Officer Down Memorial Page

Correction: It was Oct. 1993 at CMCPA

Lt. James Burke
Sea Isle City Police
May 23, 2012

It was Oct. 2003 and I was enrolled in the Firearms Instructor school at CMCPA and Dave was one of the instructors. He taught the rifle and I still have all my notes....one day on the line my personal S & W 5906 broke and since he was also an armorer he took it to fix. Next day he returned it but refused payment and said only that we should look out for one another....When he was killed some of us went out to man an investigative checkpoint out on Town Bank Rd..then later we combed the fields and yards looking for the weapon or other evidence. We marched in the procession. It's what we did....It's not what I did. I wasn't alone. And Dave's not alone either.

Lt. James Burke
Sea Isle City Police
May 22, 2012

This is my first time writing on a memorial for dave. I knew dave and debbie when I was working as a Class II officer in Cape May while they worked at Convention Hall together. Dave spoke to me many times about the career I was going to have and what to expect. Both Dave and Debbie encouraged my inspiration of becoming a police officer in a neigboring town. When I was hired and had to attend the academy Dave told me he was looking forward to training me at the police academy, as a firearms instuctor. Sadly, we both missed that chance with dave passing while I was in the academy. I save and treasure the times I do remember with debbie and dave and don't know why I have never shared this before but I truly miss you dave.

Sergeant S. Austin
Cape May City Police Department
February 18, 2012

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY, ITS BEEN 18 YEARS AGO! I MISS YOU DAVE, THERE IS NOT A TIME GOES BY THAT I DO NOT THINK ABOUT YOU! YOU WERE A GREAT FRIEND! DAVE YOU ARE A HERO! MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR CHILDREN! YOU SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY AND GAVE YOUR LIFE TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS , AND LOWER TOWNSHIP CITIZENS! MAY YOU REST IN PEACE... I LOVE YOU DAVE

Beth Kane
Friend
February 18, 2012

david we miss you

George Brennan
friend
February 15, 2012

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge - Proverbs 14:32.

You are not forgotten.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada1
February 18, 2011

I was reading Case Law when I came across your name and the events that resulted in your death. I always feel obliged to review an In the Line of Duty death while researching and I read the reflections left by people who you had to leave behind. It is allways nice to see recent reflections for someone who passed so long ago.

A person is never truly gone from us as long as they are remembered and the faith that the soles of loved ones will be reunited in eternity. May your family have peace in your absence.

God Speed, Brother

PO. James Rainforth
Orange, NJ. Police Department
January 5, 2010

Dave,
Just wanted to let you know Jack and I are hooking up this week on our way to Mexico. You will be remembered. The good times will be talked about.
We miss and love ya, man...

Detective Commander Bob Martin
Lower Twsp. PD. NJ Retired
August 17, 2009

To Patrolman David Douglass, his loved ones, and his fellow patrolmen:

On this the fifteenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart is with all family members and friends who call you beloved. They are all in my thoughts and prayers today. I can see from the loving reflections left by your loyal friends that you were an amazing man who is loved and missed by all those whose lives you touched.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, David. I am so humbled by your valor and service.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service David gave to his community and the citizens of New Jersey, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 18, 1994.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05
February 18, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
February 18, 2009

Recall this cold February evening very well, working a drug surveillence when the message came over the radio that a Lower Twp Officer had been shot, immediately we all responded, and will never forget the sobering announcement by then Captain Kammer that Brother Douglass expired. It was a long night chasing every leed. I know how long and hard that alot of personnel worked to include Bro. Martin and Trombetta to catch the actor responsible. I cherish fine memories of Dave, having had the opportunity to know him personally and travel on PBA Convention with Dave & Debbie as Dave served PBA Local #59 as President. Rest in Peace Brother. You made the Ultimate Sacrifice!

In brotherhood,

Fondly,
Bro. Gregg Taylor
Retired MTPD

Detective First Class-Retired MTPD
February 17, 2009

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE
August 17, 2008

I didnt know you as well as I know your son. We had some good times in school. Everytime I would walk into the house and see this picture on the wall it would choke me up. You inspire me. It is the month where we recongnize ultimate sacrifice. NO one could thank you enough for the sacrifice you and your family has given and continues to give until the end of time. Thank you

Deputy Nelson
Oxford County SO
May 17, 2008

Rest in peace my Brother.

Kevin T Ryan
Ex Burkington County NJ Cop And Correction Sergeant.
February 18, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND YOUR SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE.

Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH
February 11, 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
December 12, 2007

Rest in Peace, Ptlm. Douglass. You are not forgotten.

P/O #5434
Phila. PD
August 30, 2007

Well man it has been over 13 years and you are still on my mind. I can no longer listen to Amazing Grace without crying. Just so you know Jack and I are still "LIVIN LARGE and LIFE IS GOOD". ( Good as it can be without you being a part of it..) Your family is always in our prayers. We miss ya......

Bob Martin, Retired Detective Commander
Friend and fellow officer
August 7, 2007

God bless you and your family

Detective
Cranford Police Dept (NJ)
July 19, 2007

Thinking of you and your family today and everyday.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
February 18, 2007

Nearing 13 years and I remember it like it was yesterday. Don't worry about your son I have a tight eye on him. I I have never though about the sacrifice until I started working. You were a great husband, Father, and Cop. You are truly missed.

Patrol Deputy Nelson
Oxford County Maine/ Family Friend
November 16, 2006

To co-honor David, the Lower Township department of Parks and Recreation anually conducts the Coombs/Douglass Memorial Bay Run the first Saturday in August at the Town Bank Fire Company.

Bill McArthur
August 4, 2006

Thanks to all who have written over the years!
Dave was a special person. We miss him more each day.
To you, Dave *Thanks for the Memories"...
I Love You, Debi

Debbie Douglass
wife
July 30, 2006

I don't know if Dave's family ever reads these but Dave was a classmate of mine at the K-9 Academy. He was certainly a stand-up guy and great officer. He is missed a heck of a lot. I've put my class photo away along with the other snap shots from that period of time. It's just too hard for me to look at. He is missed more than most people know.

Retired Officer & K-9 Academy Classmate
December 10, 2005

"And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow, Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings; I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart's core. "-W.B.YEATS'S INNISFREE ,THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

PTL CHUCK MCNEELY RET
OCEAN CITY PD, 173RD STATE POLICE MC
November 16, 2005