Officer Down Memorial Page

Continue to rest in peace Officer Crowder, you sir are a hero we will never forget. My prayers are with the family left behind to pick up the pieces and move forward.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL
May 3, 2012

Danny left a wife and four children, when they were so young. I have only heard stories about this larger than life man. But I think of him often, as he touched their lives so deeply. I have been married 26 years now, and I don't know what made me google him, but I am in tears reading comments from you all. What an amazing man he must have been, and how sad i am that I never got to meet him. Thank you all, Love to you all.

Annette Smith
daughter in law, wife of one of his stepson's
March 31, 2012

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

Officer 11169
February 9, 2012

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all for us, and you sir are one of them.. Continue to rest in peace.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous
May 3, 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 on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
May 3, 2010

For Wildlife Officer Danese Byron Crowder:

The responsibilities of game law enforcement officers or are particularly hazardous for everyone he or she meets usually is in possession of a gun. That Danese would pursue a suspect and attempt to apprehend him for a violation easily asserts he was just doing his job. That he would be gunned down in the process by an individual who would kill to avoid what might have only been a fine tells us a lot about the culprit's character. A coward and sneak. Had he gotten away without being identified he would hunt this day only to possibly kill again.

Danese Crowder was a hero because he was willing to face anyone under these circumstances and not only to bring violators to justice...but bring lawful protection to the game of the wilds. A noble and honorable endeavor. A noble and honorable law man.

To him I render a final salute.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennsylvania State Police
March 8, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been a long time since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Crowder.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL
December 16, 2008

RIP.Your memory lives on and will not be forgotten.

Anonymous
November 12, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
May 5, 2008

Officer Crowder, you are remembered today by those who recall the service and sacrifice you made. Your murderer has a parole hearing scheduled for January 9, 2008. I will be there to voice our strong objection to any release of this person. Your memory will be respected and honored.
Rest in Peace brother.

James W. Preston, President
Florida Fraternal Order of Police
December 19, 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
December 12, 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
October 2, 2007

Cousin Danny you are not forgotten. We all miss and love you.

Joshua S.
Cousin
October 10, 2006

Rest in Peace Sir.

May 3, 2006

Thank you for yor service, sir. You are not forgotten.

A CONCERNED CITIZEN
November 7, 2005

No fallen brother shall be forgotten. Thank you for your service.

Lieutenant
January 22, 2005