Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It has been a few years since Officer Nagle's death. I hope Crystal and their children are doing great. It will never be the same without a father and husband as he, but I am sure she will make do.
I stood on the steps of the State Capitol when he spoke the self prophetic words, "What will it take, an officer getting killed to prove the point..."
I left the employ of TDCJ shortly after his death. I now work with the psychology side of inmates trying to make sure that the prison is not housing severly mentally ill inmates on regular units.
It is sad that no high rank has posted on any of the sites dedicated to Officer Nagle. I was nothing but a lowly sergeant at the time, but when asked by a very respected officer to go to Austin to let the guys know they were appreciated, I accepted with open arms.
If it had not been for officers who would allow inmates to get by with what they wanted, it would not have seemed Officer Nagle was such a strict officer, he just followed the rules.
He was a friend that was worth working with and he was one that would cover your back. Too bad, no one had his back when it counted. He should never have lyed on the cold concrete of Three Building for so long without someone repsponding, but thankfully an inmate from the dorms no less, informed the Captain who was in the Administrative Building during a mass movement of the situation.
Things have changed since. During mass movements high rank is expected to be outside observing. There are two people on the building desk as well as a sergeant. If this had been the case on December 17, 1999, Daniel Nagle would possibly still be with us today.
Very few are at the McConnell Unit any longer. Most have retired, transferred, or just quit. The Captain left for another unit was promoted to Warden and has returned as same. The Captain was the one that pulled the sergeant and extra staff off of the building that fateful day.
May God bless your soul, and keep your wife and children in his bosom. May he bless the weak minded who's actions allowed this to occur that they may gain strength to do the job they are paid for.

Sergeant of CO's McConnell Unit
TDCJ

September 6, 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

February 27, 2008

Officer Nagle,
Today is the eighth anniversary since you were called home. My thoughts are with your loved ones and friends who remember you with wonderful memories. You were dedicated to the cause to the very end. What a profound legacy you leave for us--one of ultimate courage.

Pennsylvania citizen

December 17, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 9, 2007

Daniel and I were friends and fought hard to improve working conditions for the officers..I was standing next to him less than two weeks earlier at a rally in Austin when he said to the crowd " I can see right now that it's going to take a officer getting seriously injured or kikked before the State is going to improve our working conditions"..Little did he know that he was going to be the one to die....I still miss him...

Carl Bragg

June 28, 2006

I did not know Corrections Officer Daniel James Nagle. It makes no difference. He and I shared a commom goal. Bring the wicked to justice.
I want the family, friends and co-workers to know they are not forgotten, nor will the memory of C/O Nagle, thanks in part to the ODMP.
It is my solemn prayer that God keep safe from harm the men and women of the TDCJ. God's blessings on each of you.

Patrolman Doug Hutchison
Irving Police Department, Texas, (Retired)

December 17, 2005

Officer Nagle,
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting you I well remember the sadness I felt when I learned of your passing.I was working for TDCJ in a region far from you but,I was very familiar with your name.I had read in the paper about your trip to Austin to bring attention to the dangerous conditions in Texas Prisons,the staff shortages and the low pay.I remember you being quoted in the newspaper as saying "Is somebody going to have to die before things change?'Thank you brother for your service to the state of Texas.You are a HERO!May God bless you and your family.Rest in peace brother.

Texas Death Row Officer
Texas Dept of Criminal Justice

March 20, 2004

This is yet another upsetting incident for all Peace Officers. Officer Nagle served in a place that I couldn't. It was mentally depressing dealing with all of those crooks that were placed behind bars to free this society from their crimes. His work was demanding. As a Police Officer, we don't know who is good or bad, but in his line of work they are all bad. Yet, he did his job. He served it bravely. He look a murderer in the eyes and demanded results. I Pray that the killer is identified and the killer is treated with the justice that was given to Officer Nagle. Officer Nagle is a Hero. God Bless to Mrs. Nagle and her three Children. Always let them Now Who thier Father Was. He was a Hero. God Bless.

Dir. Gary Wolter
International MP K-9 Association

Daniel, I too have served the front line in TDCJ. I want everyone to know that you were a hero in every aspect of the term. I am so sorry Mrs. Nagle, but Daniel goes to a better place. God Bless!

Police Cadet Ron Tucker
Sul Ross State Univesity Law Enforcement Academy

Oh brother,
It must have been a long journey and you must be tired but yet and still come to Jesus and rest your weary head. May God be with the family and friends. My wife Angel and myself Alex would like to let the family know that we are praying for you. I am a former officer of TDCJ-Beto unit 1. May God bless you all.
With Love,
The Howards

Correctional Officer
MTC Billy Moore Correctional Center

Officer brother " Daniel Nagle ". You are now in a better place. You are not dead but resting in a better place. Everyone till this day thinks of you no matter what or when. So rest fellow officer Mr Nagle. Looking forward to seeing you again.
Love Stetson TxCowboy

Anonymous

Officer Nagle, your watch is over and our department salutes you and your tour. May you watch over the gates of heaven, as you watched over the citizens of Kenedy County, Texas.

Deputy J. Allen
Hidalgo County Sheriff's Department, Texas