Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you L. Corporal Tate for your dedicated service to the county of Beaufort and to our country. May your name and memory be everlasting.

Lieutenant
Dept. of Defense, Retired

April 14, 2009

Dana, I only knew you a few short years and yet you managed to leave me living a life time thinking about you. I always wondered what had become of you and Marie. You can only imaging the heartache I felt when I found this site. I can honestly say you were one of the most forth right and honest person I've ever met. I still tell alot of "sea stories" that involve some of your charades, and I always mention you by name when I tell them. The days of cell-phones and nation to nation calling were before our time together, I always regretted not getting more about you so I could find you again, to stay in touch.

I look at your picture and I am instantly transported back in time when your picture hung in the medical dept. of the USS Sierra. Those were the days my friend. I know I never said it to you, but I loved you like a brother. You are, were, and will always be missed by me and all the others who served with you.

Anonymous

March 25, 2009

Still thinking of you both my brother. God Bless

OFFICER BOB SWOPE#5609
OLMSTED FALLS POLICE DEPT.OHIO

March 24, 2009

Forgive me for missing the anniversary of your E.O.W., but I felt as though I could not continue to read about so many tragedies. I now realize the visit each day to leave a word of encouragement and hope to the loved ones of others, helps me to remember that I am not alone with my pain and heartbreak. So may I say to your friends and loved ones that my thoughts and prayers are with them now and always. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol and may they know you will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

February 23, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR POLICE AND MILITARY SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 2, 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.

July 9, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones today. Continue to watch over them and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

January 8, 2007

Five years today brother. It won't be easy. Your strength will see us through.
Love and miss you.

Keep us safe.

Sgt T. J. Slupski
BCSO

January 8, 2007

NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEOs

January 8, 2007

Daddy,
words cannot explain how much i miss u. There is not a day that goes by that i just dont think about u or even wish u were still here with us. But i know that u are everywhere that i am, just in my heart. Im sure u know that i am in college now trying to become a teacher. And u know mommy is a little upset that i am not home anymore. Its just not the same to her. But she has Lori and i am only a call away. Im living my life just as u told me to do. "Live life to the fullest" as u always said. And i will always do that because u as my father, my hero, and my best friend taught me that. Everything that i do is in honor of u. I luv u n trully miss u. And i know that u are watching over me. Plus u lived up to your word, "it's better to burn out than to fade away".....and guess what, u will never fade away in heart. luv u pops

daddys lil gurl,
*ShAuNa*

.p.s. cant wait to see u in heaven, and make sure u take care of my homeboy Calvin. MUAH!!! luv ya!

Rashauna Tate
daughter

November 28, 2006

DANA,
I'M SORRY I WASN'T THERE QUICKER. I STILL REPLAY JANUARY 8TH IN MY MIND. I FELT YOU IN THAT TRAILER WHEN WE CAME IN AND FOUND YOU AND A.J. YOU DID YOUR JOB! I SIT EVERY JANUARY 8TH AROUND 4:30 AND THINK OF THE TWO OF YOU. I KNOW THAT YOU WERE WATCHING WHEN THE FIRST OF US GOT TO YOU. I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU. WHENEVER I GET A NEW OFFICER TO TRAIN I TELL THEM OF THAT DAY. I NO LONGER WORK FOR BCSO AND HAVE NOT GONE TO A FIRE STATION TO GET COFFEE SINCE THEN. I LAUGH EVERYTIME I THINK OF TALKING TO YOU AT BURTON HILL FIRE STATION TALKING ABOUT JEFF GORDON. I THINK OF YOU AND AJ EVERYDAY WHEN I GO TO A CALL. YOU MAY NOT HAVE GONE THROUGH PARRIS ISLAND BUT TO ME YOU'RE A MARINE. SEMPER FI AND REST WELL. I WISH I WERE HALF THE MAN YOU ARE.

K COTNER SIERRA 30

K.COTNER
FRIEND

November 16, 2006

Dana,

My heart continue to go out to your family and friends. The hurt lessons, but we never forget. I am the niece of Sgt. Steve Dennard who was brutally murdered by an inmate in Florida. Steve was only 18 months older than I, so were were actually more like siblings. He was my best friend. I met DJ Coursen this year during Police Memorial Week in Washington DC. It was then that I learned about your and AJ's story. Get with my Uncle Steve and he will take you to all the favorite fishing spots. You see he has been in heaven since 5/5/83. You are all true heroes. Please continue to walk the beat in heaven watching over all of us down her.

Debbie Newton
President, NE FL Concerns of Police Survivors

May 27, 2006

I was a rookie on Jan. 8th. Such a rookie that I hadn't even been issued a uniform from Hartley. I was riding with (now) Sgt. Heany on HHI when we headed north. Heany and I were on a perimeter (which actually stopped us from running into loser guy). Heany had to give me a traffic vest to wear to identify myself. I never knew you or Dyke, but my prayers are with your family.

L. Cpl. Rhett Parnell
BCSO

February 16, 2006

Dana may be gone in body, but will always remain in spirit. The fun times we shared as children may be a memory, but no one can take that away. Who could have known that when he used to play the hero that it was practice for the future.

RITA INGRAM 1ST COUSIN

February 4, 2006

Uncle Dana,

I hope I can be as good an officer as you were. I hope I can be as good a man as you were. I cannot remember one time when you did not have a smile on your face and a positive and uplifting word to share with anyone that would listen (and with some that would not).

I know now why you loved your profession so much. Police Officers and Deputies have an awesome responsibility and opportunity to help others and I know that is why you chose law enforcement. I've wanted to do this for as long as I can remember and you helped me pursue it, by your words, but more so by your actions. You died a hero, but, more importantly, you LIVED a hero to more people than you probably ever realized.

I know you are watching my back when I get in over my head. Continue to watch over me. I'll keep my badge shining...I won't forget you.

A. Tate #574 (for you)

Officer Andre' E. Tate
Columbus, Ohio Division of Police

December 12, 2005

You covered your partner to the end, you died a HERO... Watch over us now brother!!!

Police Officer Jim Gilbert
Columbus Div. of Police (OHIO)

November 17, 2005

Its a rainy day today, much like the day you and A.J. were laid to rest. I was thinking about you guys. You're not forgotten.

October 5, 2005

My fiancé, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in SE Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Dana did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Dana be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Corporal Tate's family, friends, and co-workers must have gone through in losing him. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. Please know that my thoughts are with you and that you are not alone in your "journey". Should you ever need anything please do not hesitate to contact me. (Dennis' department will also always know how to reach me.)

As a fallen officer "survivor" and a friend, please accept my condolences on behalf of myself and the McElderry family. I never got the opportunity to know Dana but from reading these reflections I am certain Dana was well respected and well loved. He will live on in the hearts of all the lives he touched. You were all blessed to have had him be a part of your lives, even for a short time. I pray that Dana will continue to watch over us from above as only he can.

Thank you Corporal Tate for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiancé Dennis for me.

Wishing you and all those who loved you brighter and better days,

Jocelyne :)

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

August 27, 2005

Lance Cpl. Tate
It's been three years since I've been at your service and Cpl. Coursen. I think of both of you guys everyday. God bless you, your Family and the Beaufort County Sheriff Dept. rest easy, Brother, You are not forgotten

Officer Bob Swope #5609
Olmsted Falls Police Dept. OHIO

May 12, 2005

Dana,
I remember being told to go down that dirt road behind the elementary, but Rosier stopped me and had me fill a hole in the perimeter. Now we know I would have run right into Ikeepmybaloneyinthefridge while he still had the assault rifle. Were you and A.J. looking out for me even then? I like to think so.
Rest easy, man, We'll take it from here.

Sergeant Kevin Heany
Beaufort County Sheriff's Office

March 2, 2005

~~~~~The Broken Chain~~~~~

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name.~~In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.~~It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.~~You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.~~Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the Chain will link again.

January 25, 2005

Dear Dana,
It has been almost three years now and I still think about you and A.J. every single day. I just left a reflection for him as well. As Thanksgiving approaches, I cannot express how much life has changed since that terrible day.

I think about you guys every day and I pray that you and A.J. watch over all law enforcement officers.

I saw your girls the other day. All of them seem to be doing well. It's hard to talk to them because in my own way I still feel really strange, not really guilty, (not anymore, Marie helped me with that), but strange that your family's life was altered so much and aside from that terrible pain and feeling of loss, ours wasn't.

I miss you Dana. I miss having you stop by. I miss so very much.

I will never, as long as I live, forget the sacrifice that you and A.J. made that terrible day.

Thank you.

Spouse
Beaufort County Sheriff's Office

November 23, 2004

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 4, 2004

Rest easy, Brother, you are not forgotten.

Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, In.l

January 8, 2004

Our heart felt prayers and condolensences go out to his family, department and friends.

Chief Deputy Anderson
Freestone County Sheriff Department, Texas

November 15, 2003