Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

R.I.P.

You'll always be a hero.

January 10, 2007

Danny,
After 25 years in the game I’ve seen a lot of tragedies and probably attended close to a hundred of these services. I’ve listened to the eulogies with a tear welling in the corner of my eye hoping nobody would see my weakness. I’ve even known a few of the officers, although, luckily none very well. After the initial sorrow, concern for the grieving families and friends, and guilt over what I had recently said or not said to my wife and daughter, I’ve always gotten over it in a day or two.

Not so this time buddy. You have had a profound affect on me that I was not aware of until December 20th. It is way out of proportion to the small amount of time we have seen each other over the last 24 or so years. I have read these pages daily but could not bring myselfe to write until today. I think of you constantly and it is bittersweet. To me you are still the wide eyed little boy who was always wrestling with your uncle at the family gatherings I was so graciously invited to attend, trying unsuccessfully to escape the newly learned control holds Tom would subject you to. In recent years I repeatedly tried to instigate a rematch, but you never subjected your uncle to the humiliation you so easily could have.

I am truly grateful for our last conversation during our “L.A. adventure” after Tom’s wedding. You told Karen you idolized me, but it is I who was hugely impressed with the man, and officer you had become in a few short years. I had been somewhat concerned by your youthful exuberance when you first got hired on and mistook it for a “cowboy” attitude. During our long talk in March, I saw what a mature, well grounded and streetwise Cop you had grown into without loosing your passion for the job. Just thinking of you renews my admittedly waning enthusiasm. I look at your photo every morning as I suit up, and hope that I might do something that day to justify your respect. From what I have heard of your work at Oceanside, I fear I will never match your level of professional service. There is so much more to say but this is already too long. Rest easy my friend and brother in arms and God bless you and your family.

Frank
Santa Ana P.D.

January 10, 2007

Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Officer Bessant, your brave service was not in vain. You are a true hero.

A citizen

January 9, 2007

Danny,

Wyatt's getting so big, a little chunky, taking after Dad I guess and he's got your IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). I swear he's always bending, moving and squirming trying to burp or fart. He likes to chill out on the couch and watch TV with me so it's been nice to have someone to listen like you used to do. I'm still waiting for him to give me some good advice but the words aren't quite there yet. I've been doing my best to watch over your family, it's hard for all of us...we're all still in a daze, can't really even tell you what day it is or what we're supposed to be doing but we're getting there. It was good to see your parents tonight, they love you so much buddy, you made them so proud! You made all of us proud and challenged us by your example. Miss you, talk to you soon...

Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD

January 9, 2007

Danny, it's been too long. The last time we talked was before Wyatt was born. I haven't really known what to say, and thankfully a couple officers told your family and some other people (including myself) about this page. I haven't really known what to say. I miss you man. I think my dad, Frankie and Arnie were talking about still doing the fishing trip this year, for you.

I have a feeling i'll be back on here in a while. I'll catch you on the flip side.

-Tim

Tim Swauger
family friend

January 9, 2007

Dan, I was just sitting here tonight going through some paperwork and I found the program from your services. The entire service was beautiful, moving and there was even a laugh or two....I wish you could have seen all the people who came out for you and your family. I was honored and proud to be there for you. You have been gone from us for 19 days, and sometimes it seems like just yesterday, I could hear you goofing around down the hall. I just wanted to know that you will never, ever be forgotten, nor will your wife or son. You are always there with us wherever we go. Not a day goes by that you are not thought of. You are loved and missed. Your mark on the world will never be forgotten. I only hope that we will carry on your duties in a way that makes you proud!

CSO Antoinette Epps
Oceanside Police Department

January 8, 2007

My prayers and thoughts to all who knew and will miss Officer Bessant.

May God lay His healing hands upon the family.

Retired Captain Joe L. Gilliland
Danville, KY PD

January 8, 2007

Day is done, gone the sun from the lake, from the hill, from the sky.
All is well, safely rest. God is nigh.
Thanks and praise for our days 'neath the sun, 'neath the stars, 'neath the sky.
As we go, this we know.
God is nigh.

GODSPEED

Beverly Hendricks

January 8, 2007

Dan,
Sitting here tonight, doing a lot of Admin stuff. Thinking about how you used to come in and disturb me - with a joke or a laugh.
Everyone still remembers. You will never be forgotten. I'll be going out shortly.
I wish I could talk to you. I'd ask you a lot of questions instead of the other way around. What's it like there? What's to do there?
Hold a place for me, Dan. I'll be there one day too. And I'll need a guide.

Sergeant Leonard Cosby
Oceanside Police

January 7, 2007

hey dan- lets see well i just got back from new york what an awesome place. can you believe all you can eat and drink sushi for under 40 bucks. and the new york pizza is great too. i wish you were here so we could make a trip out there and to texas to try our claim at the 72 ounce steak. well i gotta leave for briefing now so ill talk to you later.

richie scaggs opd

January 7, 2007

Dan, I went on a ride along with Leonard tonight. It was a bit strange going to the station again. I've only been gone two months but it felt like a lifetime. You, of course, were everywhere. Your picture was up all over the station, just like Tony's was. I felt your spirit and knew that you were still around. Everywhere we went people asked about you or how the department was doing. I saw many of your fellow officers and it's obvious your loss has weighed heavily on them. We shall never forget you my friend. It was good to be back home tonight but I missed you...

Shirl
Tustin Police Department - Former OPD

January 7, 2007

Danny,
As you know, as I am sure you peered down from heaven to see, we off roaded as we left your funeral service. I thought you would have been so proud to know there was a little off roadin' goin on in honor of your spirit. During the procession I found myself gazing at the herse, wishing I could see in. My eyes intently kept a tight stare as the car that beared the body of a friend drove by, I realized, as if you had spoke it from the heavens..."I'm not there, I'm up here." We mourn the death of a body and feel great loss for the absence of your physical presence with us, yet it's the richness of the fellowship of the Spirit of God that we find a type of peace admist the injustice. I just read this scripture and then had the idea to google your name and i found this webcite, so I guess I will write what it is I just read:

"Teach me your way, O LORD; I will walk in your truth; Unite my heart to fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forevermore. For great is Your mercy towards me, you have delivered my soul from death. O God, the proud have risen against me, and a mob of violent men have sought my life, and have not set You before them.
But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth."
-Psalm 86:11-15
No question about it, you are loved. I won't ever forget the expressions on your face as you would tell stories. You had a sort of magic that whenver you opened your mouth for a story the listeners automatically found themselves on the floor rolling and crying, gasping for air, practically peeing in our pants from all the laughter...

Merrilee
Friend

January 6, 2007

Dan,

I remember when you posted on BD about you trying to get a job as an LEO with OPD. You sent me a message and asked me what it was like to carry a badge and a gun. I told you that it was the most honorable profession around to protect those who could not protect themselves.

You have given your life in the line of duty, a bright shining star in our chosen profession has been laid to rest. You will be missed greatly. I will miss fishing with you when the tuna run and miss hearing you over the radio.

God speed Dan, and may God rest your soul. Thank you for you sacrifice, you will not be forgotten.

Chris Bush, Senior Patrol Agent
United States Border Patrol, El Cajon Station

January 5, 2007

R.I.P MY BROTHER IN BLUE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR HEROIC SERVICE IT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

POLICE OFFICER RENE SANCHEZ
BOSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT, BOSTON MA.

January 5, 2007

ALTHOUGH WE HAVE NEVER HAD A CHANCE TO MEET, YOU WILL BE MY INSPIRATION AS I AM ABOUT TO EMBARK UPON COMPLETING A POLICE ACADEMY. YOU ARE WHAT THIS PROFESSION IS ALL ABOUT- FAITHFULLY SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND SACRIFICING YOUR LIFE FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN. WE,AS A PALOMAR POLICE ACADEMY CLASS 15, WILL HAVE YOU IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AS WE CONTINUE OUR TRAINING WITH HOPES TO BECOME AS HONORABLE POLICE OFFICERS AS YOU HAVE BEEN. MAY GOD BLESS YOUR SOUL.

CADET FIDELUS
PALOMAR COLLEGE POLICE ACADEMY

January 5, 2007

To Officer Bessant, Family and Friends.
It is sad that you were taken so soon and so young, not to see your child grow and make new memories with your wife. I know as all your brothers and sisters in blue you are in a better place patrolling the streets of heaven and watching over all your friends and family.

May you rest in peace my brother in blue.

K9 Officer Frank Charmoli
Guadalupe Police Department

January 5, 2007

Rest in Peace. Angel in BLUE.......GOD BLESS!

Lorna A. Ring
Mother of Fallen Officer Joselito A. Barber SPD, WA. EOW 08-13-06

January 5, 2007

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Officer Bessant. I can tell by reading Bessant's biography that he was living out a life long dream of being a police officer. It breaks my heart another fine young officer was killed before Christmas.

Trooper
KSP

January 4, 2007

Dan,

Though we never met, I lost a brother officer on December 20, 2006. After attending your service, I feel like in some small way, I got to know you. I have no doubt your brothers and sisters from the Oceanside Police Department will look in on Wyatt and your family to make sure they are getting everything they need.

I was impressed to see the citizens of Oceanside stand outside and pay respects to you. It saddens me to see that the City of Oceanside lost another officer in such a short period of time. God Bless you and your family, and the members of the Oceanside Police Department.

Corporal Jordan Mirakian
CSU Police Department-San Diego State University

January 4, 2007

Dan and family, It was an honor for me to assist in your funeral. It saddens me that my assistance was needed for another funeral. It was enlightening to see the citezen's showing respect along the route to the church, especially the children. I hope they never forget. A truck driver stopped and stood at attention for the entire precession. As I rode by, he had tears rolling down his face. God bless you all and I pray for your healing.
#1186

Deputy Scott Hill
SDSO Motor

January 4, 2007

Somebody killed a policeman today,
and part of america died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect will be buried at his side.
The suspect that shot him will stand in court with counsel demanding his rights.
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids, and spend many long lonely nights.
The beat that he walked was a battle field too, just as if he had gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation wont fly at half mast, to his name they will add a gold star.
Yes somebody killed a policeman today,
in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors, a cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street and he stands at each rookies side.
He answered the call
of himself gave his all
AND A PART OF AMERICA DIED.

Anonymous

January 3, 2007

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. -Albert Pine

Officer Bessant -- The sacrifice you made for your community will never be forgotten.

To all those touched by the loss of Officer Bessant -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Associatoin

January 3, 2007

Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

I take comfort in this bible verse Officer Bessant, for I know you are a child of the most high God, rest in peace, you deserve it

Jeff Coleman Chief Deputy (Ret.)
Fayette County Sheriffs' Office (Ky)

January 3, 2007

Dan, I didn't know you, but I feel like I did after attending your service. You will be missed, I'm sure. We will honor your memory best by continuing to serve the public and catch the bad guys.

Rest in peace brother.

Deputy Poznanski
Riverside Co. Sheriff, CA

January 2, 2007

My deepest sympathy to your loved ones for their loss. There are no magic words of comfort that I can offer except that I know what their hearts feel and that they are not alone. You will be in their thoughts every hour of every day, you will not be forgotten. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line.

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

January 2, 2007