Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

RIP Brother. I remember the Marines and I'll look back in those times together even fonder still. Haven't checked ODMP and felt the urge to check today since it's been awhile but didn't think I'd find a brother on here. My deepest sympathies to his department and all my fellow Marines who knew him. He was a hell of a man and I'll miss him deeply.

Mr. Kyle Pace
UPMC Police & Security

November 30, 2023

Sergeant Moran, a police officer should be remembered not by how he died but by how he lived! A brave man has left to secure a safe path for the rest of us to follow. Thank you for your military and law enforcement service, to your family, and to the Cortez Police Department. Our country is a little less safe without you. Rest in Peace Brother!

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Chief of Police Vernon Knuckles
Cortez Police Department
608 N Park Street
Cortez, CO 81321

Dear Chief of Police Vernon Knuckles:

I hope this letter finds you well, though I understand it is an incredibly tough time for you and everyone connected to your department. I am writing to extend my heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences for the loss of Sergeant Michael Moran, a brave and dedicated professional.

The news of Sergeant Michael Moran’s death has deeply saddened me and my entire family. The sacrifice that he made while protecting and serving your community is a testament to the selfless and courageous nature of law enforcement officers like him. We can never truly comprehend the risks and challenges faced by those in law enforcement, and we are forever indebted to them for their unwavering commitment to keeping us safe.

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant Michael Moran’s, friends, and colleagues during this immensely challenging time. Their loss is immeasurable, and we can only hope that the outpouring of support from the community can offer some comfort in these trying times.

In times like these, we must remember the positive impact Sergeant Michael Moran had on countless lives throughout his life and career. The memories of his dedication, kindness, and professionalism will remain etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him.

To you, Chief of Police Vernon Knuckles, and the entire Cortez Police Department, my family and I want to express our gratitude for the vital work you do each day, often in the face of danger and adversity. The sacrifice of your fallen colleague serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that come with your line of duty. Despite the risks, you continue to serve with integrity and unwavering commitment, and for that, we are immensely thankful.

Having served in the law enforcement field for 44 years, my family stands with you during this time of mourning. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can do to support you and your department during this difficult period.

May the memories of Sergeant Michael Moran be a source of strength and may his legacy inspire others to follow in his footsteps of honor and service. We will forever be indebted to the sacrifice he made to keep us safe.

With deepest sympathy,

Don P. Jensen Sr. - PM, PP, PGP, DrE
Chief of Police (retired)

November 30, 2023

So sad 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

November 30, 2023

I am so sorry that this Marine had to die at the hands of rotten Criminals. God speed sir!

Dalton D Langsmith
Civilian of Colorado

November 30, 2023

Rest in Peace Sergeant Moran. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and Prayers go out to your family, coworkers and friends.

Lieutenant Robert T. Mote (ret)
Buena Park, CA Police Department

November 30, 2023

Sgt. Moran, not since Lobo 11 (Dale Claxton) was lost some 25 years ago has that area experienced a police death. However, I know full well that ships in harbor are safe, but that is not what ships are intended for. I have so much respect for smaller agency cops, always doing more with less...less money, less resources, less back up, and less recognition.

You have paid the ultimate price for your choice in professions. My heart breaks for your daughters. I thank you for your service to our nation as a Marine, as well as your service to the city Cortez and the state of Colorado. May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Sgt. K. W. Moreland
Arapahoe Community College Campus Police (ret. LAPD)

November 30, 2023

Thank you for your service.

Dmytro Goloborodko

November 30, 2023

I am sad to learn of the passing of Sergeant Michael Moran. know our Heavenly Father has welcomed him home into his loving arms where he will now patrol the Golden Streets of Heaven. May the Lord deliver Blessings, Comfort and Peace to his Family, Friends and all Members of the Cortez Police Department, Colorado.

Retired, T W Martinez
FOP member
State of New Mexico/JJS

November 30, 2023

Rest In Peace Brother.

Det. Andreoli
NYPD-Retired

November 30, 2023

Praying for peace and comfort today and in the difficult days ahead. With deepest sympathy,

Rita Rocker
Deputy Executive Director
Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles

November 30, 2023

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service (Retired)

November 30, 2023

God rest his soul.

Sgt. Robert A. Henne
Jersey City PD/Ret.

November 30, 2023

Thank you for your service. Prayers for Family and Department.

Sergeant Monica Veney
Baltimore Police Department

November 30, 2023

Another "Hero" taken.
You helped make this world a safer place to live.
May God grant you eternal peace.
Prayers to your loved ones and to your department

Det. Billy Russo (Ret.)
Nassau County PD, NY

November 30, 2023

Prayers & Condolences
Rest in peace Sergeant Michael Moran
Semper Fi

Sgt. Randy Keenan ~ (Retired)
City of Alameda, CA Police Department

November 30, 2023

May God and St. Michael watch over you in Heaven, Sgt. Moran.

Patrolman Kenneth Collins
South Amherst Police Department

November 30, 2023

Rest in Peace my brother.

Captain (Ret.) Bernard Flint
Department of Defense / Police Division

November 30, 2023

R.I.P. Brave Soul. "Blessed our the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God"

Officer M. Freer
Marietta GA PD

November 30, 2023

I hate seeing Leo deaths this time of year, rip brother thank you for you survive.

Lt john brenner (Ret)
Bridgeport Police, ct

November 30, 2023

RIP brother, God bless you, your family and Department. I worked in Colorado for 25 years out of Alamosa and now in New Mexico working. I remember when Dale Claxton was shot and killed in May of 1998. May God grant his mercy and blessings on all. Stand easy brother your fellow brothers and sisters have the watch now.

Corporal Patrick Brownfield
Carlsbad NM Police Department

November 30, 2023

Justice will be served, brave hero. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. God bless you forever.

Patricia Harrison

November 30, 2023

My heart goes out to the family. God will take you through and give you strength.
Thank you for serving your community and our country.
We will Never Forget.

Adrienne Smith
Wife of the late Captain Reggie Smith

November 30, 2023

God Bless you and your family.

Deb Holmes
Chicago PD (retired)

November 30, 2023

Rest In Peace Sergeant Michael Moran! Thank you for your 11 years of service with the Cortez Police Department, in Colorado, and for your service as a United States Marine Corps Veteran. We thank you for your devotion and your sacrifices, and also to your family and friends for their sacrifices. Our hearts break for your two daughters and your friends during this terrible tragedy, and we want them to know that you will never be forgotten! Our thoughts and Prayers also go out to all of your sisters and brothers in Blue that protect us. God bless you all!! (Matthew 5:9)

Eddie & Kelly King

November 30, 2023