Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I have not forgotten him all these years ago. I work for Senator Cruz County probation magnet, and I had one of his cases on my desk when he passed. He enjoyed being a sheriffs deputy, and had left his job as an architect because he found rather boring. he enjoyed what he did, and was committed to his community and loved working for the sheriffs department!

Deputy Probation Officer
Santa Cruz County

February 26, 2024

Deputy Sheriff Gray,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 13, 2023

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Gray.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 9, 2022

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

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

June 7, 2020

My mom and I are sitting and talking about our neighbor who lived behind us and looked him up. We remember how dedicated he was to being a deputy and his service during the 82 floods. We appreciate and remember.
-Carolyn and Kara Heine

Heine
Friend

September 3, 2018

I was a citizen when Michael Gray was gunned down, and I remember the shock waves that went through that then-peaceful county. "How could this happen here?" was my first reaction.

The coward that gunned Deputy Gray down is long forgotten; his name does not come to mind. Michael will be remembered as long as memorials like this exist. Rest in peace, sir.

Stan Jefferson
Citizen of Arizona

January 13, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

January 13, 2018

I was riding "Motors" for Santa Cruz P.D. when this tragedy struck. I had known Mike since the mid-70's and always enjoyed spending time with Mike.

He was an outstanding Deputy and was extremely officer safety conscious. He worked a lot of special details in the Santa Cruz area and was always well respected by everyone.

This was such a horrible tragedy and I remember riding my "motor" up and down Graham Hill Rd. and Hwy. 9 looking for the dirtbag who shot Mike and CHP officer Jeff Lee.

I'll always remember Mike and his warm friendship. He was such a wonderful man and a pleasure to be around!!

Michael Spong, Motor Officer (ret)
Santa Cruz P.D.

January 1, 2014

I treasure the years I worked with Mike when we both worked for the City of Santa Cruz. He was a dear friend and he helped me through a difficult time. He is still in my morning prayers every day.

Carol (Asche-Limandri) Fairhurst
Friend former co-worker

February 28, 2013

Michael- I still recall and treasure our time together working the five and six beats (Aptos and Watsonville). You were my mentor and special friend during my short tenure with the S.O. We handled some tough situations- thanks for having my back. One of my most fondest memories is being with you and Deanna and Debbie (my wife) on a New Year's evening; filled with food, fun, laughs and drinks. It was an honor to particpate in the burial detail; I was so proud to assit Deputy Joe Hemmingway fold the American flag. I miss your smile, laugh and affenctionate personality. Take care amigo.

Chief Probation Officer- Michael D. Beam
Douglas County NV Alternative Sentencing (former SCSO deputy)

January 16, 2013

A remarkable officer, husband and father. We all remember Mike on this sad anniversary and honor his dedicated service to our community.

Justice Richard J. McAdams (Ret.)
Court of Appeal, Sixth District; Santa Cruz Superior Court

January 11, 2013

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

September 5, 2012

Mike, I will always remember your smile and kind words.. I too remember that tragic day (29 yrs now ago). I had not been with the department very long. I was working swing shift that day! It was my first time alone working in Records/Warrants back then. And that was a test that I will never forget. I found out what it ment to be Brothers/Sisters family and friends in the Law Enforcement field that day and the days to follow too! Yes your brothers and sisters of the Santa Cruz Co So and Law Enforcement Depts. will always miss you! Now in Gods care until we all meet again! Your sister in Law Enforcement. R.I.P.

Records Clerk/Donna Hughes
Now with Pima Co So in Tucson, Az.

May 16, 2012

Rest in Peace, Deputy Gray. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 22, 2012

I worked along side Mike for several years in patrol (The Valley as it was called). Mike was a few years older than me and taught me a lot of people skills that I just had not learned yet. He gave back to the community by truly helping those needed help or a Good Swift Kick in the Backside. Mike loved the valley and it was his home.
I will never forget that day, nor will ever forget seeing Bobby at his dad's service and thinking to myself who will teach Bobby dad stuff.
God Bless you Mike and someday we will meet again.

John Martin, Ex Deputy Sheriff
Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office

April 7, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

January 13, 2010

Mike, Even 26 years later the memory of this shooting seems like yesterday. You fought hard and we all prayed you would pull through but your work here on earth was done. In a strange way, the shooting may have saved the CHP officer's life since they found early stages of cancer while treating his gunshot wounds and he is still serving the people of California. You were a good Lawman and Santa Cruz was a better place with you here.. Keep Resting in Peace. God Bless All

Greatfully Retired Highwayman
California Highway Patrol

January 13, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 4, 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

September 20, 2007

michael, i never knew you but i have learned much from your passing and i have not forgotten you on this memorial day weekend 2007. I heard the news report back then and later in 1988 i got to know you by way of lt.wally walker when i attended his p.o.s.t. classes 5 yrs later prior to my applying to the S.O. I didnt make it but the lessons continue today. you were loved by many and not forgotten by me. "land of the free BECAUSE of the brave" god bless

shawn oswald
ex- search and resque explorer,post 613

May 27, 2007

G-d Bless.

January 13, 2007

MICHAEL WAS A VERY DEDICATED DEPUTY WHO WENT BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY TO PERFORM HIS JOB. HE WAS LIKED BY ALL WHO WORKED WITH HIM. MICHAEL HAD A WAY OF WORKING WITH PEOPLE THAT WAS A SPECIAL GIFT, AND HE USED HIS GOD GIVEN TALENTS TO PERFORM HIS DUTIES. I WORKED WITH MICHAEL ON MANY OCCASIONS AND WOULD WELCOME HIM BACK WITH OPEN HEART AND ARMS. I PRAISE GOD FOR THE OPPORTUNITY OF HAVING KNOWN HIM AND BEING HIS PARTNER. JIM THOMAS

JIM THOMAS--EX DEPUTY SHERIFF
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY SHERIFF'S

November 13, 2006

Michael, You were with us far to briefly, but our memories, thoughts and love are never-ending. Those of us in Santa Cruz have daily reminders of your sacrifice and our pain, but the memorials keep you close to our hearts. In the spirit of brotherhood, rest in peace...we shall all meet again. Bob Hedgpeth, Ret.

Bob Hedgpeth S/O (Ret.)
Santa Clara Co. Sheriff

March 12, 2006

You were that which others did not want to be. You went where others feared to go, and did what others failed to do. You asked nothing from those who gave nothing, and reluctantly accepted the fact of eternal loneliness should you fall. You have seen the face of terror and felt the stinging cold of fear. You have loved, cried, suffered, and hoped, but most of all, you have lived times others would say were “best forgotten.” At least you were able to say that you were proud of what you were - a cop.

January 13, 2005

Ive been with Santa Cruz S.O for almost 7 years. Only three years on patrol. It does not matter how many times I go in and out of our roll-call room, I'll never not look up and see your picture hanging on the wall. It's sort of as if you are looking out to protect the rest of us here in Santa Cruz. I never knew you, but I know for what you stood. Thank You and God Bless,
Don

Deputy
Santa Cruz SO