Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

At 10 years old I was in a traffic accident. Everyone got out but my dress was caught and I was still in the car. Officer Callahan climbed in crawling over glass to talk to me and get me out of the car. I have NEVER forgotten you and NEVER will. Thank you for your kindness. It has been a lifetime blessing.

Amy Taylor
Maryville Resident

February 21, 2023

Officer Callahan,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Maryville. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 21, 2021

Rest in peace Officer Callahan.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 23, 2019

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

August 26, 2016

34 years ago, and I recall it as it were today. Mike was a great man and Officer.

Off. Jim Groover
Knoxville Police Dept.

February 21, 2015

I remember the day that this terrible accident happened, I was just a teen, but I remember the sadness that my Dad felt during this time. He was one of your fellow officers at Maryville Police Department, and this took a toll on all of them. You were a awesome officer and did you job well, proud of what you did.

Missy Tipton Green
Alcoa Police Department

January 21, 2015

I walked into roll call today and while folks talked, wrote your name and EOW date silently on the board. Silence fell and I told them that today we remembered a fallen brother we had never known. I told them of what I had been told from my mentors from 32 years ago of a good man. I hope as every year I write your name that it reminds them to stay safe and vigilant, to remember the cause and the memory of those gone before. There is no doubt that your influence has been passed down and exists to this day. That is a powerful legacy. A man is never truly gone until he is forgotten. Blount County law enforcement remembers a good man and fallen brother..

JLW
BCSO

February 21, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 31rst anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your family for sharing their memories of you through their reflections and especially to Patrick for showing us a son's devotion to a beloved father.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 21, 2012

R.I.P. Officer Callahan.

FTO Scott Spicer
Maryville Police Department

April 9, 2011

I have never written on this memorial but I have pulled it up so many times. I married your son Chad April 15, 2006. I never had the pleasure of hugging or getting to know the person who gave me the most beautiful husband in the world. I do know you through your children and your grandchildren. I can't believe how much the generations look so much alike. Chad means the world to me and as your daughter in-law I promise to be the best wife that I can be for your son. I promise also that your memory will never die, Chad keeps it alive by telling stories to our children and I love to hear about you. You would be so proud of Chad he has accomplished so much in his life. Just every now and then look down on him, he misses you so much. You are missed so much and I would have been honored to have met you. Love Always Becca Callahan

Becca Callahan
Daughter in law

September 23, 2009

Remembering you today. Your legacy lives on in those who who loved you and those who have carried on in your place. Thank you for your service.

JLW

January 14, 2009

RIP.You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

November 1, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND SERVICE

Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

February 12, 2008

"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
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

January 30, 2008

Mike, I never had the chance to meet you but just wanted to stop by to say thanks. We put a decal on the back of our motors in your honor. Your name comes up in conversation all the time, rest assured that you are missed and will always be remembered.

Motor Officer Kyle Mitchell
Maryville Police Department

October 20, 2007

I just read the reflection left by Slovan's daughter and i want you to know that I understand how hard knowing all of this must have been for you. I appreciate so much the courage it took for you to leave your reflection for, not only the memory of my father, but for my family. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Rest well...There is a reason for everything that happens in this strange and often cruel world. I have often wondered and worried about how this has affected your life. We are all given obstacles and hardships to overcome in our lives in order to learn, grow and become stronger and more capable human beings. We all have our own battles, but in the end, we all hopefully find ourselves and, with luck, at least a little bit of peace. Thank you again for your kindness. I will be thinking of you...
Patrick Callahan

Patrick Callahan
son

July 29, 2007

Happy Birthday....I just wanted you to know I was thinking of you today. I love you and i miss you.
Patrick

Patrick Callahan
son

June 1, 2007

Though we never met, my mentors were your beat partners that worked beside you. I know they respected and cared for you very much. Your loss still deeply touches them and others who now hold the thin blue line in your place. The legacy that you helped mold and passed on was taught to officers like me who now have passed it on in return. We honor your life and your sacrifice.

JLW

March 8, 2007

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

February 21, 2007

I don't know exactly how to say this, or if I even should, but I am the daughter of the man who was also involved in the accident that claimed your life. I have been struggling with that knowledge for 21 years, my entire life. I know that nothing can bring you back or replace any pain in your families life. On behalf of my family, I am so incredibly sorry. I want you to know that there isn't a night gone by that my father hasn't dreamed of the accident. He told me not too long ago that he had given up his keys when he got to the party, but they gave them back. I am so sorry.

January 8, 2007

You've been on my mind these last few days...I'm not sure why. Chad and Becca were FINALLY married 2 weeks ago...You were certainly there that day and in an extreme position in the forefront of Chad's mind...Your grandchildren, by the way call you Grandpapa...I can barely hear them say that without fighting back tears. John Michael is the perfect image of you and Chad, but strangly enough he also looks ALOT like me and you. That boggles the mind as I never looked THAT much like you ( like Chad did ) I always looked more like mama. They are GLORIOUS children with kind and good souls and for some reason they just love their Uncle Paddy.LOL. I wish I could talk to you tonight as I have SO many questions that need answering that I think only you could answer. I'm sure you hear me in the relm that you're in...don't you? Send some love to Chad and your most beautiful grandchildren...and to me...I love you Papa....
Patrick

Patrick Callahan
his son

May 2, 2006

I never had the pleasure of meeting you, but growing up in Maryville I had the pleasure of your protection and I am thankful for that. I know your son, Patrick, and just wanted you to know that he's an awesome friend and a great uncle. I'm sure your proud. I'm proud to have him as a friend. God Bless. LK

Former State Police Officer
University of Tennessee

April 16, 2006

I think of you often. I wonder how different my life would have been had you not been taken away from me. I don't know if you would be proud of what I have done with my life, but I am. I have taken the example you left for me and made it my own. I wish so badly that you could be here to see your beautiful grandchildren. Chad has done so well in carrying on the Callahan legacy. He loves you so much, you know. His boys are not only the perfect image of you, but also the perfect image of him and me. You have always been what was missing in my life ( through no fault of your own )and I hate so much that you are what will be missing in the lives of these three most beautiful reflections of you.I know that you are in a better place now away from hurt and pain, but I still miss you and I still wonder. Someday I will have all my answers. I love you, Papa...Be proud...please

Patrick Callahan

March 9, 2006

I haven't seen you for so long but i feel as if you are always with me in everything i do. you have three beautiful grandchildren now, two boys and a girl. my oldest son shares your name and i remind him of how special that name is to me all the time.All of the kids have a piece of you in them but the boys both look so much like you. I feel that through them i am getting part of you back that i can't remember. I miss you Papa but i carry your spirit inside me always. people tell me how much i look and act like you and that is the greatest compliment that i could ever recieve.I hope that i have made you as proud of me as i am of you. No matter how much time passes, i will never forget you and i will see you in my dreams always. I know that one day when i come home you will be there to greet me so until then, i love you and i miss you every day. Your loving son, Chad

chad callahan

March 5, 2006

I never had the opprotunity to meet you, but you have never been forgotten. The men and women you worked with mention you often. We continue to carry on the proud profession of operating out Department Motors, a job I know you loved so much. The sacrifice you made to our Department and community will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Chris Tuck
Maryville Tennessee Police Department

November 11, 2005