{"officer":{"id":"6479","cause_id":"26","agency_id":"3823","rank_id":"210","first_name":"Daniel","nickname":null,"middle_name":"Morrison","last_name":"Higdon","suffix":"Jr.","badge":"Not available","gender":"M","age":"31","is_approved":"1","is_veteran":null,"is_odmp_discovered":null,"race":"C","tour_of_duty_days":"8 years","date_eow":"Sunday, March 13, 1983","date_doi":"Sunday, March 13, 1983","incident_state":"TX","weapon_id":"1","incident_description":"Trooper Daniel Higdon was killed after being crushed between two tractor-trailers while conducting a traffic stop in Smith County.
\n
\nHe and another trooper had pulled over two tractor-trailers for traffic violations. As Trooper Higdon and one of the truck drivers stood between the two trucks, one of them rolled back, crushing both men between the trucks.
\n
\nBoth Trooper Higdon and the truck driver succumbed to their injuries.
\n
\nTrooper Higdon had served with the Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol for eight years and had been stationed at Tyler. He was survived by his wife, son, mother, and two brothers.
\n
\nI-20 between mile markers 571 and 575 was renamed Trooper Daniel Higdon Memorial Highway.","extra_incident_id":null,"extra_incident_name":null,"suspect_information":"Not available","related":null,"nleomf_panel":"59","nleomf_line":"16","nleomf_dir":"W","odmp_notes":"Found obit: Tyler Morning News 15 March 1983 \n\nLists in obit that he member of the Corps. But no confirmation. Need to research that he was a Marine.","dt_created":"2002-01-01 00:00:00","dt_updated":"2023-01-27 14:28:16","updater":"chris","incident_loc_lat":null,"incident_loc_lon":null,"is_lodd_sent":"1","dt_approved":"2002-01-01 00:00:00","is_felonious":"0","full_name":"Daniel Morrison Higdon, Jr.","rank":"Trooper","cause":"Struck by vehicle","weapon":"Not available","extra_incident":"","agency":"Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol","agency_type":"Highway Patrol & State Police","address1":"PO Box 4087","address2":"MSC 0500","city":"Austin","hq_state":"TX","state_abbr":"TX","agency_zip":"78773","state":"Texas","incident_state_name":"Texas","parole_id":null,"parole_date":null,"is_parole_published":null,"is_flagged":"0","flagged_comment":null,"flagged_date":null,"flagged_by":null,"created_by":null,"photo":{"id":"4342","media_type":"image","related_table":"officer","related_id":"6479","filename":"6479.jpg","is_primary":"1"},"alt_photos":[{"id":"42125","media_type":"image","related_table":"officer","related_id":"6479","filename":"gravemarker.jpg","is_primary":"0"}],"patch":{"id":"26140","media_type":"image","related_table":"agency","related_id":"3823","filename":"texas-dps-texas-highway-patrol.png","is_primary":"1"},"url":"\/officer\/6479-trooper-daniel-morrison-higdon-jr","reflection_url":"\/officer\/reflections\/6479-trooper-daniel-morrison-higdon-jr","ogtitle":"Trooper Daniel Higdon was killed after being crushed between two tractor-trailers while conducting a traffic stop in Smith County. "},"cms_content_sign_up_benefits":"","officer_tags":"traffic stop","total_reflections":21,"reflections":[{"id":"1024618","user_id":null,"officer_id":"6479","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2023-03-13 00:37:34","content":"Trooper Higdon,\nOn today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Texas. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.\n\nR.I.P.\nUSBP","signature":null,"sender_name":"Anonymous","sender_agency":"United States Border Patrol","sender_email":"mikeusbp9610@icloud.com","sender_ip_address":null},{"id":"987895","user_id":null,"officer_id":"6479","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2021-12-20 10:48:01","content":"I think about Dan every year at Christmas. He was my Daddy's partner many many moons ago!!! I absolutely adored him!! When I was about 6, my Daddy (Glynn Harris) had Dan dress up as Santa and surprise me during dinner one night in Canton! I went to the door and was so beside myself with excitement at seeing Santa! He came in and we went over to the fireplace and I sat on his knee. Upon closer inspection, I recognized my Dad's partner, and said "you're not Santa, you're Dan Higdon"!. He proceeded to tell me he was the real Santa, at which time, I was overcome with fear that I had just insulted The Santa Clause, and went to bed the new week, wondering if I was even going to get anything now!! I mean, what kid insults Santa, in your very own house, just before Christmas!!!! I will never forget that evening!!!! I'm pretty sure he had no clue what an impression he left on my life! All these years later, I still miss him but anytime I am at the DPS office, I stop and touch his picture framed in the lobby. He was an amazing man!!","signature":null,"sender_name":"Krista Harris","sender_agency":"Family Friend","sender_email":"kristaharris4894@gmail.com","sender_ip_address":null},{"id":"911982","user_id":null,"officer_id":"6479","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2020-06-12 16:29:51","content":"I am Dan Higdon's brother. I write today with a keen sense of appreciation for all of you who have posted on this site over the years . I am embarrassed that I was not aware of this wonderful platform to honor our fallen heroes until this week. Dan was certainly my hero and it somehow does not surprise me that so many of you saw that in his character and his actions.\n\nAt this particular time when our police are under tremendous assault I am drawn to thinking of my big brother. Those who want to paint our protectors with a very broad brush of cruelty and racism did not know Dan Higdon. When I was a young salesman working in Dan's area, he'd come by my hotel and take me on patrol with him. What I saw on those ride-alongs was a man who respected himself, his uniform and the people he interacted with at the worst times of their lives. I saw a man who pulled over his patrol car and picked up a black man who was walking along the freeway in a freezing rain to take him home and get him a hot shower, a warm meal and a bus ticket to where he was heading. He did countless daily acts of generosity like that , not because he was seeking attention , but because as he told me , "it's just what you do."\n\nReading your testimonials at this time about this man, strengthens my faith that the hand of God still touches our land because we produce men such as Dan Higdon.","signature":null,"sender_name":"David E Higdon","sender_agency":"Brother","sender_email":"agdad74@gmail.com","sender_ip_address":null},{"id":"867054","user_id":null,"officer_id":"6479","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2019-05-15 12:29:52","content":"I was a kid in the 1970s and I guess it was Dan's first highway patrol assignment to Morris County. He lived down the road from our family in Omaha Texas and he was super nice. He let us play in the patrol car, turn the lights on and probably the siren a couple of times as well. He was transferred to Tyler I guess then we were all saddened by the news of his death. I went into law enforcement about that time and stayed for over two decades. I think of him often and always look at his photo in the Tyler DPS office. Was at the peace officer memorial yesterday in downtown Tyler and got to meet his widow and other family members. God Bless.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Chet Thomas, Retired","sender_agency":"Morris County, UT Police, State OIG TDCJ","sender_email":"cthtexas@yahoo.com","sender_ip_address":null},{"id":"860242","user_id":"39838","officer_id":"6479","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved-auto","dt_submitted":"2019-03-13 12:49:32","content":"Rest in peace Trooper Higdon.","signature":"Rabbi Lewis S. Davis","sender_name":"Rabbi Lewis Davis","sender_agency":"","sender_email":"lewisdriver@yahoo.com","sender_ip_address":"99.148.28.2"},{"id":"825815","user_id":null,"officer_id":"6479","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2018-05-16 09:02:03","content":"I was a very young RN working at (what was then) Medical Center Hospital in the emergency room the night of Trooper Higdon\u2019s accident. It left a lasting impression on me. I remember it like it was yesterday, and have often wondered how his family is. While I didn\u2019t know him personally, what I remember most were all his fellow law enforcement comrades who spoke so highly of him and came to the ER to show their support and love.\nI\u2019ve never forgotten that night. To his family, our hearts and prayers are still with you. No words can describe how sorry we are for the loss of such an obviously great DPS Trooper and friend. His was a life taken way too soon.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Connie Harrison ","sender_agency":"Retired RN","sender_email":"Connieharrison@suddenlink.net","sender_ip_address":"173.218.191.225"},{"id":"738977","user_id":null,"officer_id":"6479","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2016-03-14 05:44:49","content":"ITS HARD TO BELIEVE IT HAS BEEN THAT LONG AGO. DAN WAS A GREAT TROOPER AND PERSON","signature":null,"sender_name":"HENRY D WHATLEY","sender_agency":"EMT\/P RETIRED ","sender_email":"hwhat57@yahoo.com","sender_ip_address":"66.76.24.200"},{"id":"687023","user_id":null,"officer_id":"6479","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2015-01-03 20:35:34","content":"Trooper Higdon came to Winona High School just months before his death to speak to our Senior class about careers in law enforcement. I remember his professional demeanor and I remember the positive impression he left on me. Up until then I had considered a career in the military. After his presentation I began to consider law enforcement as another honorable profession where I could serve. Thank you Trooper Higdon, you opened my eyes to law enforcement and after 29 years of service I still think of you and your sacrifice. May God keep you surrounded by his peace!","signature":null,"sender_name":"Captain Stephan Granberry","sender_agency":"Irving Police Department","sender_email":"sgranberry@cityofirving.org","sender_ip_address":"API_173.57.116.76"},{"id":"660534","user_id":null,"officer_id":"6479","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2014-05-05 16:16:41","content":"Dan and my dad were Troopers together. He was beyond a family friend. He even dressed up as Santa Claus and came by the house for me one year when I was a little girl. Of course I recognized him, called him out on it and then immediately felt fear for insulting Santa and never getting a present again :) He was a great man and to this day, I still think of him often.\nGone but never forgotten!","signature":null,"sender_name":"Krista Harris","sender_agency":"Family Friend","sender_email":"kristaharris2012@hotmail.com","sender_ip_address":"66.76.53.240"},{"id":"614389","user_id":null,"officer_id":"6479","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2013-03-22 19:01:08","content":"He was my cousin. I think of him often. I was very young at the time of his death. But I will always remember how he stepped up after his fathers death and supported his familiy. He brought a dog to his grandmothers house after a alarm system failed to protect her and my aunt from house theives. He was a great human being and is never forgotten.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Martha O'Brien","sender_agency":"","sender_email":"obrienmarty08@gmail.com","sender_ip_address":"50.148.182.202"},{"id":"468894","user_id":null,"officer_id":"6479","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2010-09-30 15:59:59","content":"I knew Trooper Higdon in two capacities. First, I was a violator and he gave me my first ever citation. I recall how I was drawn to him for his professionalism and compassion all at the same time. Trooper Higdon, is largely responsible for me having gone into law enforcement. I had just went to work for the Canton Police Department just a few months before his accident. I never got to meet him again in a professional capacity, but the way he conducted business and showed compassions is something I will never forget. God Bless you Dan, you will forever be missed.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Mike McConnell","sender_agency":"","sender_email":"mike@atccanton.com","sender_ip_address":"4595452e"},{"id":"444251","user_id":null,"officer_id":"6479","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2010-03-13 06:56:22","content":"Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.","signature":null,"sender_name":"James Sheppard","sender_agency":"Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12\/7\/06","sender_email":"shepslt@aol.com","sender_ip_address":"d863b932"},{"id":"392257","user_id":null,"officer_id":"6479","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2009-03-17 10:42:20","content":"To Trooper Daniel Higdon and his loved ones: \r\n\r\nIt has been 26 years since your tragic death. Please know that your memory is honored and revered today. \r\nMy heart goes out to your family. You\u2019re in our thoughts and our prayers. \r\n\r\nFrom reading the reflections about you, it is obvious you were well-loved and well-respected. 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.\r\n\r\nRest in Peace, Trooper Higdon. I am humbled by your valor and your dedication. \r\n\r\nThis reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of distinquished service Daniel gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 13, 1983.\r\n\r\nPhyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4\/24\/05","signature":null,"sender_name":"Phyllis Loya","sender_agency":"mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater","sender_email":"","sender_ip_address":"4bd1fba7"},{"id":"350687","user_id":null,"officer_id":"6479","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2008-06-19 17:59:26","content":"God Speed, Brother.","signature":null,"sender_name":"P.O.K.Murphy","sender_agency":"Union PD, NJ","sender_email":"vze2qbck@hotmail.com","sender_ip_address":"62dda102"},{"id":"345589","user_id":null,"officer_id":"6479","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2008-05-26 11:40:06","content":"Trooper Higdon your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace","signature":null,"sender_name":"SGT. Daryl Brewer","sender_agency":"Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee","sender_email":"dbrewer@clarksvillepd.org","sender_ip_address":"189f374a"},{"id":"336605","user_id":null,"officer_id":"6479","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2008-04-08 17:40:22","content":"YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE","signature":null,"sender_name":"VANDENBERGHE","sender_agency":"MANCHESTER, NH","sender_email":"VDBCONSULTING@AOL.COM","sender_ip_address":"cdbc7590"},{"id":"330476","user_id":null,"officer_id":"6479","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2008-03-03 06:57:49","content":"\"The Badge\" \r\n\r\nHe starts his shift each day\r\nTo respond to calls unknown.\r\nHe drives a marked patrol car.\r\nA police officer he is known.\r\n\r\nHe's paid by the citizens' taxes\r\nTo make it safe on the streets.\r\nBut he usually has a second job\r\n'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.\r\n\r\nNow he doesn't know a holiday\r\n'Cause he works all year round.\r\nAnd when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive\r\nAt his home he cannot be found.\r\n\r\nHe's cursed and assaulted often,\r\nThe one whos blood runs blue.\r\nHe seldom ever gets a thanks,\r\nTo some he's just a fool.\r\n\r\nHis friends are always other cops\r\n'Cause people just don't understand\r\nThat underneath his badge and gun,\r\nHe's just another man.\r\n\r\nHe knows there might not be a tomorrow\r\nIn this world of drugs and crime.\r\nAnd he gets so mad at the court system\r\n'Cause the crooks don't get any time.\r\n\r\nAnd each day when he leaves for work,\r\nHe prays to God above.\r\nPlease bring me home after my shift\r\nSo I can see the ones I love.\r\n\r\nBut tonight he stops a speeding car,\r\nHe's alone down this ole' highway.\r\nIt's just a little traffic infraction.\r\nHe does it everyday.\r\n\r\nWell, he walks up to the driver's window,\r\nAnd his badge is shining bright.\r\nHe asked the guy for a driver's license,\r\nWhen a shot rang through the night.\r\n\r\nYes, the bullet hit its mark,\r\nStriking the officer in the chest.\r\nBut the Department's budget didn't buy\r\nEach officer a bullet-proof vest.\r\n\r\nSo he lay on the ground bleeding.\r\nHis blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.\r\nAnd briefly he thought of his loved ones\r\n'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.\r\n\r\nIn the news they told the story\r\nOf how this officer had died.\r\nAnd some who listened cared less,\r\nBut those who loved him cried.\r\n\r\nWell, they buried him in uniform\r\nWith his badge pinned on his chest.\r\nHe even had his revolver,\r\nHe died doing his best.\r\n\r\nWritten By:\r\nDavid L. Bell\r\nSergeant \r\nRichland County Sheriff's Department\r\nColumbia, South Carolina\r\nUsed with Special Permission of the Author\r\nCopyright \u00a9 1993 - All Rights Reserved \r\nand may not be duplicated without permission","signature":null,"sender_name":"Investigator David L Bell","sender_agency":"Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC","sender_email":"DBell@rcsd.net","sender_ip_address":"42c215c8"},{"id":"228509","user_id":null,"officer_id":"6479","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2007-03-13 03:29:08","content":"G-d Bless.","signature":null,"sender_name":"","sender_agency":"","sender_email":"","sender_ip_address":"568bb9c4"},{"id":"68020","user_id":null,"officer_id":"6479","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2004-08-03 13:35:20","content":"As a second generation law enforcement employee, I give my sympathy to the family of Daniel Morrison Higdon Jr. After reading the other reflections I am proud to share the last name of such a caring protector, whether I am related to Daniel or not. Godspeed, brother.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Communications Corporal Jason Higdon","sender_agency":"Floyd County Police Department, IN","sender_email":"prowlers82@yahoo.com","sender_ip_address":"cdf6c6b"},{"id":"64458","user_id":null,"officer_id":"6479","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":"2004-06-28 23:02:17","content":"I knew Dan briefly while he was a recruit trainee. I was a Patrolman stationed in El Paso and Dan and I became friends. Of all the recruits I met through the years, Dan impressed me most. His family should continue to be proud of this big-hearted man and to keep his memory alive. He became a patrolman for all the right reasons. I am greatful to have known him. May God bless his family.","signature":null,"sender_name":"Lt. David L. Boswell, Retired","sender_agency":"Texas Department of Public Safety","sender_email":"idaboz22@msn.com","sender_ip_address":"c7e39f46"},{"id":"2967","user_id":null,"officer_id":"6479","related_table":"officer","status":"Approved","dt_submitted":null,"content":"I KNEW DAN AFTER HE PULLED ME OVER ABOUT THREE MONTHS PRIOR TO HIS DEATH. DAN BECAME A FRIEND THAT I NEVER HAVE KNOWN SINCE HE LEFT US. MY WIFE WAS PREGNANT AND TIMES WAS NOT ALL THAT GOOD. DAN PICKED ME UP IN HIS UNIT THE NEXT MORNING AND TOOK ME TO A MANS FARM WHERE I SOON MOVED TO.\r\nI PURCHASED A CAR FROM DAN OR WAS TO PURCHASE THIS CAR. EVERYTIME I WAS DUE TO MAKE A PAYMENT TO HIM HE WOULD TELL ME TO USE IT FOR SOMETHING ELSE.\r\nAFTER HIS DEATH HIS WIFE TOLD ME THAT DAN WANTED TO GIVE THE CAR TO ME BUT DIDN'T WANT ME TO THINK IT WAS CARITY.\r\nDANS WIFE GAVE THE CAR TO ME.\r\nMY SECOND SON WAS BORN IN JUNE FOLLOWING HIS DEATH. HIS NAME IS CODY DAN . I HAVE BEEN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT KNOW FOR 11 YEARS.EVERYTIME I SEE A TROOPER I THINK OF MY FRIEND DAN.\r\nDAN WAS A MAN AMONG MEN.","signature":null,"sender_name":"DEPUTY BO JENKINS","sender_agency":"HARRIS CO SHERIFFS DEPT","sender_email":null,"sender_ip_address":null}],"agency":{"id":"3823","name":"Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol","state":"TX","address1":"PO Box 4087","address2":"MSC 0500","city":"Austin","zipcode":"78773","hq_state":"TX","phone":"5124242000","current_agency_id":null,"agency_type_id":"10","chief_exec_name":"Director Freeman F. Martin, Colonel","chief_exec_phone":"5124242110","chief_exec_email":"luis.gonzalez@dps.texas.gov","benefits_poc_name":"Ms. Laurel Remmele, HR Compliance","benefits_poc_phone":"5124242392","benefits_poc_email":"laurel.remmele@dps.texas.gov","benefits_poc_cc_name":null,"benefits_poc_cc_email":null,"benefits_notes":"Director Steven McCraw- retired","agency_uri":"https:\/\/www.dps.texas.gov\/section\/highway-patrol","agency_lat":"30.3269720","agency_lon":"-97.7225730","dt_created":null,"dt_updated":"2025-09-16 20:19:39","agency_type":"Highway Patrol & State Police","state_name":"Texas","hq_state_name":"Texas","lodd_count":"96","k9_lodd_count":"1","current_agency_name":null,"patch":{"id":"26140","media_type":"image","related_table":"agency","related_id":"3823","filename":"texas-dps-texas-highway-patrol.png","is_primary":"1"},"component_agencies":false},"related_officers":[],"related_k9s":[],"hide_add_hero":0}