Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Danny Boy,
Missed you at the Rooster last night. The Rooster Burgers were extra tasty...and I know how you like those Rooster Burgers. On another note, the fishing has been interesting...warm water bringing up some good fish but too many little bait fish in the water so people have been spotting dorado under the kelp patties clutching their full bellies with their fins...no bites, no nibbles, nothing...

Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD

August 22, 2008

Danny,
Thinking about you today and missing you, as we do everyday.
We Love You...
Zoe

Zoe Scaggs
Best Friends Mom

August 2, 2008

Everyone sicked out today, wish you could be the one I'm calling in to work some sweet Harbor O/T with me. We have had a few good rescues lately. Miss you all the time buddy.

Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD

July 19, 2008

Hey Dan-
Just getting ready to graduate a group of kids from the Junior Deputy Academy...I named one of the awards after you and called it the Dan Bessant Spirit Award. I decided to put your picture on the big screen when I give the award just as a reminder of what I'm doing there. I give the award to the kid who reminds me the most of your spirit. You are still inspiring me to enjoy life, help others, and tell great stories of the adventures. Newsome works with me now and he and I were telling stories of the Christmas Party at Lawrence Welk. We laughed for a good 20 minutes with that one! Can you check my mystagmus? Just isn't the same without you.

Kristina Nehls
SDSO

June 19, 2008

RIP

Police Corporal Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Department

June 16, 2008

So every time that I am coming home from San Diego on NB I-5 I debate on whether it's faster to take Mission or O'side Blvd. Thanks a lot for that one...

By the way, I still would rather take Blvd. even though you swear Mission is faster with all the right turns...

Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD

June 7, 2008

Danny Boy,

Just got some ink in your honor and let me tell you, hour ten was the worst. I think about you everyday and I have been traveling like crazy so that I'll have some good stories for you; whenever I see you again. Miss you buddy.

Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD

June 4, 2008

It has been a very long time since I have written, so I just thought I'd get on here and write :)

Thinking of you today (like everyday!)...Rob went out of the Harbor fishing for some Thresher Shark he heard was biting out there the other day :) Those shark saw all of his hair and swam away :)....just kidding (I know you can relate)! He and his buddy didn't come home with anything...that's okay! They had a great day anyway!

You & Tony keep watching over us! Love to you & Everyone else I know you are celebrating with!

Love & Prayers,
Tamara :)

Tamara - OPD Wife & Friend

May 19, 2008

Rest in Peace Danny!

Police Corporal Matt Lyons (Historian)
Oceanside Police Department, Cal

May 16, 2008

Hi Danny... I haven't written in quite some time but I think about you and miss you every single day. Every time someone comes into my office and looks at your photo they ask about you and I'm able to tell them what a wonderful person you were... Sometimes I tell them some of the funny stories about you and they laugh and I it always makes me feel so good to remember you that way.

I wasn't able to go to Sacramento this year and I really wanted to so it bothered me quite a bit... but I kept you and Tony and all our brothers and sisters in mind and close in heart. How is it that time passes but everything seems to stand still? Well, I better get back to work... You and Tony keep watching over us okay?

Shirl
OPD/TPD

May 16, 2008

Danny,
I just found an awesome picture of you and Forrest Langford. It's your usual incredibly serious with no shenanigans type of picture...right.

Just got back from the memorial in Sacramento, finally got to see your name up there...it doesn't really get any easier just more surreal and numb feeling. On a better note, your boy is looking good dude. Still growing like a weed and getting into all kinds of mischief...I wonder where he got that from...

Miss you, especially a couple weekends back when it was so hot at the house that I thought I was in the Sahara and I had to stand over the BBQ grilling up 40 lbs. of carne asada for the block party. Wish you were there.

Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD

May 12, 2008

A Warrior’s Prayer

Today is the day the Lord has made…

I prepare and ready myself for war, awaiting battle and what it holds for me.

Not because I am a seeker of oppression or the taking of another, because these are the true tests and measures of my faith and love for my God.

Lord I pray; Let my compassion and understanding run swifter than my judgments, but in moments of duress and where innocents fall underfoot, let your sword of justice destroy my enemy by my hands. And in all my endeavors, let my actions and my words glorify your name.

Daily will I face the works and the very army of satan himself and witness the horrors and evils of non-believers and the twisted motivations of the lost who seek to undermine you and hinder my aim, though none shall deter my cause for I know my calling.

Like the symbol of the eagle, the branch of peace extends first for those who seek it, but the arrows stand ready to take flight when provoked. And when provoked and tested, I will fear nothing, for I am eternally protected by my faith in you and covered in the armor of your blood.

Lord, you are my guide, my purpose and my shelter from the destructions of evil men. My Every move is according to your plan.

As a soldier for Saint Michael, satan’s armies will be trampled beneath me in your name and through all doubts cast and burdens bore will I rise again, if even in death.

For as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.

In this, I pray.

Amen

Officer Damian Jackson
Escondido PD

April 30, 2008

Danny,
Thinking about you, as we do everyday. We Love You with all our hearts. Not a day goes by that we don't miss you, although we know that you are still here with us. Honey, this is the hardest thing I have ever been through in my whole life. I hope you have always known how much you have "always" meant to our family... you have always been our third son..."We Love You, Danny!" I'll close for now. XXOO
Zoe

Zoe Scaggs
Best Friends Mom

April 5, 2008

Danny Boy,

I'm bored, come over and hang out. There's no surf today, it's cold outside...maybe we could go for a drive or something. I know, how about Tecate for some tortas and coke in a bottle...

Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD

March 31, 2008

Happy Easter, Brother.
God bless you and your amazing family.

Give my mom a hug for me.

Officer Damian Jackson
Escondido PD

March 24, 2008

I haven't been on here in a while, but I thought of you today, and just wanted to leave a note.

Maybe it's because I'm going back down there for a visit that you popped in my head... Not sure.
I think I'll call Rich up so we can get together for a drink and toast a great guy who paid the ultimate sacrifice serving others.

You'll always be remembered.

Cheryl Spotts
Past OPD Dispatcher/ Friend

March 16, 2008

Danny Boy,

I miss my boat rescue partner...I've had some good ones lately and it definitely isn't the same as having you on the boat with me. So, Richie started surfing again, I know I know, amazing! We went out the other night but missed our third party. I'm sitting in the airport flying out to go snowboarding in Utah, drinking some Captain for ya...

Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD

March 8, 2008

Cupcake, I started working in the schools a few weeks back and thought it would be great I would see your dad everyday. You were your father's child. Imagine this...I have seen him since the first day. I am going to make a point and stop by his work manana and visit with him. I still see those eyes. I will never forget and miss the fun. Oh the minnow is going on the chopping block. Rescue Rob and his tackle box will never take over the stern again. Miss you cupcake.

Jeff

Sergeant Jeff Brandt
OPD

February 25, 2008

yo dude- its been a while since ive left something but i think about you constantly. i wish you were here so we could bbq on my CLEAN meat smoker unlike your rotten dirty one. but you always said cleaning it would take away from the flavor... someone sent me a quote that you said which made me crack up...

"Why try and fail when you can not try and still fail"..... Dan Bessant.

classic danny. miss you more and more each day. i need my adventure buddy back.

Richie Scaggs
Oceanside PD

February 4, 2008

OMTI for some Jon and Danny time?

Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD

February 3, 2008

Dan,

I just got back from S. America with Mara...I was thinking about you the entire trip. Every time I got to eat some sort of delicious meaty treat I wished I could tell you about it. I took pictures of some to tell your Dad about...I made some Argentine sandwiches the other night and I had an extra "Chivito" that I wish I could have just knocked on the wall and had you come over to eat it. It was pretty tasty; it's on a good bread roll or potato bread with thinly sliced steak, cheese, ham, lettuce, tomato, etc. It was amazing!

I spilled wine all over the ridiculously light colored carpet in my living room the other night...thought of you since it's only about six feet away from your guacamole stain from the carne asada burrito you spilled the first day I moved in.

Miss you...it never gets easier...and you're never forgotten.

Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD

January 29, 2008

Hey Danny Boy,
I'm sorry this is the first time I've done this. I haven't been able to do it. I miss you and think of you everyday. I miss how you made everyone laugh and the type person you were. Make sure you and Tony take care of Stryker or should I say he'll take care of you guys. I miss you Bro!!!!

HJ

January 29, 2008

Rest in Peace Danny!

Police Corporal Matt Lyons (Historian)
Oceanside Police Department, Cal

January 21, 2008

I have been reading all the posts here, and wanted to leave one I have not yet seen. I was blessed to meet Officer Bessant days before his life was taken. I was working at the resource center with the kids in the afterschool program. I heard many stories of an officer that would come in and actually go out and play dodgeball with the kids. It was Officer Bessant they were talking about. I had the opportunity to meet him when he came into the center. We talked for awhile, and he spoke with some of the kids. The kids at that center were touched by his presence. It's so unfortunate that the bad ones took his life. But, I know for a fact the good ones who looked up to Officer Bessant and enjoyed his presence far outnumbered the bad ones who didn't. I was also employed at the church where his memorial was held. His death really affected me. I have never met someone in person, talked to them, then a couple days later had them violently murdered. I have shed more tears for Officer Bessant and his family than I ever have for anyone. I was honored to have met him. I was honored to attend his beautiful memorial service. I was honored to walk the 5K in his memory. I am honored every time I put on my 5K t-shirt. And now, I am honored to have the opportunity to share with all who read this another awesome story of a TRUE Hero. I will never forget you, or the the lives I saw you touch in such a positive way. You really made a difference. May the Lord Bless you and your family. You are missed by many.

January 9, 2008

I am so sorry that Officer Bessant was the victim of this senseless act of cowardice. The circumstances of his death will now be incorporated into all of my car stop training, to help protect the lives of our officers who are just starting their careers.

Sergeant Susan Lundquist
Woodland PD

January 3, 2008