Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace brother. Know that the boys are in good hands and will continue to be lead down the path. Godspeed Michael.

Police Officer (retired) Eric Grimes
San Jose Police Department

June 23, 2016

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest In Peace Officer Katherman. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters at San Jose Police Department.

U.S. Postal Inspector Scott Horne
U.S. Postal Inspection Service

June 22, 2016

As a former police officer from Santa Clara, CA, and a retired ATF Special Agent, I am saddened by the announcement of your death my brother. Stand down for we are proud of your service to your community, may God watch over you and grant you peace everlasting.

Special Agent (Retired) William Bertolan
Bureau of ATF, San Franacisco, CA

June 22, 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 eternal peace, brother, for we have the watch now. Your family and your brothers and sisters in uniform, our brothers and sisters, too, are in our thoughts and prayers. May they find comfort in remembrances of your dedication and service.

Deputy Warden Patricia Powers
Philadelphia Department of Prisons

June 21, 2016

Rest in Peace, Police Officer Michael Katherman. 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

God Bless and Godspeed.

Lisa Burton
GEORGIA CIVILIAN LEO SUPPORTER

June 21, 2016

Sorry Sorry Sorry
Motorcycle officers are the best of the best. Good riders. Good officers. Good people. Great friends. My condolences to the family, fellow officers, and fellow riders everywhere.

Larry Peacock
Fellow rider & friend of SJPD

June 20, 2016

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

Trooper Steve Olson
Michigan State Police

June 20, 2016

Rest in peace brother. Thoughts are with your family both blue and blood during this difficult time. Thank you Officer Katherman for your 11 years of service and dedication to your community.

Detective Sergeant David Post
Reno County Sheriff's Office Hutchinson, Ks

June 20, 2016

I would like to send fleece blankets to these 2 children if someone will tell me if they are boy or girl and under 16. I am married to a retired Austin, Tx officer and I send blankets to all fallen officers children under the age of 16.

retired Robert A. Lee
retired Austin police dept

June 20, 2016

Rest in peace brother. Thank you for your service.

Cpl. M. Davis #2614
Prince George's County Police

June 20, 2016

To the Family of Police Officer Michael J Katherman

I was deeply sadden when I read about the death of Officer Katherman. Please take comfort in Jesus' words found at John 5:28,29 where he said that there would be a resurrection. Just think of the time when we will see our loved ones again, in paradise conditions, here on earth. Once again my condolences to the family and all that knew Officer Katherman.

Cpl. William Stanback (Retired)
Pennsylvania State Police

June 20, 2016

May you Rest In Peace Officer Katherman

Rev Leon Bacchues Ph D
Tapestry Ministries of Berkeley

June 19, 2016

So saddened to hear the news.

May you rest in peace after having served those around you. My thoughts are with you, your family, fellow officers and friends.

Reserve Police Officer G. Krystof
Los Angeles Police Department

June 19, 2016

I extend my sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Michael was killed.

To the Katherman family, fellow officers, and all who call Michael beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I know you will receive the same support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace.

I know that Michael escorted our local PUT tour this past year, and viewed the video he made. It is so tragic that he rode to honor those who died, and now others will be riding for him next year and the years to come.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Officer Katherman gave to his community and the citizens of California, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on June 14, 2016.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

June 19, 2016

With saddened heart's Officer Michel Kathrman has gone 10-42........ Thank you for your services. You will missed but not forgotten.

Security Officer James Hallgrimson
Blue Steel Security Services

June 19, 2016

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

Sgt. A. Orozco
ADOT/ECD

June 18, 2016

Rest well Brother.... we have the watch.

Deputy Sheriff Daniel Navarro
Monterey County Sheriff's Office

June 18, 2016

God Bless America. And those we serve thank you

Retired Chief of Police Johnny Mccurry
West Point Ga PD

June 17, 2016

Rest in peace Brother

Deputy Dunlap(Ret)
Dallas City Marshal

June 17, 2016

RIP Brother, RIP.

Investigator,Quinten Warren
Alaska Medicaid Fraud

June 17, 2016

Deepest sympathy is extended to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Katherman. May the peace of God surround all who are grieving his loss.

Chaplain James Gysel
Calhoun County Michigan Sheriff's Office

June 17, 2016

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones during this very trying time. Continue to keep watch over all of them and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Robert W. Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

June 17, 2016

Rest in peace Brother.

Lt. A. Hoopes
Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office Va.

June 17, 2016