Remembering Sept. 11: Police Chief Supports His Son, His Fellow Marines and the Community

Mike Force served his country as a Marine for 22 years.  Then he served his community for another twenty years as the police chief of Lake Saint Louis, Missouri. 

After the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Force’s son, Kevin, packed his firefighter gear and volunteered his help at Ground Zero. Kevin lost his job at home as result, but his sense of service was as strong as his father’s. Kevin joined the Marines and was sent to fight in Iraq. 

Each time his son was deployed, Force flew across the country to be with him. Each time Kevin returned, his father was there to welcome him home. Kevin is now in the police academy, and his father is very proud of him. “He’s my hero,” Force said.

Along with supporting his son, Force has done his part at home. The Lake Saint Louis police department is deeply involved in the community, sponsoring blood drives and other charitable events.  Force is also involved with the Midwest Marine Foundation, which helps marines transition to civilian life when their tours of duty are over.