Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

36 years ago you were taken. I did not know you but reading your reflections makes me feel like I did. You are so blessed to have such people in your life. rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten.

Elizabeth Haugen Mosqueda.
Widow of Deputy Michael Haugen.
Riverside County Sheriffs Department

October 28, 2024

I still recall Officer Vasquez about the accident and death. I have been here since 1980 in the desert. I still remember him passing thru our street making sure our area was good. Every time I pass by the accident area, it hurts to see who was killed. He always had a smile and saying hi to our community. He was one of the few Latinos officers back in the days. May he Rest In Peace.

Mrs. Corona
Community Citizen

July 27, 2022

My uncle David was a kind gentle man with a heart of gold may he rest in peace.

Modesto Frank Vasquez
Nephew

October 6, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Vasquez.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 6, 2020

It's been another year without you, but I remember that night as if it just happened. You may be gone but you're never far from my thoughts.

Rest easy

Rob Valenzuela
Cathedral City PD

October 28, 2019

Your Birthday is coming up...it's a time when it's most difficult for me. Time doesn't always heal the heart, when you lose the one you love. I can still hear your laughter, see your smile and I remember your voice.

Life goes on, and yet when I remember you - time stands still. I know someday we'll be together. Until then I miss you still. Continue to be by my side and look after me. I know some day I will see you and touch your face again...happy birthday!! I will add another candle on your cake!!

Lisa
Friend

August 21, 2019

Today we remember the sacrifice made by Cathedral City Police Officer David Vasquez 30 years ago today.

On October 28th, 1988, Officer Vasquez was investigating a traffic accident when he was struck by a vehicle. Sadly, the injuries he suffered were too severe to survive, and he became the first line of duty death for our department.

We will never forget Dave’s sacrifice for our community. Please continue to keep Dave and his family in your thoughts and prayers. #AHeroRememberedNeverDies #HonorTheFallen #ThinBlueLine #CathedralCity #CCPD #PrideInService

Sergeant Jon Enos
Cathedral City Police Department

October 28, 2018

Today is the 29th anniversary of the day you were taken from us. A lot has happened since but my memories of you do not wane.

Until we meet again...

Jim Aladits
Former CCPD; Carlsbad PD (retired)

October 28, 2017

Rest In peace Brother. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

October 28, 2017

I have memories of you my dear uncle growing up having to wake you up in the morning playing with your moustache just having those special moment with you early in the morning with you was a very special to me.To My Favorite Uncle David Vasquez I miss you dearly for i believe if you were around i would be a better person. But i believe you are always looking over me and protecting me from any harm. For I believe your my Guardian Angel always at my side for I know your proudest moment was when i was concieved I was you first nephew Modesto Frank Vasquez born Feb 7 1974. My proudest moment is when you became a police officer i could brag my uncle is a police officer. For today your with Michael the Archangel guiding and protecting your brothers in blue. i will never forget you my Dear Uncle know that I love you always

Modesto Vasquez
Nephew

March 1, 2016

Oct 28, came and went this year and most people may never know how deeply this date affects those of us who knew you. in the past few years a street was named in your honor, a ball field and a plaque was placed upon a wall at the new station. these are very nice tributes, i almost hate to see them but i'm glad to see that others remember you by these reminders.

we who knew you don't need such reminders, we remember you always.

Rest Easy Dave, until we see each other again.

Friend
Cathedral City PD

October 29, 2015

Happy Birthday David,

Another year and despite what they say, it really doesn't get any easier. I still miss you and my heart is still broken. But I am comforted in knowing that you are looking out for us and keeping us safe. I'll put another candle on your birthday cake.

Always in my heart...

Lisa Burke
friend

August 26, 2014

that night's like a bad nightmare i wish i could forget but know it's important to remember. i got the call at home to come in early to help w/ a tc. i remember thinking, nah i'm good, i don't want the OT. it was still early for the graveyard shift and i hadn't had much sleep. dispatch advised of an officer down and it didn't look good. now i was awake. i got to the station and while grabbing my radio, i saw the look on a buddy's face, it chilled me to my bones but went in service.

those of us out there huddled together waiting for any word and i don't remember handling a single call, or if any came in. being brand new, 1 month out of the academy, but solo i stayed close to the older guys hoping to get some of their strength. then we got, you were gone. it was hard but 1 said "sometimes, these things just happen". it was hard to accept that and i still can't seem to. especially because of how you were taken.

i couldn't see you again. you'd been my explorer advisor, my mentor, my friend and finally a fellow officer and i looked forward to working shifts with you. learning your sense of humor and being able to prank you. but it wasn't to be. i could only remember you from our last talk the night before when you gave me advice, guidance, plenty of laughs & in the end, you pranked me.

i could on and on, but it was the best prank and i laughed about then and still do. i miss you Dave and remember you often. i used to visit your grave every year, but with time comes family and things got in the way. i know you'd understand. i wish i could hear you say " Heeey, that's great" in that sarcastic tone or call me "Boot" once more. but i guess i'll have to wait, till we meet again.

Rest easy Dave

Friend
Cathedral City PD

March 27, 2012

PROBATION???? What has happened to our justice system????

This killer is most likely a politician by now with his background....

God Bless you Officer Vasquez and I apologize for our corrupt justic system.......

Mike #7185

State Traffic Officer #7185
California Highway Patrol

April 24, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 21rst 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.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 28, 2009

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

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

I was thinking of you today. Remembering the special times we shared. I remember your laugh and when we laughed at the silly jokes you told. I am sure heaven is a better place with you in it. I remember you...and I miss you.

a friend

Anonymous

May 1, 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

November 25, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 26, 2007

Nino,
I may not have ever known the real you, seeing as God took you when I was 2 years old. But I heard a story the other day that made me imagine of how you'd be.
It began when a friend of mine told me that he was in a major city black out in LA somewhere. He started work at 6 in the morning and on the night of the black out, his alarm didnt go off. He rushed and by the time he was out the door, it was already 5:00 and he had to drive from LA to Santa Ana. The total city was black and as he was rushing to get to work, he was pulled over for speeding. The cop asked him for the usual, license, reg., etc. And the officer asked him, "Do you know why I pulled you over?" He said yes because he was late to work. Then the officer asked him, "Well, what time do you start?" My friend said at 6:00. The officer gave him back his info and turned on red and blue flashing lights and escorted him to the freeway, that my friend had miss about 2 miles back behind him because of the black out.
This story made me feel that you would have did something like this to help out a citizen trying to make a living.
I am now 21 years old, and even though I may not have know you growing up, I still miss you and you will always be in my heart, Always. The family loves and misses you. Take care of grandma for us.
Love,
Your niece Yvette

Yvette Trevino
Niece

October 12, 2007

Happy Birthday!

I always imagined you and I growing old, together. Instead of celebrating with you -- I will remember the time we had together. The funny thing is I think you would have loved growing old -- me, not so much..lol.!!

Sometimes I miss you so much...but I will stay strong...save a place for me, ok?

Forever in my heart,

Friend

August 26, 2006

David, I remember that night like it was yesterday. When I saw you drive past me with your lights and siren on going to the traffic collision, my thoughts were, "Just another car crash." I would have been there to help you but I was on another call for service. About ten minutes after you drove past me I remember hearing the radio crackle those words every officer dreads, "Officer down! He's been hit by a car." The reserve officer that was with you had fear and shock in his voice and I knew it wasn't good. I ran to my car and now it was my turn to drive to the car crash with lights and siren blaring, but now it was different. It wasn't for a run-of-the-mill collision. It was to save a friend. I remember that it took what seemed like an eternity to get there when in fact it was less than two minutes. There was a crowd of people around you. Some standing while others knelt over you. I pushed my way through the crowd and grabbed someone who was kneeling over you and pulled him away from your prone body so hard that he almost lost his shoes. At least that's what others have told me. I don't really remember that part, all I remember is seeing you lying on the street with a crowd around you. I do remember kneeling next to you and asking if you were ok. I looked at your face and into your eyes. I knew you weren't ok. I opened your shirt and ripped your bullet proof vest off so that I could perform CPR. I was 50% in the CPR department until that night. My record was soon about to fall to 33 1/3 %. When I started CPR, I remember hearing other sirens arriving and other tires screeching to a halt. And finally, after what seemed like forever, the paramedics arrived and took over the CPR and ultimately brought you to the hospital. I remember going into "cop mode" once you were taken to the hospital. I looked for witnesses and asked one of them what he saw. He told me that he saw what happened to you and he began to describe in detail the horrific scene he had witnessed. The more he spoke, the more I realized that I didn't care about looking for any more witnesses. My mind was on you. I kept telling myself that you'd be ok, but deep inside I knew I'd never see you again, at least not in this life. I guess it's time for me to go. I love you, David. I'll see you when God wants me to join you.

Cpl. James Aladits
Carlsbad PD

June 15, 2006

Always in my memories - Forever in my heart.

Friend

May 31, 2006

On this the 17th year anniversary of your death, I thank you for you service. You will not be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Officer M.Fontaine
California Dept Of Corrections

October 28, 2005

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

Rest in peace.

October 28, 2004