Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Lt. Lutz,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Muskingum County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

July 12, 2024

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Lieutenant Michael J. Lutz of the Muskingum County Sheriff's Department, Ohio and the additional 74 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

July 12, 2023

Thank you for your Service sir.

May God Bless you and your family. We will never forget.

August 28, 2021

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Lieutenant Michael J. Lutz of the Muskingum County Sheriff's Department, Ohio and the additional 73 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

July 12, 2021

Thank you for service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

July 12, 2020

Lt. Lutz,
My father had the distinct honor of serving with you, as a Zanesville police officer. Even before your tragic death, he spoke highly of you. When I received word of that terrible day, 12-July-1994, I immediately drove to my father's home to comfort him because I knew he was devastated. Your memory has been immortalized with the naming of Ohio Route 60 in between Zanesville and Duncan Falls, and the bridge spanning the Muskingum River connecting Duncan Falls and Philo, Lt. Mike Lutz highway and bridge. God bless.

Scott G. Fisher

November 30, 2019

Lt. Lutz,
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 Muskngum County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

July 12, 2019

Rest in peace Lt. Lutz.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 4, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Lieutenant Michael J. Lutz of the Muskingum County Sheriff's Department, Ohio and the additional 68 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

July 12, 2018

Lt. Lutz,
Tomorrow YOU will be Honored and Remember at the 20 Year Memorial that will be held in Your Memory.
So many folks still Remember and Respect You.
God Bless Your Family.

Ret Deputy Rita Bierly
Kentucky

July 11, 2014

I stumbled upon this site, and I'm glad I did so that I can say thank you for always watching out for me and I know you're with me in spirit.
Love, Abby

Abby
Grandaughter

February 28, 2014

as time has passed and we grow older I am reminded as to how precious life is and the senseless murder of a law enforcement office. I find myself outraged that his murderer's death sentence was overturned Rest in the Arms of Angels Mike

sgt unknown
friend and comrad in arms

May 8, 2013

S 12 Still remembered.

Ron Birkhimer
Dresden REACT

September 5, 2012

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.
Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. Continue to keep watch over all of us.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department

July 12, 2012

17 years ago, Muskingum County citizens felt and still feel a great sense of loss. I did not have the honor of knowing you LT, but I do have the distinct privilege of knowing your son as The Sheriff. You will never be forgotten for your spirit shines through in Matt. You would be proud of the leader you and Polly have raised. God needed a big, strong warrior and so He chose you. Rest in peace, my friend.

The City Girl
Law Enforcement family

July 12, 2011

Mike, I can't belive it's been 16 years, we all still miss you and will never forget you. I know you are looking down on us each and everyday.

Deputy Sheriff
Muskingum County Sheriff's Office

July 21, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the sixteenth 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.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 12, 2010

Mike, I was just looking at your page and realized I have not signed your reflection page for some time. You have not been forgotten by me, as I see "12" decals all the time. Thank you for all you have done and for making the ultimate sacrafice for all our safety. You shall never be forgotten by me.

Ron Birkhimer
Dresden REACT

January 24, 2010

Lt. Lutz,
On today, the 14th anniversary of your murder I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Muskingum County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

July 12, 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

January 3, 2008

Lt. It still seems like yesterday. I miss you. You were always to make a person feel special. Matt and Polly are such good friends. Our loss is truly heavens gain. I'll never forget LT. I promise.


Your Friend "Tiny"

Major Terry Newman
Muskingum County S.O.

September 7, 2007

I visisted the memorial in the courtyard to show my respect today and it reminded me how much it hurts to see you and Tanner on that monument. Bless you and rest in peace. You are gone but never forgotten.

D12

July 12, 2007

Well here I sit another year later still wondering why?

Still woke up like I have for years staring at the alarm clock watching the minutes tick by, replaying everything in my head asking myself could I have done anything different.

When I walked outside this morning it still hits me like it does every year, to this day I can still remember the way the air felt, tasted and how quiet it seemed for a few seconds that morning, like the world had stopped for few seconds.

I still see cars driving around with old 12 and new 12 stickers in the back windows and that comforts me knowing that our community will never forget.

Rest in Peace my Lieutenant... Rest in Peace

July 12, 2007

On behalf of the Fraternal Order of Police, Capital City lodge #9 in Columbus, Ohio we are very sorry for the loss of your life while serving your community and our country! God bless your family!

President Jim Gilbert
Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9, Columbus, Ohio

July 9, 2007

its been almost 13 years now,seems like only yesterday that we where loading the trailer and heading to the track.i have not been to a dirt track race since,it just not the same.you would be surprised that i am now married and have three kids,and i have told all three of them what a great man you are.just remember one thing its jungle out ther

jake

May 9, 2007