Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Danny, i've been thinking about you a lot lately.Things sure have changed a lot since you passed, some good changes & some not so good changes.I cant believe that this summer it will 2 months since i've been living here with dee who i've come to consider my second mommy =) Shes a pretty amazing woman & shes been so strong the past year.We all miss you & still talk about you all the time.I never really got a chance to get to know you that well.The time we had together was limited, but I considered you my second dad & I still do.Theres not a single day that goes by that I dont look at your picture in the living & wonder why god had to take such a great guy like you.You truely were amazing & I love you.I miss you & i'll never forget you.

Christina
foster daughter

April 6, 2008

I just read the other reflections and I'm balling my eyes out. No one was better than you my friend. I know your family misses you and it kills me to know that---you were the finest human being I have ever met--I hope you rub off on me just a little--The world misses you Danny--I love you and hope to see you in heaven--Take Care, Tom Burns Fair Haven Middle School (where we made a difference)

Tom Burns -- Friend

March 11, 2008

Well so much is going on, but what else is new, I have tried my best to watch over Dee as promised. So now its my turn, guide the high school hockey team to a division 1 championship, I know your watching over us. Thomas shows so much determination, thanks to you.....I know you saw his winning goal against the number 1 team in the state...Thank You...We all miss you so much, continue to give everyone whose lives you've touched the strength to go on. I'll see you in Ingalls rink...miss you

Kim Brunski
friend

February 6, 2008

Hey Dan,

It's been a while since I stopped by to let you know that were thinking of you and still miss you like if it was yesterday. I can't believe how fast time is passing. We often talk about that Great Man named Dan "The Man" and all the wonderful memories we all sheared together and til this day you can still see the disbelieve on everyones face to know that your no longer with us.

We know that your in a better place and that everyday you watch over us but we still miss you so much. Please keep being our guardian ANGEL and watch over us always. Nothing has been the same around here since you have been gone.

I miss you dearly and always keep Dee and the Kids in my prayers.

Your Co-Worker & Friend....Luz

Luz - Co-Worker/Friend
NHPD

February 1, 2008

DAN,

YESTERDAY WOULD HAVE BEEN YOUR 40TH BIRTHDAY. WHAT A BASH WE COULD HAVE HAD! INSTEAD, WE CELEBRATE WITHIN OURSELVES, REFLECTING UPON THE MEMORIES OF ALL THE GOOD TIMES WE'VE SHARED. WE LOVE & MISS YOU.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRO.

TINA

January 2, 2008

Just wanted to let you know I thought about you all day yesterday, Happy 40th Birthday!!! We miss you so much, I still can not believe that you are gone, till we meet again.

Kim
friend

January 2, 2008

DAD I MISS YOU SO MUCH, THE PAIN INSIDE STARTS TO FADE AND DAYS BEGIN TO GET EASIER BUT MY LOVE FOR YOU WLL ALWAYS REMAIN STRONG, CHRISTMAS WAS GOOD BUT WE MISSED U DEARLY. I WISH I COOD BE WITH YOU TONIGHT TO CELEBRATE YOUR 40TH BIRTHDAY TOMOROW. YOUR TIME WITH US WAS MUCH TO SHORT BUT I USE OUR GREAT MEMORIES TO STAY STRONG. WE HAVE ENOUGH MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFE TIME....THE FAMILY IS DOING GREAT, KEEP WATCHING OVER US. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU, YOUR PICTURES ARE ALL OVER MY ROOM, AND I HAVE YOUR JERSEYS HUNG UP. DAD YOUR THE BEST, YOU WERE ONE OF A KIND, THE #1 DAD....I LOVE YOU SO MUCHH HAPPY NEW YEAR ND HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Matt
Son

December 31, 2007

DAN,

JUST A BRIEF NOTE TO LET YOU KNOW THAT WE MISSED YOU YESTERDAY. I HOPE YOU'RE HOLIDAY WAS A JOYOUS ONE WITH CHOIRS OF ANGELS SINGING ALL YOUR FAVORITE HYMNS.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, BROTHER-IN-LAW.

TINA
SISTER-IN-LAW

December 26, 2007

Wow, I look at this weekly and I can't believe how fast time goes. So much has happened, the kids they are beautiful, inside and out. Dee, you know I love her and I know you got her back, continue to do what it is your doing, we all miss you so much. Thomas, he broke my heart, the service for your anniversary was beautiful, but so hard, you know he made the varsity hockey team, he looks up to you so much, then and still. I couldn't ask for a more amazing person to have such an influence on his life. When do the tears stop?

Miss ya

Kim Brunski
friend

December 10, 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

December 9, 2007

Dan,
It has been a privilege to know you and your family.
You gave 150% in everything you did, and you did alot. I really don't know how you made time to do it all. Whether it was family, work, sports, whatever, you were one of the most competitive people I've ever known and was happy to be on your team, "Mess". Thank you!

Dee & kids, you are in our prayers everyday.

Jerry & Patty Esposito

Jerry
Friend / NHPD Class of '89

November 15, 2007

hi dan! it is been a whole year and i can not believe. i miss you soooo much and it has been hard but we are getting through. i am watching over my auntie dee and cousins (as we call ourselves) because i love you and them with the bottom of my heart. i will let you know that i will always be there for them and you do not have to worry about us growing apart because i will not ever let that happen, i love them too much. i know that you are up there, watching down on all of us and make sure that you keep it up, because we are all going to need you once in a while. look out for all of us and keep us safe so that we can all be together. i wanted to let you know that you were always there for me and always treated me as one of your own. you never left me out and made sure i was always included. i thank you for that because if it were not for you, i do not think i would be there person that i am today. heaven has a great man up there. a loving, caring, hero up there and i hope they treat you as you have treated us. i miss you and love you and you will always be in my heart. your friend and "niece" alyssa <3

Dear Dan,

There are heroes who walk among us
never looking for glory or praise
They don't seek recognition
for their thoughtful, caring ways.
Living lives of deep commitment
providing for those they hold dear
Steadfast with a quiet strength
through times of laughter and tears.
You are a person like that to me
The most selfless man by far
So Dan, I'd like to thank you
For being the HERO that you are.

we love and miss you and will never forget you!

Alyssa Brunski
close friend

October 21, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Van Den Berghe
NH

October 19, 2007

Danny,

Along with everyone else, we cannot believe that a year has passed since that awful night... the phone call... the horrific news of your accident...

We think about you every day and are proud to have called you "brother". With Dee & the kids, we have attended many functions in your honor. Stories are told and memories shared... the love & respect felt by all that you've encountered is absolutely amazing. You touched so many lives in so many ways Dan and the good you've done will never be forgotten.

I heard this song one day and "lost it"! I've been waiting for the right moment to play it for Dee, but she's just not ready to hear it yet.

You truly are a HERO.

HEAVEN WAS NEEDING A HERO (JO DEE MESSINA)

I came by today to see you
I had to let you know
If I knew the last time that I held you was the last time
I'd have held you and never let go

It's kept me awake nights, wondering
Lie in the dark, just asking why
I've always been told
You won't be called home
Until it's your time

I guess heaven was needing a hero
Somebody just like you
Brave enough to stand up
For what you believe
And follow it through
When I try to make it make sense in my mind
The only conclusion I come to
Is heaven was needing a hero
Like you

I remember the last time I saw you
You held your head up proud
I laughed inside
When I saw how you were standing out in the crowd
You're such a part of who I am
Now that part will just be void
No matter how much I need you now
Heaven needed you more

Cause heaven was needing a hero
Somebody just like you
Brave enough to stand up
For what you believe
And follow it through
When I try to make it make sense in my mind
The only conclusion I come to
Is heaven was needing a hero
Like you

Heaven was needing a hero
and that's you

Italo & Tina Centore
Brother / Sister-in-law

October 17, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

Vandenberghe
NH

October 17, 2007

It's been a year today since we heard the terrible news of Dan's accident. He was so competitive, I truly believed he wouldn't let death "win". But it was God's will because he knew the person Dan truly was. He cared more about people and especially children and wanted to do all that he could to make their lives better. He cared about that more than "winning". God knew that Dan could do more for "us" with Him. He could watch over so many more people up in heaven than he ever could down here. So we must remember Dan is STILL with us, watching over "ALL" of us!

Dee and kids, our thoughts are always with you. If you ever need us, please call or just send an email.

Angela, Joe, Joe & Jason

I Do Believe
by Jennifer Janiszewski

There is nothing i can do,
to make him come back
There are no words I can say,
that can replace the words you long to hear

There are no answers I can give,
that will satisfy your questions
There is not another soul I can introduce you to that will ever replace his
And, there is no love I can offer that will ever replace the love you shared

I can not promise your broken heart will ever be complete
I will not say it could have been worse
I will not deny it was a tragedy
I will not lie and tell you he will come back

He never really left

I do promise he hears you when you speak
I will say he loves you no matter the distance
I will not deny he is in a better place
And, I will not lie; he is waiting to greet you someday

He is every you step you take
He is in everything you do
He is the air you breathe
He is every beat of your heart

" He is like the wind. You can not see him...but you will always feel him"

Angela Richardson & Family
Friend

October 17, 2007

DAD I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT IT IS ALMOST BEEN A YEAR WITHOUT YOU! STILL TO THIS DAY YOU ARE REMEMBERED AND ALWAYS WILL BE. SO MANY FUNCITONS HAVE BEEN IN HONOR OF YOU AND ALOT OF ORGANIZATIONS HAVE RECOGNIZED YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DID. YOUR PD HAS BEEN AMAZING TO US COULDNT ASK FOR MORE. I THINK ABOUT U EVERYDAY AND THERE IS SO MANY THINGS TO REMIND ME OF YOU. WE FIXED UP THE HOUSE IT LOOKS GOOD, IM SURE U KNOW ALL THIS AS YOU WATCH FROM ABOVE, BUT I JUST WISH U COULD BE HERE RIGHT NEXT TO ME....IT TRUELY IS AN HONOR TO BE YOUR SON! I MISS YOU SO MUCH ND U WILL ALWAYS BE MY HERO! KEEP WATCHIN OVER ME I LOVE YOU DAD!!!

Matt
Son

October 11, 2007

its almost a year bro, i miss you my friend....

ofc Ralph J Consiglio
NEW HAVEN PD/ FRIEND

October 4, 2007

Well they paved the street, which makes for an awesome hockey rink. Yes street hockey has begun! It breaks my heart not to see you out there, watching them isn't the same. But they know you are always with them. We miss you so much Dan... They are so many people acknowledging all the good things you've done, I only wish they did this for you while you were here. It's amazing. And Dee and thee kids are also amazing. Thanks to you, for always watching over them. I can't believe its almost a year we haven't had you here, its gonna be tough, but rest assure I will be right by her side.

We miss you Dan
Kim, Boris and the kids

Kim Brunski
friend

October 3, 2007

Hey Danny,
Just wanted to let you know we still have your pictures hanging up all around the PD. We all talk about you still and cant believe your gone! The year anniversary is approaching and it still saddens us. The department has seen some turmoil in the past few months and I dont think we have felt united since your passing. Just know we still miss you and wish you were here with us!

Ofc. Bridget Brosnahan
New Haven Police Dept. New Haven CT

October 2, 2007

Danny,

Marty and I just came back from D.C. honoring your ultimate sacrifice. Every day, my heart breaks. I sit here typing this note to you, with tears pouring down my face. You are so deeply missed. I had the honor of being with Dee and the kids this past week, as we went through Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Week, your name, like the hundred plus officers who were killed in the line of duty in 2006 was added to the memorial wall. We will always be there for Dee and the kids, along with so many others. We will take care of them and do whatever possible to make thier grief more bearable. Dee has shown amazing strength throughout this, you would be so proud of her! But then again, you knew what an amazing person she always was. Continue to watch over Dee and the kids, we all know how much they meant to you! Take care my friend.

Lisa and Marty Dadio
New Haven Police Department

May 19, 2007

DAD THERES NOT A DAY THAT GOES BY WITHOUT ME THINKING OF YOU. U WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BY ANYONE. I MISS YOU SO MUCH. U R MY HERO ND ALWAYS WILL BE. RIGHT NOW WE ARE IN WASHINGTON TO HONOR YOU FOR NATIONAL POLICE WEEK. BASEBALL ISNT THE SAME WITHOUT MY DAD THERE TO WATCH ND COACH ME. WHEN I LOST YOU MY LIFE WAS CHANGED FOREVER. ALTHOUGH THE TIME WE HAD TOEGTHER WAS MUCH TO SHORT WE HAD ALOT OF FUN TIMES AND MANY MEMORIES TO LAST US A LIFE TIME. U WERE ONE OF A KIND AND THE BEST FATHER ANYONE COULD ASK FOR...I GUESS GOD JUST NEEDED AN ANGEL. ILUSM ND MISS YOU!!!!
LOVE YOUR SON
MATT

MATT
SON

May 15, 2007

DAD THERE ISNT A DAY THAT GOES BY WITHOUT ME THINKING ABOUT YOU. U WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BY ANYONE. RIGHT NOW WE ARE IN WASHINGTON DC TO HONOR YOU. I MISS YOU SO MUCH. U R MY HERO ND ALWAYS WILL BE. BASEBALL ISNT THE SAME WITHOUT MY DAD TO COACH ND WATCH ME. ALTHOUGH THE TIME WE HAD WAS TOO SHORT WE HAD ALOT OF FUNN ND MANY MEMORIES TO LAST US A LIFE TIME. ILUSM ND ONE DAY WE WILL MEET AGAIN
I MISS YOU!!!!
LOVE
YOUR SON MATT

MATT
SON

May 15, 2007

Not just me but students of Albertus Magnus College will miss Dan. He was always friendly to us and when we needed help, he was there. He will be be remembered.

Vanessa
friend

April 25, 2007

Dan,

Theres not a day that goes by that i do not think about you or look at your picture and say to myself "boy i cant beleive that your gone.
We miss your smile, your laughter and the times that we use to share. We may have lost a great friend but you will never, ever be forgotten!!!
Still rest assure we are all watching out for your "Best Friend" she sure has become such an independent woman and i know that you are definately proud of her, just like we all are!!

We love and miss you terribly!!!
Your friends, Lisa & Thomas V.

Lisa M Venice
Friend

April 24, 2007