Michael Allen Haddad

Michael Allen Haddad, 49, of Goodyear, Arizona passed away March 12, 2016.  He was born on November 25, 1966 in Minot, North Dakota to Michael A. and Jane Haddad.   Mike’s family lived in Wichita Falls, Texas from 1968 to 1970 before moving back to North Dakota.  Mike was anxious to get his start in the world by arriving 2 weeks early and he never slowed down since birth.  He began riding motorcycles at the age of 7 and competed in motocross racing in junior high.  Mike’s family enjoyed riding together and his love of riding continued throughout his life. In the 3rd grade, he rode a 1-speed bike 50 miles for charity and shoveled snow for his elderly neighbor, refusing payment.

Mike’s parents expressed that he has always had a good heart and it showed repeatedly throughout his life.   He grew up in the United Church of Christ and he was confirmed in the 8th grade.  Throughout his early years he loved to play sports to include football and basketball.  That was until his younger brother Brian came along and began beating him, then Mike coincidently confessed to his mother that he didn’t enjoy playing sports any more.  Mike’s other passion was music, and in Jr High and high school he played drums in the school band while also playing sports.

Mike graduated from Mandan High School in 1985 and moved to Florida the following year to rejoin his family.  In August of 1987, his first child, Michael, Jr was born.  Mike’s mother said it was one of the happiest days of his life.  A few years later he made his way to Arizona.  Once in Arizona he worked a few different jobs, such as hanging wall paper, roofing, and security for JC Penny.  Knowing Mike these jobs did not stimulate him intellectually.

Mike started his law enforcement career with the Buckeye Police Department in 1991. Some of his early accomplishments included recognition from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and Mothers Against Drunk Driving two years in row.  In 1997 Mike reached his goal of becoming a K-9 Handler.  He and his partner BO made numerous arrests and seized hundreds of pounds of drugs from the streets.

In April of 1999, Mike’s daughter Daelyn was born. Mike loved being a father and spending time with her doing father-daughter activities.

In 2001, Mike worked in the Criminal Investigations Division as well as the Special Investigation Unit. During his time as a detective he worked high-profile cases and he played a key role solving homicides and closing numerous drug investigations. Mike was actively involved in working with other agencies such as the DPS Gang Unit, DEA and Military OSI.

In 2004, Mike was instrumental in developing the first SWAT team in Buckeye’s history. During his time on the SWAT team from 2004-2014, Mike held positions as an Operator, Squad Leader, Assistant Team Leader, and ultimately the Team Leader of the SWAT team until his retirement in 2014. He was committed to the safety and well-being of his fellow officers.

Mike promoted to Patrol Sergeant in 2010 and worked in this capacity until 2014 when he retired. He obtained over a dozen certifications in specialized areas of law enforcement such as DRE Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Physical Fitness Instructor and Defensive Tactics Instructor, to name a few.

Mike was admired and respected by his peers and he was a leader in every law enforcement endeavor he took on. He was greatly missed by the Buckeye Police Department after his retirement in 2014.

In retirement and living the good life, he bounced around a few different jobs, but  something in him drew him back to what he loved to do…. being a COP.

In 2015, Mike went back into law enforcement but now with the Hayden Police Department. While at Hayden PD, Mike took on the task of being their Training Officer. He took the Hayden Police Department to new heights in their firearms proficiency and police tactics.

In 2015 Mike married the love of his life…Whitney.

People close to Mike know that he loved riding motorcycles, mountain biking and being active outdoors. Mike was passionate about life and always brought a positive outlook to any situation. His smile was infectious and you always knew when he was in the room. Many of us have been touched by Mike’s kind-hearted generosity and we were all fortunate to have him support us in times of need and be the voice of reason for us in hopeless situations.

Mike will be forever a part of our lives and he will live on in our hearts and memories.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, March 18, 2016 at Skyway Church, 14900 W. Van Buren St. in Goodyear, Arizona.