Officer Down Memorial Page

Danny was one of the "good guys". A light to the world. Kind and caring.
May he rest in peace.

Jean Trail
Step mother
March 28, 2012

I was present at the birth of Dan Trail and so very sad at his death. I continue to be a very good friend of his family and we miss his humor and kindness

jean oren
friend
June 26, 2010

Danny we were child hood friends. I am happy and honored to say our friendship lasted through the years. I remember the phone call the day you passed. This world lost a great man. You were doing you job but along with that Danny you were being you. A caring loving man that would do anything for anyone. I carry you in my heart and memory each and every day. You are my angel watching over me I truly believe. God bless you my dear friend. You are missed and loved each and every day..

Chris Leth
Child hood friend
March 27, 2010

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ
January 9, 2010

"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 17, 2008

You gave it all to save those who had put themselves in a dangerous situation. It never seems fair, they survive and you perish. But that sometimes is the fate of the true hero, one that don't think of himself but only of others, and you Sir are a true hero. May the Lord continue to watch over your family.

Public Safety Supervisor, Gary Mintz
Warren Wilson College, NC Public Safety
November 23, 2007

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. May your bravery and heroism be an inspiration to us all. Rest in peace sir.

July 16, 2007

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. May your bravery and heroism be an inspiration to us all. Rest in peace sir.

July 16, 2007

Hey big Bro thanks to you i now know what i want to do with my life and that is to follow in your footsteps and become a Police Officer i will always remember you and thank you for opening my eyes love you always.
Lonnie

Lonn Trail
Younger Brother
October 24, 2006

You ,Sir, were a brace young man.I honor this.May you Rest in Peace.

June 25, 2006

YOU ARE A TRUE HERO! REST IN PEACE YOUNGMAN, WE'LL CONTINUE THE WATCH

DEPUTY SHERIFF
BCSD
November 4, 2005

Miss you Dano!

Lance McCune, U.S. Civilian Police
United Nations Mission in Kosovo