Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I had the honor and privilege of reading your story for Flag Day. I didn’t realize it until the day of, but we almost share the same badge number.

In the moment, I couldn’t help but think that I was supposed to honor you all along.

You’ll never be forgotten sir!

Anonymous

June 19, 2024

Officer Mitchell,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 13, 2023

You are not forgotten Officer Mitchell. Rest In Peace.

Brian Anderson
University of Chicago PD (Retired)

August 13, 2022

11.19.2021
First and foremost, my prayers go out to Ofcr Mitchell’s family, colleagues and friends. I’ve worked at UCPD as a Dispatcher since 2008 & I’ve heard the stories from those who worked alongside him and they talk about what an outstanding Officer and person he was and his sacrifice that day. His plaque along with his picture and Star 1226 hangs in the lobby of our station and reads:

Police Dispatcher Christine Harrison
University of Chicago Police Dept.

November 19, 2021

Rest In Peace

Nick mottola
None

August 13, 2020

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

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

August 13, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Mitchell.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 28, 2020

To: Jim Leahy, Jr:
Thank you very much for your support and perspective! I have said what you said to myself for years. It really helps when someone who has worked this Life provides words, thoughts and encouragement. I am more at peace now due to your reflection and special understanding. If I hadn't left to pursue another career that could have been me. I regularly worked the same Zone assignment Mitch was killed on.

Shawn Lazier, BS, LPI, CPO, ASC, CSC, CESCO

September 12, 2019

Worked with you for 3 years. I never remember you not having a smile on your face. Rest easy, Steve. You're still remembered.

Retired Star 20919
Chicago PD

September 7, 2019

That face is etched in my mind. Though I have left so many reflections I cannot recall, that face, that smiling face of a fellow 'campus cop' is always there and the circumstances of his death are not forgotten.

Brother, you are a hero, now and forever, but you were before your murder. The public just didn't know it until it was too late.

To Shawn Lazier, do NOT allow that horrible incident to haunt you. You can tell a person a thousand things, make him/her aware of 2000 possibilities. Agonize over instructing a newbie to watch for this and that. But how do you prepare for that one thing that has never happened before or happened in just such a way that was different/unexpected? Every single incident has a uniqueness that the Monday Morning Quarterbacks think they can figure out, but as the old saying goes, hindsight is 20/20.

I'm sure he learned a lot from you and no doubt, your sound advice saved his ass on many occasions, but this was one of those bizarre anomalies that just happen.

Officer Mitchell, you will always be a complete hero in my eyes. Whenever someone says, "Oh, you work for a university? You're lucky, you have a safe job." I think of you and the many others who've lost their lives on America's campuses and think, so far, I HAVE been lucky.

God Bless you, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

August 13, 2019

I was one of his Training Officers a few years before his death. Was there something I forgot to tell him before I left? This has haunted me for multiple decades.

Shawn Lazier, BS, LPI, CPO, ASC, CSC, CESCO

February 11, 2019

Officer Mitchell's story was read in Richton Park Police Department's roll call on 1-8-18 to remember and honor him.

Sgt. James Galvan
Richton Park Police (IL)

January 8, 2018

It is now 34 years. Brother, you may mesh into the myriad of Brothers and Sisters who have made the ultimate sacrifice, but know full well, we mourn each and every one of you. And never forget, our little community of CAMPUS COPS especially never truly forgets our own. So many have lost their lives while working at one of the 'SAFEST' jobs in law enforcement.

I never met you, but I wish I had.

God Bless and please, continue to Rest in Peace.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

August 13, 2017

RIP BROTHER

Illinois Antique Emergency Vehicle Assn.

June 24, 2015

So many good memories...you were family to us. You n Bill, taking Kim and Kimte to do things with their dads. I think of you often and wonder what if? Then I get angry again...
What a good man and police officer...

Kathy Daniels
Friend

October 24, 2013

Rest in Peace, Officer Mitchell. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 29, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th 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.

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

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

August 13, 2010

"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

January 8, 2008

Always remembered Steve

Gillock

December 2, 2007

May the good Lord assuage the anguish of this, your most outrageous fortune. On behalf of a grateful nation, a sober law enforcement community, and a saddened neighborhood; we pray that our heavily father takes Steven’s soul into his loving hands. Only you, the family of our fallen brother, fully understand the sacrifice that has been placed upon the alter of freedom. May he rest in piece knowing that his efforts shall not be forgotten, and that we have his watch from here.

Patrolman Todd J. Vogler
CASE Western Reserve University Police Department, Cleveland, Ohio

October 13, 2007

Hero.....

Traffic Officer Scott Parker
Covington Texas Police Department

May 18, 2007

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

September 14, 2006

Officer Mitchell,

You are a true hero!!!!!


A Texas streetcop
#614

May 26, 2006

as a offficer with the ucpd it has been a great honor to work with the same agency as you did. god bless and rest in peace, you shall never be forgotten.

p.o. troy susnis
cpd

February 15, 2006

Officer Mitchell your bravery never went unnotice you were a hero to many. My father spoke highly of you and told me how brave you were in doing your job. Soon i will answer the calling of the police officer brotherhood.
Rest in Peace Sir
You are now on watch in the heavens and I will soon be on the streets Patrolling

May 27, 2005