Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Mikesell,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Calipatria. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 3, 2022

It’s 3:00 am and I’m awake again after having yet again another nightmare of that most horrific night... I decided to look on the internet for the first time to see if I could find information about the family whose home was being shot up through gunfire and the heroic Police Officer who came to our defense.
I remember that night as clear as if it was yesterday...
I was Awakened by gunfire and my parents screaming get on the floor and stay down. You see bullets were coming through the windows of our home I had just turned 9 years old in July, I remember getting underneath my bed with my brother and sister absolutely terrified and trembling with fear in the dark. I remember feeling as if that night would never end, time seemed to have slowed down and it felt like daylight would never come but when it did I can still remember a man coming to our home saying that Officer Mikesell had been shot and killed, killed defending us from the two gunmen who had no moral convictions their one true purpose that night was to kill somebody anybody, those men had murder on their minds and unfortunately one police officer was not enough to end their tirade he had no back up ZERO! That’s all I can talk about for now although I most certainly would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family and say, your dads death impacted my life in such a way I dedicated my life to that of service helping children and families in crisis.
Your dad will always be my HERO ✨

Jacqueline Jones
Victim of shooting

May 6, 2021

Rest in peace knowing that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 3, 2020

Rest in peace Sgt. Mikesell.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 30, 2020

I recently discovered I was related to Sgt. Mikesell by a family marriage. I was involved in an ambush on October 8, 2016, where three of my officers were shot, two of which died. I can relate to the sacrifices Sgt. Mikesell and my two officers/friends made. Officers put themselves in the way of danger on a daily basis to protect the innocent. In today's day an age of anti-police sentiment, remember, the true heroes that sacrifice their lives selflessly for strangers, no matter what race, creed, association, etc. Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and your impact on family, friends, and your community Sgt. Mikesell. May you continue to be remembered.

Sergeant Shawn Flinn
Palm Springs Police Department

September 18, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

August 3, 2018

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

April 10, 2018

You are gone but not forgotten I hope your killer is still rotting in prison!

Mark Johnson
Veteran US Army

January 15, 2018

I was just 8 years old, Bro. Mikesell was a good friend of my Dad and Mom. His daughters babysat me often. I remember him letting me play with his Police helmet and He gave me a Brawley Police hat. I still have that hat and remember the Kindness He and his family showed me and the friendship he had with my Dad. I still make cheese Sandwiches the same way his daughters made them for me. Thank you Mikesell Family for all you have done and the sacrifice your Dad gave. I will always cherish the memories.

Donny Williams
Family Friend

March 15, 2016

Uncle Bob was an amazing man and fun uncle. I still remember the day you were killed. You left a hole in our hearts

Susan Brown-Morris
He was my uncle

February 14, 2016

Bob and I were friends for years
No day goes by that I do t think of him
And his family. Rip: Brother Bob.

Sgt reserve Deputy (retired) Richard He
Imperial County Sheriff's Office

August 5, 2015

I just came across this site (amazing after 43 years). I guess being your youngest child, I didn't like to explore all that was out there in behalf of you and your fellow officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice it was just to painful. If I could just speak with you one more time I would want you to know how very much I love you and how thankful I am that you taught me sound principles that have never failed me. I would tell you that I miss you so much at times it still hurts. I have taught my children about you, how you loved what you did and how much you enjoyed working with the people you worked with, and now I am teaching my grandkids. Oh how I wish that you could have met my wonderful husband who is like you in so many ways, and my kids and grandkids. Dad you were truly a great person who cared for everyone and put his family first in all things. Thanks for everything I will always love you

Teresa Mikesell Gentry
Youngest daughter

August 4, 2015

I was priviledged to work with Robert Mikesell at Brawley PD. I will always remember his smiling face, his encouragement and advice. I was working when we lost him and will forever miss him.

Chief of Police, ret.
Brawley Police Deparment and worked with Sgt. Mikesell at Brawley PD

February 19, 2012

I am the oldest daughter of Sgt Mikesell. I remember very well the night that I found out that my father had been killed. It was a very hard thing to go through. I would like to thank all of the people who have left just nice thoughts about my father. Also, the people who expressed their feelings about him to me. He was a great man and a very loving father. I still miss him to this day. I pray that others having to go through the loss of a loved one will know that there are others out there to help. Thank you again.

Elaine Mikesell Larsen
Daughter Of Sgt. Mikesell

Elaine Mikesell Larsen
Daughter

January 9, 2011

I am the oldest daughter of Sgt. Robert Mikesell. I remember very well the night I was told that my father was killed. It was a very hard thing to accept. I would like to thank all the people who expressed to me what a great person and officer my father was. He was my hero and always will be. I miss him everyday and pray that other families will not have to go through the experience of losing a family member. Thank you again for remembering my father and for all the kind words that have been posted.

Elaine Mikesell Larsen
Daughter of Sgt.Robert Mikesell

Elaine Mikesell Larsen
Daughter

January 9, 2011

A Father's Letter To His Child
.by Katherine Alexander on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 8:17pm.


I was there when you took your first breath, and kissed you softly upon your head.

I was there when you took your first step, and saw you fall and get up again.

I was there when you had your first birthday cake, and had to laugh when I saw it all over your face.

I was there when you learned to ride a bike, and held you tightly when you scraped your knee.

I was there when you had your first date, and there when your heart was broken.

With tears in my eyes I watched you graduate, never was a parent more proud than me.

I was there on your wedding day, and danced beside you every step of the way.

I know you did not see me there throughout the years, but I was there.

I know you felt the breeze upon your face, and the rain that touched your skin. Reminders of how much I love you, and wish I could be there.

Daddy had to go away, before you came to Earth, to protect and serve the ones he loved and keep them safe from harm.

So kiss your Mom, and your brother too, and let them know I am watching over you.

For my Brothers and Sisters, who wear the badge, stand tall, stand proud til we meet again.



Author, Katherine Alexander 1199 Inc. In honor of those who have fallen in the line of duty. 8-25-10

I wrote this for all the fathers killed in the line of duty, whose children were born after they died, and to their children who never got to be with their fathers.

sgt. Jeff Caudill
1199 Inc. for fallen officers

January 9, 2011

The families of 1199 Inc. would like to say that the fact that Officer Robert Mikesell lost his life in the line of duty in 1972, the impact of his life continues on. Officer Mikesell graduated number one in his class at the academy. I was there the night he graduated because my brother was in the same class graduating that night. I was just a young girl then but remember it well. He was liked by everyone and was a friend of my father as well as my brother. I was graduating from high school the year he was taken. His daughter Elaine was going to the same high school as me. She was a Junior when she lost her dad along with a brother and a sister as well. Officer Mikesell taught classes at the local college Imperial Valley College and had been accepted into the FBI. No one will ever know how much good he could have done in this world had this not happened. What is known is the impact he made in the short time he lived. Thank you Officer Mikesell for your dedication and service to your community as well as the impact you had on law enforcement. Katherine Alexander and Sgt. Jeff Caudill

Sgt. Jeff Caudill
1199 Inc. for fallen officers

January 8, 2011

i would like to notify the family of Sergeant Mikesell that the current 2010-11 calipatria patch (pictured above)has a star dedicated to him. this star can never compensate for your tremendous loss, but it is done in respect to SGT. Mikesell and his family, God bless you.

Officer Feliciano
former Officer-Calipatria Police

December 27, 2010

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Mikesell. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 37th 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

Anonymous

August 4, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Former Police Officer
District Heights Police Dept. (MD)

August 3, 2008

ITS UNFORTUNATE-LOSING YOUR LIFE WHILE DOING YOUR JOB
MY VERY SINCERE CONDOLANCES TO THE FAMILY OF THIS MAN TO GROW UP WITHOUT THEIR FATHER ISNT RIGHT . DONT BE BITTER ITS ONLY GODS WAY OF PRESERVING HIM THE WAY HE IS REMEMBERED
A HERO GODS BLESS

christine
boundbyfate

April 11, 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

August 20, 2007

Thank you all for your reflections of my Dad. He was an excellent roll model for me and his family. He loved his work in law enforcement and especally helping others. He never meet a stranger, he liked meeting people. He never got to meet his grandchildren or great grandchildren, but they know him and are told about his life often.
It is comming up on the 35th annaversy of his death and we all still miss him very much, and always will. Larry Mikesell

Ex-Chief Larry Mikesell
Huntsville P.D., and his Son

July 24, 2007

Sgt. Mikesell: We proudly display your photo at the Calipatria Police Department's front lobby. When people ask who you are, we call you a hero. God bless you...RG

Chief Reggie Gomez
Calipatria Police Department

April 20, 2007