Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I can never forget my friend who took me under his protective wings to instruct and train me at the start of my career with the SPD.
You my friend left us way to soon but instilled in us during your short career the desire to serve and protect all the citizens of Springfield as well as visitors with a smile,
Rest easy buddy and continue watching over those who follow in our footsteps.

Patrol Officer Pat Selvaggio
Springfield, Illinois Police Department

December 27, 2023

Rest in peace.

J.R.

December 26, 2022

Rest in peace Patrolman Tapscott.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 12, 2021

Thank you for your service to our community. We must never forget your service and ultimate sacrifice.

Retired Sergeant Brian Hayes
Springfield Police Dept. (IL)

April 7, 2020

Officer Tapscott,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Springfield. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 26, 2019

David, After all these years I was thinking of you. I love seeing the picture of you with that big smile. You were such a sweet, kind person and a very good friend. See you again my friend.

Linda Adams

September 25, 2015

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

December 26, 2013

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Tapscott. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 29, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd 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 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.

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

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

December 26, 2011

RIP...You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

October 16, 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

January 8, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
Manchester, NH

December 24, 2007

Officer Tapscott- I was born and raised in the Springfield area. To this day I think of you when I visit Springfield and pass that overpass/bridge that took your life. RIP Brother in Blue......

Patrolman D. Kirk #309
Round Lake Heights PD (IL)

July 5, 2007

Although I never met him, I am proud of my uncle...all of them actually, but I wish I could have met David. Thanks from ALL of his family to those of you that have left a reflection or wish to do so.

neice

February 18, 2007

Thank you for your service. You are not forgotten. Rest in peace Sir.

Captain Robert W. Cannon; Retired
Vermilion County Illinois Sheriff's Department

February 12, 2006

I did not know Officer Tapscott But i heard he was a very gentle soul. Someone who would always listen a true friend and a true police officer. God be with officer Tapscott and his family and anyone with any more info on officer Tapscott please!!!! post along with the other springfield officers they deserve to be represented here also.

Anonymous