Officer Down Memorial Page

Officer Gleason,
I just wanted your family and friends to know you and your wife are not forgotten. Yesterday I sent a reminder out to my co-workers to participate in Project Blue Light. I encourage anyone who reads this to do the same. It is officers like you that made me so proud to wear the badge for more than 25 years. God Bless you and your family.

Cpl. Bruce Lohr, Retired
Howard County PD Maryland
November 19, 2010

Danny to this day I think about you and when we were growing up. God bless you and your family, Vince

Dsg. Vincent J Dolan
New Jersey State Police
October 28, 2009

I was watching the six oclock news today and heard a name I haven't heard in some time. I grew up in Germantown and hung out with Danny. He was a wonderful guy, kind and gentle. I also marched for Lang McCann Drum and Bugle corp with Pam Craig. She too was a wonderful person we all had good times during those times. I have special memories of each one. Pam's parents were the two nicest people I have ever met. I always wondered what happened to her 6 children. I wish them all the best. May Danny, Pam and the Craig's rest in peace and watch over their children.
Debbie Cahill

Debbie Cahill
Friend
October 28, 2009

Wow, so I sit here at my desk trying to write a small speech for tomorrow. For tomorrow my father gets his plaque ceromony. It has been a long time since I said goodbye to him but, as I stumbled upon this page and read what everyone has said, my eyes start to well up and again I become very sad. I will give this speech in front of all of the people who mean something to me and my family. Here is where I remember how special he really was. Thank you all for posting your thoughts on here. I really appretiated it. And thank you to all the men and women in blue. You too are truely appretiated....

Daniel Gleason
Son of a hero
October 27, 2009

May God Grant Officer Gleason's Family, Fellow Officers, and Friends, the Serenity to accept the things they can not Change, the Courage to Change the things they can, and the Wisdom to know the difference....Rest In Peace Blue Angel,, You will not be forgotten..

Officer Debra McFall Ross
East Buffalo Twp Police Dept Lewisburg, Pa
June 5, 2009

You're never far from my thoughts Danny, we had some great times together, as well as some tough ones. Chic & I miss talking and kidding with you & Pam and the kids. I know you're still around lending a hand when needed, so thanks for sticking with me. I love you two and the Good Lord willing I hope to see you again someday.

Retired.....Jack Horton
Phila Police....Buddy, Partner, Brother
August 22, 2008

It has been over 20 years but I remember the senseless murder of Officer Gleason as if it were yesterday. I remember it being said that he grew up in Germantown, as did I. I remember he lived in Oxford Circle. My folks lived nearby, in Lawncrest. I remember seeing television footage of his wife Pam, running into the hospital. I remember the sadness of hearing he died, leaving a wife and 6 children. I remember wondering how on earth she would be able to raise 6 children on her own. I remember the shock and sadness of hearing that she, his widow, herself was killed in a car accident, a few years later. I remember wondering, sadly, how those 6 children would manage. I lived in Roxborough at the time and I recall reading that Officer Gleason's in-laws, Jim & Dolly Craig, would then raise the children. I understand both the Craigs are now deceased. Still, I wonder about the children. I hope that, despite your loss and tragedies, things worked out for you all.

And, one for "it's a small world".... My father-in-law passed away recently. He is buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetary. We went to visit him yesterday, on Father's Day. How surprised I was to see that he is buried right across from Officer Gleason and his wife Pam. While I never really forgot, seeing the Gleason headstone yesterday just brought back those memories and prompted me to come here today.

Officer Gleason and his wife, Pam, may you be at peace and rest, with the Lord. To the Gleason children, despite your losses and tragedies, may you have found peace and happiness in your lives.

Dennis McGlinchey
June 16, 2008

June 5 2008. As I wrote this date today, I filled with tears remembering that day 22 years ago. It felt as if it was yesterday as I told the story to one of my coworkers. I had to leave a reflection today. Not to remember that you did too soon, but, to remember you lived and remind your children, others who did not know you, and those who did what a wonderful man you were and how many lives you touched. Rest in Peace, Dan, you are still missed by so many.
You will NEVER be forgotten.
Kelly

Kelly
Friend/neighbor
June 5, 2008

May you always rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
June 5, 2008

Thankyou OFFICER GLEASON for your service and sacrifice. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

POLICE OFFICER 9TH DISTRICT
PHILA PA
February 7, 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
January 24, 2008

It's been more than 20 years...I will never foget that day as long as I live. One of the saddest days to date.

Getting the call that Thursday morning,Pam crying, that she had to go to the hospital because you had been injured on duty...
I was praying all the way to the hospital, sitting next to your children. Trying to be of some comfort to them. Knowing nothing could help the pain.

"A proud father, loving husband and dedicated Philadelphia Police Officer Killed in the line of duty"

Those few words cut like a knife and changed lives forever.
Now, when another Hero is fallen, It feels as if it happened all over again... It's so senseless.

Dan (and Pam) you were taken too soon, but, know your lives touched so many. You have been missed since that day. You are never far from our hearts or thoughts.

My prayers are with your family.

You will ALWAYS be remembered.

Kelly (O'Donnell) Donahue
Family Friend/Neighbor
November 8, 2007

Dan,
I think of you always. Our short time together in EPW 2505 will stay with me forever. You are truly missed. God bless you and your family

Your partner Bob Rajchel

Robert Rajvhel
Philadelphia Police
May 2, 2007

I knew Danny from the 25th District, where I had worked. I hope that his family has been able to move on with their lives and have found comfort in knowing that Danny's in everlasting glory with our Lord.

J. B. Maberry
Former Philadelphia Police Department
April 20, 2007

Merry Christmas Dan, Pam, Dolly, and Bulldog. Your lives inspired me so much, and I will always be grateful.

Mr. Gleason, I try my best to follow in your footsteps. You treated everyone -even those you locked up- with dignity and respect.

Pam, I'll never forget that night... 8/13/89.. I still remember how you smiled and waved to me... Hawaiian Luau.. you were wearing a blue Hawaiian dress and a flower in your hair.. you looked so happy and full of life... a few hours later, Danny knocked on my door and woke me up... you were gone. We all know what happened that night.. we'll just never understand why.

Dolly... you had so much wisdom and never missed a trick. Danny and I used to try to get away with a lot of crap around you.. but just your glare told us you knew better.

Bulldog... you know you got us into some situations.. I'm not sure what was worse... when you crushed my foot between the two trucks and just giggled and told me to "walk it off", or when we flipped the golf cart in the middle of the night and got caught trying to put it back together.

My thoughts and prayers will always be with each of you. Never forget you, I promise. God Bless You.

Eric
Philadelphia Police
December 25, 2006

Project Blue Light

Several years ago, Mrs. Dolly Craig, the surviving mother-in-law of Daniel Gleason, a Philadelphia (PA) police officer killed in the line of duty in 1986, sent her Christmas message to the COPS National office. Her daughter
Pam, the surviving widow of Officer Gleason, had been killed in a car accident in August, 1989, before the holiday season. Dolly wrote, "This holiday I'm putting two blue lights in my living room window. One is for Dan and the other is for Pam, who believed so much in the COPS
organization."

Dolly Craig is now deceased as well, but her idea of Project Blue Light burns bright in the hearts of the over 15,000 families in the COPS. During this holiday season, please remember to decorate with blue to honor those which we have lost and in support of those who continue to protect us everyday.

December 6, 2006

Mr. Gleason,
I lived one street over from you on Anchor St and went to school with your son Danny at St. Martin's and Dougherty. I remember vividly when Danny was called into the principal's office that day. I am now a Detective and I think about you every time I drive by Broad and Sedgley. An "Old Timer" who worked with you in the 25th at the time showed me the spot where it happened.

You are not forgotten.

Det Jim Waring
Philadelphia PD
October 28, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer
TN
July 30, 2006

R.I.P. Dan.

Sergeant Jim Morace
PPD
June 5, 2006

An Officer prayed the rosary for you whilst he accommpanied you to the hospital.Today the rosary will be said again for you by me .

June 5, 2006

P/O Gleason, you are not forgotten.

P/O #5434
Philadelphia PD
May 30, 2006

God Bless you Officer Gleason as you continue to sleep in God's Love and in His Peace. You will never be forgotten and are remembered in my daily prayers along with your family. Thank you for your hard work, your dedication and the sacrifice you made in Protecting the people of Phila.
Respectfully,
Kathi Halligan PHila. Pa
wife and mom of Phila, Police Officers

March 8, 2006

Although it has been many years since Dan was killed, I remember the day vividly. My partner and I were the second unit to arrive on the scene. We were only blocks away when the call came out. I remember pulling into the street where we saw a uniformed officer on his back. I can't describe the emotion I felt when I recognized who it was. Dan was lifted into the back of the wagon and I rode with him in my arms to Temple Hospital. He had a head wound and was loosing blood. For those few minutes enroute to the hospital all I could do was to say the Rosary. The doctors and nurses at Temple worked very hard on him but his injuries were too severe. Ironically, the male that shot Danny was in the same ER being worked on from a gunshot wound he received at the scene. The good do die young but I will never forget Dan. May he rest in peace.

Sgt Robert D. Tait
Philadelphia Police Dept. (Retired)
February 14, 2006

Dan, you will not be forgotten. I will publish an article in the Northeast Times Newspaper on December 7th. Asking the people of Philadelphia to place a blue light in their window this holiday season in your memory and all officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Also, June 5th, 2006 is the 20th anniversary of your death. I am going to organize a special mass at Saint Martin of Tours in Philadelphia. The parish where we both belonged to. May God rest your soul & God Bless your children.

Officer Daniel T. Sweeney #4558
Philadelphia Police-Northeast Detectives
December 2, 2005

I wanted to stop in and leave a note and say that Daniel Gleason has not been forgotten. The Gleason family is responsible for Project Blue Light during the Christmas holiday season.The entire outside of my home is now decorated in blue lights as well as a large blue light in my living room window. This is the first year for me to do this in honor of my son who was killed 18 weeks ago in the line of duty and all the other fallen police heros. One of those lights is burning for Officer Gleason. May God watch over the Gleason family.

Robert Gordon, father of Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Robert Gordon, Asst. Chief (Retired)
Riverside PD, Illinois
December 12, 2004