Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service and sacrafice to the citizens of Houston and the Great State of Texas. You are not forgotten!!!!

Michael Keck, Criminal Investigator
Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice-OIG

April 10, 2012

Rest in peace, Officer Groves. Your service and sacrifice to the citizens of Houston and the great State of Texas will never be forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

April 10, 2012

Michelle,
We graduated high school together and also attended the same church in Hudson,TX. I am a retired United States Army soldier having spent 20 years serving the USA. I love this country and I know what it takes to keep it free. I served 5 combat tours and came home without a physical scratch. Lost some good friends keeping it free also. You, like what I have done, served the public abd you gave your life trying to make Houston a safer place. In the military we often have classes to promote safe actions of soldiers. During one such class, a class about the dangers of drinking and driving, your picture was shown to show what could happen if you drink and drive. The slide presentation was presented with Garth Brooks' "The Dance". Every time that I hear that song I think of you. This presentation was presented in Washington State at Fort Lewis, so just know your legacy is still effecting others after all these years. This year marks 29 years since we graduated from high school. I am going to sign off now but I want to leave you with a quote, "ALL GAVE SOME, BUT SOME GAVE ALL" You are buried across town at the Garden of Memories here in Lufkin. God was not ready for me when I served those tours of combat because I still have something left to do before I will be my time, as for you, your journey was complete. RIP my sister, you will never be forgotten.

SSG (RET) James Michael "Mike" Cook
High School Classmates who attended church together.

March 21, 2012

Michelle,

Yesterday afternoon, my grand daughter was born. My son and his wife named her Julia Michelle Spier. Both of the grandmothers' name is Julie, so they named her Julia for them. The middle name was in your honor, they both know what a special friend you are to me. Derek Ryan, who was born the year after your death. It was always funny, Julie and I always had a girl's name (and had two boys). Victoria Michelle Spier would have been the name of our daughter. So, the kids knew that their daughter should have that very special name.
You truly have touched many people.
Miss you !!

Derek D. Spier
Sergeant (Retired) 1983 - 2010
Houston Police Department
US Government and Economics Teacher
Cinco Ranch High School

Derek D. Spier Sergeant (retired)
Houston Police Department

December 14, 2011

Officer Groves,
On today, the 24th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Houston. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP

April 10, 2011

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 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.

In looking at your picture, I can see you were a beautiful young woman. I am so sorry you were robbed of your life at such a young age.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 10, 2009

I was Officer Groves supervisor at the time of her death. I can not believe its been almost 22 years since that horrible night. I spoke to Michelle and her partner Danny a few hours before the DWI suspect ran her down. I was on the scene after the incident and have always felt guilty that I was not there when it happen. Maybe if one more officer was there, maybe the DWI suspect's vehicle could have been deverted. Derek, Michelle loved you very much. Rest in Peace, you will always be remembered.

Sgt. Charlie Allbright
Houston Police Dept.

March 1, 2009

I did not know Officer Groves.Just after I started my career in law enforcement, in 1996, I requested a memorial bracelet from the National Law Enforement Memorial Organization and got Officer Groves' name by chance. I guess I just wanted to let her Houston family know that she is remembered in Ohio.

Police Officer Sarah Haas

January 8, 2009

YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 1, 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 13, 2008

Officer Groves it has been ten years since the end of your watch and you are still remembered. Thank you for your service to your fellowman. May God continue to bless you. Rest in peace my sister.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

April 10, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

December 25, 2006

God bless you, your family, friends, and co-workers...always.

November 8, 2006

What a tragic loss, such a fine young lady cut down in the prime of her life. I offer my condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of this brave young lady in blue and I commend her ultimate sacrifice. The Bible says there is no greater love than a man (woman) might lay down her life for her friends. Another hero in blue now walks a beat on Heaven's streets in St. Michaels shift. God speed sister, we have the watch from here.

Master Sgt. John Millan
US Army Military Police Corps

March 16, 2006

Michelle,

It is again that time of the year that my thoughts are of you. You were and are a true and dear friend. I truly do miss you. You were an amazing young lady. It is hard to believe that you have been gone so long. It seems like only yesterday that we met at Dennys for breakfast, yet I know that it was 18 years ago.

There is not a day that goes by that I do not stop and thank the Lord for allowing me to be your friend. I know that you are with the Lord and watching over the rest of us.

Even though God chose to take you from us, I truly wished that you could be here now. But, through your death, I have become a better police officer. There was not a rookie that I trained that I did not praise you and the things that we learned. Even with your death, I became a more safety conscience and trained everyone to truly take safety as a high priority.

Michelle, I truly do miss you. You will always have a very special place in my heart.

Love,

Derek

Derek D. Spier, Sergeant
Houston Police Department

April 3, 2005

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

Officer Groves, you are remembered on this date of your death. You will be remembered always.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 6, 2004

Rest in peace, sister officer. I learned of you from your cousin, Dr. Sherry Rulfs. Keep the streets of Heaven safe until we get there to back you up.

Dulcius Ex Asperis.

Michael Ferguson, Instructor
East Texas Regional Police Academy