Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My wife Carolyn was in the recruit class when you passed away - you were an inspiration to her as both an officer and a person as well. She later became friends when your wife Betty. I visited the police memorial in Honolulu yesterday as reflected upon you and other officers who sacrificed your lives - my deepest appreciation.

Larry Radel
Friend

February 2, 2023

Yes I knew Dave personally I bought a Island surfboard from him that was one of my best boards I ever had it was beveled and channeled pin stipe underneath I've never seen such an awesome shape like his I remembered I used to go watch wrestling at Neil Blaisdell Center with my grand parents every Wednesday night's my friend's went once only to find out the next day they all got arrested for braking in a surfboard shop and stealing surfboards and I was shocked they ripped off Island surf shop that's where I bought my board. See my family never thought us kids to be bad but nevertheless my friend's they were all on probation for ripping off Dave's shop so stupid doing s*** like that some of them went to juvenile hall me I went surfing and another thing I want to mention that Clyde Pinero who shot officer Dave Ronk was my friend too oh yeah I was in OCCC back in the day for being bad. But what had occurred I'm sure it was an accident but only God knows and only God can judge if I still had Dave Ronks Island Surfboard I would cherish it to the day I die he was my friend too RIP Officer Dave Ronk and thank you for making me my awesome Island Surfboard it was only few that he made I'm also sure he shaping boards in Heaven and surfing for all eternity save some waves for me A Hui ho

Orlando K Spencer Jr
Surfer

July 24, 2021

Thank you for your service Officer Ronk; you will never ever be forgotten.

First Sergeant Tom Webb, Retired
New York State Police

July 19, 2018

I never met you uncle but I heard the whole story of how your fate began that fateful day and man it was dangerous from the start. And Uncle Dave I wanted to thank you for saving my dad before you succumbed to your injuries. If it wasn’t for you me and my four other siblings wouldn’t have been here today! And I wanted to tell you Happy 31st being in heaven! My dad said he wish he could’ve done more to save you but the damage was done and he can’t forget it. He loves you uncle! Mahalo Nui Loa and watch over the rest of your brothers and sisters risking their lives by being Honolulu Police Officers. Aloha Uncle David!

Explorer Sergeant Kaimana Walters
Honolulu Police Department Law Enforcement Explorer Program

June 16, 2018

I was lucky enough to know Dave before he became Officer Dave. I spent the
Summer of 1978 on Oahu and helped Dave put the roof on their home at Kahuku. From the roof one afternoon, we saw that Velzyland was breaking so we put our hammers down and grabbed our boards for a session. Only a surfer, like Dave, would do that. As thanks & payment for my help, Dave made an Island Surfboard for me and I was so proud to carry that board home with me to Florida. When I got word that Dave had been killed in the line of duty, I was shocked. And, to this day, whenever I hear that another brave officer has fallen, I always think of Dave and Betty and the kindness they showed to me. The thin blue line is getting thinner everyday. Rest in Peace, Dave. May God watch over and protect all those who serve.

Joe Rodrigues

Joe Rodrigues
Friend

November 14, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 15, 2015

Off Ronk was an RTO assigned to Waianae PoliceSubstation in the Leeward side of Oahu, serving the Sector from Nanakuli to Yokohama Beach, on a Different Watch than me..After all the years gone by I wonder about his surviving Family and their outcome. Time has passed For me as well now. Being retired I have enough time now To reflect on Off Ronk and what he meant to those of us who worked that Sector, his job being an RTO but given a break to go,on the road to serve papers and to break the grind of RTO inside the substation in Waianae town..OFF Ronk will never be forgotten in the annals of the Honolulu Police Department.

Off. J. Carpenter
Honolulu Police Department

May 19, 2015

I never had the honor of meeting nor knowing Officer Ronk, but knew (and was friends with) Officer Brian Main, who had attended the police academy at the same time as Officer Ronk, and who spoke very highly of him, upon learning of his passing through a senseless act of violence.

During the 1980s and 90s, I was privileged to be a state of Hawaii Correctional Officer on two islands, beginning my watch with service at the Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) in Honolulu. It was during my posting at OCCC that I encountered the "person" responsible for Officer Ronk's untimely death.

I felt both sad and disgusted that the taxpayers of the Aloha State would now have to pay for his food, housing and medical needs for the remainder of his miserable life, all because Hawaii abolished the death penalty, many years earlier. And what was worse, was that he was looked upon as some kind of "hero" among the other inmates and detainees, because of his act of cowardice.

I learned about the kind of caring person Officer Ronk was, from those who knew him best, his fellow officers in the Honolulu Police Department, and had I been privileged to have known him myself, I'm confident that we might have become good friends, as those who knew him told me that he had a very kind and giving nature, along with a tremendous sense of humor that would have rivaled my own.

I pray that his family and friends are comforted by remembering the way he was, and that they continue to remember him with eternal love and respect.

Aloha

B. Thomas Freeman, Former ACO III
Hawaii Corrections Division

June 28, 2014

David Ronk was my brother. He was 15 years older than me, married when I was 5 and had a beautiful daughter Stacey when I was 7. I spent all of my time at their house when he lived on the beach in Hermosa and worked for Greg Knoll surfboards. I was sad when they moved to Hawaii to start Island Surfboards. When David became a Police Officer, I was surprised and was happy to hear he would be Officer Dave and go to classrooms to inspire children. He was kind, handsome and just an all around beautiful person. He had just lost his only child Stacey to a drunk driver 2 years prior to his death. David had just visited us in California 2 months prior to his death. When David was shot, my sister Elaine and I were both 9 months pregnant with our sons. I am proud to call David brother and proud of the selfless service he provided to the people of Hawaii. Claire Keamy Collins

Claire Collins
Sister

November 20, 2013

Dear Dave,
I never knew you, but I am a huge fan of yours. Many know you as a heroic police officer, and some know the mighty skilled for your craft of making surfboards. I recently found a board you made back in the early 70's hidden away under a house here on the North Shore. When I pulled it out, and dusted it off, I knew it was a magic board instantly.

I went on to fall in love with the board, and named it "Peanut Butter". I recently made a short film about the board, because I love it so, and Dave your name, your eternal spirit, is in the film...

To all those that love Dave Ronk, I hope this short clip puts a smile on your face, as the memory of this hero always does.

"Peanut Butter" :


So grateful for you. Ride with us in heaven.

Leah Dawson
North Shore, Owner of a Dave Ronk Surfboard

April 24, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

January 28, 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 25th 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 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 the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

June 15, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Ronk. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 7, 2012

David, little did either of us know that morning when you were starting your day shift and I had just finished my midnights, when you stopped by my car and asked if I needed help with whatever I was fiddling with under my hood. Such was the kind of person you were, always lending a helping hand. Little did either of us know what fate awaited you only a few hours later. Heaven got one of the good ones bruda.

Sergeant(ret) Lui Pestana
Honolulu Police Department

January 11, 2012

David, I remember it like it was yesturday. Sitting here working the night shift so many years later I still wonder what made you leave your other career.
I enjoyed the time I had with you and will always hold you in my heart. I hope your children grew up to be proud and strong.
You made us all laugh when we were in class together and I think your humor was one of your strengths.
I was always sorry that I could not have been by your side on that day. Aloha

Officer Chuck Pierce
Kirkland Police Department

November 2, 2011

Officer Ronk,
On today, the 22nd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Honolulu. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

June 15, 2009

"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

October 10, 2007

--"If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded." -- Maya Angelou

Aloha e Officer David Nicholas Ronk,
Thank you for your service and dedication to your community and your country. You and all officers that continue to lay your lives on the line and pay the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities and country safe, will NEVER be forgotten.

I personally pledge, (after one of Hawaii's own, Honolulu Police Officer Steve Favela, lost his life in the line of duty protecting our Commander in Chief, President George W. Bush), to become a continuum; a keeper of the ODMP light. That light is in the form of an ODMP tribute. People from all walks of life, regardless of age, race, religion, profession, education, and geographical location can share here.

This "LIGHT" comes from within the heart and soul of every person who cares to share a word or two on behalf of each and every fallen officer. Every fallen officer is a hero. The ODMP; Officer Down Memorial Page, gives us a place to come together and share our feelings as one family; one `Ohana. May we find solace as we give solace to the families who have lost a loved one.

Officer David Nicholas Ronk, God Bless you. You are a hero. You are`Ohana. Hawai`i embraces you as one of their own. No one will ever be able to replace you for you were unique and very special. No one; not in this lifetime. May God allow you to rest in His Divine peace. I wish you, your loved ones, and your fellow officers, peace and love beyond all understanding. I HONOR you today for you HAVE NOT been forgotten.

** May this Hawaiian prayer give all those who read it comfort. **

THE PEACE OF " I "
KA MALUHIA O KA "I"

Peace be with you, All My Peace,
O ka Maluhia no me oe, Ku'u Maluhia a pau loa,

The Peace that is " I ", the Peace that is "I am".
Ka Maluhia o ka "I", owau no ka Maluhia,

The Peace for always, now and forever and evermore.
Ka Maluhia no na wa a pau, no ke'ia wa a mau a mau loa aku.

My Peace " I " give to you, My Peace " I " leave with you,
Ha'awi aku wau I ku'u Maluhia ia oe, waiho aku wau I ku'u Maluhia me oe,

Not the world's Peace, but, only My Peace,
The Peace of " I ".

A'ole ka Maluhia o ke ao aka, ka'u Maluhia wale no,
Ka Maluhia o ka "I".

Moana V.C. Molale Private Citizen-Hawaii
Kahu La`a Kea (Keeper of the Sacred Light)

January 25, 2007

Officer Ronk your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Care now. May you rest in peace brother.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept....Clarksville, Tennessee

February 21, 2006

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

June 15, 2005

You are not forgotten.....................

Sgt. Al Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Yuma, AZ

April 14, 2004

Your sacrifice will be forever remembered as you remain in the hearts of us all.

Cleveland Police, Ohio Retired