Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I'll love you forever
I'll love you for always
As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be
Mom

mary K. mitchell
Mom

May 23, 2009

Dear Jeff,

I wanted to reach out to you and let you know you are SO not forgotten. You made the ultimate sacrifice and are a true HERO. Please look after your brothers and sisters in blue as they also are putting their lives on the line everyday to protect us all. I pray that you are at peace...

Anonymous

January 22, 2009

Deputy Mitchell,

I had the pleasure of meeting your Mother In-Law at National Airport during Police Week in 2007. As part of our Departmental Honor Guard, we are honored to greet and escort family members as they arrive in the Washington D.C. area to remember their fallen loved ones. Having grown up in the S.F. Bay Area, I felt a personal connection to your sacrifice, and have visited your page from time to time with the the hopes that an arrest had been made. I have not lost hope that this will happen, nor have I forgotten the sacrifice that you have made!
Your family remains in my thoughts and prayers....

POII D. McCarthy
Gaithersburg, MD. Police

November 14, 2008

To Deputy Jeffrey Mitchell and his loved ones:

In this the second anniversary week of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today. Rest in Peace, Jeff. I am praying for solace for your family members today, and each day that they are on the survivors' path.

I am also praying for the capture of those responsible for your death and hope that your family and department receive the justice they deserve.

I am glad that you were bestowed the honor of having a Palomar Police Academy class dedicate their class to you.
My son Larry also received this very great honor which means so much to the officers' family.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Jeff gave to his community and the citizens of California, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 27, 2006.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

October 28, 2008

On the 2nd anniversary of Deputy Mitchell's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Deputy Mitchell is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

October 27, 2008

Jeff, its been two years. Know your always in my thoughts and prayers. I miss you!

love you!

Charlotte
Sister in law

October 27, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this second anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

October 27, 2008

Deputy Mitchell,
I have been getting on here and reading your reflections since I started the Academy in August 2007. Every time I get on and read about you I am blow away by what your friends, family and strangers say. I never really know what to say. I find myself thinking of you and your family. You and your family have made a great impact on my life and my outlook on life. Bless you and your family . You are in my prayers and thoughts always.

Aaron Wayman
Palomar poilce academy graduate

October 23, 2008

Jeff,

Its been almost two years now. I don't go a day without thinking of you. I never knew you. I was just an academy recruit when you were taken.

Your death and more importantly, your life have impacted me in so many ways. You've made me a better cop and I'll always remember that.

Rest In Peace

Deputy N. Pottorff
Former SSD

October 12, 2008

My parents were Sgt. Det. Rick Martin, and dispatcher Dotti Martin. I first read about Jeff last year, and he's always been on my mind ever since. When I was a child, I'd hear sirens in the night and be terrified that they were for my father. My heart breaks for Jeff's family, and I just wanted them to know somebody out here on the other side of the country is thinking of them. Deputy Mitchell looks so vibrant, happy, and like such a swell guy. I never knew you, Jeff, but you have secured a place in my heart. I won't forget.
Sandy Martin, Salem, MA

Sandy Martin

July 18, 2008

Deputy Mitchell,

We just put your badge and picture up in the "Hall of Warriors" at the academy and every time I see your face on that wall it just pushes me more and more to have to come here and talk to you.

As these final 5 weeks start to come to an end and we get closer to graduation the more and more I think about the sacrifice that you gave, and it really sinks in more and more as time goes by. I don't go a day without seeing your picture on the wall and despite the fact that I never had the opportunity to meet you, I can just tell that you were an amazing father and husband.

At the motorcycle rally that we had for you a couple months back I was really looking forward to seeing some of the other Sacramento County Deputies that served along side with you. After randomly bumping into one gentleman in particular during lunch, I asked him how he liked the event. The man was just dressed like another rider and I thought nothing more of it until hearing what he had to say about everything. He started to tell me that he was from Sacramento, and I asked him if he knew you. At that moment when he told me he was your old beat partner I was completely at a loss for words. He started to tell me how great of a person you were and how much you would have enjoyed to be there that day, and I could tell you two were very close. The entire time while he was telling me all these wonderful things about you I was just amazed with everything he had to say. I could see how hard it hit him, but at the same time how proud he was to have known and served with you, and to be supporting such a great cause that day. That moment in particular made me feel very proud that I'm apart of such a great cause.

I pray for you and your family Deputy Mitchell and I hope that I can only continue to bring pride to your name. Please watch over myself and Class 16 as these final weeks come to a dwindling end. Thank you again for making the ultimate sacrifice and fighting the good fight.

God Bless you and your family.

Recruit Nicholas Kennedy
PCPA Class 16

July 9, 2008

My old friend, I recall
The times we had hanging on my wall
I wouldn't trade them for gold
Cause they laugh and they cry me
Somehow sanctify me
They're woven in the stories I have told
And tell again

My old friend, I apologize
For the years that have passed
Since the last time you and I
Dusted off those memories
But the running and the races
The people and the places
There's always somewhere else I had to be
Time gets slim, my old friend

Don't know why, don't know why
Don't know why, don't know why

My old friend, this song's for you
Cause a few simple verses
Was the least that I could do
To tell the world that you were here
Cause the love and the laughter
Will live long after
All of the sadness and the tears
We'll meet again, my old friend

Goodbye, goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye

My old friend, my old friend
Goodbye, goodbye

June 11, 2008

Deputy Mitchell-

Today is a day in which we as a Nation remember all heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice, but yours in particular strikes a little closer to home.

I see Class 16 everyday and I hear your call sign ring through the halls of the Academy. I see pictures of you and your family and it really strikes home. I am realizing that no matter how good we are, no matter how professional we are, there is always someone who wants to strip us of our dignity and freedoms.

Even if we do it right all the time, there is someone training to strike us down. This dreg must be brought to the halls of justice and it is our duty to arrange that meeting. No matter what the circumstances, the public has obligated us to protect their lives and property from this element of society. It is the honor, courage and commitment which we believe that drives us to continue forward after being taken aback by something so senseless as your murder.

I want to thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice and wish your family the best on this official day of remembrance.

God Speed Deputy Mitchell.

Recruit Baxley
Palomar Police Academy/USMC Military Police

May 26, 2008

A Warrior’s Prayer

Today is the day the Lord has made…

I prepare and ready myself for war, awaiting battle and what it holds for me.

Not because I am a seeker of oppression or the taking of another, because these are the true tests and measures of my faith and love for my God.

Lord I pray; Let my compassion and understanding run swifter than my judgments, but in moments of duress and where innocents fall underfoot, let your sword of justice destroy my enemy by my hands. And in all my endeavors, let my actions and my words glorify your name.

Daily will I face the works and the very army of satan himself and witness the horrors and evils of non-believers and the twisted motivations of the lost who seek to undermine you and hinder my aim, though none shall deter my cause for I know my calling.

Like the symbol of the eagle, the branch of peace extends first for those who seek it, but the arrows stand ready to take flight when provoked. And when provoked and tested, I will fear nothing, for I am eternally protected by my faith in you and covered in the armor of your blood.

Lord, you are my guide, my purpose and my shelter from the destructions of evil men. My Every move is according to your plan.

As a soldier for Saint Michael, satan’s armies will be trampled beneath me in your name and through all doubts cast and burdens bore will I rise again, if even in death.

For as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.

In this, I pray.

Amen

Officer Damian Jackson
Escondido PD

April 30, 2008

Happy Easter, Brother.
God bless you and your wonderful family.

You are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Officer Damian Jackson
Escondido PD

March 24, 2008

For the past 7 months I have been visiting this very page and thinking about the sacrifice you made. I dont have much to say, but I wanted to let you know that I earnestly pray for your family every night. It would have been an honor to know you, thank you for your service.

RECRUIT SLOAN
PCPA CLASS #16

March 16, 2008

Jeff, its been a year since I've written to you. I wanted to let you know not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I can't listen to certain songs without crying and I don't think I ever will be able to. Sometimes I still can't believe your gone. Crystal is doing okay. She takes things day by day taking nothing for granted anymore. Please know that she loves you and ALWAYS will, of that, I have absolutely no doubt. She misses you so very much!!!

I love you!

Charlotte Clarke
Sister in law

February 6, 2008

Deputy Mitchell,
I think I must have been to this site a million times with the intention of writing you this but never knew what to say or how to say it. Every day I sit in my academy class and stare at pictures of your family and yourself. I try to imagine what it would have been like to be you. You are always smiling in your pictures as if your the luckiest guy in the world. Representatives from Sacramento County Sheriff's Dept. have came by our facility and mentioned what a awesome person you were. (How they thought the world of you Jeff.) We should all be so lucky to have such a reputation. Day after day I got lost in all of the pictures of you on our academy walls and initially and honestly, felt overwhelmed with hate for the individual who ended your watch. Though I try not to dwell so negatively on the incident, I remind myself that dwelling more on how you lived rather than the loss is more honorable and productive. Today, I draw strength and honor from these pictures on the walls, instead of anger and rage. Your spirit reverbarates through those pictures and I know that every recruit in my classroom feels the same. I only hope you are looking down on us as a class and have that big smile on your face I see very day in these photos and are pleased with what you see. Thank you for your service, my prayers are with your family. Chad.

Chad Marks
Recruit, Palomar Police Academy

January 31, 2008

Deputy Mitchell,
It's been too long since I last visited you. It just hit me how long it had actually been and I realized I needed to stop by. Every time I do check up on you and see what others share with you it gives me such a great feeling. It keeps me holding my head up high and helps me stay motivated, especially during the times when I feel like there is a lot of pressure and others try to bring me down.
Your sacrifice and everything you've given have helped me become a better person. As of recently I think I have just started to feel the gravity of what this career really means. When I try to understand and think about what your family and loved ones go through every day I just can't fathom it. I try to understand how they do it, how they could lose someone they loved so much.

I try to put myself in a similar position so I can really understand what this career means to me, and it hits me harder than anything in my life ever has. It's hard at times, but then I think about the heartache that my Mother and Father would go through if they lost me and it brings endless tears down my face. I feel as if they would blame themselves and be unforgiving towards each other and that they would never forgive them selves for letting me start the path that I'm on.

On a final note if there's something I have gained thus far it is that everyday when I go to the academy and I think about the sacrifice that you gave, it keeps me going even when I know at any given moment that I could lose everyone I have ever loved in a split second. So thank you Deputy Mitchell for everything you have taught me and helped me understand.

Nick Kennedy - Police Recruit
Palomar College Police Academy - Class 16

January 15, 2008

Deputy Mitchell,

I have yet to write my "first" email to you like I traditionally do with the others on our "Wall of Warriors." It is coming, I just haven't even known where to begin.

While I had a quick second, I just wanted to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas. Please watch over Class 16 over the winter break...... I'll be talking with you again soon.

R.AKANS #1354
ESPD/PCPA

December 26, 2007

MAY THE GOOD LORD BE WITH YOUR DEAR FAMILY BROTHER JEFF.
R.I.P. MY BROTHER

DET MIKE
CHI. P.D.

December 21, 2007

Deputy Mitchell-

I pray that you are resting easy and know that you are watching over the rest of your brothers and sisters who continue to good fight.

May your family be strong and your legacy shine forever.

Recruit Baxley
Palomar Police Academy/USMC Military Police

December 19, 2007

To Jeff's family and friends,

I cam across this today and thought it was so fitting to share with you and sums up a lot...


SAINT MICHAEL'S BOYS
Not long ago, the struggle between Good and Evil erupted, again, into war. The Devil threw his forces against the very Gates of Heaven, themselves. His attack beaten back, he withdrew and called for a meeting with God.

And Satan began.....

Who were those men who stood their ground,
When they were just some thousand few?
And when Gabrielle's Army is clad in gold,
Why did they all wear blue?

"They were out-numbered ten-to-one
And should have run like new-born foals,
But when they showed no fear I realized
That you'd used men who have no souls,

"And there, at last, I have you,
Through all your boasts you've lied,
So no more claims of righteousness
And behind no more Commandments hide,

"You've cheated and you've robbed me,
Those men, they are my proof,
The soul-less can't be yours in Heaven,
But mine in Hell, beneath my roof."

God listened, then replied....

"My poor, misguided child
Can't you see the error of your ways?
Those men just stood against you, now,
As they did in mortal days,

"I knew they wouldn't turn and run,
For they've seen your worst before,
And that is why I placed them there,
To keep safe and guard my door."

"As for those battered coats of blue,
They're worn with such fierce pride
That if I ordered them to change,
Then even I might be defied,

"Ye, you believe they have no souls,
When their souls are why they're here,
For in life each took an oath they kept
Although the price was steep, and dear,

"Even tempted by the face of death
Their hearts did cowardice decline,
You see, they never could be yours,
As they were then, and always, mine,

"And it's strange that you don't know them,
Since you've sent me every one,
Each time your murderers and theives
Killed a policeman's father's son,

"With tear-stained eyes I greet them all,
Cut too soon from their families' joys,
So send me all your soldiers of Hell...
And they'll meet Saint Michael's boys."

Officer Damian Jackson
Escondido PD / Palomar Police Academy

December 15, 2007

Hi Mitch, I cannot believe it's been a year already. You will always be an inspiration and guiding light in my life. We will never forget you, bud. --Thurm

Doug Thurman
Friend

November 2, 2007

Jeff,

I've sat down to write you so many times in the past months but I always find myself at a loss for the right words to say. Even now, I can't seem to think of what to put here that would measure up to your family reading this. As is my personal style, I'll just keep it straight and from the heart...

A little over three years ago when we started our officer memorial dedication at the academy, I would have never imagined that it would come to be what it is now and believe how much it has impacted me and others across the whole spectrum. You are the fifth officer/deputy that we've memorialized and you have personally been a monumental force in my life; at home, at work, as a father, as a husband and as a friend.

To Crystal and Jake - This might end up being a huge novel, and for that I apologize in advance, but I want to share with you and your family how Jeff entered my life and how deep down, God works in this whole process.

On October 22 2206, my wife and I took a trip to Lake Tahoe for a week and decided to rent a car and make it into a road trip, where we could stop at little towns and points of interest along the way and avoid any and all "shortcuts" to getting to Tahoe. Since our memorial's inception, I have made it a point to travel to Sacramento each year for the induction ceremony at the peace officer's monument. My wife had been to Sacramento, but had never seen the capitol or the monument, so we decided to stay in Sacramento for a night and make this important visit to the memorial where she could witness firsthand how truly powerful it is. I showed her the names of the officers we had honored at the academy and who through me, had become a part of her life as well. The enormity of it all really struck her and I will openly admit that standing there with my wife at the base of the memorial for fallen officers felt completely surreal as I hoped and prayed as I never have before, that she would never have to stand there again under different circumstances.

On October 24th, we headed back on the road to Tahoe and enjoyed our week long trip, putting a little over 1,000 miles on that rental. As we drove home we passed through Folsom and we were both pretty amazed at what an incredible area it was and how awesomely beautiful that part of California is, especially in October. I have teased my wife for years that I was going to lateral to another department and we could all start over again in a new city and just wing it, all five of us. She gives me the cursory "whatever" each time and on this day, as we drove through Folsom, I started it up again, telling her that I wanted to move up here and we could raise our kids in a more rural setting. She laughed it off and we kept driving, starting up a conversation about the academy and I told her how there was a new class starting very soon and I had no idea whatsoever who we were going to honor as that class' fallen officer, that as in the past, none had hit me like the others have. She reminded me that like the others, God would make the decision and it would be very clear and without a doubt. "And" she assured, "It will be when you least expect it." It was reassuring to hear her confidence in that and I absolutely believed her, so much so, that I got back on my kick about moving to Folsom. I don't know why, but I got off on the next exit and felt compelled to buy a newspaper. She asked what I was doing and I told her that I needed to buy a paper. "For what?" she asked me. "So I can check the home prices up here" I told her. "You are such a dork!" she laughed.

I got off the freeway and pulled into a gas station lot and bought a copy of the Sacramento Bee. To my amazement on the front page of the paper, was a picture of Crystal and the headline that they were still searching for the killer of Sacramento County Deputy Sheriff Jeff Mitchell, with a picture of Jeff inset in the article. I stood right there in the wind, outside that gas station, and read the entire article without moving. It hit me like a truck and I felt something in that instant that I have never felt before and it was like a bolt of lightning. It was like Jeff spoke to me and God dropped that paper right into my hands. And just like that, the decision was made and to this day it still floors me how that all came together and the set of circumstances that surrounded it.

At a time when I wasn't sure if I could or should continue in this effort, for a number of reasons, and when I began to doubt that this process still held its uniqueness, Jeff Mitchell came into my life and completely resurrected things. I feel a connection with Jeff that is indescribable and in this long-winded posting, I just want to assure you, Crystal and Jake, and the friends and family of Jeff, that like those we've honored before him, his life and legacy will be a part of and forever shape the lives and careers of the men and women that strive to walk in his path an in his foot steps in this profession.

God gets greedy at times, and takes the best this world has to offer to fill his ranks in heaven among the angels. Jeff is there now and though the pain and separation are immeasurable, please find strength and comfort in knowing that you WILL be with him again and in this time he is just getting things set up for that reunion. I wish I could offer you more than my faith alone, but faith conquers all.

We go into battle each day and face the unthinkable and shoulder the pain and burdens of so many and sacrifice our lives, our families and sometimes our sanity, if only to bring one smile from a small child in this crazy world of ours. That, indeed, is our salary in this profession. It takes a special person to do this job, but it takes a far more special person, ten times over, to be that person's loved one. Love can never die and Jeff's love for you both will always burn bright. For now, and forever, until you meet and are a family again.

God bless you and your family.

Officer Damian Jackson
Escondido PD / Palomar Police Academy

October 29, 2007