Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Bessant and family,

Dan's ultimate sacrifice will be remembered. Great men do what others are not willing to do. Few are willing to risk their lives every day...keeping others safe even if that means having to meet his wife and child in heaven. You are a true hero.

Tom Pellegrino
Principal
Bonsall West Elementary (2 blocks from shooting)

Tom Pellegrino
Citizen and Principal of Bonsall West Elementary

January 2, 2007

Another tragic loss to America.

GOD Bless you and your family. Rest in Peace my Brother.

To your family; May the love of Jesus be with you in this time of tragedy. To your child; always remember your Daddy is a HERO!

Hero's never die. They just take on new assignments.

Officer Paladino
Colorado Springs PD

January 2, 2007

From the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department, our deepest condolences go out to the Oceanside Police Department and the family and friends of Officer Dan Bessant. This is a tragic loss for the law enforcement family.

Thank you Officer Bessant for your dedication and service to your community. May the persons involved in this incident be brought to justice.

God bless.

POLICE OFFICER GARCIA
LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT

January 2, 2007

If tears could build a stairway,
And memories were a lane,
I'd walk right up to heaven
And bring you home again.

No farewell words were spoken
No time to say good-bye
You were gone before we knew it
And only God knows why.

Our hearts ache with sadness
And secret tears still flow
What it means to lose you
No one will ever know.

It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn't go alone
Part of us went with you
The day God took you home.

Until we all meet again friend.

Ladrido Family
friend/O.U.S.D

January 2, 2007

Dan, it's New Year's Day and I have been doing a lot of soul searching today. I have missed you so much the past few days and I keep thinking about how everything in life was so great to you, no matter how small it seemed to someone else. I still just can't believe you aren't here and it is tearing at my heart almost every moment. It's difficult to celebrate the beginning of a new year when your heart aches for what happened in the old. You are such a hero my friend, an inspiration to us all... if I have a new years resolution at all this year, it will be to be more like you, to see the world through your eyes, to adventure out without fear, to be the best I can be and touch the lives of others the way that you have. I miss you so much, but I know you are off on some fantastic adventure that I can one day enjoy with you. ~Shirl

Shirl

January 1, 2007

Hey buddy, so not only did we close freeways and stop the City for your service, but Katelyn and I canceled Christmas and New Years because of you. I think we're going to reschedule it sometime in May. It's amazing the kind of pull you have, I'm sure you had no idea. Scotty's taking good care of Bella and Cassidy for you but he feels guilty because nobody loved those two like you...talk to you soon...

Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD

January 1, 2007

Danny,

I just want you to know that you are loved. Katelyn and Wyatt are also loved and will continue to be loved by all of us. And we will all make sure that Wyatt knows who you are. You have so many friends and family members here, that he will know every story, every heroic thing you did and every laugh you caused.

I pray every day that God will catch every single tear that falls on your behalf.

I pray for strength and peace for your mom and dad and Drew, also. I know how close you all were. I will stand in prayer with and for them - until the peace of God covers them completely.

Your family and friends could not be more proud of you!!

We miss you so much!

You are loved.

Forever,
Aunt Jo

Jo
Aunt

January 1, 2007

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Officer Dan Bessant,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of your loved one. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We wish we could be there in person to offer support. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. As the holidays draw nearer remember those special moments you have shared together and the love you shared. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Officer Dan Bessant is a hero. He will live on through all of you forever.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network

January 1, 2007

HAPPY NEW YEAR DAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

January 1, 2007

Rest in peace my fellow brother in Christ. You gave the ultimate sacrifice. To your wife and child I say this: "May you draw close to your Lord and Savior during this difficult time. In God's time, may you find peace in the knowledge that Dan is with his Maker. My heart goes out to you. As officers, we know that each and every one of us could possibly pay the ultimate sacrifice when we come to work. It takes a special person to be married to a police officer. May God Bless you and your family, always. In His tender care, Raul Alarcon.

Raul Alarcon - Officer
Gardena PD - Fellow officer

January 1, 2007

I have wanted to leave a message on this page since I learned or your passing...but the words would not come out right! I was in such disbelief!!! My last class that graduated on Dec. 14, 2006 honored Tony Zeppetella and spent the past year paying tribute to a fallen officer who was such an awesome person! When I heard that you had passed, I was speechless!

I have seen you in passing at church, but didn't know your name or who you were. I know that you are walking the streets of gold with Tony and you are probably catching up for lost time with him. May you continue to watch over your precious son,loving wife, your family...and all of your law enforcement family that is missing you so much right now.

Katelyn and Wyatt, you will continue to be in my prayers. There isn't an hour that passes where I don't think of you and your loss. I know that Jamie Zeppetella has been a source of comfort for you...lean on her because she knows exactly what you are going through. She is a WONDERFUL woman and she will help you during this difficult time. May God and Dan watch over you from the above. Before I sign off, I'd like to leave you a poem written by John Wm. Mooney Jr.

Merry Christmas from Heaven

I still hear the songs
I still see the lights
I still feel your love
on cold wintery nights

I still share your hopes
and all of your cares
I'll even remind you
to please say your prayers

I just want to tell you
you still make me proud
You stand head and shoulders
above all the crowd

Keep trying each moment
to stay in His grace
I came here before you
to help set your place

You don't have to be
perfect all of the time
He forgives you the slip
If you continue to climb

To my family and friends
please be thankful today
I'm still close beside you
In a new special way

I love you all dearly
now don't shed a teary
Cause I'm spending my
Christmas with Jesus this year.

God bless.

Shanon Dreyer
Palomar College Police Academy

December 31, 2006

I will always remember your smiling face at the front counter when you were CSO. It's really hard to believe that you are gone...

Your family will be in my prayers.

Cheryl Spotts
Past OPD dispatcher

December 30, 2006

What has the world become when a human being can shoot another with no apparent motive? Why is it that we in Blue risk our lives everyday and night on and off duty to protect the lives of people we dont know? WE ARE HERE TO PROTECT AND SERVE CITIZENS, BROTHERS / SISTERS AND EVERYBODY IN BETWEEN! Ofc. Bessant, you sir are a HERO that we all admire and think about everyday when we come 10-8, Thank You Sir for your lifestyle and service! GODSPEED BRO!!!!

U/568
Nicholasville Police Dept., Ky

December 30, 2006

I canteened on scene that fateful night, December 20, 2006, and remained on scene to do so until the afternoon of December 21st. As a Red Cross Volunteer and a resident of Oceanside, I felt truly honored to attend his services. Thank you Officer Bessant for helping make our community a little bit safer, and thank you to Katelyn, Wyatt, the Bessant family and Katelyn's family for sharing your memories with all of us. Dan will forever live on in Oceanside and in our hearts.

Julie Murray
American Red Cross

December 30, 2006

To freinds and family of a fallen hero, I do not know you and I'm many miles away. My heart goes out to you for our fallen brother. It doesn't matter what agency or State we are in. When one of our hero's fall, we all feel the pain and responsability to reach down and grab the flag to ensure the mission will be accomplished. Faith, Courage, and Love which keeps us going and knowing we can rely on our fellow compainions and family. My prayers go out to you to lift you up in this time of need. God Bless You.

Trooper II Michael Nix
Texas Highway Patrol / Fellow Officer

December 30, 2006

Sir,
I honor your service and your sacrifice. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9.
May God ease the suffering of your grieving family.
We have your watch. Rest in peace.

Master Officer T.D. Morton
Chesterfield, Va.

December 30, 2006

God bless to your wife and your new child, may the Oceanside PD embrace your family and carry your memory and love on.

Cpl Jonathan Ley
Auburn, AL PD

December 30, 2006

You're a hero..Our prayers are with your family

Jake & Heather Fegan
SFPD

December 29, 2006

Dan, I just wrote a huge letter with lots of things in it. And you know me I did not read the directions first. So this is all I will say now. I miss you.

Your Friend,
Jeff Brandt
Sergeant
Oceanside Police Department

PS My boys miss you too!

Sergeant Jeff Brandt
OPD

December 29, 2006

Rest easy brother, we will never forget you. Your family is in our prayers and thoughts.....God Bless....

Lt. Thomas Williams
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office

December 29, 2006

Dan, I wish I knew what to say, but I really don't have the words right now. Your service was beautiful. Lots of tears but laughter too! I know you're resting easy knowing Katelyn and Wyatt couldn't be in better hands.

To all of Dan's friends, family, and the Oceanside Police Department: My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May you find comfort and peace, in time, with all your memories and great adventure stories of Danny! He will never be forgotten and his legacy will live on in little Wyatt!!

HEAVEN WAS NEEDING A HERO


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


Heaven was needing a hero
and that's you

Stephanie Hernandez
Oceanside/Carlsbad, CA

December 29, 2006

Danny-Boy...I called you on Friday, but you haven't called me back. Your truck's in my driveway, so I parked in yours, but you're not home. There's food to be eaten in my fridge but you haven't been over. I stood out front in the cul-de-sac and had a cocktail but I stood there alone. I cannot comprehend you not being here...I miss you like you've been gone for six months. On the other hand I feel like I've been awake for the past couple days without sleep, turns out it's been over a week. I was taking Katelyn, Sam and Laura home from the reception yesterday and we drove by the Red Rooster and I thought, "It's been a long day, I should call Dan, we can go get Rooster burgers and have an adult beverage". It's not hitting me, it's like you got hurt and your gone but you'll be back...I can't accept you not being here.

Your service would have made you proud. I remember being in the academy together and going to Tony's with you. Remember how proud we were to pick up where he left off? It was like that for many, I could see it in their faces. But for me, I felt as though my body was there but I was elsewhere. I miss you, I'm doing my best to take care of Katelyn and Wyatt...that was my commitment to you, the one I made with no intention of ever having to carry it out. Check your voicemail...talk to you soon.

Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD

December 29, 2006

Thank you brother, I am sorry you were taken so soon. May you rest in peace and rememeber that we all have you back. We will take the watch from here, thank you brother.

Detective Brian Jackson
Pooler Police Department

December 29, 2006

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Officer Bessant personally, I am intrigued by the many stories told by his family and friends. OPD has lost an honorable and faithful soldier. Our hearts mourn with you.
To Katelyn, Wyatt, and the entire Bessant family...
You have made the ultimate sacrifice. May you each find comfort in "the peace that passes all understanding" that can only be found in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My thoughts and prayers are with you all daily.
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13)."

To a man of great honor, faith, respect, service, and love...may God bless you in his Holy presence.

Jenna Moreno
OPD wife

December 29, 2006

I am so sorry for the loss of this young man. His family and friends are in my prayers.

Godbless

KC
Citizen, Raleigh, NC

December 29, 2006