Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Shannon,

I can't believe it's been 3 years since getting that phone call... the one I had dreaded for all the years we were together. After sharing 6 years of my life with you, although you were no longer my husband, the pain I felt was real. I never realized how much you were still a part of me until I found out that you were gone. I pray for Brionna and Brody that they might know someday what a truly special person their father was... always thinking of others and going that extra mile. Believe it or not, I pray for Deanna that she continues to have the strength to make it through each day without you. I can only imagine how difficult that must be for her. You are in my thoughts often and it makes me happy to know that you are watching down on all of us with that beautiful smile. We all miss you Shannon.

michelle

August 27, 2006

3 years today God Took back our Special Angel...
Everyone knows the eternal love that we had for each other and how our family meant everything to us. We still feel your presence about us and know you have your Angel Wings wrapped tightly around us and are still taking care of us from Heaven above. That's the kind of Husband and Father that you were... And now, You are our Guardian Angel...Thanks for protecting us, just as you did when you were here with us. All of our memories still echo within our hearts...never ever forgetting the love that we all shared.
Savannah, Brionna, Tucker, Brody and I are MISSING YOU and LOVING YOU... Today Tomorrow and Always...

Deanna

August 27, 2006

Shannon...It is hard to believe that it has been three years today that you were taken from your friends and family. Your CHP family still thinks of you and feels your loss. It breaks my heart that Bri and Brody are growing up without you there to guide them and share in their experiences. I know that you are watching over them. You are being thought of today and everyday. You will forever be in the memories of those who cared.

August 27, 2006

You were so blessed to experience such a deep and
abiding love this side of heaven. It is a rare commodity
and I am so sorry it was cut short. You deserved to
have his loving arms around you forever and his
children needed him as well. I wish we could all
experience this kind of commitment and adoration.
May your sweet memories be preserved forever.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

August 27, 2006

It will soon be 3 years that your tour of duty ended. Your loved ones will never let you be forgotten nor will the Blue Family ever let that happen. I know the tears still flow from the many broken hearts left behind and all the dreams of the future that ended all because of one careless person who caused a rippling affect of pain and suffering. I know the pain your loved ones feel and what they go through each and every day, I want them to know that they are not alone as many of us walk in their shoes. Watch over your loved ones and wrap your wings around them and help them with their grief. Come to them in their dreams in vivid color and let them know you are doing okay. Also, keep watch over those still out on patrol protecting that Thin Blue Line.

"No person is ever truly alone.
Those who live no more,
Whom we loved,
Echo still within our thoughts,
Our words, our hearts.
And what they did,
And who they were,
Becomes a part of all we are,
Forever.
by Richard Fife

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

August 25, 2006

A few days away from Aug.27 I think about you often, you influenced me a lot when I was growing up. Now as I am older and am now preparing mentally and physically for the same academy, you’re on my mind every day. Your memory keeps me strong.

Tony Campbell
Friend

August 23, 2006

Shannon... you've been on my mind lately and I wanted to say hi. I know that you are watching over everyone that held a special place in your heart. Thank you for the greatest sacrafice. "I will see you ...when the sun comes out again"

friend

June 28, 2006

Shannon...
we all miss you and love you very much!!

Les
Friend

May 26, 2006

Hey there Shannon! I was just thinking of you today...thinking of your family and hoping they are doing well. I just wanted to tell you how much we all miss you and how much we all love you!!

May 26, 2006

Shannon I just wanted to let you and your family know that we the Police Unity Tour is on day 2 on the ride to remember. I ride for you and all of the brave officers that have made that ultimate sacrifice. This year officers are riding from Ca. to Wash. DC for you and our fallen brothers an sisters. You will never be forgotten as I continue to ride for you. Semper Fi. Thank you. TSL

MPO Todd Logan, RETIRED
VBPD

May 11, 2006

I checked the ODMP site today and you were on the main page. I read through your reflections and I wanted to leave one for you. Thank you for your sacrifice to your Country and State. May God bless your family, and give them the strength to get through this.

Det. Ferrell
Lehi Police Utah

May 1, 2006

I miss ya Shan!

Lindsay
Sister

February 28, 2006

Shannon, It has taken all this time for me to be able to write this. I know you understand.

I broke in at CHP South LA in February of 2000. Shannon was working there and was a motor. I mainly worked graveyards in SLA. We "yard dogs" always held motors in contempt. With their fangled pants and those big shiny boots. We scoffed at the constant polishing of their bikes and their inability to take people to jail on those bikes. But, inside, we still held them as Brothers. Shannon still wore the same "tans" as me, and still wore the same badge as me. Although Shannon and I did not have a close relationship at SLA (it is a big office), he was one of the Brotherhood. Hell, I used to make fun of his always perfect hair.

Time passed. Shannon transfered off to Riverside. I transfered to Visalia in August of 2003. Later that month, I heard the news that a motor had gone down and passed. It was a few days later that I heard it was Shannon. I could not believe that it was someone I actually knew. The job was, suddenly, brought home to me. How could this happen? This doesn't happen to someone that I know. It took alot of time to wrap my mind around it.

I traveled down to Riverside for the service. It was the first funeral I had ever been to for a fallen Officer. I was awestruck by the amount of Officers and Personnel from all agencies that were there. The service was surreal. I could not believe that I was there.

I remember when the letters of Shannon's children were read aloud. I was surrounded by Officers with many years more than I. They teared up at the readings. What hit me was when, over the PA, an officer raised Riverside Dispatch. Shannon's Mary (motor officer) number was given and placed 10-10 for the last time. The dispatcher responded 10-10 and said, "Good Bye, Shannon." That's when I broke down.

Time has passed. More Officers have fallen. I see them on this site and on the CHP Fallen Heroes site. When I read their stories, I return to your story.

CHP Policy is always divided into "Should" and "Shall". Shall means absolute. Shannon, we SHALL never forget.

dave

Officer D. Thomas
CHP

February 14, 2006

you were a great friend and you
were a muscular great minded man.
Thank you for all and hope to see
U Again... happy :) and sad :(

Tamra
friend
mother of triplets

Tamra
N/A

January 17, 2006

Shannon, I'm thinking about you. I miss you so much. I called Dee's phone the other day and heard your voice on the voicemail. It stopped me dead in my tracks. It was so good to hear your voice again. For a spilt second I thought I could leave a message for you and you would call me back. It is still a shock to me that you were taken from us. It seems so unreal...still. So much is going on with everyone. I know you are with us in everything we do. We all miss you and can't wait until we meet again.

Lindsay Distel
Sister

December 2, 2005

To Shannon, My Forever Love,

Today is our anniversary..another year to have and to hold
Celebrating our love is what today is supposed to unfold.
Unfortunately, for us, that is not true
for you were taken so abruptly from me, our family, and all who loved you.

You are in my thoughts, every day that goes by..
I try to stay busy, so the kids won't see me cry.
With you not here to hold my hand and be by my side,
life here without you has been a very painful ride.

The days are long and the nights are longer-
each day I wake just trying to be stronger.
Thank God for our children, they're the ones that get me by..
Although, I don't have the answer to their question " Why did Daddy have to die?"

I pray to God for the strength to get me through the day.
It's just not the same since you've been away.
I think of when I will see you again-
if you only knew how lonely I've been.

It seems that time is just passing by
as I put on a smile..but is it only a lie?
I just don't know which way to turn
a life without you, is what I'm having to learn.

The kids are growing up and it doesn't seem fair,
that new things are happening and their Daddy can't be there.
Pictures and videos...at least we have these
Because that's all we have left --
of You--our loving memories.

"Hanging by a moment"..
our song..ironically is how I feel.
There are days, it seems, I'm just spinning my wheels.
"You're All I Want...You're All I Need..You're Everything...Everything," another one of our songs...all alone I sing and cry for you, still wearing your ring.

I miss you and love you, my broken heart just aches.
I know We all have to go on..for our own sakes.
I really hate that you're not here
for our love to all was so very clear.

You were my husband, my lover, my best friend and soul mate.
I blow kisses up to you until we meet again at Heaven's Gate.
Deep in my heart, you will always be-
Forever I Will Love You...Eternally.

~xo~ Deanna

November 23, 2005

Shannon--"You're All I Want..You're All I Need.. You're Everything.. Everything.." Missing You and Loving You..Today, Tomorrow and Always ..... Happy Anniversary, Honey...

Deanna

November 23, 2005

Happy Birthday Marine. 230 years today. Thank you for your service to your country and to your community. You will never be forgotten.
Semper Fi

Ret. Officer T.Logan
VBPD

November 10, 2005

It has taken me until now to be able to sit down and write this....how can it be that you have been gone from us for over 2 years. August was a rough month for us...your birthday, your death...it still feels so unreal. It seems like just yesterday that we received the heartbreaking call that you were no longer with us. We miss you so very much...our hearts break a thousand times a day because you just aren't here to talk with or to touch. We miss the infectious laughter that radiated from you. Just to be able to hear your voice, to see you and touch you again would be everything to us. When you died, a part of us died with you...we love you so and are so proud of you and what you stood for.
Dee and the children miss you so much, too. Brody is growing so fast...he has your eyes and that wonderful smile! He reminds me so much of you at that age..what a blessing! Brionna looks so much like you, too! She has your same build and your athletic abilities..she is a blessing, also. Savannah and Tucker are growing as well..they are such loving and caring grandchildren and we are so thankful and blessed that they are in our lives. In the midst of our sorrow, we find joy as we have Dee and our four grandchildren...you live on through their presence in our lives. We know that you are watching over us and protecting us...and I do believe that you hear us when we talk to you...I know that you know what I mean. Shannon, you are and will forever be our angel. Stand watch in heaven as you did on earth....until we meet again someday...we send our love on wings up to you.

Cindy Distel
Mother of Shannon

September 21, 2005

We're still thinking of you today and always Shannon. It's been two long and tough years...

August 28, 2005

Officer Distel,

Thank you for your hard work and dedication! This is another sad story about how an officer lost his life in the line of duty. I lost one of my good friends in 2004 in the line of duty, and the pain is still there. It hurts me to know that there are so many young kids that have to grow up without their moomy or daddy because their life was taken way to early. You were taken away from your family too early and you didn't get to see your kids grow up. Well, that is the same story about my friend, Nick Sloan. He also had a youg son when he was taken from all of us. I will share so many stories with his son so he knows what an amazing daddy he had. I am sure that your wife, family, and friends will do the same. I never had the chance to meet you, but I can tell you were a great officer and loving husband, daddy, brother, son, and friend to many. Please stay close to extremely close to your family today, they will really need you.

Tracie
Friend of Officer Sloan

August 27, 2005

Officer Distel,
On today, the 2nd anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice, not as a CHP officer but for your service as a U.S. Marine as well.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow Marine;LEO

August 27, 2005

In loving memory of Trooper Shannon Distel: It is 2 years today
that you have been gone. I read the
reflections left for you and they reveal
the outstanding person that you are.
Just wanted you to know your memory still shines forth brightly. It
was a real crime to lose you and my
thoughts go out to your families,
both at work and at home. May God bless you as you travel this long, lonely road without Shannon. I can
imagine how much he is missed!
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

August 27, 2005

It has been 2 years since you have been gone. It was just yesterday you were here, smiling, laughing, loving your amazing family. We know you are watching all of us and we miss you terribly. You are always in our hearts and minds. You are our angel and you will never be forgotten. Your nieces and nephews miss you terribly. According to Dylan, you are with Buzz Lightyear patrolling those pearly gates. You are our hero.
Cindy

Cindy McCullah
Sister-In-Law

August 27, 2005

Two years have passed and you have not been forgotten and are a true hero. I know your family is still feeling the pain and experiencing the devastation because of your loss. Watch over them and protect them and also all those officers still out on patrol. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired
Riverside PD, IL

August 26, 2005