Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sr. Cpl. Galvan,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC. 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, 2023

In Honor And Respect, Senior Corporal David Galvan... Sir, Thank You For Many Years Of Service Dedicated To Law Enforcement, Thank You For Serving Our Country, U.S. Marine Corps... Blessings To Your Family... May You Rest In Eternal Peace, Senior Corporal David Galvan...

Gail Mercado

December 14, 2021

I just wanted to tell you that I still remember the loss your family suffered, it was right after my dad was killed in the line of duty in November.

They do not prepare you for that loss, that knock, that call. My uncle, his little brother retired in 2015, the year before the 5 were killed. It seem's with all the anti police rhetoric, the ones lost before the last five years are only remembered by a name called once a year and every day by those who waited for them to make it home every day.

In a way, I am glad my father did not make it to see what has become of the hateful and Godless world he live in. Prayers for your family, as I think of your husband, father, brother, friend, son, when I do my dad.

It was stupid and tragic and could have been avoided and we still had to loose more officers like your loved one before they forced traffic to slow down or move over. Blessings upon your home and family.

From one blue life member to another. God bless.

Brandee Lawrence Carlisle.

Brandee Carlisle

September 25, 2020

This man made a huge impact, positively, everywhere he went. And touched alot of people. He loved his family & friends (which became family) beyond words. He was and always will be a great man in many eyes. May you continue to R.I.P. Grandpa David.

Julie Zedrick
Granddaughter-in-law(Terry Galvan's stepdaughter)

May 19, 2020

Rest in peace Senior Corporal Galvan.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 25, 2019

Dave you were a fun guy to be around. Prayers for your family. You are not forgotten.

SGT David Franklin
Dallas PD

December 24, 2018

My name is David Wayland I was name after my uncle David Galvan. I don't have a lot of memories of him but I will never forget the day he was buried, and the overwhelming show of love for this great man from his family to his fellow officers everybody love him. He will be truly miss but never forgotten.

David L Wayland
Nephew

July 10, 2016

David and I became full time partners a few years after the loss of my first partner, Walter L. Williams.
We had a lot of fun while learning about each other.
He spoke often of custody issues regarding his grandchild who he loved so dearly and often showed me pictures of his family.
I was on medical leave and was scheduled to return to work the morning he paid the ultimate price.
My doctor wouldn't sign off to let me go back to work.
I called David moments before he cleared for duty and told him I wasn't coming in that morning.
David's last words to me were " I'm working 1 man today,then, and I'll see you tomorrow morning..I miss my partner " .
A few hours later, while watching the Noon news, I watched in disbelief, live footage from the scene of a fatal car accident involving a police officer.
I got the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach that it was David.
David, you, too were my teacher, my partner and my friend.
I've long since retired but every now and then ,something or someone will remind me of David..
I miss you..

Officer Deirdre Gallagher-Claud Retired
Dallas Police Department

September 29, 2015

I am the oldest granddaughter Diana A. Pivonka, daughter of Lena Denise Pivonka and i miss him so much because i was only 3 or 4 years old when he left us and i know my mama is up in heaven with him now

Diana A. Pivonka
Oldest Granddaughter

February 9, 2015

Never forgotten.

Police Officer - -
Mesquite (TX) Police Department

December 14, 2014

Its been 19 years and you are still remembered everyday by the officers at HQ, recruits at the academy, and your family. Thank you for your service.

Explorer V. DeLuna
Dallas Police Dept.

December 14, 2012

May God ease the pain of all the family members of a fallen officer. For the pain is great and never goes away. we are reminded every year at his memorial. We pray that no new names be added to the list, so another family does not feel the pain that is shared by all of us. REST IN PEACE BROTHER WE MISS YOU. ARTHUR GALVAN

ARTHUR GALVAN
bROTHER

May 17, 2012

Im one of his grandsons who didnt meet him but i have his books and his police stuff that was given to us.My name is Zachary Galvan The son of Isaac galvanII who is the son of David R. Galvan. I went to his burail ground last year.

Zachary Galvan
grandson

January 23, 2012

Officer Galvan,

Rest in peace brother.

Detective Dave Howell
Plano,Texas Police Dept-Auto Theft

December 14, 2010

In December 1990, I graduated from the Dallas Police Academy. I was scared to death and unsure of myself. My assigned FTO was on vacation, so Cpl. Galvan was assigned as my FTO on a temporary basis. He was smart and caring and understanding of my rookie fears and concerns. I just recently found out about Cpl. Galvan's death. He had a very positive influence on me early in my career.

Officer Christopher Manning
Kickapoo Tribal Police Department

October 4, 2010

Officer Galvan,

Rest in peace brother.

Detective Dave Howell
Plano,Texas Police Dept-Auto Theft

December 14, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 16th 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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 14, 2009

To everyone who knew my Dad Senior Corpooral David R. Galvan. I wish you all of our thanks and prayers to you all and your Families. I am the only daughter of Senior Corporal David R. Galvan and my name is Lena Denise (Galvan) Pivonka. He was yall's hero and he was my personal hero in my life and in his grandchildren life. We have last our Mother in May 23, 2003 of cancer and now we know she is with our Father, her Husband and she now happy to be him again.

Senior Corporal David R. Galvan:Daughter
Lena D. (Galvan) Pivonka

May 11, 2008

"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

February 5, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 8, 2007

You couldn't help but love David Galvan. I was a former
officer with DPD and currently assigned to the US Marshals.
It was my first Police Funeral and sadly not my last.
David Galvan made me laugh and he truly made me feel
worthy of wearing a DPD badge. God bless him! I still
miss him.

Deputy Alan Is'mail Ali
US. Marshals

October 19, 2007

David was my training officer in Oak Cliff in 1991. I enjoyed my days spent with him and I learned a lot about how to be a good Police Officer and a good man. David taught me, that if you treated everyone with respect and dignity, you would receive much more respect in return. David and I didn't have to chase or fight people as often as some, and I attribute that to David's style of policing.

I'm no longer a police officer, but I like to think that some of what he taught me, I use today, as a father and member of my community.

I was deeply saddened by his passing, and I still miss him today.

David,
God bless you and your family.

Bob Rowell
Arlington, Tx

Bob Rowell
Former Dallas Police

December 17, 2006

Rest safe with The Lord.

December 14, 2006

I did not know Senior Corporal David Galvan presonally but used to see him in the Dallas County Courts from time to time. I remember the day this happened...it was a horrendous accident. I remember thinking, "How many times have we all, as police officers, been in the same situation?"
In 2003 I was enroute to assist a sergeant who was chasing what was believed to be an armed robbery suspect. To make a long story short, a truck pulled into my path and as I swerved to miss him I lost control and struck a tree. My car was demolished and I received significant injuries. I've said all this to tell David's family that no sooner did the dust settle from the wreck, the first person I thought of was David Galvan. It may sound unbelievable but it's the absolute truth.
Often times I've thought of S/C Galvan during chases that I was involved in and I guess you could say that his memory helped to keep me on my toes. I am thankful to him for that. Why I survived that crash is still a mystery to me and I ultimately praise my Lord and Savior for sparing my life and allowing me to see my retirement in 2004.
So, in closing, I want to say that I will never forget David Galvan and thanks in part to the ODMP, the rest of the world won't either.
May God bless the family of S/C Galvan. Furthermore, it is my solemn prayer that the Almighty keep safe from harm the men and women of the Dallas Police Department.

Patrolman Doug Hutchison
Irving Police Department, Texas, (Retired)

December 14, 2005

Rest in peace Senior Corporal. May God Bless you and your family. You are not forgotten.

Texas

November 7, 2004