 | Trooper David A. Graham
Montana Highway Patrol
Montana
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 |
To Trooper David Graham, his family and his fellow officers with the Montana Highway Patrol:
Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Trooper Graham’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Trooper Graham and thank you for your service. Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff
2009-10-09
Rest in Peace David. David was my squad leader at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy. He always had a smile on his face and treated everyone with respect. The Graham family is in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Lynlee Lynlee Van Wicklin Deputy Sheriff
Cascade County Montana
2009-03-29
On this, the first anniversary of your passing, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Trooper Graham. Rest in peace true, You are gone but not forgotten. Sergeant Chris DiToro
NYPD
2008-10-09
To Trooper David Graham and and his loved ones:
On this the first anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.
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 your family and 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, Trooper Graham. Your reflections show that you are admired and missed by so many. May your spirit continue to soar and your memory continue to inspire.
To David's Dad: I share your anquish in losing a cherished son and know the meaning of lives forever changed. You are in my heart's embrace today.
This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service David gave to his community and the citizens of Montana, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 9, 2007.
Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05 Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05
2008-10-09
God bless you and watch over your family, David. I miss you. Keep watch over my fellow troops and know we all keep your family in our prayers and take care of them by never letting them doubt that the MHP is family--always. Paula
MHP 308
2008-09-05
God bless you and watch over your family, David. I miss you. Keep watch over my fellow troops and know we all keep your family in our prayers and take care of them by never letting them doubt that the MHP is family--always. Paula
MHP 308
2008-09-05
Since the day you first opened your eyes, I have loved you with all my heart. You are my best friend, my example, my dear son...forever. I am so thankful I got to be your Dad. I am so proud of you and the way you lived your life. I have yet to meet a single person that didn't love you also. I am sorry for your wife and children. I miss them....but...I miss you so much and will love you always.
Dad David Graham
Father
2008-08-27
Rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten. Police Officer
2007-11-21
"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
2007-11-12
Trooper David A. Graham, a man I knew and yet never knew. Being a Trooper is all I really do need to know about him, as Troopers, regardless of what State they serve, are a rare breed. With sincere sympathy for the family of Trooper Graham, may God Bless You Always. Thank you Graham Family for the service David provided to the folks of Montana, and as with all law enforcements served with pride, dignity and integrity. To Trooper David A. Graham, thank you---be with out great God, and please watch over all those who "Protect and Serve" everyday. DSG. Edward Verbeke (Retired)
N.J. State Police
2007-11-08
I still think about you, and I hope your family is healing a little more every day. You keep a watch over them from up there, and we will keep an eye on them down here.
friend
2007-11-07
SILENTLY, ONE BY ONE IN THE INFINITE MEADOWS OF HEAVEN BLOSSOMED THE LOVELY STARS, THE FOR-GET-ME NOTS OF THE ANGELS
GOD SPEED -WE REMEMBER
KRD AND FAMILY
2007-10-31
I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Trooper Graham, especially to his wife. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.
From reading the reflections left for David, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember David's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that David's life was about so much more than the way he died. David will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.
Trooper Graham, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been almost five years but we still miss him terribly.
Wishing you brighter and better days,
Jocelyne :)
"Forever Remembering 26-3" Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)
2007-10-28
Thank you for service. May your family and fellow cops find peace. Officer RM Taylor
US DOJ
2007-10-27
David,
You are missed dearly. Rest easy for you know your family will be forever taken care of. Be at ease your family is proud of you and everything you have done. Rest in peace for your brothers in blue will continue to make a diffrence to honor you.
I will remember the times we had together, the times we wanted, and the times we will have as you watch over me now.
To the men, women, and family of the Montana Highway Patrol, Fire and E.M.T personel, and everyone else who showed support during this tragic time I want to extend my heartfelt thank you for going above and beyond selfishly one more time. You have all shown why he chose Montana and spoke highly of it. I have never seen such honor and will remember it always. Thank you
MY FRIEND, MY FAMILY, MY BROTHER IN BLUE, AND FOREVER A HERO ON MY MIND, I WILL MISS YOU DEARLY. Officer Benjamin W. Essig
Brother in law/ U.M.K.C. Police Dept.
2007-10-27
Rest In Peace Brother, you are gone but not forgotten! Police Officer
Rutgers University- New Brunswick
2007-10-27
My heart goes out to your family, co-workers and the citizens you protected. God Bless all of you. Deb
Sister of ATF SA- EOW 8/1/07
2007-10-26
My heart goes out to your family, co-workers and the citizens you protected. God Bless all of you. Deb
Sister of ATF SA- EOW 8/1/07
2007-10-26
I can't imagine the the void and heartache that is being felt by Trooper Graham's wife and three children. But, I do lift them up in prayer asking that God would sustain them during these difficult days. Chaplain
White County Sheriff's Department, Arkansas
2007-10-25
I was visiting Kalispell the morning of your accident, and was directed around the scene. Upon seeing what had happened we all prayed for you and your family. You will never be forgotten brother. God Bless. Bob Besley
State Constable, South Carolina
2007-10-24
David,
It was a pleasure working with you both as Reserve Deputy and a Dispatcher. You will be greatly missed. My prayers are with your family and fellow officers. Rest in peace, God Speed. Dispatcher Jared Lako
Flathead County Sheriff's Office
2007-10-22
Rest in Peace, David. We thank you for your Service, Sir. You will NEVER be forgotten. Sr. Trooper Trey Pellizzari
Texas Dept of Public Safety/Commercial Vehicle Enforcement--Rockwall
2007-10-22
I want to express my deepest condolence to the family of Trooper Graham. I was raised is Kalispell and my father was a Mt State Trooper for 26 years. My father passed away about 3 years ago but some of my best friends to this day are retired patrolmen that were friends of my fathers. I was a kid but I was also one of their friends because of my father. It is a very tight group of guys that make up the troopers of Montana. Once you are brought into their family, you will always remain in their family. Please keep in touch with everyone David called his friends and you will have friends for life.
My deepest regrets to your family for your loss.
Kirk von Kraut Kirk von Kraut
Father was a Mt. State Trooper
2007-10-22
I only knew David for a short time, what a special spirit he had about him... so caring and loving of his family and his father, his love for all of them showed through in all he could do for them.
I was honored to be able to share one of David's birthday celebrations with the family. I have some great pictures of all the love and caring everyone put together to show their love and appreciation for him. He had a GREAT smile!
I thought at the time ... the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.... just like his father, he showed much love and caring for his family and their well being.
David Jr. took me for a ride in his car once and we talked ... he was so excited about being a MHP, he was just worried as to where he might be choosen to be stationed and the possibility of being to far from his father.
I know his father will be missing his son so very much. They helped each other and looked out after each other. I guess fishing trips have all come down to grandpa now..;-)
My prayers and thoughts go out to this wonderful family.
If you would like me to email these pictures I have, just contact me at: Blueibrat@sbcglobal.net and I'll gladly forward them on.
Hang in there, Know your in my prayers.
With love always,
Carey Thoza
Friend of his dads
2007-10-21
God bless you and your family.... Jennifer
2007-10-21
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