Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Lord, I ask for courage;
Courage to face and conquer my own fears...
Courage to take me where others will not go.
I ask for strength;
Strength of body to protect others...
Strength of spirit to lead others.
I ask dedication;
Dedication to my job to do it well...
Dedication to my community to keep it safe.
Give me, Lord, concern;
For all those who trust me...
And compassion for those who need me
And, please, Lord, through it all; be at my side.

Lt. James Compton, Retired (AL)
Member, Blue Knights, Virginia II

January 8, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing 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 13, 2020

I will never forget the untimely death of Trooper David Temple in Mooresville and the circumstances of that tragic day in 1979. I was an investigator with Madison County at that time and the horror of that event has been forever embedded in my mind. Madison County Investigator Jim Stewart and myself worked on the case with many other law enforcement officers in north Alabama on that day, first responding to the scene of the Madison Police Officer who was also wounded and ultimately killed Trooper Temple's murderer in a rainy field in Madison. Later that evening Madison County Sheriff's Investigator Stewart and myself were able to locate and secure a confession of the second suspect in the case at the office of then Sheriff Joe W. Patterson in Huntsville. I was proud to have helped in this case and my sincere condolences to the family of Trooper Temple.

Investigator Roger L. Grubb
Madison County Sheriff's Department

July 15, 2020

Rest in peace Trooper Temple.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 28, 2020

I tell your Story also As I was only 16 when you died, but you and my Father had plenty of fun times riding Motorcycles. I still remember my Dad bringing me to your APT in Huntsville Later when you moved in your APT on the Beltline in Decatur and Managed the Apt's and let the Moore Family swim in the apt pool and Later when you and Diane had a house in Priceville. He Once had a Harley Davidson tore down in in His living room Floor. He was the Coolest nicest Trooper I have ever Known.He would let me ride along as he had the High pursuit car, If you tried to run it was Dave job to CATCH YOU. Like MAD MAX, Man them was the days. Randy Moore. I was like his kid before his Daughter was born that he never got to meet. He would Have been the best Father ever!!!RIP Dave.... Hope to see you In Heaven one day MY SUPER TROOPER.....Thanks for my Love of Motor Cycles and Speed!!!!!

Randy Moore
Friend during my Teen yrs

October 20, 2017

Always remembered. Always respected.

Debbie Russell

December 15, 2015

I worked this case back in 1979 with Madison County Sheriff's Investigator Jim Stewart. After going to the shooting scene of the Madison Police Officer, Investigator Stewart and myself were assigned to attempt to locate the 2nd perpetrator by Chief Deputy Ken Parker. Later that evening Investigator Stewart and myself apprehended the 2nd suspect involved with Trooper Temple's murder and obtained a full and complete written confession from the suspect which lead to his conviction. Investigator Jim Stewart and myself were working under the command of then Sheriff Joe Patterson

Investigator Roger L. Grubb (Retired)
Madison County Sheriff's Department

June 23, 2015

I was working as a patrol officer in Huntsville, Alabama when Trooper Temple was shot and killed. I remember hearing the call on the radio and a short time later, learned that another officer in Madison, just a few miles away, had been shot. The Madison officer, who later became a Huntsville Police Officer, returned fire and killed Trooper Temple's assailant. I didn't know Trooper Temple but was told by several fellow officers he was a fine man and a good Trooper. Our prayers go out to his family in remembrance of this fine officer.

Dennis R. Wooten
Deputy Chief (Retired)
Huntsville Police Department
Huntsville, AL

October 10, 2014

I grew up with Dave in Kendallville Indiana and knew him well. I became a policeman in our hometown in 1968. Officer Craig Streich (another old friend of Dave's) and I were working an accident in the 1970's that had a highway blocked when all at once this guy on a motorcycle rode right in to the perimeter which we were trying to maintain. We of course were upset until we realized it was Dave home for a visit. You see besides being a great guy, he was just a little ornery and maybe that's what you liked most about him. We had lots of fun with him growing up. We were just devastated when her heard of the shooting; we lost a friend and a brother police officer. We also miss his sister Kim who passed suddenly a couple of years ago.

MIchael (Mick) Newton, Retired
Officer, Kendallville Police Department

September 14, 2014

Thinking of you today, always in my heart

Dyanne
wife

September 13, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 34th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first 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.

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

May 11, 2013

As your Birthday approaches,I am thinking of you, always in my heart. Dyanne

DysnneTemple Barksdale

December 12, 2012

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

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

October 31, 2012

Thinking about you today.....

Kris Temple Davidson
Sister

September 13, 2011

I was the first officer to get to Dave seconds after he was shot. I had been an officer with Decatur PD for only 6 months but had worked with Dave during the gasoline tranport escorts from Birmingham to Decatur. I teach law enforcement to members of the Dept of Defense now and always share this story of that tragic day to them in honor of Trooper Temple. I dont share it to criticise anyone, but to carry the memory of a fallen brother officer. May he rest in peace.

Keith LeCroix
USAMPS. FT. LEONARD WOOD,MO

January 6, 2011

Thank you Trooper Temple and the Temple Family for your service.

Carol

December 7, 2010

Rest in Peace Trooper. God Bless.

Trooper
Michigan State Police

March 15, 2010

I WAS A ROOKIE PATROLMAN IN 1979 WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I NEVER KNEW YOU BUT ALOT OF THE OFFICERS I WORKED WITH DID. THE NIGHT OF SEPT 13 I SPENT MOST OF MY SHIFT GUARDING THE MADISON OFFICER IN THE HOSPITAL. THE COWARD WHO SHOT YOU AS YOU LAY ON THE GROUND TRIED TO DO THE SAME TO THE MADISON OFFICER. BY THE GRACE OF GOD THE MADISON OFFICER WAS ABLE TO MUSTER THE STRENGTH TO KILL HIM FIRST. IN LATER YEARS, I DEVELOPED A FRIENDSHIP WITH THAT OFFICER AS HE CAME TO WORK FOR HPD AND STILL DOES. TO THIS DAY, I GET A SINKING FEELING EVERYTIME I PASS THE OLD MOORESVILLE STORE ON HIGHWAY 20. IF THERE IS SOMEONE WITH ME THAT HASN'T HEARD IT I ALWAYS TELL THEM YOUR STORY. I DON'T KNOW ANY OF YOUR FAMILY BUT I HOPE THE PAIN OF THEIR LOSS HAS EASED OVER THE YEARS. DAVID, REST IN PEACE AND WITH THE ASSURANCE THAT THE MEMORY OF HOW YOU LIVED AND THE WAY YOU DIED WILL LIVE ON FOREVER.

HAROLD HUTCHISON POLICE OFFICER (RETIRED
HUNTSVILLE ALABAMA POLICE DEPT

February 12, 2009

Many times I've passed the highway sign that bears your name and wondered who you were. Tonight I searched here to see if your name would come up. I am saddened at the series of events that I ended your life, but I thank you, Trooper Temple, for protecting me and my fellow citizens. You served bravely and well. You gave your life that others might live. My prayers go out to your family and others you left behind.

Angel
Madison County AL

August 1, 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.

July 11, 2007

We sure miss you, but know that we will all be together one day!!!

Love
Kim

Kimberly D (Temple) Forker
Sister

June 29, 2007

We miss you!!

Love,
Kris

Kris (Temple) Davidson
Sister

March 20, 2007

Rest in Peace, Trooper Temple. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

September 7, 2006

Trooper Temple when I drive past the site on Hwy 20 in Limestone County where you made the ultimate sacrifice for the people of Alabama ; I think about your dedication and courage on that day. Your actions and sacrifice will always be remembered.

Officer Chris Dillard
U.S. TVA POLICE

June 16, 2005

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).

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 (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 6, 2004