Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the family and friends of Dep. Sheriff Michael Callin,

I'm very sorry for your huge loss. May you find comfort to try to fill the whole in your heart that this has surely left you. The OCSO recently provided so much assistance and comfort during the loss of my friend and colleague who was killed in the line of duty. I hope the kind acts are returned to Michael's family and friends tenfold.

SA J. Van Lancker

August 16, 2006

Mike,
I said it before, I'll say it again--You came from good stock. I was so honored to play the TAPS at your graveside. Rest in Peace my little brother. God Bless your family.

Detective Mark Hussey
Orange County Sheriff's Office

August 15, 2006

Junior, (Sorry I know how much you hated me calling you that but I could not resist one last time). WOW where do I begin? As I was standing in formation next to a long time friend of mine (I will say a much WISER person than myself) he told me that if it rains during a funeral that means the person has made it to Heaven. As they were bringing you up for your final goodbye it started to pour. And pour, and pour!! Boy did you make your staement LOUD and CLEAR.

After the service I talked to your father and told him a story that stuck in my mind. It was about how everyday at lunch time (30 whole minutes) you would jump in your car and race around the corner to the ROSS Store to see a friend. All I could remember is you telling me is SHE IS THE ONE. I'm going to Marry her. And that is exactly what you did.

To Vicki, you are a stong young women and you married an incredible man.

To Michael's parents, you did an incredible job raising a fine son.

My God always shine on your family.

Michael, you will be forever missed and never forgotten.

Dispatcher
Orange Co. Communications

August 15, 2006

MIKE,
YOUR SERVICE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.I DIDN'T KNOW YOU,HOWEVER YOU HAVE SET THE STANDARD FOR ALL OF US TO FOLLOW IN LIFE. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.

DEPUTY SHERIFF
ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

August 15, 2006

God bless Deputy Sheriff Michael Callin and give his family strength to carry on in the face of this terrible loss. My son's watch ended May 4, 2006, and I know the grief the family will always have. Michael will live in your wonderful memories. My prayers are with you.

Agnes M. Thalmann
Mother of a fallen officer.

August 13, 2006

Mike--my wife and I went to church today for the first time in several years. I know you would be proud of that and I just want to say "thank you". Please watch over us and guide us. See ya, buddy.

Deputy Sheriff
Orange County Sheriff's Office

August 13, 2006

Everytime I see your picture, I start to cry. Your smile always lit up the room. I always thought of you like a little brother. For something like this to happen to such a young wonderful person, I will never understand. I never got to tell you but I am naming my son "Michael", and now more than ever I really like the name and hope my son grows up to be just like you. You will always be missed. Rest in peace.

August 12, 2006

Your life and service will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and co-workers. No more pain. Rest in peace my brother. Until we meet at the gates...

Trooper
Kansas Highway Patrol

August 12, 2006

To the family and loved ones of Deputy Michael Callin and his fellow officers with the Orange County Sheriff's Office:

I wanted to express my sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Michael was killed in the line of duty. This senseless crime appalls me and I pray your family gets the full measure of justice for this wantonly malicious crime that took Michael's life. I hope that you are comforted by the support of your law enforcement family, and other police survivors. There are many people who will help you on the painful journey ahead. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Michael came from a family of law enforcement officers, and I know each member is proud of his service but will forever question why they had to lose him.

Although I never had the privilege of meeting Michael, 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.

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 Michael was robbed of his life so young and 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 dedicated service Michael gave to his community and the citizens of Florida, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 2, 2006.

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

August 11, 2006

HEY BROTHER, I MISS YOU MAN....SAW YOUR WIFE MOM, AND DAD YESTERDAY. THE ARE REMARKABLE PEOPLE JUST LIKE YOU. WE ALL MISS YOU AND WONT EVER FORGET YOU.

DET TONY BRISINTE
ORANGE CO SO

August 11, 2006

My son Michael Anthony Callin,

You have made me so proud of all of your accomplishments. You have given so much of yourself to so many people in their time of need. You have loved and not expected anything in return. You have cared for so many during the most difficult of times.

CARING,LOVING, AND GIVING-that describes you as a deputy, as a husband, as a brother, and of course to me and mom, as our son.


You my son, will never be forgotten.

Master Deputy David Callin
Father of Mchael Callin

August 11, 2006

May GOD bless your family and friends at this terrible time. Thank you for serving and protecting. Rest in peace, Sir.

Shirley Roberts
Aunt of Fallen Hero John Logan EOW-3-14-04

August 10, 2006

Michael,
Monday I had the honor of working your funeral. As a fellow motor officer I have done this too many times. Although we may never understand why such young officers are taken from us, we must rely on our faith and believe there is a purpose for each loss. At your service, I watched pictures of you and your father and your love for fishing. It made me realize the importance of life and how fragile it truly is. For me, you were a wake up call. A realization of what is the essence of life. Often we get so involved in our work and its busy schedule that we forget what is important. I got home from your services and hugged my children. I then grabbed a fishing pole, my two year old, and went fishing. Even though I am an avid fisherman, it was the first time my son and I have gone fishing.

Thank You, for the lesson.

Deputy Chief Gene Bernal
Orlando Police Department

August 9, 2006

Mike - you are deeply missed by my wife and me. You have now inspired us to find a local church and attend regularly--I know you would be proud of that. I hope that we can carry on your example in our lives. You will never be forgotten and one glorious day we will again see your face when we leave this world for the next.

Deputy Sheriff
Orange County Sheriff's Office

August 9, 2006

May God be with your family in this dark time. Rest assured that you will not be forgotten by both those you love and those whom you have never met. Rest in Peace Brother.

Officer M. Anderson
Clearwater Police Dept- FL

August 9, 2006

The Badge

It is polished and shiny and looks so fine.
Once you earn it you have to tow the line.
The minute you wear it upon your chest
it becomes a symbol that you are the best.
It means honesty, integrity, and fairness to all.
Your life is never your own, but at the publics call.
Night or day, any hour, it makes you a mark.
It doesn't protect you from a shot in the dark.
Over the years the shine starts to fade,
but brighter still is the man its made.
It is often what separates you from the crowd.
It is a second family of which you are proud.
So now comes your time, you can't be denied.
When you pin on your badge, wear it with pride
The minute you wear it upon your chest
it becomes a symbol that you are the best.

....unknown author

August 8, 2006

God bless you and your family.

Deputy Gaete
Monroe County Sheriffs Office

August 8, 2006

D/S Mike Callin,
I hope and pray you have a chance to read all these message from you new home in Heaven, you will be taken back to know how strong your family was and how much love and support was shown during the services. I did not have a chance to meet you but after today I feel like I know you. I guess thats all anyone can hope for is that we somehow can touch the lives of others in any way possible. You time on earth was spent loving and living your life to the fulliest, you could see that on the faces of each member or your immediate and extended family. You are and will be missed each day, we, your Brothers in Arms will continue your fight and race your race. I only hope that each day I step out the door to Protect and SERVE that i can do it with hald of your dedication, and If I can do such a thing I will always view my accomplishments as a total success. You set that standrard for all of us to follow. You have stood the watch for 4 years, stand relieved, we have the watch for you now, rest in peace....

Deputy Sheriff
Orange County Sheriffs Office

August 8, 2006

Deputy Callin,
Thnk-you for your service. You will always be remembered as a hero. Our deepest condolences to your family and the brave men and women of the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Rest in peace, brother.

Detective Corporal Morgan
Park County Sheriff's Office--Colorado

August 8, 2006

Mike: I wish i had know you in life. You sound like you are one great guy. It was my proud honor to pipe you home to our lord and savior jesus christ. Thank you for the rain,i think i drank two gallons of water. That wool kilt and hat get very hot.LOL. I am sure i will meet you when it's my turn to come home,but till then i will think of you every time i take my Road king out for a ride. GOD'S speed my friend!
William Rivers
Piper
Orlando firefighter's
Pipe's & Drum's

WILLIAM RIVERS
ORLANDO FIREFIGHTERS PIPES&DRUMS

August 8, 2006

i did not have the pleasure of meeting you or working with you. but i felt as if i had when i left orange county yesterday. i know you witnessed the courage of your friend , wife and sister as they spoke of you. one thing that stuck out to me was the photos of you and your wife. i could tell from them you had a good relationship. i was amazed she was able to speak as she did. i would like to thank you for your service to this state and its citizens. i would also as one officer did, like to thank you for the rain. i know it must have run throught everyones mind that you did that for us. your sheriff and staff did an excellent job of organizing things they were clearly there for your family.i have also lost a friend in the line of duty.the next few weeks will be hard. i pray that god will be with you all. i also pray that justice will be done. thanks again and say hi to jeff davis and andy brown

sgt spurlock
columbia s.o.

August 8, 2006

To the family and friends of Deputy Callin,

I watched teary eyed yesterday as you all read your own personal ulegy, you all did a great job discribing Michael. I did not know him but after hearing your words I learned that he had to have been a great husband, brother, and friend. I was touched by them all.

I know that words can not make things better, but please know that even strangers are praying for you all. May God be with you in all the hard days ahead. May God give you the strength to get up each day and say thanks for sharing Michael with each of you. May God bless each of you. This I pray!! Amen

August 8, 2006

The universe will reward you for taking risks on its behalf. Shakti Gawain

Deputy Callin -- The sacrifice you made for your community will not be forgotten.

To all those touched by the loss of Deputy Callin -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Association

August 8, 2006

I attended Deputy Callin's funeral yesterday. The stories I heard and his dedication to his career, family, and God were an inspiration to me. To his family, friends, and co-workers: without a doubt, his life and service will continue to touch more lives than you will ever realize. May God bless you all.

Corporal R. Keeton
Panama City Police Department

August 8, 2006

mike.....we were swappin stories the other day about you - particularly the time u flipped your dads boat and came walkin into the house soaked. but the one that stood out was a day you were passing out VBS flyers in the neighborhoods with another one of the guys from church. You had like one left and he made a comment along the lines of the trashy houses and dumpy neighborhood. even at that young age you returned with a serious, "hey, it may not be much, buts its all they have". we couldnt help but think you could have been taken by one of those you worked and fought so hard to defend and stick up for. we miss you, dont have to much fun up there without us.

josh

August 8, 2006