Trooper I David Hunter O'Brien South Carolina Highway Patrol South Carolina Saturday, December 14, 1991  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

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
2009-09-26

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
2008-11-03

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
2008-09-12

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh
2007-12-08

"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
2007-11-16

We miss you.

Jon Ruoss
Nephew
2007-09-29

Trooper O'Brien, thank you for your service.

You have not been forgotten.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

2007-06-27

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
2006-12-14

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

2005-12-25

Today is the 14th anniversary of David's EOW, and I wanted to take this occasion to thank everyone who has supported me and helped me and my family over the years. He was my husband, my first love and my friend. He was a very special person and made a difference in this world. I owe special thanks to the SC Highway Patrol for their tireless efforts in support of our family during his hospitalization and after his death. I also want to extend a heartfelt thanks to COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors). They helped me heal and understand I was not alone in my grief. And I commend all of our law enforcement officers for fighting the good fight. David, you are truly missed!

Lori (O'Brien) Kunce

2005-12-14

I came across this today and wanted to leave a note. David and I worked together in the 80s at Piggly Wiggly. Always a great person and I am glad to have known David. May God bless his family and friends.

Kim Rogers

2005-01-19

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).
Unfortunately, I had to add the name of another friend. Deputy Jeffrey Hewitt, Buncombe County (NC) Sheriff’s Department, E.O.W. April 4, 2004.

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti Ingle (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)
2004-04-11

12-14-03, MY BROTHER, YOU ARE NOT FOTGOTTEN. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND CONTINUE TO BLESS YOUR FAMILY AS THEY CONTINUE TO LIVE WITHOUT THIER LOVED ONE. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
2003-12-14