Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hi Michael,
I was doing some paper work today and came across a copy of your eulogy. Mike Maxwell did such a good job writing it--he really caught the fun, funny, really dedicated person your were. Haven't written for quite a while, but that doesn't mean I haven't thought of you. Today Angela, Lianna and I went to a Collier County Sheriff's picnic; there was one of their little helicopters parked in one of the soccer fields. Of course, that reminded me of visiting you when you were in flight school, the officer who was going to show you how to hover a chopper in Panama and who managed to hit the palm fronds that you'd missed when landing, and other of your stories.

Angela and I went to the dedication of the new Sheriff's office and the street which was named after you. It was very impressive and touching to see you honored in this manner. How I wished it could have been different!! They had beautiful ceremonies, but I'm sure you already saw everything and know all about this.

Here it is less than a month until your birthday. It was so hard to have your birthday during National Police Week in D.C. last year, and Mother's Day fell during the weekend too. I still have a hard time sometimes realizing that you're not here and wish we could have another of those really long, long phone conversations we had a 2 or 3 times each year.

Love you and miss you every day Mikey Mouse.
Mom

Joanne Morris
mother

April 20, 2008

OK Michael, you're up. Don left for Afghanistan on Friday. Keep a watch over him if you can!

Hey, see - 42 years old and I'm still asking for favors! What's new, huh?

Love you and miss you!
Joy

Your sis

March 17, 2008

Just thinking about you and wanted to let you know that you are, and always will be, loved and missed. Had to laugh when your friend posted about how you'd get your angel wings on your helicopter! How true was that!

Hey, I have a favor to ask - One of our friends, who is also one of your fellow brothers in law enforcemnt and is in the reserves, is being sent back overseas and will be in Afghanistan. Do me a favor and watch over him, will you? He's got two little girls that are the same ages as Kayli and Ashley. He, like you, has dedicated his whole life to serving his country and his community. He doesn't hesitate to go - doesn't even question it, just like you wouldn't. You would've liked him if you had gotten the chance to meet him. Anyway, do me a favor and make sure Don comes home safe and sound if you can.

Thanks Mikey - Love you!

Joy

Your sis

February 11, 2008

sgt,
I never met you i never knew you but i will never forget that day. while on my way to work i passed several gsp and byran co officer. i knew somthing wasnt right. then i saw the markings. later that day i heard what really happen. i would like for you and your family know that i drive 280 and past 204 everyday. everyday i see your memorial flowers and say a prayer for you and your loved ones, both your family and fellow officers. my husband (also a police officer) wish you all the best. Love in Christ and brother hood.

fellow officer
georgia

January 25, 2008

mike,
you are so very much missed by many others and myself. I think about you alot when mom and I eat at dennys at midnight. i have your picture in my wallet because your like a second dad to me. you picked on me all the time...which i miss.believe it or not..to be honest its like you never left us. becuase i believe that your my guardian angel and many others too. i love you and miss you.

Love,
Briana

Briana Phillips
a friend

January 24, 2008

Larson,
Been a year now. One of many decisions and many reflections. Still think of you often. Looking back I remember the many times we sat in your home or at work discussing training techniques, buying and building helicopters, and buying land in Canada for a hunting resort. I recall the times we straddled those iron horses and just rode for the thrill of doing it or the times we "raised your kids at the range". They said we were crazy but the kids damn sure knew how to shoot didn't they. We had a lot of good times together buddy, and I tell ya, I miss havin you around. Many people may not know it but you busted your butt trying to better training in your department and we shared many ideas on how to accomplish your goals of duplicating the level of training I had accomplished at the Hill. Because of your efforts and your friendship I have the utmost respect for you and your accomplishments. Many officers in the area may never truly understand and or appreciate the skill levels you attempted to develope in them, but I can assure you that each day, any officer you trained, displays some action of the training that you provided for their benefit and their survival. You will always live on in the actions of those you have trained.
I still find myself calling your number (force of habit I guess) still get your answering message. Hearing your voice brings back the memories of the fun we used to have, like the day I did the flyover at the range in GSP's helicopter, at 200 feet, while you were running a training class knowing you would have loved to have done that to me or the many times just went to the range to bust a few rounds off for relaxation. Yea buddy, your sorely missed.
We'll all see ya again one day, till then I'll trust that you are patrolling God's airspace, in your highly equipped heavenly BlackHawk complete with blue lights(although I'm not sure how you've rigged the angel wings on it but knowing you, I know you've figured something out, even if it involves duct tape).
REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER / MY FRIEND

SSGT Mark Rich (Ret)
Richmond Hill PD

January 1, 2008

Doesn't seem like it's been a year. Thought about you today. Godspeed.

#4450
ATF

December 28, 2007

Merry Christmas Mikey. We love you and miss you greatly! Thanks for watching over everyone this past year.

Love you!
Joy

Your sis

December 25, 2007

"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

December 23, 2007

ITS BEEN A YEAR BUT IT SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY. I KNOW YOU WERE WATCHING OVER ME LAST WEEK WHEN I GOT INTO THE INCIDENT ON THE INTERSTATE. DEEANN SAYS YOUR OUR GUARDIAN ANGEL LOOKING DOWN ON US AND THAT NIGHT PROVED IT. WE ALL MISS YOU AND WISH YOU WERE STILL HERE. REST PEACEFULLY SARGE. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS.

robert crapse
bryan co sheriffs dept

December 17, 2007

Lisa,
Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking about you and Megan today.

Stephanie and Noah
Dennis Wright EOW 11-17-2006

December 10, 2007

On this 1 year anniversary of your EOW, we are thinking of you, your family and friends. Please watch over them and comfort them over this rough Holiday season. Thank you for serving, you are a True Hero and will not be forgotten.

Craig Figgins
Brother - SGT Dan Figgins St Charles, IL EOW 4/9/05

December 10, 2007

We pause to day and say a prayer for your family and fellow officers as they mourn the first anniversary of your death.
May the Good Lord watch over them during this holiday season.
Rest in peace Sarge, you will not be forgotten.
Restpectfully submitted
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Deborah Roelandts (911 retired)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc

December 10, 2007

I salute you for your dedicated service to law enforcement and want you to know that you have not been forgotten. Today's Watch 10DEC07 is in honor of you and your family. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones today and everyday.

MA1 Provenzano
U.S.NAVY

December 8, 2007

I salute you for your dedicated service to law enforcement and want you to know that you have not been forgotten. Today's Watch is in honor of you and your family. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones today and everyday.

MA 1 Provenzano
U.S.NAVY

December 8, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your police and military service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

December 6, 2007

Mike,

It's been almost a year and I still can't believe your gone. I continue to talk and reminisse about you with John Futch, Kimberly, Paul Motes and just about anyone who will stop to listen. It was only a few minutes before the wreck that you and I were talking on the phone. You have impacted my life so much. I miss you so much and think of you often. You will NEVER be forgotten.

Nanette Thomas

Nanette Thomas, ECO
911 Dispatcher

November 30, 2007

TO my LOVING husband and freind. I have tried so many time to leave you a message. The words never say what I want them to. Words on a computer will never say what I truely feel inside. I NEVER knew that I could miss someone as much as I miss you. I call you all the time hoping that one day it will be you to answer not your voicemail. Lil Megan calls just to hear your voice. She thinks about you and the things you would say and do all the time.

Halloween this year was just not the same. There was no one there to scare the tricker treaters. You always had a blast sitting on mama's porch waiting for the right moment to make your move. Madison said it's not right without Uncle Michael here. We all miss you so much.

The Sheriff's Department has almost finished the new complex. Mickey moved into his office at the new complex a couple of weeks ago. He is still taking care of your pain in the tail Ficus tree. He had to put it in a larger pot it was getting root bound. By the way the road that leads to the complex has been named after you. Sgt. Michael W. Larson Lane or Road I don't remember which, but the sign will be put up when they are done having things delivered to the old street name. Well, I guess we can say your dream has finally come true. You are getting the attention you have always deserved. I just wish you were here to be a part of it. I was talking to Bobby the other day and we can't believe it has almost been a year. I am going to change out the flowers at the accident sight, but can't figure out what to put up there. I have thought about it over and over and can't figure out what you would like to have up there. Hopefully I will figure it out soon.

The holidays are coming up. I never thought I would say this, but it wouldn't hurt my feelings if they NEVER came again. I am so lonely without you and the kids. It will never be the same around here at Thanksgiving or Christmas. You are not around to fuss about how much I spent, or how many gifts each kid had. I guess I will take your place and be the Scrooge. I Love you and Miss you!!! I keep praying that I will wake up and it will all be just a nightmare. Michael please watch over us and keep us safe just like you would be doing if you were here. I LOVE YOU!!!! Your Loving Wife Lisa

Lisa Larson
Wife

November 14, 2007

HEY MIKE....
WELL, WE JUST MOVED TO THE NEW COMPLEX AND WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I FEEL YOUR PRESENCE IN MY NEW OFFICE AS I ALWAYS DID IN MY OLD ONE. YOU ARE STILL ON MY MIND BUDDY, AND WE ALL STILL MISS YOU A WHOLE BUNCH. WILL SEE YOU AGAIN SOMEDAY, AND ITS GONNA BE SOONER THAN LATER IF I DON'T STOP SMOKING THESE DAMNED CIGARETTES THAT YOU HATED SO MUCH.


LOVE YA
MICKEY

DETECTIVE MICKEY SANDS
BRYAN COUNTY SHERIFF DEPT.

September 28, 2007

Well almost a year has gone by since you left us and I can say with all honesty that we never realized how importat you were to all of us. We miss you more as each day goes by. I wish you could see your children and spend time just getting to know them again. They miss you terribly. It's not the same without you around. Shawn is walking in your foot steps, he is just like you. The way he walks the way he thinks and talks, its you all over again. I know you would be very proud of both of them. Megan is growing by leaps and bounds, she is beatiful inside and out.
I have to go but know you were and are loved.
You were my best friend and I miss you.
All my love.

An old Friend

September 4, 2007

Sgt. Larson,

I had the chance to meet your son and daughter recently. They certainly are going through a lot, especially with the relocation and getting adjusted to a new place. They are doing just fine, though, and I must say that their Mother is doing a wonderful job at handling their affairs and getting them situated. You would be so proud.

I never had the chance to meet you, but I see you in your children. What a wonderful legacy you have left behind. Just know that they are taken care of and are doing well...even though they still miss you terribly.

A New Friend
In Georgia

September 2, 2007

Hi Mikey,

I check this website every week or so to see if there are any new reflections - it's comforting to see that there are many people who still leave messages. Not that we doubt people miss you but it's nice to see it in writing. :o)

I know you are above watching over the kids, Lisa, and us. If you can, please help Shawn and Megan have some peace and know that you are still there even though they can't see you. We (grown-ups) know how hard it is to parent and the mistakes we make that we wish we could go back and change. We know when we do things for the kids own good and that they won't always understand that until they get older. But we always assume that those we love will be here forever and leave things left unsaid.

We (your family) are dealing with it okay, I guess. Each of us has our ups and downs. Out of the blue, it hits that I'm never going to have you pick on me again (as big brothers do) or that I won't see that cocky grin again. Hits A LOT when certain songs come on the radio.

We may have had our issues as brother and sister over the years, but I will always love and miss you.

Love,
Joy

P.S. I still hate the term "wench".

Joy
Sister

August 15, 2007

Mike,

I still miss you and still think of you at work and at home. In fact Leigh and I were talking about how we missed your humor.. we just miss you!!

Eco Kimberly Carpenter
Bryan County Sheriff's Office

August 13, 2007

Although I didn't serve with you on BCSO, I understand from others that you performed your duties in a most professional and caring way. My rookie class at the old academy in Atlanta dedicated a plaque to all our fallen brothers and sisters. The last line of the dedication read "A police officer was killed today, and a part of America died." Rest in peace my friend, you certainly deserve it.

Joe Williams
Former Chief Deputy, Bryan County

August 10, 2007

Mr.Larson
you were my best friend and like a father to me I only wish i could have seen you the week before all this happened to tell you that I love you with all my heart and I thank you for being there for me.... i will always remember This man has A GREAT FATHER and A BEST FRIEND


I love you with all my heart and soul
LOVE YOU ALWAYS
Georgia

Georgia
A friend

August 4, 2007