Officer Down Memorial Page

Dan was one of my best friends in college at BYU. I loved Dan like a brother. My third year at school he came by one Saturday to my house with a big surprise. He wouldn't tell me what it was; he just told me to get in VW and we were off for the day. He held off telling me until we were almost there; he was going sky diving for the first time! I went through the entire training with him for half a day and took pictures when he jumped out of the plane (from the ground anyway). I miss hearing Dan's distinctive and heartwarming laugh.

Not applicable
Best friends
January 4, 2012

15 years have passed; it seems like yesterday; rest in peace my friend. I miss you and think of you often.

Lorna-Jean Souza
Anchorage Police Department Retired
October 26, 2011

I can't believe that in a few shorts months it will be 15 years since Dan was shot and killed. I remember the day like it was yesterday; my sister also died that day. I have peace knowing they both met at the pearly gates and became fast friends! I think of Dan often, hear his laugh and see him smiling as he's walking down the hall! He was happy all the time! He was a dedicated officer, loving husband and and awesome friend. You are truly missed!!

Lorna-Jean Souza
Retired Anchorage Police Department
August 22, 2011

I was a roommate of Dan's at Brigham Young University over 30 years ago and appreciated his friendship and kind nature. I was aware of his interest in law enforcement and I spoke to him just once after he entered the field. Today, I was thinking about Dan and tried to look him up through Facebook and sadly came across the memorials for him. I just wanted to share my condolences with his loved ones and let them know my memories of him as a wonderful roommate of mine many years ago at BYU. I commend him for reaching his goals in law enforcement and am happy that he was able to marry as I know that was something he looked forward to. I hope his wife and family have been able to heal from their loss and move forward with the hope and belief that they will be reunited with Dan once again.

Sincerely,

Dale Parsons

Dale Parsons-non officer
college roommate
June 18, 2011

I just wanted to say that I remember with great clarity the day you died. You are remembered Officer Seely. Rest in peace.

Trp J
Alaska State Troopers
November 22, 2010

I worked for the Community Service Patrol In Anchorage, from 1984 until 1990, during that time I became friends with Dan, he worked the down town area often and we always ran calls together, he saved my life one night on 4th ave. when someone pulled a knife on me and my partner, Dan screeched up in his patrol car and pulled his revolver after several warnings by Dan for the supect to drop the knife,The scene ended peacefully. I was very interested in law enforcement and went on several ride alongs with Dan,he was awesome and we always had a good time, I moved to Arizona in 1990 to go to Paramedic school, I learned from a old partner in 1997 that Dan had been murdered. I still can't beleive it today in 2009 I shed tears for Dan , I often relect back on some of the street sense he taught me as all my ride alongs with him were learning experience, he was a true hero and the world lost big the day we all lost him. Rest in Peace Dan, your time in this world will always live on.

John Shedler Firefighter/Paramedic
SCW Fire District, Phoenix AZ
July 27, 2009

RIP Hero on this day of your untimely anniversary. Know that you are being remembered today the hero you were and are. RIP and Godspeed.

Wife of LEO
October 26, 2008

Dan was a good, dependable cop. I started at the department as a dispatcher in 1990. I learned that Dan could be counted on to respond to a call, even if it was at the end of his busy shift. He never complained, he just went and took care of business. I got to work with Dan as an officer in 1994. I got to see Dan's people skills and professionalism first hand. When I got the call telling me Dan had been shot I got into uniform and went to the hospital. I got to stand honor guard for Dan and watched a file of tough cops cry at the loss of their friend. I was then sent to the funeral home to stand guard there. I relieved Chief Kevin O'Leary who had taken the first watch. On the day of the funeral, hundreds of police cars escorted Dan through Anchorage. People stopped and put their hands over their hearts as the hearse went by.

Sgt. Pablo Paiz
Anchorage Police Dept.
September 27, 2008

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ
August 29, 2008

Dan,
You are gone but not forgotten and are always in our thoughts and prayers.
We will never forget you and your sacrifice.
Dave

Sergeant David Jones
Alaska State Troopers
May 9, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your heroic service

Pat Van DenBerghe
Manchester, NH
October 24, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
July 25, 2007

Thank you for living your life called to serve others. Many people are alive today because of you. I will never forget your ultimate sacrifice. I am friends with a few of the officers and medics/firefighters that responded to your last call. You have left a lasting positive impression on this world.

Firefighter/Paramedic James Hales
CCFR
May 10, 2007

Officer Seely, thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice. Continue to watch over your family giving them the love and guidance they need.

Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO
January 4, 2007

Rest in Peace, Officer Seely. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
November 2, 2006

The words "Legacy" and "Hero" are thrown around so much today that their true meaning is often forgotten.

When I think of those words, I remember Officer Seely. I met him on a ride along in the early 90's and the impression that he made upon me sparked my interest in Law Enforcement.
Officer Seely was the most gracious and friendly Officer I have ever met. I had the honor of seeing and talking to Officer Seely several more times before he was tragically taken away. He was an incredibly hard worker and no matter what the circumstances, he was always friendly.

I am a Law Enforcement Officer today in a very large part due to my brief encounters with Officer Seely, I can thank him for showing me the proper way to act with the public, to work hard for my own reasons, not the brass or command staff.

Not a month has gone by since I became a cop that I don't think about the type of Officer that he was. When I deal with people I always think of the fact that this one Officer made such an impression in my life that he had the ability to change it, although I didn't know it at the time, he left an impression on me that changed me for the better and I will always be grateful.

Anon
Arizona
July 8, 2006

To Senior Patrol Officer Dan Seely, his family and friends, and his fellow officers:

On this the ninth anniversary of your brutal murder, please know that your valor and bravery are remembered.
What a horrific incident that tragically took your life and the lives of two innocent children.

My son too left an expectant wife when he was fatally shot during a foot pursuit on April 23, 2005. I hope that God has held your family in his arms, and that they have continued to be supported by their law enforcement family, and other police survivors.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of distinquished service to your community and the citizens of Alaska, and the supreme sacrifice you and your family made on October 26, 1996.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

October 26, 2005

I met Ofc. Seely when I was stationed at Elmendorf AFB as a Security Policeman. I was saddened to see that he had been killed in the line of duty. My prayers are with his friends and family.

Matthew 5:9

Patrolman T. Hill
Memphis Police Dept. (TN)
August 28, 2005

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

(Formerly of Seward Alaska)

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)
April 6, 2004

SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF ANOTHER BROTHER IN BLUE REST IN PEACE HERO...

PATROL OFFICER FOLEY
EDGEWOOD (IN)
August 24, 2003

I've been a cop for over 20 years, and Dan Seely is without a doubt the hardest working cop I've known. Intelligent, dedicated, and a work ethic few could match. He was a friend and a hero. I know two things for sure. There is a heaven, and Dan is there. God Bless and Keep you Dan R. Seely.

Sgt. Bill Richardson
Anchorage Police Dept., Alaska

I first met Dan when we started the APD Reserve Academy on April 2nd, 1985. We went on to join as regulars the following year. Dan was always on the ball. He was always there to lend a hand, regardless of how hard or disgusting the task. He had a self inmposed standard of making 50 arrests a month. If he didn't quite reach his goal by the
end of his shift each month he would stay on duty on his own time. We used to give him our arrests the last night of the month so he wouldn't get caught short. I was handling a non-injury accident at King street and 92nd avenue when I
was told of Dan's murder. I thanked the officer and went back to work, because that was what Dan would have done. The crying can come

Sergeant Ray Jennings
Anchorage Police Department