Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It's that time of years when you would've finished your trips to California and Nevada to collect Toys for Tots and be wrapping gifts at Chinle Elementary School. Getting all the elves and your sleigh ready for the big day, delivering toys to the children all across Chinle Agency.

Miss you every day, People tell you time will heal but it has been 1 and half year. It seems to just get harder and harder for me, us, mom and dad. Keep speaking out of your family and for this pandemic to go away, while you sit at Jesus's table.

Love and Missing you
Herberta & Gary, Mom and Dad, Crystal & Jermaine, Tyra, Garrett, Derek & Devin, Ashley & Shelton, Hailey, Ashton, Weston, and Nataley.

Herberta John

December 16, 2021

I look back at our childhood and remember the fun time we had, we would go on road trip with our mom and dad. I remember that one day we were getting ready to leave for town and you were helping dad feed the dogs. You decided to have a water fight with dad and pouring water on each other at the wood pile. The day you went horse back riding and came how with a bobcat that you apparently decided to catch with your bare hand. Almost had your fingers bitten off and the palm of your hand had holes in like a meat cleaver was used.

I want you to know that mom is taking your passing very hard for the past year and half. There is not a day that goes by when she does not think of you. She loves you with all her heart, she looks back to when it was you and her. Dad was in the Marines and I was not yet born. The times she spent with you alone; watching you, feeding you, seeing you out in the fields playing and when I call her and she says she is sitting outside her house I know she sees you playing in fields, riding horses, irrigating the hay field, working on you bike, etc. Mom said in post how this time of the year, you made plans on collecting Toys for Tots, traveling to California and Nevada to bring back toys for our children here on the Navajo Reservation. Your wife and her family would all get involved and help with wrapping every single toy. Your dedication was all for the children. I want others to know that you were my moms first loving son and that she too is hurting.

I remember you would take your whole bike apart to clean it and grease it. It would take you all day in front of the underground shack that my grandpa built. I recall a story that our grandpa Chester Kedelty took you to the Navajo Nation Fair, Just the two of you. Hitch hike out there spent the whole day and came home that evening. So much memories that we have of you is just breaking our hearts. Each one of my kids can recall their special moments with you, like my youngest Tyra. She heard a song, an Apache song and she cried and cried. After she calmed down she said I listen to that song sitting in his truck at grandma's house and I have heard it since he passed until now.

No one will ever know how much we are all hurt by your passing. We love you, miss you and will forever hold you in our hearts and minds. Your loving sister, Herberta.

Herberta John
Sister

December 16, 2021

Throughout my younger years he used to come out and visit my siblings and I. He would bring us a pack of soda with some Chinese food from King Dragon and we would be grateful. He would tell us what he is doing at work, when he would be back to see us again, how his job will be taking him to other places. One time he asked me if I wanted to go with him to deliver toys in California for Christmas. I was so excited but he told me to stay home with my family. We used to meet at a windmill and he would talk with us, Every time he left he would tell us, "You listen to your mom. Make sure you do your school work. I'll see you soon. I love you." Then he would give us the warmest, tight hugs.

The last time I saw him was over 6 years ago. I saw him at the local clinic. We had made plans to get some breakfast burritos at my college, and I quote him "I heard they were good." I gave him my number and to set a date for us. I was so excited and then it never happened. When the days turned into week to months and years, I lost hope in ever having a relationship with him.

He never really told me the reason why he did what he did. When I was looking back and reading all the lovely things every one wrote about him I couldn't help but think, this man who gave me life, was there when I was born in his uniform holding me, turned into everyone else's father but mine. He gave so much to everyone else but me. I can't be mad about it but then again I can't help it. I loved him with all I could and now knowing he is gone has given me the courage to think about this.

How can I go on with my life knowing that my father is no longer here?

Is it my fault of being born that pushed him further away from me?

I have never been so heartbroken in my life...

J. M. Lee
illegitimate daughter of Michael E. Lee EOW June 18, 2020

November 4, 2021

On behalf of my family I would like to say thank you for all your well wishes. My name is Herberta John, sister to Mike. I should add that he is my only sibling. It has been a hard journey for us but with heart felt words of encouragement we keep on. I have 5 children and 3 grandchildren that were very close to their uncle. My mom and dad has been taking this very hard and their has not been a day that she has not shed tears. More so this pandemic keeps us all from being their physically for each others. We will miss his random text messages about Bigfoot's footprint on his porch, his humour, his laughter, the way he would look up from his phone, clearing of his throat, etc. So many that I can go on and on. My grandson 2 yrs. old saw a person that resemble his grandpa and say mom look, waving. Young as he is, he knows his grandpa. So we are grieving and hoping for better days.

Thank you for your service and god bless.

Herberta John
Sister to Michael E Lee EOW June 18, 2020

January 12, 2021

The New Year has started with out you my dear friend! I still can't believe you have gain your wings. I still find myself looking for your number when I need help. You were our HERO our backbone when we needed assistance. We miss you. Be our eyes be our backup be our light in the darkness when we need it. Thank you for your many many years of service to the Navajo Nation and to the Navajo Police. Your presence is missed!! Much love and hugs! You are now our angel in heaven. RIP Officer Micheal Lee, we got the watch from here.

Police Sergeant
Navajo Police-Kayenta District

January 2, 2021

Thank you for your honorable service.

Founder/ CEO Michael Kitterman
American Citizens Institute

December 26, 2020

Officer Lee, thank you for your service. God Bless you, Brother and may you forever Rest in Peace.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

July 20, 2020

Officer Lee,

Thank you for your sacrifice for our nation. May you be with the Lord and may he be with your family.

Det. Russ Cain
Pittsburgh PD

July 11, 2020

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God”. Matthew 5:9

Thank you for your service. May you rest in peace, my brother.

Retired Chief of police Jim Spratlen
Durango Police Department

July 11, 2020

My deepest condolences go out to Officer Lee's family, friends and co-workers at Navajo Division of Public Safety during this difficult time.

Your service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Rest In Peace my Brother in BLUE Officer Lee.

Officer Janet Sanchez
F.O.P member Yuma Lodge #24
Yuma Police Department

July 6, 2020

To the family of Police Officer Michael Lee, friends, Chief of Police Phillip Francisco and the
Navajo Division of Public Safety, AZ
You are lifted up in heart, thought and prayer. May God comfort, hold you close and give you His peace that surpasses all understanding to keep your heats and minds through Christ Jesus now and always. Thank you for your service!
"The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
"For he, (Jesus) has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5 You are in His loving care.

Patrolman A.S. Batson
CH / OB PD
Goldsboro, NC

July 5, 2020

On behalf of our family to all your family sir, Our hearts bleed for all of you. Every time we loose another officer it rips through our souls as we know all too well what road all of you are now on, and must travel for the rest of your lives. No matter what please, please, please stay close to one another. You’re a HERO and will forever be a HERO!! We will NEVER FORGET the sacrifices each of you made by Your hero deciding to put on the uniform and badge EVERYDAY. May God give all of you peace knowing he saved the life of others and did so so proudly. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they are and will be called the Children of God. Sir, May you Rest In Peace and continue to show the signs to your family that you are around them, FOREVER. As a mother of a fallen hero, my son does this daily and knowing he’s still here, brings great comfort. So I ask you Sir....please be their guardian angel as they walk through the shadows of grief. All of the officer supporters and the officers you left behind, will take it from here, sir. RIP!!

Ms. Tammy Avent
Mother of Fallen BPA Jose “Joey” Barraza EOW: 4-18-16.

July 4, 2020

Thank you Officer Lee for your hard work and dedication and for paying the ultimate sacrifice. You are a true American HERO. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers. May you forever rest in peace, my brother.

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sergeant Mitchell G. Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

July 4, 2020

Rest in Peace Officer Lee. May the Lord grant your family, friends and co-workers peace during this difficult time. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Deputy Parole Administrator Howard Wykes
Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections

July 2, 2020

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for your service Officer Lee. Rest in peace Dear Brother of Blue. God bless. "Heroes Live Forever"

Surviving Sister Catherine Garibay Sanc

July 2, 2020

I am sorry for your loss to the Family, Fellow Officers, and Friends. I will keep all of you in my prayers. RIP.

Retired Fire Lieutenantm Frank J Corasa
Baltimore City Fire Department

July 1, 2020

Praying for your family, friends, colleagues, agencies during this very difficult time for them and all of us. Thank you for your service! We shall remember you with pride and admiration always! May God Bless the Blue!

“The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 HCSB];

“Those who mourn are blessed, for they will be comforted.” [Matthew 5:4 HCSB], and;

“No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 HCSB]

Depart in peace, Brother-in-Blue; in the name of God the Father who created you; in the name of Christ Jesus who redeemed you; in the name of the Holy Spirit who sanctifies you. May you rest in peace and dwell forever with the Lord. Amen.

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, D.Div, MSBS, CIMT, NCCA
Ordained/Licensed/Certified Independent Ecumenical Clergy / Chaplain
Ministry: Law Enforcement Chaplaincy
Merrimack, NH 03054

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, D.Div, MSBS
Nashua NH and Merrimack NH Police Departments

July 1, 2020

My family and I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and fellow co-workers of Police Officer Michael Lee during this difficult time. May they find comfort and support during from those around them. May happy moments from the past bring forth precious memories to cherish for a lifetime. May God help heal their aching hearts. Thank you for your service and may you rest in peace Police Officer Michael Lee.

Gail M. Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit Police Officer Jennifer Fettig eow 2/16/04

June 30, 2020

Thank you for your service, brother. RIP.

Lieutenant Brian J. Wills II
Oswego County Sheriff's Office
New York

June 30, 2020

Even though the time has come to end the watch, they are still watching. Even though they are no longer with us, they are still teaching. The loss is new and the pain is great but we carry on for our family’s sake. Give us the keys, we’ll take over from here. Now is the time to release your fears. We got your watch, we’ll carry on, rest with peace my brother for your never really gone.


From your brothers and sisters
at the Waukesha County Jail, WI

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER CISM TEAM
WAUKESHA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT

June 30, 2020

RIP Officer Lee. Thank you for your service to the Navajo Division of the Chinle District

Sergeant Darren Weisse
Tufts University Police

June 30, 2020

Rest in Peace my Brother in Arms

Anrae G Godley-Cooper
U.S. Army Military Police

June 29, 2020

On behalf of Moms Back the Blue of the St. Louis County Police Family Association, we offer
our heartfelt condolences to the family (blood and blue) and friends of Officer Lee.
We will be forever indebted to you for your selfless service and sacrifice.
Always Honored; Never Forgotten

Proud Moms from
Moms Back the Blue of the
St. Louis County Police Family Association

June 29, 2020

God Bless You, Your Family, & Friends.
Thank you for your unselfish service.

James P Waggle
Civilian

June 29, 2020

Thoughts and prayers for the immediate family and fellow officers. God bless you Sir for your service and sacrifice.

Former Reserve Deputy Sheriff , OCSO FL
Osceola County Sheriff Office

June 29, 2020