Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I saw your beautiful portrait in the lobby of the police station. And then I googled your name. Thank you for your sacrifice. Sending love to your family and all those who loved you.

Brittany M.

June 2, 2024

On this day 30 years ago you gave your life protecting the people of Lilburn, GA. You became a Hero to so many of us that even after you were shot you were still able to return fire killing the coward who took your life. Thank you to All of the people who stood along Highway 29 from Lilburn to Winder as the procession of Lilburn City Police officers and their loved ones and the Many other Police Officers, Sheriff Deputies and other Law Enforcement officers took part in the procession. I’ve never forgotten you Michael as my former husband, Lilburn Police Officer Harry Sharpnack, Sr., was the one who found beside your police car that day, 4-19-1994.

Ms. Jo Morgan
Friend

April 19, 2024

I’ve lived in Lilburn since 2014, and I have crossed the Michael T. Hester bridge many, many times. Today I decided to find out who that was, and I am writing to you thank you for the sacrifice you made to keep Lilburn safe. May those who still miss you be comforted by many sweet memories and the hope of seeing you in eternity.

Kathy A.

March 24, 2021

Rest in peace Officer Hester.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 29, 2020

I was born and raised in Gwinnett county. I thank you for paying the ultimate sacrifice. I am currently a Gwinnett county police officer. I have the shift for your family and will do my best to keep them safe. Thank you.

MPO Brown
GCPD

April 19, 2019

Officer Hester,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Lilburn. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

April 19, 2019

Its been 24 years today since Michael's line of duty sacrifice, April 19, 1994. I still remember his dedication to his job, his friendly, cooperative attitude with his fellow officers, co-workers, and the citizens of Lilburn and his bright smile. It was my privilege to spend time through the years with his beautiful wife and children. My thoughts and prayers are still with each of you.

Jan
Retired LPD

April 19, 2018

Never forgotten, brother!

Ryan
Lilburn PD

April 19, 2018

Never forgotten, prayers to your family!!!

Judge /retired SC Trooper Danny Lynn
Aiken County, SC

April 19, 2017

Today, May 15th, is national peace officers memorial day. Today, I remember my old friend and field training officer Mike Hester. Thanks for your service, your friendship, and your teaching me how to be safe out there. I pray your family is doing well. Rest in peace, Mike.

JB
Former LPD

Ofc. J. B. (former)
Lilburn PD

May 15, 2015

Thanks to all that have taken the time out to write and show my daddy how much he meant to you all.... I want to say that it has been 20 years and not a day that goes by that I don't think of what me and my little brothers life would be like if our father was here with us... I love and miss you so much daddy... And I'm so proud to see all these comments some of them made me cry..

Crystal Hester..
Daughter

October 26, 2014

I can not believe it has been 10 years my friend. What a horrific day in the life of so many. I will never forget the search and the horror of what had happened when we found you. You will be missed, thought of and appreciated for the ultimate sacrifice you made for years to come. I think of you and remember how much you loved your family and friends and the fun you had with everyone.

Nancy and Steve
former LPD

September 15, 2014

To my best buddy, Michael. It has been many years but I still think of you and miss that smile. I still remember and reflect on our many conversations at the Barrow County Sheriff's Office. My love always.

Freida W. Harwell
Barrow County Sheriff's Office

March 26, 2014

Thank you all for your kind thoughts of my late brother Michael T Hester, its been 20yrs this year and yes his kids are grown and well. other than loosing both parents through the years our family is doing ok. i just wann say thanks for all the love and Im sure he knew he was loved. God bless you all....

Chris Hester / older brother
family

February 5, 2014

To the family of Mr. Hester,

I knew Michael because he used to come into the Burger King on Hwy 29/Beaver Ruin. I used to work there and when he came in he was a very nice man. He seemed like a hard worker and he gave his life as a sacrifice to us all. He will always be remembered and missed greatly! My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

God Bless, Jeff

Jeff Wall
Friend

December 1, 2013

Ms. Loya,

Thank you kindly for your thoughtful sentiments. Michael was and continues to be loved and missed. Your words are accurate. His memory will always be honored and revered.

Blessings to you and your family on the loss of your son. Some wounds do not heal. Instead, we learn to live with a "new normal".

God bless!
March 26, 2013

Ka'Lu Underwood
Cousin

March 26, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today on the 18th 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. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you in their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

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

April 19, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Hester. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 1, 2012

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

April 19, 2010

I knew Mike since we went to middle school together. He was a great officer and an even better father. He changed agencies for better insurance rates for his kids. I will never forget his little boy wearing his Dad's marine hat at the grave site. At the time I was a dispatcher and now I am a deputy that serves in honor of men like Mike. I was only 26 when I learned that we may not all go home after work. I tell the guys on my shift that I love them and I'm proud of them every chance I get. I'm 40 now and I share the story of Mike with the young guys on my shift, hoping they will appreciate every day with their families and every day that we all go home. I miss you buddy.

Deputy Jill Styles-Rutherford
Douglas County GA

May 19, 2008

I lived in Snellville, a neighboring community, back in 1993 and Lilburn was considered a safe place to live/work. I feel bad for this officer because traffic stops are not supposed to be deadly in a "safe" place like Lilburn. Please accept my condolences.

Security Officer
Connecticut

October 15, 2007

"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

I remember the day they had the whole world trying to find you. When they finally found you it was too late. I only met you a few times but you are not forgotten.

May 20, 2006

Officer Hester you are a hero. Thank you for your service to your fellowman. Rest in peace my brother in blue. May God continue to bless you.

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

March 30, 2006

I just wanted to say that I started off my Law Enforcement career with The Gwinnet County Police Dept. I currently work in Rochester New York. We just lost two hero police officers in a span of 1 week in upstate New York. I remember hearing Michael's story back when I was in the police academy. I just wanted to say God Bless you and your family. You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer
Rochester, New York PD

March 6, 2006