Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Michael, in 2 days it'll be 18 years since you said "Good-Bye". But it only seems like yesterday. I don't think a single day goes by that I don't think of you, feel you, and talk to you. But mostly feel you. Just there. Bathing me in your Light and Warmth and Love. Thank you. You've made these past 11 months of pure hell bearable for me. I'll love you "For Always and Forever" ~ L.

Lucy (nee Leslie) Sheddan-Russo
Soul-Mate

October 29, 2012

I am Michael"s cousin Veronica. It has been about 18 years since I last saw you. Since we last hung out. Just 2 weeks before you died we went to the Nine Inch Nails Concert and then to got tacos later that night. Time passes and we all live, move on and survive but it's missing you something aweful.
What more can I say!
Love you Cousin!!!!

Veronica Lane Rodgers
Michael's Cousin

July 11, 2012

My Michael, My Love ~ Tomorrow would be your 44th Birthday. I won't be able to write tomorrow. The tears each May 4th since Oct 31st, 1994 just get in the way.

You. You made my life SO what it is today and only AFTER you were gone did I realize you were one of my soul mates. To others, we were like Night and Day, but only you and I know differently.

I cherish so many memories we had. There is just so much that makes me happy to think about: The Clown you were, sitting next to Raul Delos Santos in front of me in 10th grade science in Mrs Fritz Mr Ritter's class. The "secret admirer" hearts drew on my Spanish papers at the beginning of 11th grade when you were Student Helper - and kept me wondering WHO was doing that :-)....until we kissed at that party a few weeks later. The roses from your house garden that you left in my locker every single day. The fact that you'd choose to be late to your next class across campus...just to spend an extra 5 minutes with me between classes. How PROUD I was of you playing football, and especially when you won Defensive Player. The fact that you hated being called "Michael" (except by me :-) cuz you hated the "chael" part, for some odd reason. The awesome tamales your mom made. Listening to New Order, Depeche Mode and The Cure in your bedroom. Putting up with you smelling like flour and garlic from coming straight from Barro's Pizza to my house...just so you could see me at 9 o'clock at night...And you hugging me and then ME smelling like it! Riding with you to Huntington or Newport Beach on a weekend night in Maggie's little car with the headlight you had to screw open, listening to "our song" - The Killing Moon by Echo and The Bunnymen. You just being there for me through my tears, especially in March 1986. Me coming out to visit after I moved after Mt. SAC, and you singing GNR's "Sweet Child O' Mine" and INXS' "Never Tear Us Apart". You chasing me across the country to Atlanta...4 times. I was stupid. I couldn't SEE how much you loved me. It's MY loss.

And then...me. Laying in bed on October 31st, 1994. It was almost 1am my time. I wasn't asleep yet. And suddenly you came into my thoughts. Only, my heart began to feel so heavy. And I felt panicked and upset. My mind began to say, "NO!!". Your image was in my mind so clearly, and I just - out of the blue - HAD to hear you, see you, speak to you. For some reason, I NEEDED to tell you I loved you. I was married by now, for not quite 3 years, but you NEVER left my heart. And here you were, seemingly surrounding me, and I was so SAD. Had I made a mistake? I wasn't fighting with my husband. What was going on? ..."What time was it in L.A.? Oh, a little late. Tomorrow. Tomorrow, I'll find Lupe and Rafe's number and get Michael's number and call him. I NEED to. Just cuz."

But the next day my sister, still living in Walnut had read it, splashed across the San Gabriel Times. And she called me at work. "Are you sitting down?" And I couldn't - WOULDN'T - believe my ears. No. It's a bad joke. It's mis-information. It's wrong. It couldn't be. NO!!

By Thursday, I was there, surrounded by our Walnut friends. In shock. Pure. Shock. We got drunk. We had "one for Mike!" and another toast, and another... We shared memories and stories. The clown. The kindness. The big heart. The cut-up. The guy who pissed the teachers off on purpose - and made the class FUN and BEARABLE. ...

Oh, Babe. What I'd give...

Only 6 months or so later, when I was quietly sitting on the couch, just thinking (I had started falling into my 10-year depression), did I realize: You had said "Good-Bye". Silly. Stupid-sounding. I don't believe in that stuff. That's crap you only READ about, and then you just KNOW they're makin' it up. ...So then, how come the coincidence? The overwhelming sadness at about the SAME time you left us? And so, I like to think of you as my Angel. And you pop into my thoughts out of the blue. And you make me smile, babe. And for THAT? It's just one more reason that I will ALWAYS love you. Cuz remember? That was our Promise. "I'll always love you, No Matter What." XOXO ~ L.

Leslie Sheddan-Yarden
Soul-Mate

May 3, 2012

Keith and others,
I was a witness to this accident; tried my best to save this officer's life; I was the one that called 911; I sprayed the cars--both cars with a fire extinguisher (there is a side story to that, as drag racer John Force gave me the can of Cold Fire the night before at Pomona where the drag races had finished) to put them out and then, I went to the drivers side of his car and told him, "Hang in there. Help is on the way. Stay with me. I know you can't react, but stay with me." I stayed with him until they asked me to go to the corner and talk to the detective. I was not treated kindly by La Habra PD, in fact, they were almost insulting. This does not damper my respect for the Men & Women who give service and protect us.

Sadly, I don't think my life has been the same since. In the same way you are honoring your friend a fellow academy classmate, I do not go out on Halloween nights, in fear of children and drunk drivers. I'm a good man, but unfortunately, I cannot come to grips with the just 6 years that the drunk driver got. I hope and pray he changed his life because of it--because, he took a young life, and also, greatly affected mine. Alls I was doing was driving home from my parents house where I used to get great joy in passing out candy in the same neighborhood I grew up in, only to see an officer of the law perish.

That night changed my life forever and you will forever be in my prayers. Should any of the family be reading this, my prayers will always be with you. I can only hope your son felt my prayers that night. It was a senseless, tragic accident.

Respectfully Submitted,
Thomas Naccarato - Citizen
La Habra, California

Thomas Naccarato-Citizen
None

October 31, 2011

Mike,

I never had the pleasure of meeting you, but I am a mother of four children and I have taught them about the importance of not drinking while driving. Every Halloween night I put a pumpkin, your picture, and at my childrens request, halloween candy, at the very intersection your life was stolen by some ignorant person who chose to drink and drive. To your family, I am very sorry for your loss.

Tracey Chandler
October 31, 2011

Tracey Chandler
Whittier resident

October 31, 2011

Mike,

Today marks the 17th anniversary of your tragic passing. There are no words that can express enough how much we all wish you were still here. I know you are in a better place but your presence here is missed by your family & friends. Today is also the 18th birthday of my eldest son and as I celebrate this milestone for his life...I continue to mourn this date for yours. I have taught my children the meaning of Carpe Diem...because, as I learned too many times in my life...Today could be our last day. God bless you & yours, Mike. You remain a hero in the eyes of so many. Just wanted you & your family to know you continued to be thought of.

K~

Keith Patterson
Police Academy Classmate

October 31, 2011

We have been residents of La Habra for 39 years and will never forget the night Officer Osornio died! We heard the sirens and helicopter overhead. There was so much going on. July 10, 2011 we lost another young Alhambra Police Officer who was protecting his city. Although we didn't know Officer Osornio personally we prayed for his family. We are now doing the same for Ryan Stringer's family!
God Bless all of our Law Enforcement! Please keep them safe! We do so appreciate what you do for us!

Gordy & Linda Johnson
L.A. Co. Sheriff's Dept.-Retired

July 24, 2011

Mike,

I just wanted to let you know that you are remembered and missed. I know you had a powerful impact on all who had the pleasure to know you and you are an inspiration and hero to all. I remeber and think of you and your family very often. You were taken from us too soon...and we feel the loss more than you could ever know. God bless you Mike and I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and my prayers.

Keith Patterson
Academy Classmate

November 10, 2010

Mike,
Although I never had the honor of meeting you, I think of you often. I have talked to many people who have known you, and when they begin to speak of you a smile comes to their faces. In the short time I have been with the department myself and some of our co-workers have organized two MADD Walks in your memory, this year we were "21 Walks For 273". I know you are always watching over all our men and women who go out in the streets every day, and for that I am grateful. Please keep us all in your heart, because you are forever in ours.

Elissa Eknoian
La Habra Police

June 28, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the fifteenth 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for those who love and miss you.
Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 8, 2009

Thank you for your service. You, your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers as they remember you on this day. Words aren't enough, but please know that so many people are thankful for your service. The police community will never forget you.

Officer's Wife
Cincinnati, Ohio

October 31, 2009

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

Officer 11169

October 23, 2009

Members of our LHPD family participated in the MADD walk on Saturday May 9 in Huntington Beach. It was done in memory of Mike and just a few days after his birthday. Mike is gone but not ever ever forgotten. Those of us who got to know him in the short time he was here remember what a sweet man he was. Mike is forever in our hearts.

Cynthia Nieto Gulley Dispatcher
La Habra Police Dept

May 15, 2009

Mike, 14 years seems like yesterday. Those who were there still keep your memory alive and always will. You will always be a part of our family. Thanks for keeping us safe. We miss you Mike.

Anonymous

November 1, 2008

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. I also lost my son in the same senseless way as you. I was lucky, the one that brought all our pain was also killed so we didn't have to go through the court system and then have it all end with a slap on the hand for they have no idea of what those left behind face every day. Continue to watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

October 31, 2008

Hey Mike,

I just wanted to let you know that you crossed my mind again today. I remember witnessing the daily sacrifices that you made throughout the academy in your effort to become a police officer. I was fortunate to have a last name that alphabetically placed me in the seat next to you throughout the entire academy. I felt even more fortunate to graduate with you at my side...you are a true hero that made the ultimate sacrifice for your desire to serve and protect others. I'm so proud to say that I knew you and that you were my friend. You are deeply missed by so many. God bless you and your family.

Keith Patterson
Academy Classmate

August 21, 2008

Dear Mike,
I turned 41 this year I spoke for you at the trial I was 26 years old then. I was hoping we could grow old together. I wish you could meet Scott you would like him.
I miss hanging out with you and eating burritos at the place by my house. I haven't been there since it just would not be the same.
When am I going to see. I try not forget your voice and your funny humour.
I love you, your cousin Veronica

Veronica Lane Garcia
Michael's Cousin

June 24, 2008

Ofc. Osornio,

I have been with the LHPD over 2 years. I never had the chance to meet you, but I know all about you. Every time I go 10-8 I pray for god to take care of all of us and that we all get to go home. I'm sorry you didn't make it home that night. God bless you and your family. Rest in peace Sir.

Police Officer Paul Martinez
La Habra PD

January 3, 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

November 28, 2007

Mike,
I dont know if i ever met you but my dad told me about you and your late night shifts with the baseball cards and all. I would just like to say sorry to all your family members who lost you and all the people you were close to including my dad. I would like to say thank you for going out and risking your life in your line of duty to protect and serve us it made me mad that my english teacher wouldnt let me do a report on an officer because you men and woman risk so much everyday just to protect and serve us. I know a lot of people dont appreciate you guys for the things you do and it really upsets me. Thank you for protecting and serving us and risking your life just for us.
R.I.P.-Kayla

Kayla Baylos
Daughter of Jeff Baylos

November 15, 2007

Today, I discussed Officer Osornio's death with my brother who was on-duty, working for another OC agency that day.

La Habra is a small, close - knit community. All of my in-laws resided there, and as on that Halloween, I still reside less than ten minutes away. This was the first in the line-of-duty death for LHPD, and Officer Osornio's death had a great impact.

Officer Osornio: You had such a short career. May You Rest-In-Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

October 31, 2007

Got a lot of Deuses off the road in my day ..Wish I could have gotten that one before he got you.. Tonight I will hand out candy in your honor Brother.. Keep resting in peace.. God Bless All

DB
Calif Hwy Patrol..Ret.

October 31, 2007

Mike, it's hard to believe another year has gone by since you left us in 1994. Sometimes its hard to think about, knowing you would have only been 39 this year, and had your whole life still ahead of you. There will always be a void that can never be filled. RIP brother.

Sergeant Jeff Baylos
La Habra PD

October 31, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 29, 2007

Mike,

It's been almost 16 years since we graduated from the academy and you and your family are frequently in my thoughts and prayers. You will always be remembered by all of us who had the pleasure to know you. It was my son's 1st birthday on the night you passed and you will always be remembered by both my son and myself on that day. I thought you would like to know that when my son graduated from jr. high last June, he had them announce that his goal was to become a police officer. This announcement brought a thunderous applause from all those in attendance. He has already contacted our local PD to join their Explorer program and he can't wait for his first meeting. I just thought that you would like to know that, even though the two of you never met, your life still played a huge part in his decision. Your life is still making a huge impact on all of us who lost you so prematurely. God bless you and yours...You will never be forgotten!

Patterson

Keith Patterson
Academy Classmate

September 21, 2007