Michael "Mike" Horan

Born May 4, 1980– December 23, 2024

Officer Michael “Mike” Horan of the Greensboro Police Department was killed on December 23, 2024, in the line of duty. Services will be held on Thursday, January 9th at 2 pm at Westover Church, 505 Muirs Chapel Rd.

Mike Horan was born in Fitzgerald, Georgia to Mark and Patti Horan. During his life, he lived in a variety of places but claimed New Jersey as his home. He graduated from Northwest High School (Greensboro, NC) in 1998 where he wrestled and played football. Mike began his call to service at 16 years old on Long Beach Island at Beach Haven Beach Patrol. He served as a lifeguard and first aid/CPR instructor in Beach Haven, NJ from June 1995 to 2017.

Mike began his distinguished career with the US Coast Guard at boot camp on January 11, 2000. In his time in the US Coast Guard, he served as a Law Enforcement Officer, Tactical Fast Boat Instructor, selected for MSST 91101 in Seattle, and a Search and Rescue Operator, for the safety and security of the United States. (As part of the US Coast Guard, Mike conducted harbor defense operations in New York City and Washington DC, following the September 11th attacks. He was stationed in North Carolina, Virginia, Washington, St. Thomas US Virgin Islands, New York, and New Jersey, where he conducted counter-terror, counter-narcotics and counter-human trafficking missions. His awards include three (3) Coast Guard Achievement medals, five (5) Commandant Letters of Commendations, six (6) Good Conduct awards, two (2) Reserve Good Conduct awards, three (3) Special Operations awards, Sea Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Medal and Coast Guard Enlisted Person of the Year in 2015 and 2019. He was a natural leader and was proud of his police and Coast Guard careers.

Mike became a reservist with the Coast Guard and joined the Greensboro Police Department in September of 2017 and entered the 103rd PBIC Academy, and was sworn in as a member of the Greensboro Police Department in February, 2018 . He was proudly pinned with his badge by his daughter Kayla. . In his time with the Greensboro Police Department he served on the Violent Crime Reduction Team, Crimes Against Persons Unit and in Patrol Districts 2 and 4. Mike was also part of the Special Events Team and enjoyed his role as an instructor for rapid deployment and active shooter training. He was beloved by his squad mates and fellow officers for his sense of humor, view of the world, and ability to lead. Mike exemplified his service to others when on a trip with his family to Emerald Isle in 2019, he knowingly entered a rip current and swam 60 yards off shore to save a father and son from drowning. For his bravery, Mike received a Lifesaving Award from the Greensboro Police Department and was recognized by the USCG for his heroic actions. Mike had an outstanding reputation inside the department and in the community.

Mike's vibrant personality made him unforgettable to everyone he met. He had a way of making people feel special and always went above and beyond for his friends. His loyalty and love for those close to him were unwavering, and his enthusiasm was contagious. Whether he was passionately discussing his favorite teams—New York Giants, New York Yankees, Greensboro Grasshoppers, or the Carolina Hurricanes—or just sharing a moment with friends, Mike’s energy always filled the room. His generosity and kindness left an imprint on everyone lucky enough to know him.

Mike found true peace and joy by the ocean, where the rhythm of the waves matched the beat of his heart. Whether he was paddle boarding, surfing, swimming, or boating, the water was where he felt most alive. His love for the ocean was only surpassed by his devotion to his family. Mike's daughter, Kayla, was the light of his life and his best friend. He was at his happiest when she was by his side, sharing in their adventures. In 2019, Mike's heart expanded even more when he met Courtney and welcomed her son, Nate, into his life. Together, they formed a family of four, filling their five years with countless cherished memories. Family was everything to Mike. He worked tirelessly to ensure they had everything they needed and made time for every precious moment. Whether as a husband, father, son, brother, or uncle, Mike’s love for his family was limitless, and he was a constant source of support, care, and unwavering loyalty.

Mike is survived by his daughter, Kayla Horan; wife, Courtney Horan; and his stepson, Nate O’Leary; mother, Patti Horan, father, Mark Horan (Christina); loving sister, Maureen Horan; and step-sister, Jordan Steady; aunt, Linda Horan (Gerry); uncle, Matt Horan (Sherri); cousins, David and Peter Horan; aunt, Sarah Baker; in-laws, Donna and Earl Seams, sisters- and brothers-in-law, and a host of nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents, and his uncle, Kevin Baker.

The loss of Mike Horan echoes through the Coast Guard, law enforcement agencies, the community and the nation. Mike’s humor, love of life and passion for his family and friends were his legacy. The world has lost a truly good man, a great cop and a shining example of a “Coastie”.

In lieu of flowers, please direct funds to the Tunnel to Towers foundation, Red Dog Farms (https://reddogfarm.com/donate/) and the Buddy Pelletier Surfing Foundation (www.buddypelletier.org).