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Chad L. Michael

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Chad L. Michael was killed on October 26, 2009, when the U.S. military helicopter he was in crashed while returning from a joint counternarcotics mission in Western Afghanistan. Special Agent Michael was a member of DEA’s Foreign-deployed Advisory and Support Team (FAST) Alpha, assigned to Afghanistan. He was 30 years old at the time of his death.

Special Agent Michael grew up in northeastern Pennsylvania. He graduated in 2001 from St. Leo University in Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Special Agent Michael began his law enforcement career as a patrol officer with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Tampa, Florida. He joined DEA in 2004 and was assigned to the Miami Field Division, serving for six years in Enforcement Group Six. In September 2009, Special Agent Michael volunteered to serve as a member of DEA’s FAST Team.

Special Agent Michael was survived by his fiancé, Paola Berrio; his mother, Debra; his stepfather, Leo Hartz; five brothers, Eric Michael, Russell Hartz, Edward Hartz, Leo Hartz, II, and Justin Hartz; and a sister, Cara Hartz.

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Still thinking about you and your sacrifice. BA159 has not forgotten. — Jason M.
BA-191— John Castleberry
— Daniel Delargy
On your birthday we take time to remember you. Never to be forgotten. BA-191— Kevin N Manning
— Michael Scalea
Chad, As each day goes by we still miss you more and more. I know time will heal all wounds but for now there is a big hole in my heart. Christmas was really hard this year, not having you there with the rest of the family rough, but know that your love Paola was there with us all. You are a true hero not just ot us, your family but to everyone in the USA. You gave something that must people would never consider giving, your life. We miss you Chad today, tommorrow and forever. But you will never be forgotten..WE LOVE YOU CHAD..— Scott Bennett
— MIKE FURGASON
We miss you Chad. You are in our hearts and thoughts...and forever will be. — Fejeran Family
In honor of Special Agent Michael for giving his life and service to his Country.— Retired Special Agent John Seaman & Victoria Seaman
— SARAH DEUTSCHMANN
A SLENDER ACQUAINTANCE WITH THE WORLD MUST CONVINCE EVERY MAN THAT ACTIONS, NOT WORDS, ARE THE TRUE CRITERION OF THE ATTACHMENT OF FRIENDS. A quote by American Commander in Chief, George Washington. Rest in Peace my friend. — Andrew Harris
God bless men like Chad Michael, the ultimate sacrifice in the service of his country and DEA.— Steve Howell
We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice that you made. Those of us who carry the same shield will continue the fight that you bravely fought. — David Behar
— Anthony Angeli, Jr.
— Laurie Stange
— Michele Georgetti
— michele and donald neily
— Nancy and Kevin Lane
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of this brave DEA Agent. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country and we honor his memory. — Darryl & Rhonda Dunlap
May you rest in peace, Chad. Thank you for everything you did to protect us all. You will never be forgotten. You were a terrific guy!!— Marcia Pearlstein Margolis
May you rest in peace, Chad. Thank you for everything you did to protect us all. You will never be forgotten.— Marcia Pearlstein Margolis
My deepest and most sincere condolences to the entire DEA family. These brave men made the ultimate sacrifice for my 10 year old son, my family and our country. . . For all of us. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. — A Long Time Friend to the DEA
— Jamie Proud
Chad, it feels like yesterday we talked to you on the phone as you were packing to head out for "the war within the war"...you never showed an ounce of regret or nerves in going over there... only courage and strength. You were doing what you wanted to do, what you planned on doing. Law Enforcement, the DEA, was your passion and you were amazingly good at what you did. You will NEVER be forgotten Chad, not for anything you've done and all the good that has come from you being here. Your our hero Chad, my hero and such a great friend. To your family, we send our deepest condolences...know that he had a huge "family" of friends and not a minute goes by that we don't think of you. Thanks for all you sacrificed Chad...and we'll see you when we get there. Tell Thor Thor hello for us...give him a pat will ya? ;) Always, Linsey Hay...Jay and the boys too...— Linsey Hay
Chad's sense of humor and smiling face will be missed. I thank him for his ultimate sacrifice in the war on drugs. Charlene Multach— Charlene C. Multach