Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I STUMBLED ACROSS THIS OBITUARY ON ANOTHER SITE.
I AM SADDENED TO HEAR OF THIS TRAGEDY.
ABOUT 12 YEARS AGO I WAS A CITY POLICE OFFICER IN HEARNE TEXAS. MIKE WAS A RESERVE OFFICER THERE FOR AWHILE AND HIS OLDER BROTHER BRIAN WAS MY FIRST SGT. THERE.

I RECALL MIKE AS BEING A PROFESSIONAL GUNG-HO OFFICER. OF COURSE WE ALL WERE BACK THEN. HEARNE WAS A UNIQUE PLACE TO BE A COP AND MIKE FIT IN WELL.

HE WAS FUN TO WORK WITH AND EASY TO BE AROUND. I WISH THE BEST FOR HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND AM SORRY FOR THEIR LOSS.

OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.


DEPUTY DAVID L. WOOD

DEPUTY DAVID L. WOOD
HOWARD COUNTY S.O.

September 4, 2005

Semper Fi, brother.

AZ UC

September 2, 2005

In Loving Memory

Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I and you are you: Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone: wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was; there is absolutely unbroken continuity. What is death but a negligible accident? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near , just around the corner. All is well.

The dedication and service you provided to the community and those that you touched personally will never be forgotten. May God watch over your family and bless them with the comfort that you are always present in spirit and heart. Thank you for being you and watching over us all!


-Author Unknown

September 2, 2005

If tomorrow starts without me,

And I'm not there to see,

If the sun should rise

and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn't cry

the way you did today,

While thinking of the many things,

we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,

As much as I love you! ,

And each time that you think of me,

I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,

Please try to understand,

That an angel came and called my name,

And took me by the hand,

And said my place was ready,

In heaven far above,

And that I'd have to leave behind;

All those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,

A tear fell from my eye

For all my life,

I'd always thought,

I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for,

So much left yet to do,

It seemed almost impossible,

That I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,

The good ones and the bad,

I thought of all the love we shared,

And all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday,

Just even for a while,

I'd say goodbye and kiss you,

And maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized,

That this could never be,

For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly th ings,

I might miss come tomorrow,

I thought of you, and when I did,

My heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates,

I felt so much at home.

When God looked down and smiled at me,

>From His great golden throne,

He said, "This is eternity,

And all I've promised you."

Today your life on earth is past,

But here life starts anew

I promise no tomorrow,

But today will always last,

And since each day's the same way,

There's no longing for the past.

You have been so faithful,

So trusting and so true.

Though there were times you did some things,

You knew you shouldn't do.

But you have been forgiven,

and now at last you're free.

So won't you come and take my hand,

and share my life with me?

So when tomorrow starts without me,

don't think we're far apart,

For every time you think of me,

I'm right here, in your heart.

A FRIEND

September 2, 2005

Thank your for your service.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

September 2, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Sheriff Bancroft. May he rest is peace knowing that his work made a difference in this world.
Mary Kay Balchunas, mother of
Special Agent Jay Balchunas
EOW 11-5-04

Mary Kay Balchunas

August 31, 2005

A man of god and a man of the people. Michael will be sorely missed by family and community alike. My heart goes out to his family. My door is always open. lol Skip Jones

MAJ SKIP, A.E. JONES, PA-C
US ARMY

August 30, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and the Robertson County S.O.

Fallen but never forgotten.

Bryan Laurie
Haltom City Texas

August 30, 2005

You have suffered such a great loss.
Please know that I will be praying for all of you, and hope you find comfort knowing that he is still here, watching over you everyday.

Police Officer's Wife
Sapulpa,Oklahoma

August 30, 2005

I have known the Bancroft family all my life. I played baseball with Mike and Bryan in little league. The coach was always saying to Bryan, "Why can't you hit like your brother?" I remember they were both pretty good players, but Mike stood out. I also worked with him and his brother Billy, and their dad Big Billy laying carpet. Mike has always had an outgoing personality, and you can just tell some people were meant to be great.

The funeral was as beautiful a memorial service as I have ever seen. Very sad, but very intimate. I'll never forget Bryan's words about his brother. "He always had to be the best", he said of Michael. "He couldn't just be in the armed forces; he had to be a Marine. He couldn't just be a husband, he had to be a soulmate." Those words touched me deep. And stirred something in me that makes me want to be a better daddy and husband. And seeing Bryan talk, as hard as I know that was for him, gives me hope that I can do that one day when I lose someone close to me. The Bancrofts are good people. And it is a pleasure to call them my friends.

Mike Liner

August 30, 2005

TO: The family; loved ones; friends and department members: A POLICE OFFICER’S PRAYER:--- O, gentle Lord ! Keep the day/night watch with me. As I begin my tour of duty, I ask your protection from all mental, physical and spiritual harm. Sustain me with the knowledge that I am doing your work, endeavoring to keep peace among your people. Help me to be just as I enforce the law without prejudice or favor to anyone. May I be courageous but not reckless in carrying out my duties. Let me respond to all calls with haste realizing that so many are dependent upon me for life and safety. Support me with your consoling power when I am tempted to think no one really cares and that I am taken for granted. Sustain in me the conviction that so many thousands do care and are grateful for my presence. Grant that I may be loyal to my partner and my fellow officers, and that I may back them up effectively when called upon for assistance. Lord, I ask that I may return safely, after my tour of duty, to my loved ones and those who love me. I pray that I may be a good and honorable police officer; and after my tour of duty is over here on earth, may I enjoy the peace and happiness of heaven that you have promised to those who serve you well. AMEN. *** REST IN PEACE ***

Chief (retired ) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

August 29, 2005

Thank you for your dedicated service to your community and your department. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May they never forget your faithful service to your community and department and the brave HERO that you were. To Mrs. Bancroft, children, family, friends and co-workers, our heartfelt prayers and sympathies are with you. May God be with you all during this very sorrowful time. Words will never compensate the loss you have suffered. We pray that He now gives you all strength in your time of need. May you find peace in the thought, that we as friends, take this time to lift you up in prayer.

For your act of unselfish bravery and courage Officer Bancroft, we salute you. Blessed be the peacekeepers.

Denise & Erin Hunter, Widow and Daughter
Sgt. Gregory L. Hunter, Grand Prairie, TX Police Dept., EOW 6-18-04

August 29, 2005

Rest in Peace...

Police Officer
Syracuse Police Dept,NY

August 29, 2005

As I sit here and read all of these wonderful things said about my brother all I can think about is how much of an impact he made on so many lives. I thasnk you all for your thoughts and prayers. Michael was one of a kind and there will never be another like him. As the oldest, I was blessed in that I got to watch Micheal grow into the exceptional man that he was. He was and always will be my baby brother and my friend. Mike your boys will never forget the lessons you them. I love you and I miss you so very much!! You and Mom take care of each other and know that we will be with you again one day.

Karen Bancroft Veal
Sister of Michael Bancroft

August 29, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rest easy brother.

Officer 210 D. Brashear
Mannford Police Dept. Ok.

August 29, 2005

It was my priviledge to work with Michael Hearne PD after he left his military service in the Marines. I remember him as young and enthusiastic. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Brian, call if you need anything.

Lt. Lockie Sailer
Tom Green Co. SO

August 29, 2005

I was the last person to see Mike as we left work Monday night. As we parted we said the usual goodbyes “love ya brother be careful.” It has taken me awhile but I now realize that I am lucky to have gotten the chance to see that big smile one last time and say a goodbye, even if I didn’t know it was the last. My heart, like many is completely broken. Mike and I have spent a lot of time together over the last few years and I can say he is one of the best men that I know. He was one of the most dedicated police officers that I have ever met and had the pleasure to work with. I never heard him complain and he would drive half way across the state just to lend a helping hand. Mike, you have and always will be a great husband, father, son, and brother in arms to the shield. Rest in peace brother your tour of duty is over. Your brothers in blue will take it from here. You will be missed but never forgotten.

Investigator Shawn Lippe
McLennan County Sheriffs Office

August 28, 2005

My deepest sympathies to the family, friends, co-workers and department of Deputy Bancroft. May God Bless them and hold them close at this very difficult time.

Denise Parker, wife of a LEO

August 28, 2005

Police Officers Prayer

When I start my tour of duty God, wherever crime may be, as I walk the darkend strets alone, let me be close to thee. Please give me understanding of both young and old. Let me listen with attention until thier story's told. Let me never make a judgement in a rash or callous way, but let me hold my patience let each man have his say. Lord if some dark and dreary night, I must give my life, Lord with your everlasting love protect my children and my wife.

August 28, 2005

I knew Mike when I was a police officer with Mexia Police Department. While he and I had our difference of opinions, I knew that he was one of those officers who would be there for you no matter what. After he joined the Task Force, he went out of his way to make sure that you had whatever information that you needed and was willing to help out no matter what.

I attended Mike's funeral yesterday and it was great to see the turnout from across the state. I know that Mike would have been proud.

Thanks for everything that you did for the citizens of Limestone, Robertson and every county in between. God Bless you.

Field Training Officer K. Clicque
Dallas ISD Police

August 28, 2005

Yesterday we went to your funeral and paid our last respects. When your son put his hand out to shake mine I told him "Your daddy was a good man" he replied "I know". I watched as he approached your casket and placed his little hand on it. It broke my heart to watch him, and it reminded me how quickly things happen and how much we take for granted on a daily basis. Mike was a good cop and a good friend to everyone who knew him and he will be missed tremendously. "Blessed are the Peace Keepers ...."

Detective Lacey "Watts" Carvin
Giddings Police Department

August 28, 2005

God Bless the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Bancroft.

mjw 643

August 28, 2005

My most sincere condolences to Deputy Sheriff Bancroft's wife, children, father, brothers, sisters, extended family and fellow officers. I read the reflections left by his sister Elizabeth about her big brother, a cousin's thoughts and those of officers who knew him. They all strike a chord in me. I too lost a wonderful big brother in an on-duty car accident many years ago. Everyone in our family, fellow troopers, and neighborhood friends were all impacted by his loss. When a decent, caring and contributing human being is lost we are all forever diminished by his absence. In time we learn to cope with what cannot be changed; fortunately the memories and love we hold for these very special loved ones allows us to always keep them in our hearts and thoughts and although their physical presence is gone they truly are with us so long as we never forget to honor, respect and remember them and the ultimate sacrifice made by them in choosing to serve and protect. May God's perpetual light shine upon Deputy Bancroft may he rest in peace and may God bless his family as they go through this sad and difficult time. I will keep you all in my prayers.

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

August 28, 2005

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

August 27, 2005

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Robertson County Sheriff’s Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Bancroft deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Deputy Bancroft is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.

Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, NC

August 27, 2005