Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I met Mike just a few days before this incident. We were all looking for the suspect as there were only so many roads he could use. Got the call of the head-on collision and I raced to the scene as fast as I could. I believe as an EMT I was the first medical person on the scene. I was literally ripping the car apart to get access to Mike and help him get out of the patrol car.

We got him on the ground and I put oxygen on him and he started looking better. His color came back and he was making jokes. I figured he was going to make it.

Followed the ambulance down to the hospital and when I walked in I saw they were doing CPR on someone, which turned out to be Mike. Just too much internal damage and the muscles and organs had gone into spasm, but were now relaxing causing Mike to bleed out internally

I tried as hard as I could Mike to keep you going, but it was above my skill level. RIP my friend and brother.

Officer Daniel L Cameron. STO
California Highway Patrol

May 26, 2024

God rest his soul.

Sgt. Robert A. Henne
Jersey City PD/Ret.

December 8, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Bentley,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC in Vietnam. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO;former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 20, 2023

Michael Jay,
Tomorrow, October 19th, will be 40 years since a young drifter from Iowa took your life on a rural road outside Mojave, CA.
I relive the phone call that night advising me that you were rammed head on by a fleeing robbery suspect in a stolen truck.
One of our Lieutenants who happened to be a close friend of yours drove Pat and I to the hospital nearest Mojave. Our department had prepared to fly mom and dad from the central coast but they had already started out by car for the four hour drive.
By the time we got to the hospital you had already passed. I will always regret that I hadn’t been able to lean down and kiss you goodbye.
You were the best baby brother (OK three years) that anyone could ever have.
I love and miss you Michael and someday I will see you again.

Larry Bentley
Brother

October 18, 2023

In 1990 I was sworn in a Kern County Deputy Sheriff. In 1991 I was assigned to the Mojave/Rosamond Sub-station. I spoke to several other Deputies who were present during the incident that took your life. At the time of this tragedy, I was a Police Officer in the Los Angeles area. Years later while on patrol or responding to emergency calls, I drove the road where the collision occurred many, many times. Every single time as I drove down that road I thought of you, having never personally known you. To me and many others you are and always will be a fellow Deputy and a brother. God bless you and may you forever rest with the Lord in peace.

Mark Cerull, Retired Deputy Sheriff
Kern County Sheriff Office

March 31, 2023

I do not personally know Deputy Michael Bentley, I am far too young. Today, before our workout with the Sacramento Police Academy we were privileged to stop at the law enforcement memorial outside of the Capital Building. We were told to choose a name on a plaque and run for them this morning. I for some reason I cannot explain was drawn to a Deputy Michael Bentley. Coming from a small today I wanted to make sure somebody thought of him today because of Kern County being so rural, but reading the replies here I realized how many hearts he touched and how many people still think of him today. I want to thank everybody on here that posted these messages because now I feel more connected to him because he gave me the drive I needed during this mornings workout. I push everyday for men and women like him to hopefully someday be a man like him.

Foster, B.
Academy Recruit

November 2, 2021

Mike, I was talking about you today during a training for new dispatchers. Your memory not only lives on - you are still serving those who serve. Rest in peace.

Sandy Swopes, Dispatch Supervisor, Texas
former dispatcher, Kern County SO

October 9, 2021

Hey brother. Don’t know why I am such a reflective mood today. Maybe because of all of the unrest in the country today.
Actually I think I’m kind of depressed.
We cops are the bad guys this time around. They didn’t know you did they? I love you so much Mike.

Retired: Larry Bentley
Brother: KCSO and KCDA

August 31, 2020

I was working as the main dispatcher in Mojave for the first time the night Mike died. It was the hardest time I have ever had to go through. Mike has become a good friend in the short six weeks I knew him. I think about him time and again and still miss him. I know you are at peace in His presence.

Andrea Budavari
Former coworker

January 11, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Bentley.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 3, 2019

Mike I thin of you all the time. I miss you great sense if humor. Rest well my friend.

Seargent Mike Rude retired
KCSO

January 14, 2019

You survived in our memory. In my case, through your brother Larry who was at different times an instructor, my partner, and my supervisor. Thank you for the impact you had on so many, your service and ultimate sacrifice to the people of Kern County. You are NOT forgotten.

Howard Eddy
KCSO / KCDA / BCDA, RET

December 19, 2017

Rest In Peace Brother. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You are not forgotten.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

October 19, 2017

Dear Mikey,
Today is the 33rd anniversary of your untimely death. You have been gone as many years as you were alive. Our families, our friends and I still miss you, and think about you all the time. Thinking back on this day, in 1983, is a very difficult thing to do, but I know you are watching over all of us. We love you and miss you. You are our hero.
Shirley K (bentley) Mahana

Shirley Mahana
Wife

October 19, 2016

I miss you brother! We had some good nights in Lamont, didn't we?

Robert "Skipper" Yoon

Retired Commander
Kern County Sheriff's Department

June 26, 2015

I am Shirley, Mike's wife, at the time of his death. It happened 30 years ago today. I remember it as if it were yesterday; it was horrible. Mike was a good man, husband, and step-father to my young son, Doug. Mike was loved by many, especially his deputy brothers and sisters. We all still miss you...RIP Mikey (B0).

Shirley Mahana
Wife

October 19, 2013

to my uncle i never really got to know . I really wished I could have tell grandma, grandpa ,and grandpa miller ,and my dad I LOVE YOU ALL

robin miller
niece

March 14, 2010

Rest in Peace, Deputy Bentley. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 23, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 26th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 19, 2009

"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

November 28, 2007

I was working in Northern California the day you left us but it shook me to the bone to know what happened.. Keep resting in peace Brother for you are not forgotten...God Bless All

DB
Calif Hwy Patrol..Ret.

October 19, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

This writer's opinion is that life in prison is life in prison, not ever eligible for parole

vandenberghe
nh

October 16, 2007

Hey Michael Jay, this is long overdue but it has been hard sometimes thinking of all of you who made the ultimate sacrifice. I know you are watching over us, well a few of us who are still in the fight. You are not forgotten and often we talk about the good times at the "Old KLEA". Peace be with you.

Senior Deputy Eric R. Fennell
Kern County Sheriff's Office -- CA.

April 1, 2007

Deputy Sheriff Bentley, thank you for your service. Your murderer should never see the light of day again!

May you rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

August 24, 2006

Rest in peace brother, your work is done. May God bless your family. The sacrifice you have made does not go unnoticed, nor will you be forgotten.

PM
KCSD

May 17, 2005