Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort and encourage you all through this very difficult time.

Penny Claggett Leclercq
Mrs.

June 27, 2016

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

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

June 27, 2016

Rest in Peace Deputy Michel. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with the Michel Family and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office.

Wm Jean-Paul Rochat
Swiss Army, MP, Trafic & Escort Unit

June 26, 2016

God Bless you, your family, & friends. Thank you for your unselfish service.

James P Waggle
Civilian

June 26, 2016

Every morning I go to my knees. During that time I pray:

“Lord, Be with all law enforcement officers. Keep them safe and free from harm. They are Your soldiers on the front line of the battle against evil. If one should fall this day - wrap their family in your loving arms. Surround them with Your angels, loving family, friends, neighbors and caring people to comfort them. Ease their pain. Help them to mourn well. In Jesus' name and for Your Glory, Amen.”

Feel His presence as God answers the prayers of many who have fallen to their knees on your behalf. Since the day of my son's death, I have carried every law enforcement officer and their family in my heart.

I have lifted you and your family to God every morning for over five years. Feel those prayers. God is with you; He knows and will ease your pain.

Our faith helps us to see beyond the grave.

Pamela Hotsinpiller
Mother of
Deputy United States Marshal
Derek W. Hotsinpiller
EOW 2-16-2011

June 26, 2016

I am truly sorry, what a huge loss to the people of Jefferson Parish and the State of Louisiana. May God be with the Michel family. Thank you for your service.

Aux. Deputy Shaver
Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office

June 25, 2016

Thank you for your selflessness. Rest easy brother.

Sgt. Exploree Garrett Stern
Antioch Illinois Police Department

June 25, 2016

My brother God speed, rest easy now we will take it from here as you watch over us from above. Thanks for you service you will be missed by many.

Lieutenant Peter Guidry
Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Office

June 25, 2016

I am sorry for your loss to the family, fellow officers, and friends. I will keep you all in my prayers. RIP.

Frank J. Corasaniti II, Fire Lieutenant
Baltimore City Fire Department

June 25, 2016

Oh, gosh !!!
May The God of Peace & Comfort , be near David's Family,
Friends, Community,& Country.
Thank you David for your Brave , Unselfish Service .
RIP David , 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 25, 2016

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE

MAY YOU REST IN PEACE

Retired TFC Theresa Medcalf
Ga.State Patrol

June 25, 2016

Salute!

Sgt Paul Nelson
Sleepy Hollow PD

June 25, 2016

Rest in Peace, Hero

Major Terry Jett
Montgomery PD Retired

June 25, 2016

David you were my friend and next door neighbor I will never forget you were a fine example of what a great American I wish there was something I could do to erase this. I didn't think I could ever cry again but I've cried about losing you at the hands of a useless funkball I'll never forget you I'll see you Monday for the last time and i will be in court every day to make sure that justice will prevail. Rest my friend rest.

JPSO street crimes unit retired
Deputy

June 24, 2016

Rest Well, Deputy David Michel, and "Thank You" for your duty, honor, loyalty and ultimate sacrifice. Rest well, Sir and may your family be comforted by Almighty God.. My heart is broken, my soul is saddened and my mind is sorely troubled at the loss of one of those who 'serve and protect' at great risk.

SP5/E5 honorably discharged
US Army

June 24, 2016

I posted this the evening of Dave's passing, so I'll share it here.

I got the call today that I'll never forget. My friend had been shot. My heart sank immediately and I headed straight for the hospital praying that you would pull through. It wasn't until I got there that my heart would break. David Michel Jr. was murdered today.

I could write a book about how great of a man David Michel was, but I'll try to keep it short.

He was the type of person that could make anyone laugh. He was hilarious. Dave always had a joke to tell and he wasn't shy about telling it no matter how bad of a joke it was. Dave was fun loving and always a good time. He was the life of the party.

Dave was a loving husband to his wife, Angie, and a great father and grandfather. When it came to work, Dave was serious. He had a keen eye for crime, even through his reading glasses that I made fun of him for. Dave and I rode together for many years both at JPSO and Tulane PD alike. We worked on the same watch at Tulane and we rode together at JPSO as well. He was my partner. We also worked tons of details together. At times, it felt like I spent more time with him than with my own family.

Dave was a handyman. He used to build houses and spent some time as a home inspector before answering the call to be a policeman. He helped me build the barn doors that are on my shed to this day.

Dave loved to eat. Even after I left JP, he was always calling and texting me to meet up for lunch and dinner. He was always looking for a good roast beef poboy and he'd eat it faster than you could think. He had a big sweet tooth too. He occasionally worked the detail at Oscar's on Metairie Road near my house and Melissa and I would walk over to meet him for a burger. Boy will I miss that.

The last time I would see Dave in person was at my wedding. He and Angie had a great time and I'm so glad we got a picture together. The last of many that we would ever take. Melissa and I will cherish the knife set y'all gave us forever!

I last talked to Dave 4 days ago on Saturday when he called with a quick question about something as he always did. I just looked at my call log and saw that it lasted for 1 minute. That will be one minute that I'll cherish forever just like all the times we shared. I only wish it lasted longer.

When Dave went from reserve to full time he couldn't have been more happy. That was until he made Detective and got his first unmarked unit. He was so proud to wear that gold badge. Dave bled blue through and through. He was a very proactive and productive guy.

Dave and I would sometimes argue over whose unit we were taking or who would get to drive during our tour and he would usually win because he would say, "Hop in east banker, you don't know these streets like me." We patrolled the very neighborhood where he lost his life today together countless times. How I wish I could have ridden M-Mary (shotgun) with him today.

Dave was old enough to be my father, but young enough at heart to be my brother. In fact, he was my brother. He was my partner for 5 or so years at two different agencies.

Dave made more money building houses and being a home inspector, but he followed his lifelong dream to be the police at the age of 40. Now he lies dead because of it. I can recall patrolling neighborhoods where he would point out houses that he had built and I'd mention how much more money he must've made. Dave would simply reply that it's not what made him happy anymore. This was.. A selfless person doing a selfless act of helping someone he thought to be in danger just as I had witnessed him do dozens of times before. Dave was one in a million. 'Super Dave' as some called him.

We are left to carry on. I went to his house today to bring his wife, Angie, a sympathy card from my wife and I. I brought along about 30 pictures for her to reminisce about the good times in Dave's life. I only knew Dave for just short of seven years but they were great times I was lucky enough to share with he and his wife. We would tailgate and go to Saints games, race go karts at Nola Motorsports, go to car shows, dinners, birthday parties, Christmas parties, watch movies... But no more...

My family knew Dave and they were quite fond of him. He was always good for a laugh or three. My dad was his Chief at Tulane. He was upset when he left to pursue his career with JP, but content that he knew that's where he wanted to be. He knew he had lost a great officer. My dad was the second text after my wife that I sent as I was en route to the hospital yesterday. His response, "U sure it was Dave?" "Yes", I replied. My mom texted, "I heard. I'm so sad. What a good guy he was." My wife and sister would soon arrive at the ER to be there for me. What a sad day it would be.

As I drove away from Dave and Angie's house, with her tears on my sleeve, I saw blue ribbons and balloons adorning mailboxes for blocks. Dave would've loved that.

My heart is in pieces.

Dave, I love you and I will miss you. Your family will be taken care of and know that you will never be forgotten.

I will forever remember you on this date, June 22nd, my birthday. There will always be a piece of cake ready for you at my table. Just don't eat it all in one bite!

Rest in peace Detective David Michel. End of watch: June 22, 2016. I'll see you again one day my friend.

Scott Meunier
JPSO and TUPD

June 24, 2016

IN HONORE CASORUM
Our thoughts and and prayers are with his family, friends, and co-workers. Our promise to him; Always honored, never forgotten, forever grateful.

Sgt. T Jake Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

June 24, 2016

Rest in peace Brother David.

Ofc. Timothy M. Furlong
Nahant, MA PD

June 24, 2016

RIP Brother

Deputy Anita Price
Bexar County Sheriff's Office, San Antonio, Texas

June 24, 2016

Godspeed Sir. May God rest your soul and comfort your grieving family. There are no words to describe what we are all feeling right now. We got it from here.

Sgt. M. D. Miller
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

June 24, 2016

Rest in Peace My Brother in Blue. Evil will never prosper as long as Brave Men such as yourself stand for good.

Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be Called Sons of God.

Matthew 5:9

A/ Detective D. Vaquero
San Diego Police Department

June 24, 2016

R.I.P. Deputy Michel. Thank you for your service.

FireFighter Austin O'Keefe
Harrisville Fire Department

June 24, 2016

Thank You for your service and sacrifice brother... You were a great guy and cop. You are loved and will be missed man. It was a pleasure working with you at Jefferson Parish. Rest easy my friend, We got it from here...

Supervisory Special Agent Matt Vasquez
Louisiana Dept. of Justice Office of Attorney General

June 24, 2016

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

To the Michel family, fellow officers, and all who call David 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.


This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Deputy Michel gave to his community and the citizens of Louisiana, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on June 22, 2016.

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

June 24, 2016

Thank you for service. Praying for your Family & Dept.

Detective Monica Veney
Baltimore City Police Deptpartment

June 24, 2016