue are NEVER forgotten, that doesn't make the task any easier. Today was difficult, but I know it won't be the last. May is just around the corner. You're never far from my heart.

John Gordon
Brother

April 21, 2007

Officer Gordon,
I also want to thank you for your dedication in serving our country in military and civilian life. You gave your all the sacrifice of your life in protecting life for all of us. You will never be forgotten. Your father is so right about a hero never dies and their memory never dies. I thank God that every day we can see beauty left for us to cherish and memories we can reflect on each day of the joy that is left in our hearts to treasure until we see you again. Even though we do not know each other we do with the connection we have in our hearts and I thank God for this sight because it helps to keep those of us left behind to carry on and that our love ones have not be forgotten. Our family will keep all of your family in our prayers and again WELL DONE OFFICER GORDON.
Tammy Persin
Mother of Fallen Military Police Officer
PFC Brian Thomas Gleason 8/9/2000
John 14:27

April 20, 2007

REST IN PEACE MR GORDON THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTON.

"THE FINAL INSPECTION"

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell

SON OF OFFICER JOHN EDWARD LOGAN EOW 3/14/04

JAREB LOGAN

April 20, 2007

I want to thank all the soldiers that flew that flag in Michael's honor. He had two wishes in his life, one was to be a police officer and the other was to be a soldier. He accomplished both. After Michael was killed, I was in contact with his Sergeant that served with him in Bosnia with the first Peace Keeping Force and he said Michael was a good soldier and I thanked him for bringing Mike back in one piece. Remember to cover one anothers backs and listen to that lifer sergeant who wants to bring all of you back home. I want all of you to come back to the "World" (Thats what we use to call the U.S. when I was overseas) safe and sound. God, be with all of you. I am behind all of you 100%. Again, thank you for honoring Michael by flying the flag over your base, we will cherish the flag and it will be in a flag box on display in my home. Every time I look at it I will think of all of you and thank you for the job you are doing. Stay Safe.

Love,
Dad

April 18, 2007

We flew a flag, in your honor, the other day over our base here in Afghanistan. The flag is on the way to your parents house. Mr. Gordon, some people do not forget, the flag we flew here in Mike's honor shows that some people do not forget.

PO
CPD

April 18, 2007

Michael,

I thought I had posted a reflection Saturday night but I must have hit the back button rather than the leave your reflection button first. Anyway, I wanted to thank everyone who showed up at the Cubs vs. Red Legs Rooftop this past Saturday. It was a great success as usual. You older brother did a great job and the Michael P. Gordon Foundation is running smoothly. It was great seeing a number of your friends and also the new faces. Even the Superintendant popped his head in to say hi. As you know, he's retiring and I don't know who will be taking over. I know allot of Chicago Officers didn't care for him, but I have to say he always helped us out and was just a phone call away which I thought was very classy for a guy who is in charge of over 13,500 officers. Anything we ever asked him for or about was handled and not blown off like some of the other people did to us. I know your thoughts about him as you were out on the streets with him in the ghetto on New Years Eve kicking in doors on those shots fired calls. Not many big bosses do that with their men, hey, they may get hurt or have to do some work. The Cubs actually won their first home game. They are doing their usual play, BAD. We think of you each and every day and keep wondering why, but I know there will never be an answer to that question. We keep fighting for the cause in your name but I am starting to ware down. Apparently, our Federal, State and Chicago City Governments just don't care at times and when only a few people fight the fight, they just laugh at you and brush you to the side. Very sad, for they may fall victim as we have and then we will hear the outcry. Well, better get going, take care, keep watch over everyone for me.

Love,
Dad

April 17, 2007

Michael, I was attending Jeff's Memorial at the Sheriff's Dept on Aril 4th. Tracie's mom was telling me just how special your dad has been to Jeff's family. My nephew Joe Ray was killed in Afghanistan on March 12th 2006 by an IED. I know the pain your family feels and that ache that never goes away. Where would we be without heroes like you guys?? To the Gordon family: thank you for raising a hero like Michael.
I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and I am sorry for your loss. I know Michael still walks beside you and is memory will forever remain in your hearts. God Bless You.
Jan Banks

Reserve Sgt Jan Banks
Buncombe Co Sheriff's Dept

April 9, 2007

Happy Easter Michael!

CHGOPDWIFE

April 7, 2007

Michael,

Wanted to stop in and wish you a Happy Easter.

Love,
Dad

April 7, 2007

Dear Mike,
Wanted to stop by and wish you a Happy Easter, and to let you know how much I appreciated your Mom and Dad burning a candle for Jeff wednesday night as we celebrated his life at the Sheriff's Dept. And I will be doing the same for you on 08/08. Mike,I know that you must laugh so much over your Dad's stories. The one at the ballfield was sad, yet happy. He really does need to write a book about you,John and Bobby, when you were growing up and then while working on the west side. I know you had a lot of stories you shared with him.
By the way I want to wish Cullen a late Happy Birthday. He is so handsome, when he gets older, the girls will be ringing the phone off the hook. Your family is beautiful Mike,and I know you are so proud of them and watching over them every day.
Mike, just know we carry you in our hearts and think of you throughout the day.
Well,I'll stop by soon, but you Hero's enjoy celebrating the resurection of our Lord and Saviour on Sunday. Tell Him I Love Him and thank Him for dying on a cross that I might have eternal life. I know that God has a special Mansion in Heaven for all the Hero's that followed,that also sacrificed their life for us to have peace on our streets. John:15:16 No greater love hath a man, that he lay down his life for his friends. Thank you Mike, we all love you and miss you...But you will never be forgotten, never, and I will always honor your memory.. Love and Miss you, keep watch over all of us and those who wear the uniform out there trying to protect us... Love and Miss you, carolyn

Carolyn Moore

April 6, 2007

My thoughts and prayers go out to each one of you as you make this journey through your grief. I have walked in your shoes and I know that you have a hole in your heart that can not be filled. Through your love Micheal will live forever. His sacrifice and your family's dedication to civil servie will never be forgotten.

Dep. M. Keele (Ret.) H.C.S.O.
Sister of HPD Officer C. Clark (E.O.W. 4-3-03)

April 5, 2007

MR. & MRS. GORDON, MRS GORDON, MALIK, CULLEN AND FAMILY,

FROM MY FAMILY AND I, TO YOU AND YOURS, OUR BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY EASTER. WE THINK OF YOU OFTEN.

MR. GORDON, THE MICHAEL STORIES ARE A BIG HIT. YOUR RECENT "SNEAKIN' IN" STORY BRINGS BACK A MEMORY OF MINE SO MANY YEARS AGO. 35 YEARS AGO, WHEN I WAS SIXTEEN, I WENT TO A PARTY. MY SISTER, THANK GOD, HAD THE SENSE TO COME AND GET ME, LEAVING MY CAR THERE FOR THE NIGHT. SHE AND HER FRIEND DROVE ME TO THE "JACK IN THE BOX" TO GET ME A CUP OF COFFEE. WHEN WE GOT HOME, I WENT STRAIGHT TO BED. THE FUNNY PART IS, MY MOTHER, A LIGHT SLEEPER, AND A NEVER GO TO SLEEP UNTIL EVERYONE IS IN, WAS SITTING AT THE KITCHEN TABLE, AND WATCHED ME COME IN THE FRONT DOOR, AND LITERALLY BOUNCE FROM ONE WALL TO THE OTHER ON THE WAY TO MY ROOM, WHICH WAS STRAIGHT AHEAD ABOUT 10 FEET FROM THE FRONT DOOR. SHE CAME IN TO CHECK ON ME, AND FOUND ME FACE DOWN ON THE BED, FULLY CLOTHED WITH MY JACKET STILL ON! SHE KNEW THEN I WAS SAFE, AND WENT TO BED. SHE STILL TELLS THE STORY TODAY, AND CHUCKLES EVERY TIME SHE TELLS IT. I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS VERY FUNNY THE NEXT DAY, AND IT WAS MY FIRST AND LAST DRUNK.

KEEP THE MICHAEL STORIES COMING, AS WE ALL ENJOY THEM. YOU ARE AN AMAZING MAN, AND I RESPECT ALL THAT YOU DO IN CONNECTING WITH OTHERS WHO HAVE LOST A HERO. I APPRECIATE IT, AND I KNOW THAT THE FAMILIES DO ALSO.

OFFICER GORDON, NEVER FORGOTTEN.

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

April 4, 2007

Daddy,
Did you know it's my birthday today?
I hope you can see it from Heaven.
Malik got me the same British GI Joe that Mommy bought you a long time ago!
I miss you.
Love,
Cullen

Cullen Gordon
Son

April 3, 2007

Sorry, Cullen is going to be 8, I think I said 7, which he is now. Anyway, watch over him and all the little ones. You take care. And don't let it rain for the Cubs Rooftop benefit we are having for you.

Love,
Dad

April 2, 2007

Michael,

Traveled back over 20 years ago in my life when I took your son Malik to baseball practice today. This is really his first year of playing organized ball and I remember coaching you and your two brothers in baseball but especially your team, the Cardinals as we ended up the Champions in 1986. Both of your sons fight over your Cardinals Championship baseball jacket that we had made for all the players on your team. Was very bittersweet today as I thought of you the whole time and all the batting practice I pitched for your team. They were trying to find out who could pitch today and I was sitting in the bleachers waiting for practice to end. I was the only man there, except for the coaches. All the mothers were there, how times have changed. Anyway, I couldn't resist getting off my butt and going out to the mound to help out. Once a pitcher, always a pitcher should be my motto.
I thought of two Michael stories while I was out there today, both when you were playing ball. One, you were the hero, the other, well, in a way you made history happen for the other team. The hero story was, we were losing by one run, last inning, two outs, men on 2nd and 3rd. You came to bat and ended up with a full count. Sort of sounds like a baseball movie, doesn't it? Well, there I was, first base coach, praying to myself saying, "Lord, if you were ever going to let Michael get a hit, this is the time." The pitch came, and bam, line drive into right field - base hit, both runs scored, you won the game. Your team mates more or less carried you off the field. What a great memory. The other one I know you probably never forgot. You came up to bat, no outs, bases loaded and again in the bottom of the last inning. One hit from you or the two batters following you would win this game for us. You swung, and bam, a line drive toward 3rd base, the kid at 3rd stuck his glove in front of his face to protect himself from getting hit between his eyes and being killed and it went right into his glove. His coach yelled, "Throw to 2nd," he did and caught our runner off base who was running on the hit of the bat, thats two outs, their coach was yelling again, "Throw to 1st," they did and our player on 1st was between 1st & 2nd, he was out. You hit into a Tripple Play. Probably hasn't been one since then in that park. Two great moments in your little leauge baseball career.
I write these short little stories of your memories because we have no memories that will happen tomorrow, only those of the past, unless someone who knew you has a story to share with us. I've heard a few from the guys in the 11th District and only cops would understand the humor in those, but some day we will get to those. Especially the ghetto rat stories as I know how you hated rats.
Tomorrow is Cullen's 7th Birthday and I know he is really feeling bad because you are not here. Please keep watch over him and all the kids, including your niece and nephews as I worry about all of them. You take care, we love and miss you.

Love,
Dad

April 2, 2007

Dear Michael Patrick,

Just a note to let you know I am thinking of you today. It is beautiful, bright, and springy outside and the pride I feel for you and Matthew and all the other guys that have left us and are with you all, and the ones that are still down here walking the beat, just is absolutely overwhelming me today. I was thinking about Washington ,remembering the first year and that to me it was just horrendous, I could barely get through it, last year was different, still hard, but different, this year I have made a vow to spend most of my time looking up the parents and other loved ones that share this journey and that have come to mean so much to me through these pages, your dad is of course at the top of the list.
We never forget.
Always, Matt's Mom

Linda Rittenhouse
Proud Mother Of Officer Matthew Rittenhouse eow 9/16/04

April 2, 2007