Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Winter.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 21, 2022

Thank you for your service

Mark Mottola

May 31, 2020

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

August 30, 2018

My name is Greg Oly Plymouth PD Minnesota retired. I am riding my bicycle 250 miles to Washington DC and will riding with a band of honor on my wrist with Michael's name on it. I have raised money for Law Enforcement United to support the families of fallen officers.

Patrol
Plymouth

May 9, 2018

As we approach 18 months following my husband’s end of watch on May 31,2016 I wanted to reflect and take this time to thank each and everyone of you for the condolences sent to our family, friends and colleagues. My husband, Michael Arthur Winter, is a hero to myself and our 2 daughters as well as to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. We miss you every day, but love and hold you in our hearts always and forever. A Hero remembered lives forever. You will always live through us ❤️

Deputy Sheriff Connie L Winter
Branch County Sheriff’s Office / Wife

November 28, 2017

I ran a hero's 5k today in your honor Sir. You are not forgotten.

Det. Michele Nelson
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA

June 4, 2017

Today I ran a hero's 5k in your honor Sir. YOU are not forgotten.

Det. Michele Nelson
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA

May 31, 2017

Thank you for your dedicated service to our community, you were an amazing officer and a better man as I journey into my law enforcement career i pray to become half the man/officer you were. May you rest in peace brother

Reserve officer James Vanover
Quincy Police Department

January 20, 2017

As a Cowgirl I feel an extreme kinship with those LEO's who are a member of a Department's Mounted Unit. Back in August, 2004 I had the same accident with my horse. Massive head injuries, paralyzed from the shoulders down, and had a near death experience. 4 hours later I walked out of UMC, Las Vegas, Trauma Unit with 100 stitches in the back of my scalp, and a mild headache. I received a miracle that day, but I want to tell both families of Blood and Blue, life and death sit one on top of each other. It's instantaneous, and there is no pain. You stand immediately before our Heavenly Father who welcomes us home, or like myself, allowed me, through His Grace and Mercy to return. I have often wondered why He granted me the opportunity to return. After all these years I now understand why. It was to give the families comfort to know he didn't suffer, and he was welcomed home. He is the first person since 2004 that had the identical horse accident as I did, and I am a retired Aux LEO here in Michigan. Be comforted. Because of his love of horses I believe he has stood and watched herds of horses that have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge like my Danny, a retired Police Horse, run past him in beauty and freedom. Manes and tails caught by the wind, and blowing in the wind of running. Be comforted. God is with you. He knows your pain. Much love, Nancy, just a humble Cowgirl.

Nancy Richards
Aux. LEO (ret), Michigan

August 10, 2016

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service. As you join our brothers and sisters in the hall of heroes, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Vires et Honorem

Frank J Kapusta
Moahwk Police Department

July 2, 2016

God's peace and speed Deputy Winter. Thank you for your brave, dedicated service. RIP Brother.

P/O R. Popelka #7903
Chicago Police Dept.

June 27, 2016

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO! May God
Give the family and friends the strength and faith to deal with this tragic loss. Words can not express my sorrow!

"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

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright BMI © 1993 - All Rights Reserved

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

June 21, 2016

Rest in Peace, Deputy Sheriff Michael Winter. Thank you for your service to this country and your community. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and your department at this time.

Chief Reuben C. Black
Barnwell Police Dept., Barnwell, SC

June 21, 2016

On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of Deputy Sheriff Michael Winters and the extended law enforcement family of the of the Branch County (Michigan) Sheriff's Office.

End of Watch: Wednesday, May 31, 2016.

Rest in Peace brother and watch over us.

I fight not for glory or fame, for they are momentary. I fight for those who can't. I fight for Justice. I fight for the oppressed and the down trodden. And if I should lose my life for these just causes, then I have no regrets, For I serve to protect the innocent. It matters not where or when, for evil knows no boundaries. Be it fire, flood, or the threat of tyranny, I will not flee. Justice is my weapon. Faith is my shield. Hope is my armor. Cry not at my passing, for it was my Honor to fight for you. Shed not tears of sorrow, But tears of joy, for now, I stand with God.

By Jon F. Hooper

"Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

June 17, 2016

To the family of Deputy Sheriff Michael Winter, friends, Sheriff C. John Pollack and the Branch County Sheriff's Office.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort and hold you close now and always. Thank you for your service. Matthew 5:9

Patrolman A.S. Batson
Cherry / O'Berry Police Department, NC

June 16, 2016

RIP Brother.Thank you & God Bless.

Lt.Robert M.Petty (ret)
No.Bergen, N.J. P.D.

June 15, 2016

God bless you my brother. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. May His healing hand touch your family, friends, and fellow deputies. Rest easy my brother, we'll take the watch from here.

Trooper Steve Olson
Michigan State Police

June 13, 2016

You've finished your leg of the race. Now it's time to pass the baton. Rest easy.

Explorer Anthony H.
Dearborn Police Department, Post 1177

June 13, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of Michael's passing.
My Condolences to his Family, Friends, Department, Community, & Country.
Thank you Michael for your unselfish service.
RIP Michael, Son of Valor, with Honor.
Gone from Our Arms ... Forever in Our Hearts ...

Ms. Karen Morgan, PSY. LE. GRAD.
EAGLES WING BAPTIST CHURCH, SD

June 13, 2016

Rest in Peace Brother! We have the watch from here. May God Bless your Family and Friends.

Sgt. A. OROZCO
ADOT/ECD

June 11, 2016

With saddened hearts. Deputy Sheriff Micheal Arthur Winter has gone 10-42...... Thank you for for your services will be missed but not forgotten.

James Hallgrimson Arrow Security Officer

June 10, 2016

Godspeed.
Sending thanks, respect and prayers for strength.

Citizen Volunteer
Los Angeles Police Department

June 10, 2016

Rest in peace, Deputy Winter. You deserve your divine reward.

May God comfort your family, friends, and fellow officers at this difficult time.

God bless and protect the Thin Blue Line that protects us all.

Private Citizen Kathryn Felts
Mother of & Family Member of Law Enforcement

June 10, 2016

Rest In Peace Brother

Captain Steve Yancey
Forest Hill Police Department, TX

June 9, 2016

Sad to hear of the loss of another warrior... Rest easy Dep. Sheriff Michael Winter..thank you for your service.....

Lieutenant Cedric A Smith
Mississippi Department of Corrections-Institutions

June 9, 2016