Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Never met you in life but I'm sure you were a great young man. I'm touched by the devotion shown by your fiancee, Jess. I'm sure you were a dedicated officer and an example of what a real hero is all about. Rest in peace.

Agent D. Paul
Department of Homeland Security

July 4, 2004

HI DAN,
It's ben awhile. I just got got back from washington d.c where the army has me right now. i tried to visit the memorial in d.c but because of the army mission i am on i could not go. i went to the cemetery to go see you this monday and talk to you for a while. it was hot and very sunny.It reminded me of the times we had trainning on the weekends and it would be hot as heck, but you always smiled.
The army gave me the army comendation medal for saving someone. I felt that it would be more fitting for you to have. i placed my medal on your name and said a prayer. I leave back to washington d.c. on the 28th. i dont know when ill be back to florida. i will make sure i come to see you again.When i get back to d.c i will make sure to see your name on the wall and edge it out for me to keep. well i have to go dan i will see you again.

ENGINEER ALBERT RIVERA
BAYSHORE FIRE RESCUE

June 25, 2004

Hi Hon -

I saw Robert and Sonia in Dillards today when I was working. Can you believe they are getting married? When I heard I instantly knew that you'd be thrilled and if you were still here would be giving Robert a slap on the back and a big handshake, and making jokes about how you want the best for your lady..to have em' stay home and cook all day. haha. I hadn't seen Robert since you died and I think he was really surprised as well as Sonia was.

When she was there I was sad, But also happy for them too. It breaks my heart all the time when someone asks me how long ive been married or my opinion on a dress to wear in a wedding.

I just stand back and pray they know that all that stuff doesn't matter - it's just love that matters. I wish I would have known that when you were alive and not been so focused on "everything else."

The days are getting a little better - but somehow I always come back to thinking of you and what our life could have been like.

I Love You Darling -

Jess

June 22, 2004

Hey Dan,

You already know that Jared was sworn in last Thursday, and I'm sure you were there with us as he was taking his first step in achieving his life long goal. Your dad came to the ceremony, and that made Jared very happy. Even though it was a great day for him, he was sad because you were not there to greet him with that smile or quick wit you have. We've both missed you, it's hard to see Jared get sad at a country song on the radio that reminds him of you, or a spot in River Ranch where we all had a great time on the 4-wheelers. I miss talking to you and Jess on the Nextels and being goofy like we used to. But even though you are not here in body, you will always remain here in spirit, and even though I only new you for a year, you have left a life long impression on me. I just wanted to thank you for being a great friend to Jared for all those years, and a great friend to me as well. Please look after Jared and the rest of the FMPD as they are out protecting the same people that you were, and give Daddy a big hug and my love!

Tiffany & Jared, friends of Dan

June 16, 2004

My sweet Daniel -
I found a job today, as you probably already know. I owe it all to you and God and cannot believe that even though you are gone you still manage to provide for me. I stopped by the cemetary before and after the interview because I wanted to express my thankfulness to you. I dont think I will ever be able to tell you how much I truly thank you, and how much I truly love you. My heart overflows so much with love for you. Sometimes it feels like it is breaking, and other times it feels like it is just getting bigger with more love for you. Even though you are gone, you will never be gone from my heart. They may have taken you physically, but they will not take you away from my soul. I love you so much, and all I can say is please give God a hug for me and tell him I am so thankful that you can still watch over and provide for me and your family. Watch over your fellow brothers and sisters @ FMPD and Bayshore. They need you almost as much as I do.
I Love you Babe,
- Jess

June 15, 2004

To the Starks family,

I just wanted to say it was great meeting you at Police Week. I watched as you all reached out to people, amidst your own pain, to help those in need. It was truly amazing. You should be commended for your compassion. Thank you for reaching out to me during Police Week. Having traveled to Police Week alone it was nice to know I wasn't alone and that there were people, like you, that I could lean on if I needed to. I never got a chance to know Daniel, but if he was anything like you guys then I know he was a great guy. Thanks again for everything. Please continue to look over Jessica. Being in a similar situation, I know she needs all the support she can get. Best of luck you to you. If you ever need anything or find yourself north of the border give me a shout. But shout loud, I'm getting old over here .... knocking on 30! :)

Peace, love, luck, and happiness to you all.

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry, Davis Co. Iowa - EOW (

June 12, 2004

Jessica,

I just wanted to say that it was great to meet you at Police Week this year, though I am sorry for the reason we met. I am truly sorry for the loss of your fiance and that you have to feel the same pain I felt, and still feel, in losing Dennis. From hearing you speak about Daniel, and your relationship with him. he sounds like a great guy. You were lucky to have been able to be a part of his life. It is apparent that Daniel brought a lot of love into your life. Treasure all those "little gifts" that Douglas gave you and the time you shared together. They, combined with the love you shared, will give you a source of strength to keep moving forward in life. I wish you the best in wherever life takes you. I hope that someday you will again acheive the level of happiness that Daniel so desired for you. Thank you again for reaching out to me in your time of grief, when I needed a shoulder to lean on. Your compassion will never be forgotten. You truly are an amazing lady. I wish you luck as you work through your loss. If you ever need anything, remember I am only ever a phone call, letter, or e-mail away.

Peace, love, luck, and happiness to you.

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry, Davis Co. Iowa - EOW (

June 12, 2004

Daniel -

I have been listening to a song over and over and, have finally realized that it is you. It reminds me SO much of you. I wanted to leave it on the website for you. I Love You So Much Sweetheart. Love. Jess


You Raise Me Up
When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up… To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up… To more than I can be.

There is no life – no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up… To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up… To more than I can be.

June 11, 2004

my darling son

how i miss you every day. i thank god for giving us your brothers and your precious jessica. guard them well my son...i will see you soon in heaven

mom

June 11, 2004

Hey Hon.
Im having kinda a rough day today. Just missing you and hearing your voice everyday like I used to. Im trying to start a support group for fiancee's..I think you'd like that. Im also selling my wedding dress. :( Maybe thats why Im so sad today.
Saw John yesterday and he is doing really well. You'd be so proud of him. He is really reminding me more of you everyday. Well I love you and miss you, and I guess I'll get going.
Bye Sweetie,
Love, Jess

June 9, 2004

i new andrew starks. he was a volunteer at our fire department while being a police officer. he was a great friend and a brother at the fire dept. he will be greatly missed. but he will never be forgotten # 311 will always be with us. god speed andrew.

engineer alberto rivera
bayshore fire rescue

May 31, 2004

My Dearest Daniel -
Tomorrow is Memorial Day, and tonight me and your mom went and decorated your gravesite. We both agreed you would be embarrassed, and keep saying "stop making such a fuss." But we love you, and miss you and I guess we don't know what else to do, but something. I'm missing you more than ever before and lately have found myself alone, and quite sad. The job search has not provided me any leads quite yet. But I'm hanging in there and keep remembering that God will provide along with you. I am so sad that you are gone, and really don't have the right words to express how much I truly love, and miss you. Sharon gave me some pictures of you, and us that she found today and while I loved seeing them, my heart longed for you. I still haven't accepted that you're not going to come walking through that door to come home again. The pictures were priceless, and I'll cherish them always. Just like I will cherish our love always. I love and miss you pea pod.... - Jess

May 30, 2004

Dear Jess, Andrew and Kathe,
It was a pleasure to meet you all in D.C. My Mom, my brother and I really were so glad that as Fate would have it, we were seated right behind you the night of the Candlelight Vigil. I know that no words can ever express how much we are missing and having a hard time expressing our pain and anger at the horrible and senseless losses of our officers'.
Jess, I think that you and I feel a lot of the same pain from time to time. Although they were different scenarios, we both had our hearts crushed and no one else (no matter what people say) will ever be the same. My hopes and dreams were crushed as were yours. We will both never know what our lives would have been like, had this not happened. I can only think of what Bryan and I were doing a year ago, and it tears my heart out. I think of you often, and I hope that somehow we can help each other down this dark, cold and dusty road.
Thinking of you,
Juli Verkler
Survivor of Ptlm. Bryan S. Verkler EOW 12/13/03

May 28, 2004

My heart goes out to you and your family. God will watch over you as you sleep in piece.

Officer Robin Starks
City of Miami Police Deaprtment

May 28, 2004

Sweetie - We are back from DC and Tallahassee and I miss you even more than I did before I left..Does that make any sense? I know you're up there with Chuck, James, Phillip, Bryan, etc..but down here we are all really struggling..Baby (your family dog) died yesterday and your mom is having a hard time. I dont know what to do or how to do anything to make any of this any easier. Everyone says it is time to heal but I dont want too..not without you. Im really sorry all this happened..and im sorry none of our dreams will come true. I'll try to make you proud down here on this earth..but you know how I am. I stumble alot and fall down. Sometimes It seems I can't do anything right. When you were here you always helped me and showed me the right way.. I was safe with you by my side. so im hoping that will continue. I will love you till the end of time and will never stop. I promise. You are the best..still.
Love You Baby -- Jess

May 19, 2004

I believe I met your two brothers this past week at the COPS conference. Their strength even through their pain and heartache is a testament to your legacy of helping others. You are obviously helping them survive without you now. God bless your family and fiance...I will forever keep you and yours in my prayers.


sister of Lower Gwynedd, PA Officer Richard Lawn- EOW 7/28/03

Erin Lawn

May 17, 2004

I am saddened to see the death of another young Officer. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Officer Starks.

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

Officer Starks: Never having had the opportunity to have met you, I feel greatly saddened by your death. Whenever a law enforcement officer dies, I feel like a part of me dies too. You demonstrate what I know all your fellow officers in the Fort Myers Police Department are: good, professional, honest, and upright people. Godspeed, Dear Friend!

Always,
Todd E. Anderson

Todd E. Anderson, Civilian
civilian

March 17, 2004

Although I didnt get the chance to know Daniel...I knew Jessica- his fiance..I know this site is for Daniel but getting to know Jess allowed me to get a glipse into Dan's life. I rember talking to him on the phone and how polite and courtesoy he was. Jess loved him so much and just couldnt wait to marry him and spend the rest of thier lives together...The loss of such a wonderful and caring person is always a tragity- but Dan had fulfilled every one of his goals and he was ready to spend the rest of his life in the next world. All my prayers and thoughts are with Jessica, and the family of Daniel Starks

unknown in ft myers
na

March 9, 2004

Dan, we all love, and miss you. You tought me everything I know about Law Enforcement. And to fight, earn, and never give up, for what we love in life. I only knew you for two years before god asked you to walk the streets of heaven. I can only think of all the time's we spent together, that makes me laugh, and cry. One day my brother I will also 10-7 and get to see you again. You will always be in our hearts, and prayers. And I know that you will be watching the backs of our brothers, and sisters when they walk their beat. Rest in Peace, and God Speed Brother.
Gone but not forgotten. #311

Expl Lt. Schulte
Ft. Myers Police Explorer Post 55.

January 27, 2004

I was privileged to have known Dan for several years. Dan was one of the best friends a person could ever ask for. Dan was very knowledgeable in the Law Enforcement field and I was fortunate enough to have started as an Explorer with Danny just months after he started as an Explorer. Dan was going to be a great Police Officer, there is no doubt about it. He had looked forward to this since we were in High School together, we both dreamed and talked about how one day we would both be working for the Department as Officer’s together and how much fun we were going to have. Many nights and many weekends were spent in the passenger seat of a Crown Victoria cruising through the streets of Fort Myers. We would always look forward to getting to go on calls with each other throughout the night, and tell stories of what calls we had previously had. Dan knew his stuff, thanks to our advisors who like us dedicated many hours of their time to the Explorers and training us to be the grown adults we are today. And as one of our advisors said “As a Police Officer you either have it or you don’t, Dan had it he got a double dose of it.” Dan you will never be forgotten, and will always be in our hearts, and Dan even though we didn’t physically get to live out the dream that you and I had planned I know that we are still living it, because I know you are up in Heaven watching over us, and you will be with me and your other brothers and sisters every time that we 10-8. Dan you will forever be missed and I think of you every time I step foot into a patrol car, or see something that I remember us doing together, everyday I have a new memory that makes me smile and think about the good times that we had together. Watch over us man, and I know that one day I will meet you again and get to see that smile that you used to give us all. And thanks for all the good times. God Bless you
#311

Explorer CPT. Travis Daniels
Fort Myers Police Department

December 31, 2003

Dan,What a great pleasure it was to meet this guy. He was Funny, he was caring and respectful. Remember learning how to Two Step with this man. I met him as an explorer and he was involved greatly with FAPE...He was a great man and I know he was a great Police Officer... He knew how to treat others. As a police trainee now and going to be on the road in a few months I will always keep you in my heart. You are my Guardian Angel My badge goes out to you.

Police Trainee Marlon Espinoza
Hialeah Police Department

December 12, 2003

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Officer Starks.

While I did not have the privilege to have known him, I am certain that he has earned his seat in heaven. Rest in Peace my friend, those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin, blue line.

November 27, 2003

I knew you such a short time my brother. I will remember you forever.

Sergeant
Fort Myers Police

November 23, 2003

Dan left this world doing one of the things he loved most, being a police officer. Now he is doing the thing he loved most in heaven with Jesus Christ! Dan you will always be our Guardian Angel - watching over and protecting us.
To your family and friends I can only say thank-you. Thank you for giving us such a wonderful human being, and for your faith and strength that has helped so many of us during this time of grief. Dan will never be forgotten and will always be in our hearts. Our fallen brother #311 will always be a part of the FMPD family.
"Ft. Myers to D32 #311 you are clear to 10-7"

TCO2 Lisa AnnLewis
Ft Myers Police Dept

November 18, 2003