Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

MIKE JUST WANTED TO SAY THANKS. IT IS OFFICERS LIKE YOU THAT KEEP ME COMING BACK FOR MORE OF THIS ABUSE WE TAKE ON THE STREET. GO REST IN PEACE NOW BROTHER YOU HAVE EARNED THAT RIGHT. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR DEPT. YOU WILL BE MISSED BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN.

PTL. P. JONES
GRIFFIN POLICE DEPT

February 21, 2007

Aloha. Mahalo for your sacrifice. God bless your family and friends in these hard times. Your bravery will not be forgotten. Aloha.

DS 2/ WALL
Hawaii Sheriffs

February 20, 2007

God Bless you Mike and keep you safe in the palm of his hand. You and the family are in my prayers!

Semper Fidelis!
John Fitzgerald
Lakewood, Colorado

John Fitzgerald
Cousin

February 18, 2007

My heart goes out to Mike's family, friends and co-workers. Mike died while trying to save the life of another. His bravery & selflessness are what makes him a hero. May he rest in peace.

Colleen
Cousin in Michigan

February 17, 2007

I had left an earlier reflection for Deputy Altman and realized I was remiss in not leaving a reflection for the wife of the Sheriff. God will take care of her now and she will have a personal guardian in Deputy Altman. My deepest condolences to the Sheriff and his entire family as well as to the Jackson County family at this very painful time.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

February 17, 2007

Dear Uncle Bubba,

I love you so much and you will always be my hero. I will never forget the things we did together and you taking me flying. It was so much fun. I miss you.

K,J age 12

Kent Altman Jr.
Nephew

February 16, 2007

Mike, Thank you for your dedication and service. We are praying for your immediate family and friends, may the Lord send them comfort and blessings.

May the angels carry you to paradise, and the martyrs greet you on your way, may you see the face of the Lord this day, alleluia, alleluia! -"This Day in New Jerusalem" (sorry, I don't know the author)

Eternal rest grant unto Mike, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him, and may he rest in peace. Amen.

"Blest too are the sorrowing; they shall be consoled...
Blest are they who show mercy; mercy shall be theirs...
Blest too the peacemakers; they shall be called sons of God...
Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven;..." -Matt. 5:4,7,9,12

Heaven has gained a new saint.
God bless your soul and comfort your family
Cousin Marian in Michigan

Marian
cousin in Michigan

February 16, 2007

"My Brother"

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was idealistic and believed he could make a difference.
He was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and what they represent.
He felt privileged to be of service to his department, his community and to his country.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm.
He laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary.
He was competent, trained, and professional.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong and became
frustrated when true justice became sidetracked.
He felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but he
never wavered.
He stood by and for his fellow officers.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He longed for his family during the long hours.
He worried about them during his shifts and the lonely
weekends, holidays and midnights when they were apart.
He felt guilty about the lost time, but knew his calling
and prayed they would understand.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was a good son, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
He was dedicated to the profession and cared about the
people he served.
He wanted to do the best job that he could and strived to
be the best he could be.
He was a good citizen and a good neighbor.

He was a cop.

Yes, I did know him.
He was a cop, he was my Brother.

Rest In Peace Brother! We have the watch...

Officer
Metropolitan Police Department Washington DC

February 16, 2007

My prayers go out to Deputy Altman's family and the entire Jackson County Sheriff's Department during this most difficult time. I am deeply saddened that another one of my brothers' has been taken from my family.

After reading Mike's mother's message about love, I am reminded of a verse that I hold close to my heart.

John 15;12-13

This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. There is no greater love then this, that somebody would lay his life down for another.

Deputy Altman may you rest in peace. Your a true hero who will never be forgotten.

Michigan Patrolman
Chaplin of EMU's 21st Class of Police Staff & Command

February 15, 2007

Rest in peace, Mike
Your cousin, Elaine

Elaine

February 15, 2007

Mike, Son we miss you so much. The Deputy Altman family wishes to thank every one for their kindness, food, drinks and most of all your LOVE for Mike and his extended family. Words can not say how we feel about each and every one of you. From Mike and his family we take this opportunity to say we LOVE YOU all..

Mike will remain with us in spirit and our memories of him will NEVER Fade. Mike was GENUINE, what you saw was what you got. He had a special place in his heart for his family and special friends. I shall not attempt to name them all here because it would literally fill pages.

Mike's Mom and Dad loved their little boy more than words could ever say. He was always special to us and he knew it.

Mike was very fond of all his fellow officers on the force. He spoke high about them as being a big family and how tight knit they were. He told us about how they supported, or better stated, backed up one another. Each one was willing to place themselves in danger to help his fellow officer.

I think Mike would like me to tell all his fellow law enforcements officers, no matter where they serve, to tell their family how much the LOVE them. Love is a word that has real meaning for us and Mike. It is said often by our family members to one and another and to others. Some people are intimidated saying "I LOVE YOU". But, Mike learned the true meaning of love at an early age and was not ashamed to say it.

Finally, I am sure Mike would like to say to each of his fellow officers..Please wear you VEST. It may be uncomfortable but it will save your life...If not for yourself do it for your family.

Once again Thank You,

Deputy Mike Altman's parent Harold & Madeline Altman

Harold & Madeline Altman
Parents

February 15, 2007

My brother, My hero..
When I feel cool water run across my feet,
it will remind me of the hours we spent wading in the creek.

When I look up at the sky at night and
see the twinkling stars, I will
know you are in heaven looking out for me.

when I feel the breeze on my face I will know it is your hand
wiping my tears.
When I see the moon shinning bright I will remember Heaven has a new angel.
In honor of my brother who gave his life trying to save another..
Deputy Mike 5/9/64 - 1/30/07

I love you brother..

Marcia Altman Grandstaff
Mikes sister

February 14, 2007

It is really sad when I hear that an officer was killed in the line of duty. My grandfather was killed in the line of duty before I got to know him.My prayers and thoughts are with his family.

Kelley Drew
Former Washington County Dispatcher

February 14, 2007

What a tragic and bizarre incident. May GOD bless the Altman Family, the Sheriff's family, and the Jackson County Florida Sheriff's Office.

Senior Officer D. W. Reichhardt
Waverly, Va. PD

February 13, 2007

Dear Mike: Your leaving us so suddenly has left everyone weak- I guess now,I will never know the secret to fishing Black Creek. You said you knew it, like the back of your hand and if you can't make it, I'll understand, but I'm going to go and think of days past- could you look down, and show me where to cast? I still hear your laughter, bouncing off my office walls- it's so hard on everyone, when heaven calls. You've done your part, now enjoy the rest, because in my book, you were one of the best. Sadly missed by all at the Marianna Police Dept.

Captain Bill Bryant
Marianna Police Dept.

February 12, 2007

Thank you for your service to your community and country. You will not be forgotten by the thin bllllue line. Our prayers are with you and your family and dept. Rest in peace sir.

OFC. CHARLES ROBSON
ORMOND BEACH POLICE DEPT.

February 12, 2007

No words are ever good enough to offer thanks to a fallen hero. I will just say that your efforts are certainly appreciated by more than you know. Cops like you make it easier for cops like me to wear the badge with honor and pride. I wish your family strength as they go through this tough time, and I hope that you will continue to keep the peace "up there" so it is still a "heavenly" place when I arrive.

Officer Michael Hicks
Coventry Police Dept- Coventry, CT

February 12, 2007

Deputy Sheriff Altman,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Jackson County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

February 11, 2007

My family would like to send our condolences to the family, friends, and fellow co-workers of Deputy Sheriff Harold Altman~you're in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. May God give you the strength to carry on and help heal your hearts. May you find comfort and support with those around you.
God Bless You & Rest In Peace, Deputy Sheriff Altman!

Gail M Pabst
Aunt of a fallen Michigan P.O.

February 11, 2007

Some emailed me about this site and asked me to share our story with you. We came upon this large mass of police cars in Freeport, Fla. after being down at the beach. I knew what it was right off the bat, so I took my camera and set it on the dash and began to tape. Almost 200-300 police cars rolled by, as they did we began to think about Mike, all the friends and what we could do.

I took the film and put Mike's info on it then uploaded it to a video sharing site on the internet. 3 hours later Mike's nieces had emailed me, 23 hours later Mike"s dad had called my house. I was taken back by his kindness and listened to him talk about his son. Mike's dad told me that he wanted to replace the music with his sons he wrote and his wife sang, it's such a great honor for us. I know now why Mike was such a good person, his family.

Thank you to the Altman Family for all your kind words.

the Hazards

Bill & Sharon Hazard
Stranger to family friend in 1 day.

February 11, 2007

I trust your keeping things in order up there in heaven matey.

The footage I have just viewed of your memorial was amazing. Your heroic and selfless actions moved so many and you are one brave deputy that will truely be missed.

May you find eternal peace.

Simon Robinson

February 11, 2007

God bless your loved ones, both your immediate family and Police family. Even though these are sad times for your friends, family and brothers in blue. Know that they are truly thankful for every day, hour, minute that you were in their lives. Know that they will continue to think of you every day. Weather it brings to them a smile of happiness from a fond memory, or a sorrowful tear. Let them know your watch will never end.

Thank you for choosing to serve and protect, and for putting your life on the line for the safety of others. Thank you to your extended police brothers and sisters whom continue to serve and protect.
Thank you for your service !!!
May you rest in Peace.

On Behalf of us all:
Americas 911 Foundation
www.americas911foundation.org
Supporting Fire Police and EMS

America's 9/11 Foundation Inc.

February 10, 2007

Deputy Altman, the filth that murdered you will find justice, if not in this world then in the next. You had no way of knowing what you were running into but you still managed to get there first to discover that horrible scene. You truly are a hero.

My heart goes out to your family, the one at work but most especially your wife and kids.

God Bless you and may you Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

February 10, 2007

Your family, friends and co-workers are in our prayers.

A Copper and Dispatcher
Springfield IL PD

February 9, 2007

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. -Albert Pine

Deputy Altman -- The sacrifice you made for your community will never be forgotten.

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

Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Association

February 9, 2007