Officer Down Memorial Page

Thanks for your services.

David
February 25, 2012

My darling David,

This world is a cold place without you. You gave your life in service of your country along with all of the other men and women who defended us and our rights. I was your faithful and loving wife of fourteen years, and I will never love anyone the way I love you. I know I am not alone in my grief, and I feel so much for all of those who have lost loved ones. I was your wife for fourteen years, and I will never forget your loving kindness, strength, honesty, sense of humor, intelligence, and honesty. I lost you in 2004, but I am still your wife to this day. It will be seven years, 02/25/2011, since I have heard your voice or seen your smile; but you are still here with me. I miss you, I need you, and I will always love you. I will love you always & forever....your wife Trish

Trish Jennings
Wife
January 19, 2011

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends as another year passes. May they know you will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
March 2, 2010

Always remembered & honored 4 his service & his ultimate sacrifice. May the Lord grant His peace to all who mourn his tragic loss.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister & granddau. of LEOs
February 22, 2010

Sweetie, the anniversary is coming around again. I can't even stand the thought of being in this world without you.The official report says it was an accident, but there is nothing accidental about a drugged up driver taking your life, and separating us. Harvil Dewayne Hicks is a Felony Sex Offender, drug dealer, drug user, and all around a waste of oxygen. Yet, he sits in jail waiting to be released. The both of us are in a prison where there is no chance for parol. You were a good and decent man, Harvil Dewayne Hicks killed you as surely as he had taken a gun and shot you. The Alabama State Troopers didn't even bury you with honors. I'm sorry I wasn't in a better frame of mind to give you that one last thing, sweetheart. There is no way to measure how much I miss you. No words that could express how much I love you. My heart will always belong to you, always and forever. Trish

Patricia Jennings
Wife
January 11, 2010

You are honored and remembered today, Thank you for your service.

Your dedication and willingness to serve will never go unforgotten. I will pray for your Wife, Children, family and friends, and hope that the passing time has dried a few tears.

Rest easy brother, see you on the other side.

Deputy and Firefighter
Southwest Florida
September 16, 2009

To Inspector David Howell Jennings, his loved ones, and his fellow officers:

On this the fifth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart is with all family members and friends who call you beloved. They are all in my thoughts and prayers today. I can see from the loving reflections left by your loyal family and friends that you were an amazing man who is loved and missed by all those whose lives you touched.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Kenneth and Doris, I share your anquish in losing a cherished son and know the meaning of lives forever altered. You are both in my heart's embrace today as are Trish, Joshua, and the grandsons.

Rest in Peace, David. I am so humbled by your service.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service David gave to his community and the citizens of Alabama, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 25, 2004.

Phyllis Loya
mother of Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05
February 25, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
February 25, 2009

Sweetie, your birthday is coming up and I can't help but miss you even more than I did the year before. The trash that killed you was on all kind of drugs, and even though he is finally serving some time for killing you, I still can't deal with the reality. I just can't cope with you not being here. Your death was so pointless. I will always love you, now and forever. I will love you always and I will always miss you.

Always yours
Trish Jennings, Wife
Now & Forever

Trish Jennings
Wife
September 11, 2008

Sweetheart, it has been so long since I have heard your voice, but I remember it so clearly. I will always have you in my heart. It seems like yesterday I talked to you, and shared a moment with you. I love you more than words can describe, and I miss you more than any unit of measure could define. I have been without you four years now, but it feels like yesterday. God blessed me so greatly when you walked into my life. Now, I just breathe; knowing I will see you again someday, but missing you to the depths of my soul. You were a great husband, father, son, friend, brother and man. I am proud to be your wife, proud of the person you were. You were one of a kind. You were always there for those who needed you; even a stranger. I don't understand why you are gone, and I never will. The only thing I do know is, I will love, honor, and hold you special in my heart for the rest of my days on this earth.

Trish Jennings
Wife
March 10, 2008

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones on this anniversary of you being called away from duty. For some the last 4 hears have felt like a lifetime since they saw your warm smile, felt your warm touch and heard your voice. For others he may has felt like just yesterday. Whatever the case, you are missed terribly by those that love you dearly. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones. Thank you for your dedicated service to lazw enforcement.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
February 24, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
February 19, 2008

"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
November 12, 2007

It is hard for us to believe it has been three years and six months since your untimely departure. You are a very special part of our lives and your memories live on with us each day. You were a special child to us, born so small and fragile, too small for premie clothes even, and you were only a handful. Then you grew up into a fine young man, so strong and tall and handsome. You were an integral part of our family and remain so today.

We are so reminded of you when we talk to Josh, who is so much like you, when we see Ethan and Cameron. We think Ethan may be more like you than Cameron but it is hard to tell with them so young. We love to see them and see you in them. For you see, you live on in them.

At our family reunion, your cousins remembered you and Mike for the many memories and fun times all of you had together. The family is growing with new babies and in-laws and I do so wish you were here with us to enjoy the family get togethers and the fun we have. Please know that your family will never forget you nor cease to pray for you. With love,

Mom and Dad

Kenneth and Doris Jennings
Parents
August 27, 2007

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ
June 23, 2007

It is hard to beleive that you have been gone for 3 years now. There is not one day that I do not think of you. Ethan and Cameron would love to see you. They have grown up so much. They laugh and have such good personalities, they are always happy. They remind me of you. I can't think of you ever having a bad day. You where always picking everybody else up and making us laugh with some joke. The boys ask all the time why is their Grandpa in the ground. When people act stupid, they don't take the time to think about how their actions can refect on so many people. My children are TRULY DEPRIVED by not having the privilege to know you.
I pray everyday to be bless with you personality and likeness. I don't think anyone could help but to like you. Ethan gets your picture everyday of you holding him and tells me this is his Grandpa and he is holding me. Then ofcourse it is why? I have no answers. But know that you are missed more than you would ever fathom.
WE LOVE YOU!
Your Son,
Joshua Jennings

Joshua Jennings
Son
March 7, 2007

At the anniversary of his death, we pause to honor the memory of Inspector Jennings and to acknowledge his ultimate sacrifice.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family.
May he never be forgotten

Major D.W. Warren
Montgomery Police Dept. - Montgomery, AL
February 23, 2007

Rest in Peace, Insector Jennings. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
September 7, 2006

You and your family are remembered in prayer this week as the second anniversary of your death approaches. Anniversaries are very hard. Thank you for your service to the community. May you rest in peace in the loving arms of the Creator.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04
February 24, 2006

Inspector Jennings..you - your family - friends & co-workers are in my thoughts & prayers as your 2 yr. anniversay approaches..continue to watch over them & your fellow brothers/sisters in blue..YOU ARE GONE..BUT NOT FORGOTTEN..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL!!!!

girlfriend of a dpd
detroit, mi
February 23, 2006

I never had the honor of meeting you, but this year, May 2005, I chose your name and rode bicycle from Ground Zero in New York City to the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial in Washingotn DC as part of the Police Unity Tour. There, I had the honor of meeting your wife Trish and presented her with a bracelet that I wore for the ride in which your name was inscribed. I wanted her to know that you did not lose your life in vain and that your brothers and sisters-in-law will always remember. You have made the ultimate sacrifice and your memory will live on. You will not be forgotten. May you rest in peace.

Sgt. Benjamin Salerno
Perth Amboy Police Department, N.J.
October 11, 2005

I miss you so much sweetie. It has taken me this long just to be able to visit this web site. I still expect you to walk through the front door. You usually had a smile on your face. I miss our evenings together, talking about the days events. We never ran out of anything to talk about. I loved listening to you talk about your work, even though a lot of the technical stuff went over my head. It was just listening to and watching your excitement and love for what you were doing. I know you loved your job, and I loved being there to support you; good, bad, or indifferent. I love you, always and forever. You are more than a memory, you are a living, breathing part of me that will live on as long as I breathe. I love you and I will be with you again someday. Always & Forever, Trish

Wife - Trish Jennings
July 25, 2005

My heart goes out to you. I pray that you will remember the touching memories left here on this Earth by Dave & yearn for the day when we can be with him to fish for the Big One in the lake in the clouds. As a friend and co worker of Dave I know that he gave everything to both his job and his family and he is missed dearly by us all. God Bless the family of each and every officer who has given his life for his job. I can promise you he is watching down on you as you sleep at night and praying for your love.

February 2, 2005

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in southeast Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure David did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and David be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Inspector Jennings' family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that David is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain David was well respected and well loved.

Thank you Inspector Jennings for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)
December 28, 2004

TO: The family; loved ones; friends and department members: A POLICE OFFICER’S PRAYER:--- O, gentle Lord ! Keep the day/night watch with me. As I begin my tour of duty, I ask your protection from all mental, physical and spiritual harm. Sustain me with the knowledge that I am doing your work, endeavoring to keep peace among your people. Help me to be just as I enforce the law without prejudice or favor to anyone. May I be courageous but not reckless in carrying out my duties. Let me respond to all calls with haste realizing that so many are dependent upon me for life and safety. Support me with your consoling power when I am tempted to think no one really cares and that I am taken for granted. Sustain in me the conviction that so many thousands do care and are grateful for my presence. Grant that I may be loyal to my partner and my fellow officers, and that I may back them up effectively when called upon for assistance. Lord, I ask that I may return safely, after my tour of duty, to my loved ones and those who love me. I pray that I may be a good and honorable police officer; and after my tour of duty is over here on earth, may I enjoy the peace and happiness of heaven that you have promised to those who serve you well. AMEN. *** REST IN PEACE *** Sent to you by the father of Detective J.D.Koeppen, Raleigh North Carolina; Trooper D.C.Koeppen, New Jersey State Police and Patrolman A.M.Koeppen, Wilmington North Carolina

Chief (retired ) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey
December 19, 2004