Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I didn’t have the opportunity to know this man well. From what I hear you were amazing, a true hero. The loss of him had the biggest impact on my life, the domino effect that is tragedy. I remember him holding me in his living room, him playing with us, watching the news with him. Little else I remember. I will never forget however what an impact he had on so many. Reading these reflections has made me realize this. Thank you all for keeping my grandpa’s memory alive, for sharing the memories y’all have of him.

Heather Wilson
Granddaughter

October 27, 2023

Mr. Wilson thank you so much for being there for me when my parents were not. You cared and had a deep respect for Cocopah and its students.
I especially thank you for bringing home my glass case that I made in woodshop when my stepfather refused. I want to apologize for holding up your funeral procession in my ole Power Wagon. I know it's been awhile but You are truly missed.

Geoffrey Nohr

Geoffrey Nohr
Cocopah student

January 11, 2023

His plaque is hanging on the wall in his namesake the "Wilson Dome" at Payson High School.

Paul D Zywicke
PUSD

November 16, 2021

I don't have the words sir. But you are missed, loved and never forgotten. I wish this never happened to you. God must have really needed you more. I am sorry and you were truly so special and meant so much to so many. Rest Mr. Wilson.

Ashley Flatt
Student of your wife Mrs. Wilson

October 15, 2021

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 11, 2020

Mr. Wilson you were the quintessential principal, cowboy, and renaissance man! Every student thought you were cool, and always one of the good guys, as you demonstrated by joining the police in Payson. I met Mr. Wilson about a week before school started at a bbq, and he assured my parents my brothers and I will do just fine. Thank you sir, even for the couple of times you adjusted my attitude by having me grab the back of a chair ;-) RIP!

Marc H.
Student Cocopah '75 - '77

July 30, 2020

I came across this page while looking at something from my Cocopah days. Mr. Wilson was the quintessential principal, and a true cowboy! I met Mr. Wilson a bbq about a week before school started, I liked him even when I had to grab the back of a chair a couple times to have my attitude adjusted by a paddle :-) You're missed Mr. Wilson.

Marc H.
Student Cocopah '75 - '77

July 30, 2020

I will always remember the day you died. I can still remember the phone ringing that night as Mrs. Wilson was calling to tell me you died. It broke my heart. I was a broken little girl, & you became my hero. I miss you so very much, and I hope that though I have made many mistakes in my life that I have still made you proud of me. You were always there when I needed you.

Heidi Singleton

June 13, 2017

When I was in 8th grade, I was given the key to the music room so I could practice the drum set. Mr Wilson often drove his 4x4 up onto the sidewalk to his office in the evening to check the grounds. I would look down from the top of the orchestra and see that the door was open, and he was grinning and listening. Any other Principal would have made a stink, or told me I was making too much noise. He was brilliant with kids.

Ted
Student at Cocopah '66-'76

January 25, 2016

While enjoying a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean this last weekend I was sharing a story with a friend about a kind Vice Principal at Cocopah elementary who treated me with respect even though I was a little bit of a trouble maker back then.

I mentioned how he negotiated a deal with me to let me (as a grade school student) sell gum/candy at school for one more week if I never did it again and how I reflect on that moment as one of my favorite moments of grade school.

Tim
Past student at Cocopah Elementary

September 11, 2014

Your sacrifice is not lost in the shadow of our brothers & sister who perished 9 years after you. Every 9-11 you are thought of as much as the 72 Police at Ground Zero. 9-11 is a day of remembrance of all heroes in blue!

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 9, 2013

I am feflecting on Mr. Wilson's days at Cocopah.

Love
Dennis Flood

Dennis Flood
student

July 27, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 21rst anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

May 5, 2013

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

August 6, 2012

Dave, you were a friend and teacher to me and to many over the years. You are and will always be missed.

Roy Schahrer
Student & Friend

December 23, 2010

Dear Chief,
The 10 year anniversary of your tragic loss is fast approaching and I just wanted you to know that I love and miss you now more than ever. You were truly the father I ever really new.
Love And Peace Eternal,
John Stump

John Ward Stump
Freind

May 6, 2007

Rest in Peace, Chief Wilson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 14, 2007

Chief Wilson after all of these years you are still remembered as a hero! God bless you sir.

Ofcr. Dan Winger
LBCCPD, Ret.

March 14, 2005