Friends & Family Page
Letters from family, friends, citizens and co-workers
Letter from Rockford Police Officer on scene the day of Mike's Murder The first time I met Mike Mayborne I was a teenager and Mike was about 8-10 years old. My Aunt and Uncle were friends of the Mayborne family and our fist meeting was at a family function. Mike and I attended the Springfield Police Academy together. By some strange set of circumstances, three officers from the Rockford area were attending the academy, and all three of us were shot in the line of duty. Mike was killed in 1974, I was shot in 1976 and the other officer, from Rochelle was also shot. March 15, 1974
Detective Richard A. Andersen
Rockford Police Department (Ret.)
When we heard the call a bank robbery was in progress, my partner, Charlie Jackson and I responded. We headed in the direction of the bank and received additional information that directed us to a bar/café on North 2nd Street. As we arrived at the N. 2nd St. location, I noticed two unmarked County Sheriff’s cars already on scene.
My partner, Detective Jackson, went towards the front of the bar and I started towards the rear of the building. At that time, there was a walkway between the two buildings, the bar and a storage building to the rear. As I walked along the south side of the bar building and reaching the corner near the rear, Mike came out a rear door of the bar. About that time, we both heard a commotion coming from the front of the bar. I shouted to Mike, "Out in Front" or something like that.
I never actually did get into the walkway between the buildings and must have missed Bacino by a few seconds. I ran back around the south side of the building towards the front and the sounds of shouting in front. As I got there I heard gun shots coming from the rear of the building. I quickly ran around the north side of the bar and saw Mike on the ground face down. A Winnebago County Detective had Bacino on the ground holding him at gunpoint.
I tried to give Mike first aid but his face was already turning a dark color. I stayed with Mike until the ambulance arrived and then helped load him on the stretcher. Once he was on his way to the hospital, we began searching the scene for evidence. I found a bag of money stashed near the rear door of the bar and turned over the bag to FBI Agent Jerry Nolan.
Richard A. Andersen
About Detective Andersen:
Officer Andersen was also a victim of gun violence and wounded in the line of duty. Responding to an armed robbery call in 1976, he was shot in the back while attempting to apprehend the armed suspect. Detective Andersen recovered from his wound and continued his duties with the Rockford Police Department until his retirement in 1988.
Letter to Jennifer (Mayborne) Sutkay from concerned citizen regarding Mike Mayborne and the type of man he was. (received 2/23/08)
Dear Jennifer,
You do not know me personally, but I met your dad years ago at the scene of a horrible traffic accident in Loves Park. He was off duty at the time, but was injured when a woman pulled out into traffic on N. 2nd St. at Junius St. My brother and I were behind your dad in moving traffic when the accident occurred.
Even though your dad was injured, he was attempting to assist the woman in her mangled vehicle. It was his gut instinct to help, not caring at all about himself. Seeing he was injured, I called for help from onlookers, as I could not handle him myself. It took three strong men to get him to sit down. Even though he repeatedly tried to get up to help and even after identifying himself as an officer, it took all the strength these men had to keep him seated. I went to him, explained that his adrenalin was going at full force, but that he had to listen to us due to his injuries. I was afraid that he would further injure himself by being mobile. We were finally able to calm him by telling him that others were assisting the injured in the other vehicles and that police were on the way.
Talking to him was the only way I knew to calm him -- and we talked about his family -- his wife and, if I remember correctly, his two young daughters. I convinced him that he needed to stay calm for them - his loving family - because I was worried that his injuries from flying glass that was imbedded in his head were more serious than they appeared.
I stayed with your dad through the scene and rode with him in the ambulance to the hospital. My brother and I stayed in the waiting room until we were told that his family had arrived.
I remember to this day every minute of that afternoon. Your dad was so brave and so concerned about everyone else. I honestly don't think he even knew he was injured. But what I remember most was how much he loved his family. He spoke of his beautiful wife and his girls. He was so proud to be a father and was looking forward to watching his girls grow up and being the loving family he always knew he would have.
I received your name and address in an e-mail from my daughter imploring all her friends and family to make themselves heard about keeping your father's killer in jail. I have signed petitions and/or sent letters EVERY YEAR that monster comes up for parole review and I will never stop!
A few years ago, I wrote a letter to one of the local newspapers that had carried your dad's story and asked them if they would forward it onto Mr. Mayborne's family. I don't know if you ever received it, but now I get to write you myself.
I don't believe we've ever met, but I'm so happy to know that you've grown up into a wonderful young woman with a good life of your own - your daddy would be so proud of you!
I look forward to meeting you one day soon - my daughter said she would arrange it. You see, I'm Gabby's "Grandma D" and Lynne Riley's mother. Small world, isn't it?
I will continue to assist you in your fight for right. I am encouraging my co-workers, friends, and relatives to join you. The good will win out!
Sincerely, Diane Zabawa
3/14/2007
Members of the State of Illinois Prisoner Review Board
319 East Madison Street
Suite A
Springfield, IL 62703
Dear Members of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board,
My name is Ken Anderson
Mike Mayborne was my brother-in-law, Terry my sister, Jennifer and Kimberly my nieces. I was 17 years old on the day of Mike’s death. A day my family will never forget and a day when I lost my brother and dear friend.
I address the parole board today in honor of Mike’s friendship, his service to the community and his overwhelming love for his family. I also speak today as a citizen voice for our men and women in law enforcement.
TODAY, I SPEAK FOR MIKE, AS HIS VOICE IN THESE PROCEEDINGS.
Mike Mayborne served his nations armed services in the US Navy during the late 1960’s at the peak of hostilities in South East Asia. He volunteered for military service and submarine duty. He served with distinction aboard the USS Corporal, SS346 as a torpedo man.
Mike was a model police officer and loyal member of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department. He became the youngest Detective during that time in department history. He founded the Sheriff’s underwater rescue dive team and was a founding member of the metro bomb squad unit. Mike was a dedicated officer, outstanding young man, loving husband and caring father.
Mike was also my idol and a real life hero. Not because he was a cop and married to my sister. He was a hero for helping me through a difficult time in my life. He intervened when I was very young and in serious emotional distress resulting from the 1967 Belvidere Tornado. Surviving the storm aboard one of the ravaged buses at the high school left me tormented and terrified. Mike came to my rescue before all my options ran out. His tough love and guidance gave me confidence to continue and he ultimately saved my life.
This behavior was typical for Mike. Helping others with problems regardless of the effect it had on him and his life. He was everyone’s Big Brother we all reached when in need.
I honored Officer Mayborne by giving my youngest son his name. Not only to pay reverence but so his name would forever flow from my lips. My son values this distinction and has dreams to carry on Mike’s legacy in law enforcement. Hopefully, to pick up his fallen badge, proudly wear the uniform and continue Officers Mayborne’s outstanding work. This would be the greatest honor to him and a dream shared by all the family.
By anyone’s definition and genuine American sprit, Officer Mayborne was the epitome of bravery and courage. He courageously defended fellow officers and the surrounding neighborhood from Mr. Bacino’s carefully planned chaos. Mike sacrificed his own life defending his community in the final action of his duty and his life.
HE GAVE HIS LIFE DEFENDING ALL OF US – this is THE TRUE definition of a hero and outstanding public servant. THERE IS NO GREATER ACTION ON THIS EARTH.
However, MIKE is but one example of countless acts of heroism by police officers everyday. He is but only one officer that has fallen in the line of duty by the hands and weapons of madmen. It is our responsibility as citizens and elected officials to honor police officers for their gallant duty and FINAL sacrifice. ANYTHING LESS WOULD BE A TRAVISTY.
If Mr. Bacino is set free short of his full sentence, it will be a personal disgrace to Mike Mayborne’s memory, his service, his colleges and his family.
I ASK ONE SIMPLE QUESTION, IS THIS HOW WE WANT TO RESPECT OUR FALLEN OFFICERS?
Furthermore, by releasing Mr. Bacino early you will be sending a powerful negative message to our active duty police officers across this great state. Police officers working everyday to keep the peace and protect the citizens.
WE WANT THESE FINE OFFICERS TO KNOW ONE CLEAR AND ABSOLUTE MESSAGE.
If they fall in the line of duty, the perpetrator will PAY justly for the crime and NEVER threaten another officer, their family or the community again.
THIS MUST BE LAW and the citizens of Illinois DEMAND NOTHING LESS.
House Bill 1695 must be changed to exclude the convicted of violent crimes including the murder of a police officer in the line of duty.
Mr. Bacino should remain in prison for his full term. Your NO vote would be that CLEAR AND ABSOLUTE MESSAGE.
Thank You for the opportunity to speak
Ken Anderson
Copyright . Friends of Mike Mayborne. All rights reserved.
In the loving memory of fallen Sheriff Detective Michael E. Mayborne
