Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Baribeau,
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 Rice Lake. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 19, 2020

Thank you for your bravery and dedication to serve and protect. Thinking of your family.

Concerns of Police Survivor G. Birkholz
Mother of Officer Craig Birkholz EOW 3/20/2011

November 17, 2017

RIP Patrolman Michael Baribeau. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice. Your heroism and actions removed a dangerous criminal from society. I pray for Peace for your family and Brothers in arms.

I pray that the hounds of hell gnaw at the flesh of your murderer for eternity!

Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston,TX

December 20, 2015

Officer Baribeau's funeral was the first police funeral I attended...19 years ago this month. The emotions are still easy to recall. I am wrapping up my period of leading our department's SWAT team and I will share my reflection of Mike's service with our team this week. May God bless and keep Mike's family and friends always; but, particularly during what is probably an annually difficult season.

Captain Todd Freeman
Appleton Police Department

December 16, 2014

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten.

Retired Wisconsin L.E.O.

February 27, 2014

Still burning blue light for law enforcement during this Christmas Season.

Rice Lake resident

December 19, 2012

Thank you for your Heroism Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

April 12, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 16th 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 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.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

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

December 19, 2011

SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF MIKE. LOOKED UP TO HIM WHEN I WAS IN SCHOOL AND THE BOY SCOUTS

JOHN LIBRANDE
SCHOOL MATES

January 27, 2010

Mike:

Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I miss my brother who is a true hero to me.

Cindy

Cindy Peterson
Sister to Mike

May 22, 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

February 22, 2008

I was just a small boy in Rice Lake when I met Officer Baribeau. He was very friendly with a big smile on his face. You are the Officer that made me want to go into Law Enforcement. I have been an Officer now for nearly 10 years, I even got my start as a reserve in Rice Lake. Thank you Officer Baribeau for pointing me in my life's direction. Rest in peace.

Officer Ryan Kringle
Lake Hallie P.D.

January 20, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

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

December 10, 2007

Remember that day I let you fly the Aeronca Chief from the right seat while looking for Marijuana. You pushed the controll wheel forward and we hit our noggins on the headliner. Miss you alot........

Sgt Daniel G. Siewert (Ret)
Rice Lake Police Dept

February 16, 2007

Rest In Peace.

Ofc. Eric Chiang
San Francisco Police Department - Bayview District

January 5, 2006

Hi Mike,

It has been a long 10 years since the Lord brought you home. Emmett and I still enjoy the company of your parents! They are our "Traveling Buddies." You are in many of our conversations. We talk about the "little" tricks you always tried to pull on everyone! I remember when you and our Mike joined the reserves. You both looked like kids, not adults. Oh, so many happy memories. Your mom and I will talk about you this morning over a cup of coffee. I wonder if the angels pull "little tricks" in heaven.

Jean Engstrom

December 19, 2005

PATROLMAN BARIBEAU,
WHAT A WONDERFUL FAMILY YOU MUST HAVE. TEN YEARS HAVE PASSED AND STILL MEMORIES ARE FRESH. YOUR SACRIFICE WAS TOO GREAT FOR WORDS, AND YOUR LIFE WORTHY OF A CELEBRATION. THANK-YOU.

DISPATCHER9520
SAUK COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPT

December 19, 2005

Mike is always in my thoughts. He was such a special person. He always had a sparkle in his eye and a smile on his face. I remember so many good times with Mike. There are times I catch myself taking a second look at a squad wondering if it is Mike. I don't think that will ever change. Even though it will be ten years since he left us the pain of that day remains ever so vivid.

Until we meet again.

Cheryl Engstrom Laney

December 6, 2005

As I grew up in Rice lake I followed this terrible accident and this is one of the reasons why I am going to school to become a police officer. Even though I did not know Officer Baribeau you will always be in the back of my mind when i have a extreme situation as the one you had on that fatful day. Rest in peace you will never be forgotten.

I. Deutsch

September 21, 2005

You are always in my heart. I love and miss you Dad.

Katie

July 16, 2005

Mike, Emmett and I think about you a lot, especially on this date. We know that your mom and dad miss you terribly. May God keep you in his arms and protect you.

Emmett Engstrom-Retired Chief of Police
City of Rice Lake Wisconsin.

December 19, 2004

I visit this site daily, after attending the funeral of my sons friend and co-worker, that was killed in the line of duty. I know it has been nearly 10 years since this Officers death...but to the family, I am sure the pain is still just as real today as then. I offer my condolences. Rest in peace Officer Baribeau.

Mother of a Police Officer

September 22, 2004

Michael, you are in my every day prayers!!!! You have not been forgotten.
Sincerely, Kenna La Mere

kenna La Mere
n/a

August 24, 2004

We miss you very much son.
Dad & Mother

Ray Baribeau Father

July 2, 2004

miss you very much son
Dad & Mother

July 2, 2004