Shelby County, TN Sheriff’s Office

The History of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Motorcycle Unit

Patrolman Mike True

October 2, 1968 –
June 29, 2001

Mike True, 32, a deputy with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office in Memphis, Tennessee, died on
Friday, June 29, 2001 at the Regional Medical Center from injuries that he
received in an off-duty motorcycle crash.

     Mike was assigned to the traffic Division’s motorcycle unit for the last 4 years where he
displayed professionalism to all that h came in contact with.  It did not matter whether he was helping a
citizen with directions, changing a tire or issuing a citation, he did it with
compassion and a smile.

     One citizen remembered that “compassion and a smile” enough to donate his time and
limousine service to transport of Mike’s family during this difficult
time.  When asked what Mike did to leave
such a lasting impression on him, he simply stated, “He gave me a ticket and
slowed me down”. 

     Mike also represented the Sheriff’s Office as a member of the Color Guard unit as well as assisted the school crossing guards
with traffic control.  He loved showing
off his motorcycle to kids of all ages. Mike nicknamed his motorcycle “ZERO” short for “zero-tolerance”.

     At the funeral service, over a thousand people filled the sanctuary at Bellevue Baptist Church.  Several law enforcement and fire agencies
sent representatives to pay their respects to a terrific person and
officer.  What impressed his family and honored his memory the most was the vast amount of children and young adults
that came to say their farewells to Mike.

     Mike, rest in peace my friend, we will see you later!

     I’d like to thank Squad-Fitters, Inc. for allowing me to
share a little bit of Mike with you.


Jim Taber, Patrolman

Shelby County Sheriff’s Office

Memphis, Tennessee

Reproduced with the permission of the Family of Mike True and Jim Taber

Mike True
2002 Southeast Police Motorcycle Rodeo

Information and Photos provided by the Shelby County, TN Sheriff’s Office