Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

On the anniversary of your death I’d like to reiterate my previous reflection and say thank you for your service and sacrifice and you are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

October 12, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your memory, service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 17, 2020

The offender was Jimmy League. A military veteran with mental health issues.

My brother and sister are his children. I was 2 when this happened.

I do believe that the term suicide by cop hadn't been coined yet.

Maybe I shouldn't even be commenting on this. Maybe I don't have the right.

I do know that my mother never forgot the name Lieutenant Michael Everette Etchison, Sr.

We are learning more about mental health every day. My prayer for this, if any military member, active duty or veteran has thoughts of suicide, please seek help.

I also know that there has been a horrible spree of LEO's committing suicide recently. Please, seek help.

Every single one of you is loved by somebody. Every single one of you matters. Every single one of you...please know that I pray for you every day.

There were times my mother didn't commit suicide because she had two thoughts, who would find her?...and she didn't have the right to change somebody's life that way.

I wish that Jimmy had known how much he would be changing the lives of his children. I think that when a person is in such a dark place they don't know how to think that way.

I pray for peace for all families involved. I pray for mental health help for those who need it. I pray that somebody considering suicide would seek help.

Brenda Miller

July 31, 2019

RIP, Lieutenant Michael Everette Etchison Sr. will never ever be forgotten.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired
New York State Police

December 26, 2018

I had the privilege of being Mike's partner on the police force in the mid-seventies. He was a fine man, an excellent officer, and a fun guy to ride with and talk to. He once told me he had grown up without a father and he did not want his kids to have to have to do the same. That made his death even more tragic to me.

I am happy to see streets named after him and other things Monroe has done to recognize his sacrifice.

Andy Flatt
retired

October 25, 2016

Many years have passed,but you're still a hero.I may have never had the pleasure to know you,but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate your service as a current Monroe citizen.Rest in peace Lieutenant Etchison.

Citizen

May 23, 2016

I was privileged to know Mike Etchison when I was a student worker in the Monroe City Hall during my High School days. I remember passing through the police dept and saw him look up and smile as he always did. For civilians, students and the rest of our community, we owe a debt to police officers and first responders that cannot be repaid. For them and their families, our foremost tasks are to remember their sacrifice and to continue their work in building communities that uphold the ideals that they worked so hard to keep. God bless and comfort Michael Etchison and his family.

Bob Castro (civilian)
Student worker Monroe City Hall 1976-78

December 18, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th anniversary year of your death. I am privileged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service.

My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 9, 2013

Rest in Peace, Lieutenant Etchison. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 1, 2012

"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

October 10, 2007

On the upcoming anniversary of your death, we remember you and thank you Sir for your service.

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 9, 2007

"Those who have given so much will never be forgotten"

From Father and Son.

Major Steve Conwell
Monroe Police Department

October 5, 2005

ONE MOMENT

In the whisper of the wind,
I felt God embrace me.
As the voice of a loved one,
I heard God speak to me
Looking in a mirror
I saw God smile at me.
One moment and I knew
That God and I were one.

February 26, 2005

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

February 15, 2005

~~~~~The Broken Chain~~~~~

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name.~~In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.~~It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.~~You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.~~Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the Chain will link again.

January 25, 2005

May God grant you eternal rest and bring peace to your loved ones.

January 5, 2005

You are a hero and have not been forgotten.... Rest in peace.

Rosa Waters
Mother of Michael Waters
EOW: September 11, 2003

January 19, 2004