Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jeff,

I had the privilege of attending the 16th class of the Palomar College Police academy in 2008. During that time, we dedicated our academy to an officer that made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Our fallen officer was you. During that time, we made memorial pins that we wore above our name tag to commemorate your service. Our pin was comprised of a mini 7 point sheriffs badge with your name and date of end of watch.
I still have that pin to this day. It sat just below my computer screen for years until just the other day. My oldest daughter who is 4 years old picked it up and became immediately intrigued by it. She said " daddy, I have a badge just like you and Im gonna be a police officer just like you." I knelt down to her and brought her in close. I explained that she was holding a very special badge of a super hero named Jeff. I told her that Jeff died protecting all of us. With tears in my eyes, I explained that we need to always remember Jeff and pray for you and your family. I gave her the badge and told her that she needs to take good care of it so we can always remember that Jeff is a hero. My daughter has had the little badge for a week and hasn't let it out of her sight. Its amazing how much she values it. Its amazing that at 4 years old she understands the sacrifice you made and what that badge represents.
Last night we were saying our prayers and we always go down the list of people that we pray god blesses. As normal, it the usual mommy, daddy, grandma and grandpa and so on. But then she said, "god bless Jeff". My mind was a little puzzled and caught off guard at first. I asked my daughter, "who's Jeff"? She said, "He's a police officers that's a hero daddy." It made me sad for you and your family. It put into perspective how fragile life is. It also made me proud that my little girl understands what ands who you are. Going forward, you are going to be included in our prayers. Thank you for giving me perspective 12 years after I was introduced to you. Thank you for teaching me lessons and humbling me even though we've never spoken a word to each other. Ill continue to check in from time to time. Rest Easy Jeff.

Deputy David Wettstead
San Diego Sheriff's Department

August 24, 2020

Officer Mitchell will never be forgotten, he lost his life in the darkness of the night while guarding the freedom of local citizens. I will never forget his sacrifice and will not rest easy until his killer is brought to justice. RIP

Jake Buol
Citizen, CA

July 30, 2020

Thank you for your service; no words can describe the gratitude that society should feel towards this man. Deputy Mitchell is the hero every citizen should strive to be. My heart goes out to the family. Rest In Peace.

Cameron
Friend of son

July 30, 2020

I stand with my brothers and sisters from SCSD and the family of Deputy Mitchell in remembrance of the tragic death he suffered so many years ago this date. We all will not rest until his killer is brought to justice. RIP.

Deputy Sheriff Los Angeles
County Sheriff

October 27, 2019

I’m sorry this happened to you Deputy Mitchell. I hope the fact that your memory lives on can provide a modicum of relief to your loved ones. I hope the coward who did this to you will be caught one day.

Police Officer K Shum
Stockton School Police

September 23, 2019

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Mitchell.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 28, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother. We remember and honor you on the 11th anniversary of your E.O.W. We pray for your wife, family and coworkers. You are not forgotten.

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

October 27, 2017

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

August 31, 2017

It's been ten years, and justice has still not been served to the coward that took you from your loved ones and devoted comrades in blue. Rest in peace, Deputy Mitchell. My heartfelt condolences go out to your family and friends, and to all the brave men and women of the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department. Heroes are never forgotten.

Taylor Ramerth
Citizen of Chandler, Arizona, and supporter of law enforcement

October 27, 2016

Crystal,
You and your son and Deputy Mitchell have not been forgotten. Just know that.

Julie Burnett
No Affiliation. Graduated 1995 Santa Rosa Police Academy

October 28, 2015

Nine years ago today some P.O.S. coward(s) took the life of this Deputy. I can imagine the fight he must have been in out there by himself. The fact that this person(s) is still at large is unbelievable and unacceptable. Deputy Mitchell left behind a wife and small son at the time and they definitely need this animal to be captured and incarcerated for the rest of his life.
RIP Deputy Mitchell.....
"Blue Lives Matter"

Steve Van Slyke, Retired K-9 handler
El Cajon Police Department

October 27, 2015

That coward who shot you will be brought to justice. It is a horrific tragedy that his weapon was used against him. Right in front of someone.

Anonymous
Kid

June 21, 2015

I just wanted Deputy Mitchell's widow to know he has not been forgotten. I still have the red, white and blue wristband that was given to me on the day of his memorial. My ex and I had met just blocks away on a blind date and days before where Deputy Mitchell's life was taken. I always wondered if I would receive that knock on the door. Even though I reside out of the State of California now, the current events brought back memories of that tragic day 8 years ago. I want people to remember the Deputy Mitchell's killer is still out there. He will not be forgotten nor you for your strength and perseverance and I commend you for going on and raising your son. God bless you.

No police affiliation - Julie Burnett
graduated 1995 Santa Rosa Law Enforcement Academy

November 8, 2014

Jeff, I went out and visited your memorial site today on the 8th year of your passing. You will be missed. Thank you for protecting the citizens of Sacramento County.

RIP

Never Forget

Ret. Deputy Jim Collentine
Sacramento County Sheriff, South Bureau

October 27, 2014

May you never be forgotten & your memory live on through your family & friends. To Crystal, I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope that one day & one day soon the person or persons responsible are caught & given the max. God Bless & God Speed.

Citizen Tracy Corley
Louisiana

October 27, 2014

Deputy Mitchell - the circumstances of your death have affected me every time I think about them. I think of you by yourself, in the early morning dark on a lonely road, protecting the citizens of Sacramento County and remain grateful that men like you are standing guard.

I hope your family finds comfort in the coming years, for his friends and family let me assure you there are many grateful citizens in this county for the sacrifices you go through.

anon
none - grateful citizen

March 10, 2014

Mitchell. I didn't know you in life, but to say that on accounts I hear you were an honorable wonderful man, husband, father, and human being. It's been 7 years since I reported what I saw the day you were buried. Rest well and know that someday, your brothers are going to pick them up and this will finally be over. Peace.

E B

January 8, 2014

It's that time again... in two days it will mark 7 years since some POS took Jeff away from us. Here is what I say to that beautiful smiling man watching us from heaven above:

Although life for us as the living goes on ~ not a day goes by that you aren't loved, missed and thought about... I was blessed to have been your wife and best friend for 15 years. We have missed out on so much in life and it makes me sad to think about the "what ifs". Instead, I choose to do what I know you would want... to live life to the fullest for both of us. I know that you are with Jake and I every step we take on our new journey in life and that you help guide us toward those things that bring us happiness and laughter. I know that is what you would want for us... I wish you were here for us to laugh and be happy with... but I take comfort in having you with me every moment in my heart and soul. I will love you and miss you always!

Crystal Mitchell
Surviving Wife

October 25, 2013

Rest In Peace.....

John Ruth, AEMD Comm Specialist.
MOMR, Farmers Branch,TX

September 14, 2013

Deputy Mitchell
Its been six years since I first learned about you, not a day goes by that your image in the hall way of Palomar College doesn't cross my mind. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. You've touched so many even after your passing. You are true hero Sir. Rest easy now.

Billy Cancino
Farmington Police Dept

July 17, 2013

To Mrs. Crystal Mitchell I hope that this Mother's day bring's you and your family the peace you have long awaited. God answers our prayers when we least expect him too, I pray for your's to be answered and give you peace and closure... your in my thoughts F.F.A

F.F.A
no relation

May 12, 2013

Jeff, Crystal will ride in your honor in the Police Unity Tour in the beginning of May. Your never forgotten and thought about always.

I love you.

Charlotte
sister in law

April 25, 2013

Uncle Jeff,
I miss you terribly. You were such a good person inside and out. I still dont understand why such an awful thing had to happen to such a good person. I miss you and love you very much

Lindsey Patton
Niece

November 15, 2012

I can't believe how long its been. I still think of you every time I hear an officer is down, and I still pray its not my dad taking the bullet. I still remember the fear I felt when I heard there was an officer shot on my dads beat. You will always be in my heart

Melissa C
Daughter of a friend

August 1, 2012

You had to be very brave to do the job you were doing, you had to be very brave at 3:30 in the dark morning to stop the van without a plate on the deserted rural road outside Elk Grove. I wish that back up had gotten there sooner, you needed help but no one came in time. I hope that one day this is solved and those responsible are brought to justice. They cannot get away with this. They must not get away with this.

Andrew McCarville former Game warden
DFG

March 6, 2012