Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Captain Sparkes,

I wanted to take a momment and thank you for all the words of encouragement that you gave me while working with you at Kind/Drew Medical Center to purse a career in law enformcement. After hearing of your passing at a training class I was deeply saddened. You were a strong leader who always gave works of encouragement to others to move forward in life and better overselves. Rest in peace and look over us from above.

Campus Safety Officer Eric Colberg
Maricopa Community Colleges, Arizona

October 23, 2008

Captain Sparkes:

Today, Horton and I sat together discussing that fateful morning. I think about that morning everytime I decide which route that I will take while exercising off-duty...

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

September 4, 2008

Discussed Your shooting today. I also learned some new dynamics regarding that fateful day. May those anal pores, be prosecuted to the fullest extent......

Typical of many of us on LAPD - we are harder on ourselves than anyone else. Reading Horton's statements, I must type that he has no reason to feel responsiible. It is amazing how many cops who have been murdered, and for some reason I was close by, only to discover the murders later on the news.

In my opinion, Horton is a hero. What Horton failed to mention - it was his keen observation that many others may have never noticed(bullet holes from Captain Sparks' 9mm), that led to a traffic enforcement vehicle pullover, preventing a murderer and the others he eventually identified, from getting away.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

April 23, 2008

Capt Sparkes, You will be missed i was the ofcr that arrested the driver of the getaway veh while i was on my way to work. I fell partly responsible because you were lying about 50 yrds from were i was stopped for a red light, had i looked to my right i would have seen you laying there on the ground and poss getting you help sooner. I hope by being able to catch the driver and him later confessing and testifying against his partner that it gave your family closer that they were caught and would pay for there actions. God Bless You and your family.

police Officer 2+2 D. Horton
LAPD Arresting ofcr of suspect #1

March 31, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

September 12, 2007

Captain Sparkes,
Tomorrow marks the third anniversary of your EOW. My thoughts are with your family and friends as they remember you forever. Thank you, sir--you made a difference in the world.

Pennsylvania citizen

August 9, 2007

Captain Sparks,

As we approach another anniversary of your untimely death, I can’t help but to think back to that day in August. I can remember the sorrow and grief I felt for you and your family. I can remember the hatred I felt to those individuals that took you from us. I can also remember feeling a strong sense of pride. The pride came from you fighting back and not allowing them to make you just another victim without trying to stop them. When I was a FTO and now as a Sergeant I would tell your story to my trainees and try to impress upon them the importance of not giving up. As far as I’m concerned you are a HERO. I am sure that I will see you again someday, until then Rest in Peace and keep a watch over your brothers on the streets.

Sergeant Ryan Bodily
Los Angeles County Police

July 24, 2007

Captain Sparkes: Today, I conducted Roll Call training regarding off-duty tactics. Of course, I had to remind the "New Breed," regarding Your tragic event. You were always nothing less than most professional, everytime we met (and I know You had to put up with a lot from some of my officers).......

You did not cower or simply give up. Your tragic death epitomizes what it means to have a "Will To Survive."

It is important that others out there know that the two robbers exited their vehicle, and approached you carrying a rifle. You immediately drew Your service pistol and official identification from Your fanny pack. Even after being shot nine times with a 7.62x39 mm semiautomatic rifle, You were still able to return fire, striking the assailants’ vehicle several times as it sped away (One shot hitting one of the anal pores in the torso). Additionally, You used Your cell phone to summon aid and provide detailed information about the suspects to responding officers.

How tough it had to be, when You were transported to UCLA-Harbor Medical Center where the security staff had to see their commanding officer come in on a gurney .

A sharp LAPD motorcop initiating a traffic enforcement vehicle pullover, noticed Your bullet holes in the anal pores' vehicle.

When FOX-11 News made that live broadcast, I became so angry that You were involved in an unprovoked attack. Yes -I am still mad. I reckon that I deal with much of that anger by not letting Your memory be forgotten. May You Rest-In-Peace, Bro.......

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

April 24, 2007

Hey Capt Sparkes, Just wanted you to know that I came up on your story by readin'the officer down memorial page.
I became sadened by knowin'that!!I didn't have a chance to shake your hands,but hope one day have this done.
Please watch over us all brothers in blue.

Hero, hero you made the essential for a heroic entrance in heaven's gateway!!

stay safe
CE Lima CCRPV # 2906

Ptl Lima
CCRPV

August 18, 2006

To the family and loved ones of Captain Michael Sparkes Sr. and his fellow officers with the Los Angeles County Ofice of Public Safety Department:

On this the second anniversary week of Michael's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. Although I never had the privilege of meeting Mike, I feel as if I know him through the loving reflections left by loved ones and friends. His valor and courage will never be forgotten.
The lessons he taught to those he mentored will be carried forward.

I hope that God is holding him in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

I am so sorry that Mike was robbed of his life so tragically, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of dedicated service Mike gave to his community and the citizens of California, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 10, 2004.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 11, 2006

REMEMBERING CAPTAIN SPARKES ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DEALTH.

"GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN, THAN TO LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR A FRIEND."

YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBER FOR THE "ULTIMATE SACRIFICE YOU GAVE, YOUR LIFE.
GOD BE NEAR YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR AND KEEP THEM IN HIS CARE.

LORRAINE BOND (MOTHER)
HAMILTON COUNTY, TN. DEPUTY SHERIFF:
DONALD K. BOND, JR.
EOW: 09.06.01

August 10, 2006

On this 2nd anniversary, your family and close friends are in my thoughts. You have not been forgotten and are a true hero. Keep watch over your loved ones.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

August 10, 2006

Remembering you in my prayers on this second anniversary of your passing. God bless.

Anne (UK)

August 10, 2006

Mike,

While in Iraq with my fellow Marines, fighting for the safety and security of our very own country, I learned of your death. I was shocked. There I was in a combat zone and I'm told of a brother who died while riding his bike to work. I asked myself why was it safer in a combat zone surrounded by my fellow Marines, than home in the streets of Los Angeles? Life has a strange way of handing us our destiny. I just want you to know that I wish I could have been here to pay my respects to you at your service. The years that I've known you have showed me what a class act you truly are and how compassionate of a person you were towards all of us at L.A. County Police. Take care and stay safe!

SgtMaj Jay Schickel
U. S. Marine Corps

December 29, 2005

Captain Sparkes as your Administrative Sergeant you taught me the wisdom of compassion, you shared the passion of your love for the video camera, and allowed me the opportunity to grow in our chosen profession. For this I will always remember and be grateful for having shared life's passage with you. Rest in Peace. 10-7.

Sgt. Cliff Williams
Los Angeles County Police

November 4, 2005

Just wanted to stop in and say that you have not been forgotten on this first anniversary date. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten by your family, friends and the law enforcement community.

Robert Gordon,
father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Robert Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired
Riverside PD, Illinois

August 10, 2005

Captain Sparkes..you - your family - friends & co-workers are in my thoughts & prayers..please watch over them & your fellow brothers/sisters in blue..you paid the ultimate sacrifice 1 year ago today..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!!

girlfriend of a leo

August 10, 2005

Dolores,

First, I apologize if I've mispelled your name. Second, I want to say thank you for being such a comfort to me at the Memorial. You were riding on your own emotional roller coaster and yet you were compassionate enough to hold my hand while I rode on mine.

You're an amazing woman. Michael is fortunate to have such a pillar of support and I know your "Angel" is smiling down on you. May God bless you and Michael and may your sense of peace never abandon you.

You were right, I asked. I owe you for helping me find my peace.

Call me if you ever need a hand to hold or a shoulder to cry on.

You and Michael will always be in my prayers.

Marisol Rilloraza
Glendora Police Department

May 8, 2005

To those of us who had the honor of knowing Captain Sparkes, we now we worked with a good man. For those of us who knew Captain Michael Sparkes as a friend, we can say "Mike rest in peace friend, we will keep you in our prayers and will always be there for your family."

Mike was a man of small stature,but with the kind heart of a giant. His booming deep voice filled a room when he laughed, and he deeply loved his family.

Mike, I enjoyed working with you and will miss you. Our family, the Los Angeles County Police lost a very loved soul.

Take care my friend and I will see you soon.

Sergeant Edward E. Ramos
Los Angeles County Office of Public Safety

April 19, 2005

Your Ethical Behavior And Decisions Continues To Guide Several Members Of The Class 1972 ..We Remain Greatful. May God Continue To Bless your Family

Major Jerome Taylor
Charleston Police Department

March 31, 2005

I read about your death today in PORAC.I cried so hard. I lost my nephew on April 10, 2004. He too was shot with an AK-47. Isaac was 7 years with the SFPD, you were almost to retirement. I am so sorry for your family because I know the pain they feel. Isaac left behind a little girl. The look of sadness after her father was shot haunts me. Those sad eyes I will never forget. I pray that your family does well and has the support they need. I pray that your son and step-daughter will always remember you. I pray for your wife because I see the pain that Isaac's wife goes through. It just doesn't seem fair. I am so sorry, so very sorry.

To your wife, I will see you in Sacramento and Washington DC in 2005. Although we will not know each other, we will know each other by the pain on our face. God Bless you.

MaryAnn Poni
Sgt, SF Sheriff Department

October 13, 2004

Dear Captain Sparkes,

I check this website daily, for our son recently lost his partner on a code call. We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

God bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great nation.

Here is a special prayer for you:

Give eternal rest to them, O Lord,
Whose souls have taken flight.
And lead them to a better world
Where there is peace and light.
Grant them eternal freedom
From conflict, war, and care,
And fulfill for them Thy prophecy
There shall be no night there.

Pray for us from above. We love you son.

Grandma & Grandpa Hinkle
Parents of a Deputy Sheriff

October 7, 2004

Rest in Peace Hero1

Police Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Dept.

September 14, 2004

Rest in Peace Capt. Sparkes, your work here will not be forgotten, God bless you, your family, and the Officers of the L.A. County Office of Public Safety.


Master Officer Don Hurley
Eloy, Az. P.D.

(Former Officer L.A. County Safety Police)

Master Officer Don Hurley
Eloy, Az. P.D.

August 29, 2004

I had the honor of attending Captain Michael Sparkes funeral, as stated by family, friends, and co-workers, the world and our police family lost a great man on this day. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, firends, and the fine members of the Los Angeles County Police Dept. God bless you and your family, Rest in Peace brother.

Officer Josh Spry
Los Angeles School Police Department

August 29, 2004