Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

NEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Melvin L. "Mel" Henze of the Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio and the additional 60 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

May 5, 2024

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Melvin L. "Mel" Henze of the Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio and the additional 58 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

May 5, 2022

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Melvin L. "Mel" Henze of the Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio and the additional 57 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

May 5, 2021

Rest in peace Officer Henze.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 14, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Melvin L. "Mel" Henze of the Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio and the additional 54 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

May 5, 2019

Officer Henze,
On today, the 40th 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 U.S. Army in Vietnam. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

May 5, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Melvin L. "Mel" Henze of the Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio and the additional 55 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

May 6, 2018

Remebering this day that we lost our brother officer and friend. You are not forgotten Mel.

B. George
CPD 1974 -1984

May 5, 2016

Mel and I were in Viet-Nam together,we had each others back.He was a great guy.It's a sad day to learn of his death.Rest in Peace, Brother

Ernie Uthoff
Viet-Nam together

March 31, 2016

Mel, we worked together on the CPD and were both members of the 1st SWAT teams. There was no real internet and web sites for this type of memorial online. Just know that you have always been remembered and thought of over all these years. May you rest in peace my brother and friend. God Bless you!

B. George
CPD 1974 - 1984

June 20, 2015

When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. Proverbs 21:15


Mel, You were doing your duty and you made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. You are truly a hero.

Your actions are within the highest standards of the Cincinnati Police Department. Your service, and your sacrifice, shall not go unmarked.

We will always be proud of you. May you rest in eternal peace.

Sgt. Tom Waller, Cincinnati P.D., Ret.
Greater Cincinnati Police Musem

January 31, 2012

I was not born when you were killed.. And I never knew you as a man or your family. I am sorry that my uncle was the one who killed you. But, please note that not only your family was hurt by this incident. Ours was torn apart also. May you both rest in eternal peace, and may God have mercy on the soul of my Uncle and have mercy on the soul of those who have not forgiven him for his act!

Jameela Wilson
niece of Percy Wilson

October 26, 2011

Mel,

You can rest in peace now. After more than 32 years, Percy Wilson has died in prison.

LT Stephen R. Kramer (RET)
Greater Cincinnati Police Museum

August 15, 2011

Memorial Day 2010 rapidly approaches. I will see you that day. I'll be at your grave as I have every year. But, you memory will be in my heart and mind forever. Without a doubt, one of the best cops I ever knew. Active, intelligent, dedicated, with a great sense of humor and a never ending dedication to duty. I hope to see you again some day, Mel.

Joe Koch

Capt. Joe Koch
Retired Cincinnati PD

May 28, 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 5, 2010

Time never diminishes respect and your memory is honored and revered.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Melvin.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Melvin gave to his community and the citizens of Ohio, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on May 5, 1979.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 21, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 6, 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

December 31, 2007

Brother Henze, I read today that the punk that murdered you was denied parole. I see no reason that he should even be eligible after what he did to you Sir. Thank God he has to rot five more years before he has another chance at getting out. Thank you for your service, your ultimate sacrifice has not, and will not be forgotten buddy. May God Bless your loved ones. Rest easy now, your watch on earth is over.

SGT. John L. Gulledge Retired
Escambia CO. SO. FL

November 17, 2006

I was a child at the time of your murder.I remember the day you passed as if it was yesterday.I was 6 and this was my first experience with the loss of an officer.I have thought of you since that awful day and remember all the stories my dad told me about you.God bless you and please watch over those of us who have taken over for you.You are and ever shall be a HERO!

Cincinnati Police Officer/Son of Retired CPD Officer

August 21, 2006

Officer Henze,
Here, on the 27th anniversary of your untimely passing, I wanted to take a moment to honor your memory.
Sir, your name shall forever be among those heros who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We who still work the streets will always remember, and mention your name with honor and pride.
Thank you for your service, Officer. Rest in peace.

Patrolman John Griggs
Pueblo (CO) Police Department

May 5, 2006

Your brave service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.

A citizen

October 8, 2004