Officer Down Memorial Page

I never knew Agent David Robert Delitta, but about a year ago I realized I had distant relatives living in Texas.
I talked to Tracey his daughter on the telephone and we discussed families.
All Delitta's are related,and it was overwhelming to see David's picture and his legacy written on these pages for me to witness.
I have learned has a Mom Rita, David's Widow.
One day I would like to meet them for real. I see Tracey is a super Mom and she is blessed with a close and loving family.Her Face Book Pages prove her defotion to all around her.
Special Agent Robert Delitts, R.I.P. and thank you for your service to our Country, and to your community.
You are sadly missed by those that knew you, and by those
"That Wish They Did~!" David F. DeLitta

David F. DeLitta
Private Citizen Veteran
June 20, 2010

Rest in Peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Special Agent
U.S. Postal Service
April 20, 2010

I just came across your memorial on the ODMP. After reading some of the reflections of others, I see that you died just as you lived-a hero. You obviously touched many people in your life and law enforcement career. Most of your brothers in blue do, but we so rarely hear or learn about it until we fall in the line of duty. Luckily, most of us do not have to experience your fate in the line of duty.

I wish I could have been there for you on that fateful day. We would have taken the monster down together, or I would have fallen beside you while trying.

I hope that your kids, now grown and probably my age, remember that their father died an honorable hero's death.

Salute.

Retired Police Corporal
Michigan
February 10, 2010

David,
I remember you as a younger man, father, neighbor and officer of the Tampa Police Department. I searched for you and your family in Greely, CO throughout the 1980's and have only learned of your demise. You will always remain in our thought and prayers.
I salute you as a fallen hero.
Semper Fi.
Rest in peace.

Keith & Marilyn McCready
Old Friends
February 4, 2010

Today would have been your 60th birthday!... so strange that you eternally at 38... and I am now older than you! I miss you.

Devonne

Tracey Devonne DeLitta Daughter
daughter of fallen officer David DeLitta
December 12, 2009

21 years.... never forget you!

xoxo
your daughter, Tracey Devonne DeLitta Tousley

Daughter of David DeLitta
October 28, 2009

20 yrs today.....

I miss my dad

Devonne

Tracey DeLitta Tousley Daughter
David DeLitta
October 28, 2008

20 years ago today you were shot in Houston, Texas. Thinking of you. Love, Devonne

Tracey Devonne DeLitta Daughter
of David Robert DeLitta
October 27, 2008

Today marks 20 years that I last spoke with you. I was in Salina, Kansas. I remember how you encouraged me to " hang in there " as I was going through some rough times. As October 28 grows closer, I reflect on many things... about you, my life and how much has changed. I hope that you would have been proud of me. I miss you. Love, Devonne.

Tracey Devonne DeLItta
of David Robert DeLitta
October 24, 2008

I met Dave in November, 1987 when I reported for duty at the DEA office in Dallas, TX. Dave took me under his wing and guided me, until he transferred to the EPA (if I remember correctly) in an attempt to get his family back to Colorado. I spoke to him by phone about a week prior to his murder and he told me he was going to travel from Dallas to Houston (where he was killed) for a trial. I happened to have been in Houston the night he was killed and saw the news story live on the 10:00 PM local news. I was speechless when his picture flashed on the screen. For those of you that don't know the story, Dave and an unarmed chemist were going to dinner after work when they were robbed in the restaurant parking lot after exiting their vehicle. Dave drew his weapon and exchanged gunfire with the robber while moving to a position of cover. In doing so, he was mortally wounded, but the unarmed chemist was spared. The chemist told me later that he believes that Dave's action (drawing the robber's attention away from the car) was done intentionally to protect the chemist. But in doing so, Dave, a former DEA agent, lost his life at the hands of a robber who was trying to get money in order to buy drugs. The chemist called Dave a hero. As the 20th anniversary of Dave's death approaches, I still think of the tremendous example he set, and the sacrifice he made. His dedication to helping others, both in life and in death, was an early inspiration for me in my law enforcement career. I still miss him.

Jeff Gambrell
DEA
August 3, 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 31, 2008

19 years.... I mis you. Devonne

Tracey Devonne DeLitta Tousley
daughter
October 29, 2007

My prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former N.H. Police Officer
Fauquier County, VA
October 28, 2007

You have our admiration and respect for your many
years of sacrificial serving. You meant so much to those who had the pleasure of working with you and
you are supremely loved by your family. But what makes me rejoice most of all is that you are reigning
with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! I didn't know you in this lifetime, but I look forward to meeting
you in the next! God bless.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

October 28, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your police and military service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
October 26, 2007

I met Dave while working for the Lewisville Police Department as a patrolman, In 1985 I went to Narcotics and Dave helped me with a couple of cases. I consider him to be one of the finest officers I have ever known. I think of him often.

Bob Ellis
Retired

Past Lewisville, Texas Police Officer/Texas DPS Trooper
May 4, 2007

The holiday season is upon us and I know it is especially tough on survivors at this time of the year. I have decorated the outside of my home in blue lights, one of those lights will be lit every night in your honor as my way of saying you are a hero and have not been forgotten. The lights will be lit every night until New Years. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
December 19, 2006

Warrior.

Anonymous
October 17, 2006

It has been almost 18 years since your tour of duty ended but you have not been forgotten by those that love you nor by the Blue Family. They will always keep your memory alive as you are a true hero and heroes never die. I am glad that the individual who caused all this grief and pain has finally left this world. I know that does not bring you back but it is some closure for your loved ones. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones.

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

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father
September 11, 2006

It was an honor to have worked with you Dave. And we still feel the loss at GPD. Prayers out to Rita and the kids.

Sgt. Keith Olson
Greeley PD
August 25, 2006

I was very young when we were friends, but I always will remember your stories. Listening to your stories got me interested in this work and I thank you very much. I now wish you were around to share some of my stories and meet my family. I truly do miss you. I think of you often, Love your nephew and godson...TJ

S.R.O. Deputy T.J. DeLitta
Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
March 24, 2006

Today I was remembering my law enforcement career and found Dave's picture in some old albums. I worked with David at the Tampa Police Department in the late 70's. He and I were among the first group of officers assigned as School Resource Officers for the department. I worked many hours with him. He was a true professional and a gentleman. His loss was a loss to mankind.
REST IN PEACE MY BEROTHER!

Ron Seacrist, Chief of Police
Texas Tech Police
March 10, 2006

Today I received word that Anibal Rousseau, the man convicted of killing my father, died from complications of Hepatitis C while awaiting execution Sunday, March 5, 2006, in the morning.

Dad,
Justice is now in Gods hands. It no longer matters what anyone else believes. Justice has been served.

Love You Always, Devonne

Tracey DeLitta Tousley
Daughter of David DeLitta
March 6, 2006

Just thinking of my father today...
Devonne

Tracey Devonne DeLitta
February 18, 2006

I visited with my cousin, Rita, and her husband, David, when they lived in Flordia. They we so young and in love, and so very sweet together. His death was such a tragedy, and broke her heart. The following quote gives me hope;
"Never fear your journey ahead, for as God has watched over you all your life and, in spite of your fears, has brought you through all the trials and sorrows of your life, so He will take you through the darkest vale, into the light." - White Eagle

Mary Ann Schuckman Kirchoff
February 9, 2006