… Mike Meaut was a young man who aspired to the profession of Criminal Justice and was inspired by his grandfather who served many years as a cop and Highway Patrolman. Mike hoped that someday he would become "Chief of Police" in Biloxi, [Mississippi]. Though a dream never realized he served his profession with dignity and integrity. He received a BS degree in Criminal Justice and spent 19 years with the Biloxi Police Department. He exercised justice in a very responsible and meaningful manner and would not let politics get in his way. He was a loving, caring father, husband and son. … His priorities were God, his job and family. Family was not least, but only by the grace of God and his job could he take care of his family. In his own words, Mike's prayer says it all...

"Mike died at age 42 - a Biloxi policeman. He was a wonderful person. He wrote this prayer about 1 1/2 years prior to his death… I love talking about him and his days as a wonderful son, husband, father and was a policeman with strong ideas as to what a policeman should be."
Mrs. Mary Ellen Meaut -
[Mike's Mother]

MIKE'S PRAYER

God, it's Mike ...

Well, I'm at work again
and I need your help to make it through the day.

Father, help me remember that:

I'm out there to help;
Not to hurt.
I'm out there to love;
Not to hate.
I'm out there to care;
Not to ignore.
I'm out there to defend;
Not to punish .

Father, I'm weak, Strengthen my will.
Remind me daily in my patrol car that
My brothers and sisters are also hurting.
Help me to help at least one person today.

Your Friend,

Mike

© Michael W. Meaut 1988