Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Bannister,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

June 3, 2024

Rest in peace Patrolman Bannister.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 4, 2022

David, my heart remains sad and sorrowful even after all these years. I think about you and the courage, grace, sense of humor, and smarts you demonstrated every day, every time we got together with your beautiful family. I miss them. whenever I see and meet a police Officer here in Austin TX, I think about you and the courage and commitment it takes to be a police officer. I know you’re safely in the hands of God. God bless you, God bless your family.

Bob Pena
Dear friend

March 23, 2021

Even after all these years, I continue to think about the many qualities David possessed and demonstrated. He was a very thoughtful, caring, considerate person with a keen sense of humor and respect for others. He and I played handball many times and although competitive, he played to enjoy being with friends and family. He had a Kirk Douglas kind of smile which was infectious and made you want to smile back in kind, which we all did. He was courageous, loving, and protective of his family and friends. I miss him still. God keep you in his heart.

Bob Pena
Respectful friend

June 16, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Bannister.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 7, 2019

Rest in Peace Patrolman David Bannister. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice protecting the citizens of El Paso, Texas.

I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends and Brothers in Arms. I also Pray that the scum responsible for your death knows no peace onthis earth. May he rot in hell.

Amen

Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood (Ret)
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, TX

June 3, 2016

David Bannister is my father and I cannot express how touched I am to find this web page and read the reflections of how he is still missed and remembered. Though I was only 3 when he died, I have fond memories of him, and am so proud to know how many lives he touched. Thank you for your reflections, they have really touched my heart.


Mechelle Bannister

Daughter of David Bannister
Daughter

November 11, 2015

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 3, 2015

It's hard to believe that it has been 40 years ago that David were killed in the line of duty. I want you to know that my son Chris nasmed his son after you as he knew how much David meant to me and the family. Espen David Sande was born 30 years aster your death and will be 10 years old on July 13th.

I want to thank my other brothers, Dickie and Michael. for attending the memorial every year and keeping me updated as I live in Washington state.

Brenda Bannister Simpson
Sister
May 26, 2014

Brenda Simpson
Sister

May 26, 2014

Uncle David
it will be 40 years in June since you were taken from us. I was only 6 when you died, but I would not even be here if it wasn't for you. When I was a baby you saved my life. I now have a wonderful son and husband and family and thanks to you I am here to share my life with them. We have a tape of you talking to us when we were younger I listen to that tape and I remember what a wonderful loving man you are. You are sincerely missed and will ALWAYS be remembered!!

KIM WARREN
Neice

May 26, 2014

David this June 3rd. it will be 40 years since you were taken from us.You will never see how beautiful your daughter grew up and to hold your grand children. How sad your life was taken over one bad judgment call from a teenager.
David loved his job and helping the teenagers in his district.Your family loved you very much and even now miss you.
We would like to thank the El Paso Police dept. for the beautiful memorial and service every Memorial day for you David and all the fallen officers in the line of duty.It keeps you alive in our hearts. We know you are in heaven with your family who passed before you.We love and miss you.
Let us remember to thank all the officers who protect us each day and are willing to give their lifes for what we all believe in protection and freedom.

Lea Bannister
Sister-in-law

May 25, 2014

David... You were an amazing police officer and partner and I will always remember you Brother.

Snow

Sgt. Snow Robertson
Murphy PD

October 15, 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 38th 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 solace for 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.

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

June 3, 2012

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Bannister.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 17, 2008

Officer Bannister,
On today, the 34th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of El Paso. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
A fellow El Pasoan

Anonymous

June 3, 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

February 6, 2008

R.I.P.

September 3, 2006

Officer Bannister you will not be forgotten, thank you for your service and we have the watch now, RIP.

Pecos Police Department
Pecos, Texas.

June 21, 2006

EVERY OFFICER NEEDS A REFLECTION...REST IN PEACE BROTHER

PATROL OFFICER FOLEY
INGALLS

April 30, 2004