Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dave, I will never forget that horrible day. You will always be remembered. Rest in peace.

Mark

October 3, 2007

"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

September 12, 2007

Four years have passed since you were called away and I know there has not been a day that your loved ones have not thought about you. The silent tears still fall. Those are tears of love that come from their broken hearts. Continue to watch over them and protect them. Come to them in their dreams in vivid color to let them know you are near and watching over them. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

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

February 5, 2007

Well, it has been a hard four years. As life goes on, we still come across times as a church family where we stop in mid-sentence and say, "Dave would have loved this", or "Remember the time Dave..." As we recently reflected on the horrible day and subsequent funeral, one thing came into full focus...the indescribable bond of the officers. The number of officers who have shown support for Dave is overwhelming, and amazing. As his church family, let me just say that we were so very touched by the outpouring of love and support, not just to us as his church family, but especially to his immediate family, his wife Emma, his youngest daughter, and his four oldest daughters, and of course his grandkids. Even now, four years later, the people who stop by just to visit the family, or how the Lakewood station loves and cares for the small things that might not seem like much to others, but mean a lot to all of us who love and care for the Powell family - like hanging Christmas lights on the house - how awesome that is! Everytime we wear our shirts in memory of Dave, there is always someone in the community who will mention how they remember the funeral or even remember Dave. One officer even told us that in all his years as an officer, he has never seen a special place set aside at an officer's funeral for his church family! That's the love that is embodied in this family - the family of God. When we had the viewing at the church, it was a wonderful time of reflection, but also an extremely sad, gut wrentching experience, but with the LCC family and the LASD family, we understood the connection, the love, the commitment, and the sacrifice, so much more intently then we ever had before. Yes, we knew Dave was a cop, we knew when he showed up to choir rehearsal late and was still in uniform meant that he had a hard day, yes, sometimes we would hear details, but it was Dave, he wasn't supposed to get hurt, he wasn't supposed to leave us, we needed him, his family needed him, the community needed him. Well, four years have gone by, and we've had to learn to live without him, how sad.

To the officers at the Lakewood station and all officers, please know that our doors are ALWAYS open to each and every one of you. God loves you and is waiting for you. We pray for each of you on a daily and weekly basis, because we consider you a part of our family, God's family. It is still hard to this day without Dave's laugh on Sunday mornings, or hearing him sing on rehearsal nights, or laughing at his antics during drama practice, or hearing his many, many, many, stories of his experiences on the job, or even learning from him as we learn God's Word together, but God gets us through, because we have to remember that he is in our hearts and souls, and that he is waiting for us in Heaven, and we will all rejoice and worship together again one day.

So long for now my dear brother in Christ, and rest assured that we will continue to love and take care of the girls. Please continue to lift up Shawn, we are so proud of him and know you are too. As you look down from above, be sure and send some angels our way during our journey here on earth, and even if your cloud moves on you, continue to focus on the One True Love. With all the love only God can give us, so long for now, until we meet again.

Your Sister in Christ
LCC Family Member

Your Sister in the Lord
LCC Family

December 5, 2006

Four years ago today this Deputy stood tall with heroism and courage. I pray that God will continue to shelter and comfort his family as they struggle without him. Deputy Powell you are an inspiration to all officers/dpeuties everywhere!

Police Captain in North Carolina

November 30, 2006

We will never forget your courage and service. Rest in peace.

Deputy S. Holzberger
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

November 30, 2006

Fallen but NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's

November 12, 2006

Uncle Dave,

It has been three years since you have been gone but it still feels just like yesterday. Mom has gone out to CA a few times to visit aunt Emma and the girls and we all miss you very much. You have a new grandson I haven't been able to meet him yet but I am sure he is beautiful. I think about you almost every day and I know you are watching over us. God bless you. I miss you.

Your niece Sonia

December 3, 2005

We have not forgotten Deputy David Powell and his family. Rest in Peace Brother. I'll keep a good thought for you today!

Sergeant
LASD

November 30, 2005

11/30/05....you are still in our thoughts and our hearts. Love, comfort and peace go out to your family as they go through yet another Christmas without you. May they rest assured knowing that you are watching over them along with our Lord. "I am crucified with Christ...yet I live".

The Morgan Family

November 30, 2005

Dave, I met your wife, Emma. What a beautiful, kind lady and such an inspiration to so many people. Please continue to watch over her and the rest of your family. God bless you and may you rest in peace.

November 27, 2005

You will never be forgotten. We continue to think of your friends, family and fellow officers. We keep you and them in our prayers and thoughts daily.....

Sgt A.Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Yuma, AZ

August 4, 2005

Dave, I will never forget the ride along I took with you while I was a college student studying criminal justice. The advice and words of encouragment you gave me then I still cary with me today while I am on patrol. Thank You...I will alway's remember you. God bless you and your family.

Eric Golz
Long Beach Police Department

Eric Golz, Police Officer
Long Beach Police Department

July 13, 2005

Family & Friends of Deputy Sheriff David Alan Powell...my sincere condolences to you all. I know and understand the pain of losing a loved one. When I lost the love of my life, Josh, a piece of me died with him. Life will never be the same without him. I love him and miss him more than words can express. I know that Josh is always with me in my heart...so is your dear David. Continue to hold tight to the memories you have of him. Again, I am sorry for your loss. May the Lord bless you all.

Sonia,
Thank you for leaving a condolence on Josh's page. It means so much when people stop to write a note in Josh's honor. My heart goes out to you for the loss of your father and uncle. Continue to keep your chin up. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

~Kelly~

Kelly Gillain
Sig. Other to Deputy Sheriff Joshua Blyler

April 16, 2005

What I will remember most about Dave is his humor, intelligence, and love for good. I really liked talking about apologetics with him. He is still an inspiration to me as I try to reach my potential.

Who could forget this man, John? Come on, now.

April 15, 2005

DAVE ITS BEEN A LITTLE OVER TWO YEARS, SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN GONE. YOU WERE A TRUE ROLE MODEL FOR THE COMMUNITY YOU SERVED, AND THE DEPUTIES YOU PROTECTED. YOU ALWAYS TREATED ME WITH RESPECT, WHEN I WAS A TRAINEE IN 1989 AT LAKEWOOD STATION. DEPUTY DAVID POWELL I SALUTE YOU, A TRUE FALLEN BROTHER/HERO. RIP.

SGT RON BUCHHOLZ
SANDOVAL COUNTY SHERIFF NM (EX LASD LKD)

December 23, 2004

On the anniversary of your death, I thank you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies.....

Rest in peace, hero.

November 30, 2004

Deputy Powell,

I just wanted to say how you were a great influence during high school seeing you everyday in your black and white as i walked out my schools gate to leave home and see how much you enjoyed your duty as a sheriff. I have now pursued a career in law enforcement, hopefully to graduate and start a career full of pride and make home safer so tragedies like this wont happen to people such as yourself. I will always remeber you Dep. Powell

August 8, 2004

Uncle Dave,

You are thought about and missed deeply everyday. Even though you are no longer here you are here in spirit. I miss you so very much and wish I could have said goodbye. Whenever I would come and visit you would always make me laugh. You loved life and life loved you. You are greatly missed. Rest in peace. Until we see each other again.

xoxo
Your niece

Sonia (Deputy Powell's Niece)

May 9, 2004

Dave,

In high school (Paramount, CA) you kept me outta trouble. You stood in front of my school everyday, keeping us safe. You told me what it's like to be a cop. Now, 10 years after I last spoke to you, I am doing the same thing, you left off at.

Thank you for your all your funny stories and memories. Enjoy the silence of the siren, and look down on all of us. I can't wait to talk to you again, in heaven...

Detective Felix Cervantes
Cecil County Sheriff's Office, Maryland

January 15, 2004

Bless you Deputy Powell for giving the people of LA County 18 years of service. Rest easy blue angel ... you are not forgotten.

Anonymous

January 4, 2004

may your life and legacy live on forever. You will always be remembered as a hero. God Bless you Deputy.

Anonymous

December 29, 2003

This first year without your officer must have been so hard for everyone who knew and loved him. Every night before I go to work, I dedicate that night's work to a fallen officer. Tonight it will be your officer.
I pray that memories of happy times with him will help to ease the pain of his loss. He did not lose his life-he gave it in service. Bless him for that service. Bless also his brave partner who did all he could to protect and save him.
Your officer rests easy now, and he will not be forgotten.

Sgt. Barbara Beland
Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, In.

November 30, 2003

Although your tour of duty is over, you will never be forgotten! May God bless you, your family and your co-workers. Rest in peace my brother.

Motor Officer Don Cone
San Diego Police Department

Dave, I had the opportunity and pleasure to work with you during most of the year’s that I was assigned at Lakewood Sheriff Station. Many of your friends and co-workers described your laughter and your diligent work ethics, and that too is how I remember you. You were always there backing me or another unit up during traffic stops. And after we completed our business you always had something cheerful to say, and always reflected a positive attitude.

Dave, your assignment here on this earth is now completed, you’ve gone 10-98 and entered through the pearly gates of heaven’s scenes. I know that your watching over all of your Law Enforcement Family as well as your own Loved Ones. May you rest in peace my Brother and God Bless your family and help them through their bereavement.

Ed Garcia
LASD/LKD 84-94