Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Sergeant Micheal F. McNeil, Jr.

thank you for your service and what you did for the Albany Police Department. Thank you for your service.

student for the CJ1 boces class.
cj1 boceses class

February 20, 2023

Sgt. McNeil,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USN during WW II and the Korean War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 29, 2021

Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, proclaimed, “The greatest love you can show is to give your life for your friends.” [John 15:13 GW]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, D.Div, MSBS, NCCA
Ordained/Licensed Independent Christian Clergy
The Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department

March 5, 2021

May deepest condolences to the family of Sergeant Michael McNeil Jr. May his soul rest in Heaven, and may God bless his children.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police - Troop D

January 30, 2018

My fiancé, later husband, Dennis Cunningham, was in the same squad as Mike, and Mike was his best friend on the force. Five people were shot to death at the Campus at the Dept of Labor where I worked (one in my office) the week Mike was killed. Also, Officer Eddie Stevens was shot at that time, so all we did was go from one wake to another. Denny always said Mike was a sterling individual and he loved him. He was shattered. I was at his mother's house waiting for him that day and he came in like a shot, screaming that he would "take out" the man who killed his friend and wouldn't be back until he did it. He was totally wild over the killing of his friend. He had just broken his toe and had a cast on his leg, but off he went into the night looking for the man who destroyed his friend. It seems like it was just yesterday that happened. Every time I hear certain songs it brings it all back, like "El Condor Pasa" by Simon and Garfunkel, which was out around that time, and "Have You Seen Her" by the Chi Lites. It's funny what music does, it brings out the most emotional times in our lives back in Technicolor, and you watch it all again in your mind, the good and the bad. Denny was a young cop, serious about his job, but very emotional and his heart was broken over Mike. He never got over it.

claudia cunningham, wife of officer
wfe of friend of Mike's

February 12, 2016

Mike McNeil was a true hero, always a gentleman and aterrific police officer.

Captain (ret.) Daniel Doherty
Albany Fire Department

November 30, 2015

I said a little prayer today for Sergeant McNeil and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

November 22, 2015

Mike was a friend of our family, and used to come to almost every get together we had. I never knew him as an officer. I only knew him as being one of the nicest people I knew as a kid. Killing a police officer is one thing, killing Mike was another. He was one of those guys who would give the shirt off his back, and was just fun to be around.

I do not know how well my memory serves me or how accurate the information was that was given to me, but the story that was told to me was that he was shot by a guy who he did not handcuff or frisk because he he thought they were just troubled kids and was most likely going to let them go with a swift kick to the posterior and a short lecture.

Thank you for adding this page and making sure that the world will remember Mike. I know I will never forget him.

Jay Carpinello
Friend

May 6, 2014

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

January 27, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th 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.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

November 29, 2011

Sgt. McNeil,

I'm am leaving this message on behalf of my father who was suppose to be your patrol partner the night you were killed. My dad was a rookie and due to shortage of Officers, he was assigned to desk duty at the last minute. He speaks very highly of you and remembers the day like it was yesterday. Thank you for your service and making the ultimate sacrifice. God bless.

Stacey
Daughter of Retired Albany, NY Officer

February 6, 2009

"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 17, 2007

rest in peace hero

vandenberghe
nh

November 29, 2007

I was 11 years old at the time of your murder and living in South Carolina, of course was not familiar with it. Thank you, nevertheless, for your determination and dedication. Men and women like you have heroically died trying to protect others and it is appreciated and remembered.

PSO CW Edwards
North Augusta Dept. of Public Safety (SC)

July 14, 2007

I remember the tragic day your life was stolen all too well. You will never be forgotten. Your son is a friend and a good man. You're a grandfather now and your grandson is named after you. Your wife says that he is going to grow up to be a hero like his "Pop". Rest well.

Big Otis
Albany

July 1, 2005

Rest in Peace Sgt. McNeil.

Anonymous

January 5, 2004

May God bless you. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Special Agent
FBI New York

November 19, 2003