Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

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

May 6, 2021

Rest in peace.

J.R.

May 8, 2020

Officer Okelberry,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USAF. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 6, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Okelberry.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 8, 2019

I still miss my brother to this day.
He was only 2 years older than me, so we could talk about life and the things going on in our lives.

I still remember my last visit with him just before he was killed.
We spent time fishing in his boat on the lake and racing it back to the dock when we finished fishing... I spent the night with him and his family and we talked on the porch for hours into the late evening early morning.
He drove my new car (Firebird) and said we would get back together in 2 weeks so he could meet my new girl friend and now wife...(but this would be the last time we were together, he was taken from us soon after my visit).

He loved hunting and fishing. He was the one that would catch all the fish on one side of the boat and when you switched with him, he would catch them on the other side of the boat. The same with hunting, how he always came back with a deer, squirrels, or whatever he was hunting, I will never know... Even got deer with a bow and arrow setup...

He loved sports too. He played starting varsity fullback and defensive middle linebacker all 4 years of high school.
He was tough and dedicated to the things he loved to do.

I always said that he lived life to the fullest and accomplished a lot in the short 28 years he was with us. But, now that I am older, I feel he really missed out on a lot life has to offer as we go through adulthood and grow older.
I miss Mike and think of him everyday.
It wasn't fair that he was taken from us in 1990.

It makes me proud to see people still remember Mike and take the time to write a reflection here.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for Mike and our family.
I never get over it, I never forget, I just live with the loss of my brother in hope and faith the I will see him again someday.
I love you Mike!

brother

January 3, 2018

Thank you for your service to DPD and the citizens of Dallas. We're always thinking of you. God bless

Special Agent-in-Charge Diane Upchurch
FBI - Little Rock

May 8, 2017

Officer Okelberry,
On today, the 27th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USAF. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 6, 2017

I just noticed that Doug had written a note above mine. Sadly we have also lost Doug as well. God bless his family.

anonymous

May 6, 2017

I realized that 27 years ago today we lost you and Tom. I had just finished my shift and returned to the station to hear the news. I asked a deep night officer to take me out to the "scene" and he did. I stood there in absolute shock. It was too late. You both were already gone. 27 years went by way too fast. We were such kids. And now we're not. I think about you two and those days often.

anonymous

May 6, 2017

Rest in Peace Officer Michael Okelberry. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice protecting the citizens of Dallas, Texas.

I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends and Co-Workers.

Amen.

Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood (Ret)
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, Texas

May 7, 2016

Mike was my mentor and my brother. He was my Sgt after I had arrived at Castle AFB, my first duty station. Mike's wife Linda became my wife's best friend and Mike became mine. I left Castle AFB to RAF Greenham Common in England before Mike got out of the AF for Dallas PD. He called, like he had Doug Bickford, to try and entice me to come out to Texas. I had called him as I accomplished different milestones and accolades with my career. It was very unusual thing that I had just sent him a letter from England telling him about obtaining my promotion to Sgt early and that it was all because of his friendship, leadership and mentoring that I was able to accomplish it. Before my letter could reach him he was taken from us. I got out of the AF in 1994 and was eventually hired with my home town police department. I was able to graduate at a high percentage of my class and dedicated my achievement to him! I've tried to find Linda and their son for years now but want people to know, Mike was a very special man, friend and brother.

Pastor Richard H Hanshew Sr
U.S.A.F Security Police (LE) 1987-1994

March 11, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 22nd 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 who was murdered in the 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. I thank your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

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

May 6, 2012

Mike and I served together at Castle AFB, California. Mike was a good Ol' Boy always talking about Texas. I know Mike was a family man and loved his son. I hope his son knows how much of a hero Mike is. God Bless you Mike for your service to our country and the state of Texas.

Detective Brad Dorr
Madera County Sheriffs Dept.

November 10, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

May 6, 2010

YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 7, 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

February 5, 2008

Mike, I only knew you through my son Hal. I guess you, Hal, and Tom are fishing or hunting up there in heaven. I know Hal missed you and Tom so much. I am sure you and Tom did your best to watch over him. I hope you were amoung those there to welcome him to heaven. It was good to see your brother's reflection. Maybe he is helping with your son.

Sharon Dickerson
Mother of Sr. Col. Hal Baird E.O.W. 8-19-00

October 12, 2007

if you new him then you where blessed. my brother was the outdoors kind of guy.if it was hunting,he was the first one there same for fishing.mike loved three things the most.his family,being a police officer,& the outdoors.i'll miss fishing & waterskiing with you.i'll never forget the fun or the love we shared mike. love always your baby brother mark

mark k. okelberry
brother

April 3, 2007

Mike and I were stationed at Castle AFB California prior to him going to work in Dallas. He was a very close friend, a fishing partner, hunting partner, and a proud husband and father. Mike loved being a "real" Police Officer and called me often trying to convince me to leave the Air Force and join him in Dallas. I think of Mike and his family often and would love to know how his son is doing after all this time. I know Mike is proud of his son and all he has and will become. My love and prayers to all.

MPO Doug Bickford
Vero Beach PD Florida

September 10, 2006

Mike, you were like a brother to me in the academy. I miss you and still think of you often. The times we spent together at your apartment studying and at the lake where you tried to teach me to water ski were some of the best times of my life. I still cant ski but every time i try i always think of you. You were the best friend i ever had. God, i still miss your friendship. Rest in Peace. I love you like a brother.

Police Officer Kevin C. Young
Dallas Police Dept

February 4, 2004

Both Mike and Tom were good friends with good families. I ate dinner with both officers the night they were killed. At least I was able to say goodbye. I never thought it would be forever. God bless Mike and Tom.

P.O. D.W.Deaver
Vancouver, WA PD