Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

David, our short time together as classmates in patrol school you were a great friend. I will never forget your sacrifice or our time in patrol school. Thank you for your service to our state. May God bless your family.

D.S. Chapman, former SC Trooper
SCHP Class of 1990

January 28, 2022

Still seems unreal that you are gone. Crazy that you have been gone loner than you were here. So glad my high school years had you in them.

Tammy Johnson

January 21, 2022

Trooper O’Brien,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of South Carolina. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 14, 2021

Always remembered brother!

Judge /Magistrate Sheridan (Danny) Lynn
Former S.C. Highway Patrol

December 14, 2021

Always remembered brother!

Judge /Magistrate Sheridan (Danny) Lynn
Former S.C. Highway Patrol

December 14, 2020

Hey Uncle David, I wanted to stop by and say hi. Its been close to two years since I took the oath that you did almost 30 years ago. I try hard to be a good officer and to remember why we are doing this. Grandmother gave a picture of you when I was sworn in and I keep it in my safe. Rest easy.

Chris Ruoss
nephew, GCSPD

October 5, 2020

Rest In Peace brother. Prayers to your family.

Judge / Magistrate Sheridan Lynn (former
Aiken County, S.C.

December 14, 2019

Trooper O' Brien rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 13, 2019

Rest In Peace brother. Prayers to your family.

Judge /retired Trooper Danny Lynn
Aiken County, SC

December 14, 2018

Rest easy brother prayers to your family

Judge /retired SC Trooper Danny Lynn
Aiken County, SC

December 14, 2017

Happy Birthday (8-6-67) to my dear son! I miss you daily!

"Itty" Dodson (Mom)

August 6, 2012

Uncle David, Just wanted to say that we all miss you and will see you again!

Chris
Nephew

March 19, 2012

May you rest in peace god bless you.

Lt. J.P.
B.P.D

December 14, 2011

Today marks the 20th anniversary of your death and I still miss you just as much! On this day I relive your dying and always I re-live your life. You were a joy, the delight of my heart, the child that made me laugh and those memories sustain me. You were my Lent Child. I love you, Mom

Lillian O'Brien Dodson
Mother

December 14, 2011

David,

We are so proud of you and for your service to the citizens of South Carolina. We are fortunate to having met your family through the South Carolina Highway Patrol Survivors' Retreats and Services of Remembrances.

You continue to be honored, and you will never be forgotten.

God bless,

Lois Rao
Surviving Mother of SCHP Senior Trooper Michael J. Rao
End of Watch June 12, 2002

Lois Rao
Surviving Mother

November 6, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 18th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you. Both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 14, 2009

Dear David,
It's hard to believe that you left us almost 18 years ago.
I know that I speak for our entire Class of 1990, when I tell you how much you were and still are missed. Each time we went back to the academy for training, we always thought and talked about you. I will always cherish the good times we had in patrol school and know that You and your family will always be in our prayers. Take care of K.J. & Jerome and just remember that one day we will all be together again.
God Bless you for your service to your state and country.

Trooper J.D. McCarley - Retired
South Carolina State Highway Patrol

September 26, 2009

I wish I had left this reflection a lot sooner. You are remembered and sadly missed each day little brother. I remember the times you used to ride with me when I was Chief of Edisto Beach SC Police and I could tell you wanted to be an officer. When you told me you were accepted to the Highway Patrol, I remember telling you that you were going to become my trainee when you rode so you would be better prepared to do this job. It made me so proud when I told your Highway Patrol FTO about that and he said that made sense because you knew more about police work than any other rookie he ever had when you entered your training. We lost a great brother and officer that day. We love you and miss you.

Sergeant Bill O'Brien
Brother - North Charleston Police

November 3, 2008

I can't imagine how I have missed reading all these reflections and why I have not visited this site before now. David was a special son and special man. Not a day goes by that he is not in my thoughts and always in my heart. I so appreciate all the sentiments left here and want others to know that the passage of time does ease the pain but love is never lost. I miss you every day,my son. Love Mom (9-12-08)

Lillian (OBrien)Dodson
Mother

September 12, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 8, 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

November 16, 2007

We miss you.

Jon Ruoss
Nephew

September 29, 2007

Trooper O'Brien, thank you for your service.

You have not been forgotten.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

June 27, 2007

You are still remembered. Thank you for your service to the citizens of South Carolina. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

December 14, 2006

Seeing this brought back a lot of wonderful memories from our younger days. I knew David through my best friend/his wife Lori. I spent many wonderful times throughout our teens years and later with the both of them. David wanted nothing more in life than to be a State Trooper. He could not have been more dedicated to his job. He was an awesome officer of the law and a great friend. He is missed dearly and thought about often. We know you still bless us with your spirit. God Bless all of those of continue to serve and have served. We owe you all a standing ovation....

Sadly missed...Susan Jager-Oman

Susan Jager Oman

December 25, 2005