Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dave, my husband Bob is retiring tomorrow. I wish you could have known him. You two have such similar personalities. I have told him all about you. He plays the bagpipes. Today he is playing the bagpipes at a funeral of a fellow Pennsylvania State Trooper who was killed by a drunk driver while on duty, just like you. And as I sit here I am so grateful that he is retiring tomorrow although it is bitter sweet. I am grateful for his safety while my heart breaks for the Troopers family. I know the pain well and it never goes away. Ever.

Jo Ann Tobias
Civilian employee of PA State Police and David's sister

March 31, 2022

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 27, 2020

You were taken from us 32 years ago today but you are always in our hearts. We continue to pray for law enforcement and their families in these sad and troubling times.

Jo Ann Tobias
sister

July 27, 2016

We will never forget you David. You were the best brother ever.

Ray Campbell
Brother

September 13, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

January 20, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

November 12, 2012

My baby brother. I still remember the day I was told you had died. Having lost Dad in February, it was an extremely emotional experience to lose my little brother. I still hear you laughing and still see you smiling your dimpled grin. I remember you sucking your thumb until it looked like a shriveld prune. I remember you walking home from down town to Loyalsock because you did not want to wait for Mom and Dad. You were 5. You died the way you always wanted to, with your uniform on. How very proud I was of you!! You got to do want you always wanted, to be a police man.

Cheryl Burnham
Sister

July 24, 2012

"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

Thanks to all law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day. My brother gave his in the line of duty and he would not have had it any other way. Like most individuals who choose law enforcement as their life's purpose, it was all he ever wanted to do. More than just dying a hero, he lived.

Jo Ann Tobias
Sister

July 12, 2007

So many years ago, I lived in Andalusia. My fater was a State Troper there and I was just a little kid. David and his family lived around the corner. I spent many nights at his house. Little David and Shawna were my best friends. I often think about the great times we all had. I remember when I was told about your accident. I know Shawna made it because you. You were truly an inspiration to us all. I have now been a police officer for 9 years and I only hope that I can impact peaple as you did.

K-9 Officer Jason Fox
Madison Ploice Dept.

November 2, 2006

Rest in Peace, Brother. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

September 20, 2006

No Officer that gave his life should be without reflection. " For those who pledge to uphold it, freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know."

Anonymous

January 2, 2004