Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My FIL never forgave himself for the tragic death of Detective Lane. He truly felt responsible and wished that day never happened. Detective Lane is missed by all who knew him.

Law Enforcement Family
Relative retired from Whittier Police Department

November 10, 2022

Michael was the kindness, loving and caring man and I was so blessed to be his wife. I miss him so much and love him with all my heart.

Sheila M Lane

December 12, 2020

I was just watching Forgotten Tales amazing bravery in the face of evil he won't be forgotten

William petroski

May 20, 2020

Officer Lane,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Whittier. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 13, 2019

I miss you dad. I've missed you every single day for the last 40 years. Nothing is the same without you. I would give anything to have you here. You were the only person who really truly loved me for me. You were the most fun, smartest, kindest person. I hope that you know that you are loved and thought of daily.

Michelle Lane
Daughter

December 12, 2019

Thank you for keeping Whittier safe for me growing up. My surrogate Dad was Whittier Police Officer John Campbell, who died in 1976 from brain cancer. I hope he was there to welcome you into the Kingdom of Heaven. I am so sorry you were taken from your family by a scumbag I knew in high school, but grateful you were able to rid the world of him before you left us. RIP.

Roberta Cook
None

May 14, 2019

You will always be my Uncle Mike. I even named on of my sons after you and he eerily looks like you. You have and always be my "Hero." It was rare after your passing, doing what we believed you loved that Grandma Lane didn't slip up and call me Mike. Your family is and always will be proud of you for the man you were and continue to be by those who carry your memory forward. You will always be alive in the hearts of those who knew you!

John Micheal Jones
Nephew

December 13, 2018

Detective Michael L. Lane will never be forgotten. May his soul rest peacefully in Heaven.

First Sergeant Tom Webb, Retired
New York State Police

February 21, 2018

RIP. You are not forgotten.

Deputy Sheriff LASD

December 14, 2017

Rest In Peace Brother. You are honored and remembered.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
City of Upland, CA

December 13, 2017

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

February 20, 2017

Grandpa, I came back to this page today because I was looking at photos of your memorial and I can't explain my feelings reading all the wonderful things about you. You inspire me to be in law enforcement to hopefully touch lives as you did. I love you

Alexandra Toro
Granddaughter

November 16, 2016

This is the first time I have had the courage to Google Mike's name. I knew Mike as a friend and a mentor. What a sense of humor. I think of him often and mourn his loss for myself, the Department, for his wife, and especially for his children, who were young.
RIP Mike. Job well done.

Kathie Ratcliffe Kirk
WPD Clerk Matron/Explorer 1977-1979

July 3, 2016

Although I personally do not know Mr. Lane, my thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. I also want to thank him and his family for his time of service and how it has reflected the ones (Community) around him.
On a personal note, I noticed that I have the same name and my birthday is in the mid year 1978. It hurts me to hear of any officer down and especially one that has the same first and last name as myself.
I'm not sure as to how frequent the family looks on reflections to the site, but reading others reflections that knew him share how great he was.
Thanks,
Sheepdog M.Lane

Officer Lane
County

June 6, 2015

Recently I drove over to visit my parents and noticed the sign along Whittier Blvd memorializing Off. Lane. It brought back lots of memories from way back. That is what landed me to this site. At the time of this event I was just a kid in the neighborhood, a friend of his daughters, and did not really comprehend the magnitude of what my parents had told me transpired on that night. I know I was sad to see the family disappear so quickly afterwards. Reading these reflections by Off. Lane's family is incredibly heart wrenching. The loss that they have had to carry over the years humbles me as a dad and reminds me of what is important in life. Mr. Lane was one of the cool dads in our neighborhood. I'll always remember that truck he drove. I am grateful to see that there are grandchildren and that they know about their grand dad. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

John Gaston
a friend

January 20, 2015

35 years and it is just as painful as it was that night. I miss you and love you, Dad.

Michelle
daughter

December 13, 2014

It would have been your 66th birthday yesterday, May 24, 2014. I wish that you were still here to be with your family and meet all your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You are forever loved and will be forever missed.

Michelle

May 25, 2014

34 years ago heaven gained a new angel, when i hear stories about my grandpa people describe him as a loving and caring man who loved his job and his family. Not a day goes by that i don't think of him, or feel like he's watching over me. i will always wish i had got the chance to meet him and go for rides in his cars like my mom used to, but i will some day. I love you Grandpa Michael you are my angel <3

Alexandra Toro
Granddaughter

December 14, 2013

Michael,
I miss you so very much. I look back on the birth of our daughters
and remember the pride and joy.
I am blessed to have had your children.
I am so lost still without you.
I am proud of you and the man you wete.
I will always love and miss u.
Love always
Sheila

Sheila Lane
wife

December 14, 2013

Officer Lane, I remember waking up to the broadcast of your death on the radio and wondering if they were talking about Michelle's father. When I went to school that day I found out it was you. I was so sad for Michelle and felt so helpless. Now that I'm a peace officer myself and have lost coworkers along the way I understand that day more. I too have now lost my dad and that grief stays with you. All I can say is I hope Michelle continues to heal and keep her memories close to heart. Michael Lane R.I.P.

Deputy Karen Nelson
Orange County Probation

December 13, 2013

Gone but never forgotten.

With love
Nancy Schutty

Nancy Schutty
friend

December 13, 2013

Missing you lots but trying to focus on the good times.

Janet
daughter

December 13, 2013

Officer Lane,
On today, the 33rd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Whittier. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 13, 2012

First off I'd like to say thank you for your service. I heard the story from your partner that was with you that night. It is no wonder where he got his great teaching techniques from. The story stood out to me and all my classmates at Fullerton College Police Academy. Thank you and may you rest in peace sir. Sgt. Willis you did what you were able to for him; and that is be a great friend.

Frederick Hernandez
Fullerton College Police Academy Class # 39

January 29, 2012

Rest in Peace, Policeman Lane. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 23, 2012