Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dan,

The count down has begun...four days until your rally. I can't begin to tell you how nervous I am. Not because this is a first....as you know, this is the fourth rally we have held, but the number of people we anticipate to show up is larger than we have ever had. Tony's rally was big, but I am sure yours is going to be even bigger!!!
I spent the day today with a graduate of our program. We were making signs to direct participants and riders to see as they make thier way off the freeway to make it to the academy. All they say is "Bessant Rally"...and that to me says it all. On Saturday...it's all about you, your family and most of all... Katelyn and Wyatt.

As a side note, I was working at church on Saturday night and Pastor Larry re-capped the weekend of service that was held last weekend. As you know, one of the service sites was your father's school. We watched a video and Larry interviewed your dad...in the video he was holding Wyatt. I could have fell to my knees!!! Seeing him and what a precious child he is, so innocent and coming to the realization that he will never know his father and the great man, son, husband, brother, friend and officer you were. As he takes shape, I sure hope he has many of your characteristics and qualities so that your parents may feel like a part of you is still alive. Afterall, Wyatt is the next best thing to you that they have.

I can't even begin to tell you how anxious I am for Saturday to be here. To see all of the community support and all of your brothers and sisters rallying around our cause. This is for you and for Katelyn and Wyatt....
We are truly humbled and honored to be able to make this Saturday and rest of the year all about you and your family.

Recently, Class 15 decided to make a commitment and make September 17, 2007 Dan Bessant Day with the San Diego Padres. We know you were a Padre Fan and we will be selling tickets for the Padres vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates game on the 17th of September. My friend at the Padres organization has vowed to help in any way he can to make this day a success as I am sure Class 15 will as well. I haven't told your family yet, but I'm confident they will be supportive. Your dad is awesome and I'm sure you were a "chip off the old block."

Watch over us on Saturday and let your family be at peace as they attend the Memorial in D.C. Let them feel the support back here at home and know that great things are happening while they are honoring you....as we honor you as well. On Saturday, the Palomar College Police Academy's Fourth Officer Down Memorial Motorcycle Rally will a bitter sweet day, but I know in my heart of hearts, you will be there with us.

May God Bless you and your family and all of those in the community who will be in attendance, giving you and your family thier support. We will never let you be forgotten.

With profound respect,

Shanon Dreyer, Supervisor
Palomar College Police Academy

May 8, 2007

whats up buddy.... well as you know hoover and i went to sacramento the other day for the memorial. very awesome deal they had up there. best part was Wyatt touched Arnold's lip. luckiest kid ever. im soooo jealous. make sure he never washes that hand again, but since he's your son he wouldnt wash it anyways. worst part was i didnt get to hang out with your dad due to your mom rolling her ankle on the uneven cement. oh well your pops promised us a bbq soon which of course i accepted. i miss you man and all these memorials are overwhelming and open wounds wide open that have not even begun to close. i really want to make it all of them but its just too much to handle.

richie scaggs
opd

May 7, 2007

Dan,

We are still missing you!!! You left a void that will never be replaced. It's still hard sometimes. I hear or see something that reminds me of you and I just start to cry. We went to Las Vegas last week for Baker 2 Vegas. Our team number was #1091, in your honor. I was awed and amazed at how many officers from other agencies came up and mentioned you! If you only knew what an impact you had on so many people. I just want you to know that you are loved and missed and you will never be forgotten!!!!

Toni Epps
Oceanside Police Department

May 4, 2007

Dear Officer Dan Bessant,

It has taken me a while to write to you because I wanted to make sure I said the right thing. I am currently in the Palomar College Police Academy, Class 15 which is the proud sponsor of you and your family. It gives me great pride to know that I am able to represent someone like you and your family. Your Father blessed us by attending our Academy and sharing his memories of you and your family and telling us how proud he was of you.
Since then I have reflected on why I want to become a Police Officer. I have come to this conclusion. I have always wanted to become a Police Officer, and I know that one day this will become true and my life long goal will be met. However, I have given myself a new goal and that is to become a police officer like yourself. Everyday I attend the Academy I look at your picture and think to myself “I hope I can one day be like Officer Dan Bessant.”


“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
-Robert Frost

Cadet Thomas Pugh
Palomar College Police Academy

May 3, 2007

Dan,

Tomorrow's the day. I want to be there so badly but I have training that I was not allowed to get out of and it frustrates me. A mutual friend of ours from OPD is up at the Peace Officer Memorial to honor you. He knew I couldn't be there so he sent me a picture today of your name on the memorial wall. It has brought me to tears more than once already in just a few hours and I think of so many connections that I relate with other fallen brothers. I thought of your funeral and how seeing your wife holding Wyatt reminded me of Tony's service and how young Jakob was when Tony was taken from us too. At the academy graduation last week, seeing Larry's son reminded me that Wyatt will be close to that age when the current class dedicates it's year to you at their graduation. When I think of the memorial ceremony tomorrow I think of the first time I went and Isaac was inducted and I watched his family stand strong through their grief--I thought of how your family will do the same. I got the word earlier how an OPD officer was hurt today on the job and it brought me back to that horrible night when we lost you. It saddens me to think of your family at the Memorial having to struggle through in the same way that too many law enforcement families must face each year as loved ones are taken from us. I'm teaching at the academy tomorrow night and a portion of the course talks about Line of Duty deaths and the always numbing statistics. I have this amazing video that was shared with me recently that I will be showing to the cadets. It includes all of the fallen officers from 2006. There is a moving photo in it from your funeral service of the procession to the church. I was in that procession and I remember the moment that I absolutely lost it that day--a young child was standing on the side of the road holding a sign that said "God Bless the Bessant family." There were many more signs to follow like that along the drive and many more tears that came with it. As I teach the cadets of Class 15 tomorrow, I will be starting the night with a most important reminder of what tomorrow represents and what a hallowed day it is for your memory. A moment of silence will be the least I can do and will not be nearly enough. I am sorry that I cannot be there in Sacramento, but I know that you are already in good hands with Tony, Isaac and Larry. You are sorely missed by those who knew you and those of us who know of you are truly humbled. Peace be with you and your family tomorrow, Dan. You will never be forgotten and always in my prayers.

JB #375
EPD/PCPA

May 3, 2007

Officer Bessant,

Well we just graduated Class 14 and honored the memory of Off. Larry Lasater. I have not been able to "close out" his cadets files yet or leave a reflection about graduation..... Just not ready to do that.....

You and your family have been weighing heavily on my mind and on my heart. We have 6 of my partners from Esco. up in Sacramento right now preparing for the Memorial tomorrow. I thought to myself that I have not been to the memorial since Tony was honored. I was there for Isaac and Tony. I have to tell you that I am sorry that I am not there this time, but I want you to know that if I could have been there, I would have. I am so indifferent to know that Damian is up there and he he is proudly going to get the rubbing of your name plate to bring back to the academy to hang on the Hall of Warriors. Although it is such a TREMENDOUS HONOR that your family has allowed us to remember you, I am so saddened that you are going to join that Hall with Isaac, Tony, and Larry. You are forever going to be known to Class 15 as a true hero and I just hope that your Family, Friends, and Department know that we will do everything in our power to let everyone that comes in contact with this academy know that.

I can not get the image of your funeral out of my head EVERY time I hear the Rascal Flatts song. Your memorial video was such an incredible tribute to how you lived your life. You were FULL of life and I think that day even the people who didn't know you personally found that out through the smile on your face. That was a powerful song pre- you and now it will forever be in my mind as being related to you.

I am sorry to be rambling on and on, but I have just been thinking about you, your mom, dad, and brother and mostly I have been thinking about Katelyn and Wyatt. I have prayed for them and thought about them every night this week. I know that they are all most likely up in Sacramento also and I just can't wish enough for them that they have the Lord's arms wrapped around them for comfort. I have also thought a lot about Hoover and Skaggs. Every time I read a reflection from them, it just breaks my heart. I am just so sorry...........

Thank you for your service, my brother..
Please watch over all of us and please continue your guidance for Class 15.

Thank you for listening..... Until we talk again........

R.AKANS #1354
ESPD/PCPA

May 3, 2007

I must say that im not a real emotional person , bnut over the last few weeks I have heard alot about you . I must say that I have ever seen such a proud father. Your father is the proudest man and he speaks so highly of all the things that you have done. I sit back and think will people have all the great things to say about me like they say about you. It touches me close to home for the fact of the matter that I too have have kids and they mean the would to me I would never want to leave them behind. In the line of work that you did and that im gonna do thats the cost that you some time have to pay. I sure that you son would be proud to know how great of a man his father was. I know that his grandfater will tell him too. I know that this isnt the best reflection that some will post for you but i just want to put down a little.

Jones

May 1, 2007

Rest in peace brother. May your life and dedication to law enforcement never be forgotten and serve as an inspiration to all.

Corporal John McMahon
Utah Highway Patrol

April 29, 2007

Dan,
I have been trying to write this since December, but the words would always escape me. Everything I would start to write was just never good enough. I guess I have always been a little overwhelmed at the thought of leaving a reflection for a fallen brother. I awoke early on the morning of December 21st and turned on the news. I was horrified to see that a local hero was taken from our community. Right there and then, at that moment, I knew that my academy class, class 15, would be honoring you and your family throughout the next year. A few weeks later, Officer Jackson addressed us, class 15, and made it official.
When your father came to the academy, he poured out his heart to us. He explained who you are and what you stood for. When he told us about the story of you and the lawn chair, I got a grin on my face and said "That's what I want to be, just like Dan." Then came the hard part. I saw a picture of you and newborn Wyatt. I almost lost it right there in class. Since then, every time I look at my son, I get choked up and fight back the tears, sometimes they come anyway.
I am so grateful and blessed that I will be able to honor your name through everything that I do with my peers this next year. Every step I take and every sacrifice that I make will be for you. Every time it starts to get tough, and I THINK I'm giving 100%, I tell myself "Dan gave more, he gave it ALL." That always helps me to go farther and fight harder.
Rest easy Dan, class 15 will do you justice. We will strive to honor you and your family. Every time we yell out our motto "Stand For The Fallen, Train Like You Fight!" I think of you. I will stand for you, train and fight like you - a true warrior.

Cadet Glen Gerber
PCPA CLASS 15

April 27, 2007

Officer Bessant,

It's a shame that while we grew up in the same community (you even attended my high school for a short time), our paths never crossed. I never got to know who you were until you were gone. I attended your funeral and it was by far the most amazing show of respect and honor I have ever witnessed. I'm sure others have told you but the entire 78 freeway was closed for your services. There were hundreds of people lined up on each bridge from Escondido to Carlsbad showing their support for you and your family. At El Camino Real there were fireman standing at the exit ramp lined up all the way down to the freeway dressed in their best uniforms holding silver axes. To see the community rise up and show such an overwhelming amount of support for someone they may or may not have known had a profound impact on my decision to pursue this path I have chosen. It was this day that I knew I would not be turning my back on this profession. If only you could have seen the procession of vehicles from Jefferson to Melrose(It was pretty much bumper to bumper from the mall to the church), the American flag draped between two fire trucks on Cannon, and the awe-inspiring amount of people that attended your service. This is the day I met you Officer Bessant. It is a day I will hold in my mind forever. From the memories of those that knew you, it is very clear that you were as genuine as a man could be.

Just recently, Class 15 had the honor of having your father speak to us. He spoke of how you became a police officer for Oceanside. He told us stories of ride-alongs he went on and some of the outstanding and unique policing you accomplished. But underneath all the memories he shared with us, there is something that I took away from this experience that hit very close to home for me. It was so hard not to shed tears when it hit your father as he spoke of you. Steve Bessant is truly proud of the son he raised. The bond you two shared is the same I share with my family. Nothing is trivial anymore, every day has a new meaning. I can not begin to fathom the loss that your family has incurred. I only hope that I can one day make my father and family as proud as you have.

Each day has become so much more precious to me because of the last four months I have spent training in your memory. I find myself using your ultimate sacrifice as my inspiration to be better in everything I do. Know that each and every day that I find myself at the edge of my limits that it is you and your memory that pushes me further to become that sheepdog in the world of wolves and sheep. Rest in peace my brother, you will always be a guiding light for me.

Cadet Greggor J. Park II #1517
Palomar Police Academy Class 15

April 27, 2007

Danny,
It's another one of those nights, it started off like it was going to be busy but then ended up painfully slow. So as a result I end up here in the office thinking about you, Katelyn and Wyatt. Things have been crazy lately and I guess it's starting to sink in now. It's hard to describe what it feels like...in fact, I've been very quiet lately because I don't know how to explain it.

Anyway, on another note, I dove the Yukon and the Ruby E. shipwrecks today. Wish I could stand in the driveway telling you about it over a beer...some pretty cool wrecks and lots of fish. Talk to you soon.

Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD

April 26, 2007

Danny, four months have passed and it is still hard to accept that you are gone. I went to the Office of Traffic Safety Summit in San Diego a couple of weeks ago and took in a Padres game while I was in the city. They opened the game with an honor guard of officers with the distinctive Oceanside P.D. patch. As was the case anytime I found myself in your town, I subconsciously strained to see if one of the officers was you before I realized what I was doing. When I came to my senses I was overwhelmed with a great sense of loss all over again. I had lunch with Tom today and we made plans for the upcoming trip to Sacramento for your induction to the Police Memorial. While at the Capitol, I’m sure we will tip a few beverages to salute you. I know you would approve and only wish I could buy you a couple.

Frank
Santa Ana P.D.

April 25, 2007

dan, i saw your mom the otherda at nancys work, and she had wyatt... and he is really looking like you. Rylie and wyatt held hands for about 12-15 seconds and now there planing a wedding so...

miss ya bud.
brock

Brock B.
friend

April 24, 2007

Hi Dan,

I ran into your father today in the grocery store...he didn't have his glasses on and I didn't recognize him at first. As he passed me, I turned around and said, "Mr. Bessant?" It was good to see him. I told him that I spoke to your Uncle Tom the other day and he might come down to our Motorcycle rally in your honor. It would be great to have him there.

You know it's funny... when people log onto the ODMP, they don't always know what they are going write...I am one of those people. I know quite a number of people who don't exactly know how to put their feelings down on paper; especially to someone they have never even met. Those people know who I am talking about....

I know you will help guide them with your legacy and when they start to feel something inside themselves, just maybe they will be able to write something.

I hope that they can use you as their inspiration and that your memory and the person you were in life, helps to give them that little extra to keep going. Times can be tough, but when you have the support you need and the can do attitude, nothing can hold you down. I know you were like that.

I have one request and it is a simple one....help those who need your guidance and give them the modivational fortitude to keep on going. With sixteen weeks down and 32 to go...they will soon see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Help them realize that everything has a purpose. They will see that everything they went through was worth it in the end and maybe, just maybe they will be better people for it.

God Bless you and your family Dan.

In Him,

Shanon Dreyer, Supervisor
Palomar College Police Academy

April 23, 2007

I HAVE CHOSEN TO RIDE IN THE POLICE UNITY TOUR FOR OFFICER BESSANT, MAY 2007 IN DC. I WAS MOVED BY THE FACT HE WAS SO YOUNG AND TAKEN FROM US. WITH THE BLESSING OF CHIEF MCCOY, I WILL RIDE UNTIL MY WHEELS FALL OFF, IN DAN'S MEMORY. IM HONORED AND PROUD TO DO SO.

SERGEANT APRIL CARTER
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S

April 22, 2007

Dear Dan, I found this on the net and immediately reminded me of you.

“You are a shooting star in the midnight sky. The glimmer of the whole sky,
but only for a moment. You dream, you think, you wait for the right time, then you,
a single star go into the night sky for the world to see.
As you travel across the sky, you leave the hint of your presence behind.
You are the shooting star in the eyes of the world and for everyone else to see.”
By Rose.

I am very proud to sponsor and honor you, to have you as an inspirational role model. Our Class was blessed for having your father speak in our Academy, It was very emotional and hard for me to see pictures of you and your family, to hear from your Father all the wonderful and funny stories of you. My 3yr old son resembles a bit like your childhood photos and I have to admit I was a bit choked up by that. Now when I see my son it reminds me of you. You truly are a shooting star, a one of a kind. I only hope to be as good as you. -God Bless you and your family-

Cadet Peter Boschmann Class 15 #1504
Palomar Police Academy

April 21, 2007

HI OFFICER BESSANT,

FROM WHAT I'VE SEEN AND HEARD FROM YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY, IS THAT YOUR AN AWESOME PERSON. YOUR FATHER CAME INTO OUR ACADEMY CLASS AT PALOMAR AND TOLD US A BIT ABOUT YOU AND I HAVE TO SAY YOU WOULD FIT RIGHT IN WITH MY FAMILY. I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I HAVE NEVER SEEN A FATHER MORE PROUD OF WHAT HIS SON HAD ACCOMPLISHED AND WHO HIS SON HAD BECOME. YOUR FATHER IS A WONDERFUL PERSON AND ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND MY FAMILY WE ARE DEEPLY SORRY FOR YOUR FAMILIES LOSE. AFTER ATTENDING YOUR CEREMONY NOT ONE DAY GOES BY THAT I DONT THINK OF YOU OR YOUR FAMILY. COMING HOME AFTER SUCH AN THING I HUGGED AND KISSED MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER THEN SAT IN MY BATHROOM AND CRIED. WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU MADE ME REALIZE EVEN MORE HOW LITTLE TIME WE MAY HAVE AND HOW WE CANT TAKE EVEN THE SMALLEST THINGS FOR GRANTED. WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IMPACTED ME ALOT.EVERYDAY THAT I SPEND WITH MY DAUGHTER PLAYING,READING HER A BOOK OR SIMPLY WATCHING A MOVIE WITH HER BRINGS TEARS TO MY EYES KNOWING THAT WYATT WONT HAVE THE SAME CHANCE TO SPEND THOSE MOMENTS WITH HIS FATHER. DAN I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY EVERY NIGHT AND I ALSO PRAY THAT WHEN I GO 10-8 I COULD BE A FRACTION OF THE OFFICER YOU ARE THEN I'LL BE SET. ITS MY HONOR TO BE APART OF CLASS-15 OF THE PALOMAR POLICE ACADEMY AND DEDECATE OUR ACADEMY TO AN HONORABLE MAN LIKE YOUSELF. I LOOK FORWARD TO TALKING TO YOUR FATHER AGAIN AND HEARING MORE STORIES ABOUT YOU. I WILL CARRY YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN MY HEART FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU.

CADET MUNOZ PALOMAR POLICE ACADEMY
PALOMAR POLICE ACADEMY

April 20, 2007

Danny,
So your anti-progress continues! You're not even in the room and yet your helping me procrastinate. I'm studying for my EMT final on Saturday and I thought I'd take a break and say hi. Your pops came by the house the other day, it was good to see him. You'd be proud, he's been eating right and it shows...

I don't know what you were doing on Easter but I spent the whole day thinking about you. Hopefully you're getting everything ready for us so we can all have a great time when we see you again...I know I sure could use a little R&R and don't worry I'll bring the rum punch.

Hey I don't know if you have any hook-ups yet but if you do maybe you could put in a good word for Mikey and Pappy...I guess things are pretty rough for them right now...Anyway, back to studying. Miss you buddy, talk to you soon.

Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD

April 20, 2007

I wish to say that I have the utmost admiration for the family of Officer Daniel S. Bessant. To substain such a lost is very tough. I can not say enough to show my sorrow. I truely feel that for every officer lost in the line of duty, we all feel the pain. Everyone that has ties or that is close to any and every officer on duty. Rest in Peace....we will never forget you.

Cadet Punchard, Anthony
Palomar Police Academy

April 19, 2007

Dan!

Such a blessing to have the opportunity to meet your father. And although I never had the chance to meet you in person, I have grown to know you through class 15 (Palomar College) and through your father's reflections to the class. I am so glad that your legacy continues and that you were, are and will be a blessing to so many people. God bless you and I will see you on the other side.

L. Martin
SDPD

April 19, 2007

hey dan. i haven't yet written to you but i have viewed this site and read your reflections. last night as i was rocking my son to sleep the thought of you brought tears to my eyes and i thought i would write to you and tell you about it. i've seen the pictures of Wyatt around the department and i can't help but think of how proud you would be of him. he's getting so big! everytime i look at his pictures i'm reminded of my son and the experiences we've shared together so far. Last night i became saddened thinking that you won't be able to share the same experiences with Wyatt. I haven't met your wife, but i'm sure she's doing a great job with Wyatt and letting him know how great of a person you were. I continue to think about you everytime I go out on patrol and i look at your picture by the entrance door before i leave in my car to start my day. take care Dan and I look forward to talking to you soon.

Nicole Davis OPD

police officer Nicole Davis
oceanside

April 13, 2007

Officer Bessant,
Althought we never met, I feel like we have known each other for a long time. Your father came in to talk to my class last thursday it was pretty emotional. Now that I have heard your story from your father and how you dedicated yourself to your family and your profession, I was truley inspired. I just pray that I have as much courage and dedication as you. You will always be an inspiration to me and Class 15.

Cadet
Palomar Police Academy

April 10, 2007

HEY BUDDY- HOWS EVERYTHING GOIN UP THERE. FUNNIEST THING WAS THE OTHER DAY SOMEONE ASKED ME WHAT DO YOU THINK DAN IS DOING RIGHT NOW.... AND WITHOUT HESITATION I SAID EATING SOMETHING. WE HAD A FEW LAUGHS. WELL THINGS ARE BEING PLANNED ALL YEAR NOW AND ALTHOUGH THEY WILL BE FUN THEY WONT BE THE FUNNEST THING POSSIBLE CAUSE YOU CANT MAKE IT. HOPEFULLY WHEN WE DO THIS EAST CAPE TRIP YOU CAN KEEP THE WATER CLEAN SO I CAN GET A ROOSTERFISH AND THE WAHOO WE SPENT ALL DAY TRYING TO CATCH. AS YOU PROBABLY KNOW I MISS YOU MORE AND MORE AS EACH DAY PASSES BUT I TRY TO STAY STRONG KNOWING THAT ONE DAY WE WILL BE ABLE TO HANG OUT AGAIN. THANKS FOR LETTING ME HAVE AN EASY SATURDAY NIGHT BY THE WAY CAUSE YOU KNOW IVE BEEN GETTING MY BUTT KICKED LATELY WORKING SOLO, BUT HEY ITS COMP TIME FOR EAST CAPE! ALRIGHT WELL IM GONNA GO EAT ONE OF THOSE STALE FOOD THINGS SOMEONE LEFT ON THE TABLE IN THE BREAK ROOM.

RICHIE SCAGGS
OPD

April 8, 2007

Dan... I've been thinking about you a lot lately, I'm not sure why... the little things in life just remind us of things we hold dear. We had an officer down two nights ago. I was at work and in my office listening to my radio. I heard the call, officer down and bleeding... my heart skipped a beat and I began praying. I've heard this call too many times in my career... I immediately thought of Tony and how it felt the night I heard this call for him... then I thought of you... our officer made it, thank God... I've been thinking of you and Tony a great deal since that night, I guess that's why I'm here today.

I haven't written you for a while but that doesn't mean I don't think about you every day. I have a picture of you and a picture of Tony in my office. People come in and ask me about you all the time so naturally I have to tell them about how you always made me laugh so hard. I tell them about Tony's smile and your silliness... it still makes me smile.

I miss you ...

Shirl
OPD/TPD

April 7, 2007

Hey Dan,
I'm working right now and started to think about you. Just wanted to stop by to read your reflections and say hi. You are constantly in my thoughts as well as your family and friends...

...Always remembered and never forgotten...

Stephanie Hernandez
Oceanside, CA

April 6, 2007