Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I grew up with Mike McConnon in South Jamaica, Queens (Springfield Gardens). We attended Bishop Loughlin HS together and shared a Mechanical Drawing class. Last saw Mike at a summer "Bash" at Beach 35th Street, Rockaway, most of our childhood friends were there. A previous individual sending his reflections, George Muller, was a close friend of Mike's and mine.
Mike is my "Hero", running into the bank when others would run out. This is a product of upbringing (Dad NYPD officer) and the streets of our neighborhood. Mike never backed down, a cops cop.
I think about you often and don't miss a chance to tell your story to my family. My wife and I were fortunate enough and honored to have known you, RIP my friend, Miss you & Love You,
Thomas J Vassallo
144-24 159th Street
Jamaica 34, NY

Thomas J Vassallo

September 20, 2024

I grew up down the street from the McConnons. After going to the funeral for office Diller, I was remembering officer McConnon's funeral. I was 15 at the time and friends with Joey, William's younger brother. Just wanted to let you know years later, he is still remembered. God bless his soul.

John Lester Hughes
friend/neighbor

March 30, 2024

God rest his soul.

Sgt. Robert A. Henne
Jersey City PD/Ret.

November 16, 2023

Proudly mailed my NO PAROLE LETTER today. To the family, friends and colleagues of Officer McConnon: I am sorry for your loss. It’s so unfair that you have to relive your pain with each new parole board hearing. To Officer McConnon: you were off duty; still you were ready to help. Thank You for your service and sacrifice. You are a Forever HERO! God Bless You All

Allie Wroten
Proudly Supporting All L.E.O.’s
Wife of a Corrections Deputy

September 18, 2018

Rest in Peace always

Lt Villafañe

January 9, 2018

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

January 4, 2018

I hope that you will consider denying Parole for this officer's killer. These are career criminals who have no respect, or regard for anyone. I did not know this Officer personally, but his wanting to take a police action while off-duty, shows his commitment to doing the right thing, and doing for others. Thank You.

LOU MARESCO, Retired Sgt.
NYCTPD/NYPD

October 8, 2016

Proud to send my No Parole letter today. Rest in peace brother, thank you for your service. You have not been forgotten. God bless the family, friends, and former co-workers of Officer McConnon during this time of reopening of a wound that never heals.

Sr Patrolman Donnie Meaders (RET)
Wewoka (OK Police Department

October 1, 2016

It was my honor to research newspapers, books and magazines and finally find your ID Card Photo Online and make sure your photo was put on this site. I wanted to put a face to your heroism in the Line of Duty. I did the research because you are a brother officer and no matter how many years past, you will always be remembered. Rest Easy Hero.

APO Christian Durante
NYPD: 68th Precinct Auxiliary Police Unit

February 5, 2016

Mike was one of my best childhood friends. He never walked away from or left anyone in trouble. I miss him even now 40 years later. He was a good man! Too many people in America have no idea the sacrifice they make or love of duty men like him have. God bless you Mike. RIP

Civilian George R MUller
Friend ACLD Hauppauge NY

August 25, 2015

Mike was my fathers partner at the time of his death. My father decided to come home the morning this happened instead of going to the bank to cash his check with him. This had torn my father up. He loved Mike as a person and as a fellow police officer. God bless you Mike for your service to our city and bless your family forever more! Rest in peace dear man.

Kathy Kuchta McCoy
Mikes partners daughter

May 24, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th 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.

Time never diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know the pain and pride are forever.

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

January 3, 2012

I never had the chance to meet u, but being my fathers older brother you had to have been a great man your always in our hearts. you are very missed. xoxo

Anonymous

October 21, 2010

I said a little prayer today for Police Officer McConnon and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He died a New York hero.

Robyn

January 7, 2009

When I was a kid growing up in Stuyvesant Town, I used to hang out at the 13th Precinct. I got to know many of the cops that worked that house. Mike was part of the influence that made me want to become be a NYC Police Officer. Mike was always a friend. His murder was the first real dose for me of what can happen on this job. That left a lasting impression on me and I have always remembered his name and still speak of Mike today..

Chris McKinstry
Broward Sheriff's Office Fort Lauderdale FL

June 20, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 31, 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

December 20, 2007

Who knew that when we were boyhood friends in Springfield Gardens, that we would choose the same profession. Mike is gone and I made it through 34 years without a scratch.

Det Robert J. Ryan
Suffolk County Police NY

February 20, 2007

It's been a long time since I've heard your voice or seen your smile. I think about you everyday and miss you. You will always be a "HERO" in my eyes.

January 25, 2006

An off-duty officer is still a police officer. You made the ultimate sacrifice for your bravery. Thank you for your service.

January 3, 2005

Twenty-nine years ago I was assigned to the 13th Pct. I had the honor and privilege to work with Mike. I was working an 8x4 tour. Mike was off duty and walking on third Ave in civilian clothes, when a person said that someone was robbing the bank on Seventeenth Street. Mike went into the bank and exchanged gunfire with the perp. He was shot and mortally wounded but was able to shoot the perp in the shoulder. The perp fled the scene and a short time later was arrested and charged with Mikes murder.Every officer did a mans job, hunting the perp that Janaury day.I was honored to be a member of the 13th Pct and the NYPD. You are not forgotten Mike. I remember the night you Devlin and I responded to the burglary on 21 St and you started to play the slot machine in the house and won a few nickels.Always think of you. Rest in peace.

Detective Louie Savarese
NYPD BROOKLYN NORTH HOMICIDE T/F

September 25, 2004