Officer Down Memorial Page

God bless him and his family. I know the place where it happened. It was an OLD (1500's?) Spanish Fort on the cliffs at the mouth of the Chagres River. They say Columbus lost one of his ships there. A very, very isolated area. This young man (and the others, of course) is/are admirable to have braved these cliffs to save these lives and the outcome is most sad.

(Former) Sgt Ed Yaekle, USA
549th MP Co. Panama
May 3, 2012

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. You have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones. Thank you for your dedicated service to others and to your Country.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
June 19, 2009

Cousin Dale;
I spoke to your Mother tonight from here in Michigan. I plan to use your Military dedication to others in the worship service, that I was asked to conduct at our church service next Sunday. Our Pastor will be out of town. The entire Worship Service that I have put together will be a Memorial Day Service to give recognition to our living Veterans and the many that have given their lives for others and so that we all can enjoy the freedom that each of us have been blessed to have. We all loved you as a little kid and still think of you often, but now with tears in our eyes. Rest In Peace
Cousin
Don Wenburg

Don Wenburg
Cousin
May 15, 2009

Dale,

While our friendship was brief it was nonetheless valued. I am glad to see that you have received this most deserved recognition for sacrificing in the service of others.

A special thanks to your fellow MP who wouldn't give up until your EOW was posted on this site.

Major Kevin Anderson, Retired
Fort Myers, FL PD
December 17, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
March 12, 2008

Officer Wenburg, Just letting you know that you have not been forgotten and thank you for your Sacrifice that you gave.

July 9, 2007

Rest easy on this the 30th anniversary of your E.O.W. knowing your sacrifice is not & will not be forgotten.

EWC John M. Mumper, USNR (Ret.)
Veteran & Citizen
June 19, 2007

Thank you for your service to our country. Your willingness to serve your fellowman and give the ultimate sacrifice makes you a hero. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables
June 19, 2007

My brother was a very special man that took time for others even when it meant giving up his own time.He has been greatly missed and will always be in our hearts.

Alton Wenburg
brother
May 2, 2007

Dale was my big brother and I am thankful that after all these years that he has gotten the recognition he deserved. Serving his country meant alot to him and he took his duty very seriously. God bless him and God bless all men and women that serve our country faithfully! God bless America. Clayton Wenburg

March 23, 2007

I served with Dale. The law enforcement community lost a rising star on this tragic day who thought nothing of his own safety when he attempted the rescue. God bless you Dale.

P.O. Joseph Dalton
Hollywood FL PD
March 22, 2007

Dale,
It has taken almost 30 years, but you are finally being honored. I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous
March 21, 2007

Of the troops and for the troops. Your sacrifice is finally recognized MP soldier and as a fellow MP, I thank you. Stand easy Soldier, we have the watch from here.

MSG JA Millan USA MP Corps (RET)
US Army retired
March 19, 2007

Your brave act should not go unrecognized. Your selfless act to save another is what each officer strives for. Your did your duty when it was needed. Rest in Peace!

Police Officer
Del Rio Police Department
March 19, 2007

Officer Wenburg, You are not forgotten.

March 19, 2007

thank you for your service a long time overdue

mary cocke
uspp
March 19, 2007

You will never be forgotten and always loved!

March 19, 2007

Officer Wenburg,
Thank you Sir, for your service to our Country and the ultimate sacrifice you made. You will always be remembered as one of our Hero's. May you rest in peace. Mother-in-law of: Sgt. Jeffrey T. Hewitt EOW 04-04-04 Asheville, N.C.

Carolyn Moore
March 18, 2007