Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer David Wayne Manning

California Highway Patrol, California

End of Watch Thursday, February 15, 1996

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Officer David Wayne Manning

Dave, your picture still hangs on my wall at home and I still listen to an old dispatch tape from your last day on the job. The sound of your voice instills a great calmness within me. The adventures you, Yasmyne Brewer (aka black widow) and I had while working east Bakersfield will forever make me laugh. Our morning coffee meetings at La Cabana were a blast. I remember the time you brought your own canned salsa and asked the owner Gus Garcia to please open the can and serve it to us because you felt the canned salsa was better than the one he was serving. The three of us always seemed to solve all of the world’s problems during these coffee meetings. I thank you and Yasmyne for your friendships.

Joe Vega, Sergeant (retired)
CHP

September 27, 2021

Officer Manning,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of California. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 15, 2021

Tonight my husband and I were reflecting on all the people we have known through the years who have passed and what they meant to us. I was telling him about my relationship with Dave and how I hope he always knew how much he meant to me. Dave and I worked together in Bakersfield. We had so many fun and not so fun road experiences but got through them together. He introduced me to his family and I introduced him to mine. When his daughter Hannah was born I had transferred to HQ but he would call me so happy about Hannah. He sent me beautiful pics of Hannah and we were so happy for him. Tonight I was sharing with my husband how beautiful it is when you have the opportunity to meet good people in your life and have meaningful relationships with them. Dave and I had a special relationship and I thank God for blessing me to know, work with and have a friend like Dave. If you ever saw us together it would appear we were always fussing with each other. Him and Joe Vega loved it when they met someone on our beat that asked whatever happened to me and then referred to me as the black widow. He got a kick out of that - FYI that was because the black widow was signing many violators up on our beat:). Love Dave and pray all his family doing okay. Hi Melissa!! Was also telling my husband about the first time we met at Dave’s request:).

Retired Officer, Yasmyne Brewer
CHP

December 15, 2020

On my daily drive on the cross town freeway SR178 which is named in your honor I Remember the good times we had when you called me a grouchy old man after a recent movie Dave its 2020 your still close in my heart, God bless you and your family. G. Sheetz 3619 CHP retired.

G. Sheetz #3619
CHP

December 14, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Manning.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 11, 2020

Thank you for your service

Mark Mottola

February 15, 2020

Officer Manning,
On today, the 24th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of California. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 15, 2020

Dave, My classmate, motor partner in ELA Office and dearest friend. This year I'll ride in the Police Unity Tour (300 mile bicycle trek from NJ to DC) in your honor. Lynda and I will never forget you.

Sgt. Mathew Armenta
California highway patrol

April 1, 2019

Semper Fi fellow Chpy. You are in our thoughts and will never be forgotten. Blue and Gond forever.

State Traffic Officer 7185 Mike Becze
California Highway Patrol

February 16, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You are not forgotten.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

February 15, 2018

Yesterday I read your story as I browsed ODMP. Today, I met a woman at the Orange County Government Leaders Prayer Breakfast. The woman introduced herself, and explained that her husband was a CHP officer as well, but had passed away 20 years ago. I realized that this officer/husband was you, David. I was taken aback by the timing of these events, and I told her. I'm sure you know as you look down upon your loved ones, but, I can also assure you she is well, although misses you greatly. Watch over your family. I feel as if I crossed paths with you today, and please watch over your CHP family. Rest in Peace.

Officer R. Scheidnes
CHP-Capistrano

February 20, 2016

"When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him.”

Euripides

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 24, 2015

Dave and I worked as officers in the Bakersfield Area. I remember how pleased he was to get back on the motorcycle after a period of working in the patrol car. Dave had a very friendly disposition and seemed to have a very clear view of things. I admired his positive outlook. After his accident, we had high hopes for his recovery. I remember how attentive his family was as they stood vigil by his side at the hospital.
Dave was one of the good souls in this world and I still miss him.

Phil Lammi, Sergeant (Retired), California Highway Patrol

March 29, 2014

Wow, Daivid if you could see how many people miss and how many people think you were a remarkable person. God gave me a wonderful gift and that was you. Love Mom

Jeri Manning Robinson (mother)
President Central California C.O.P.S.

April 12, 2013

David loved riding motorcycles and it was his motorcycle that took his life. He would be very happy today to know that we had our 10th Annual C.O.P.S. Motorcycle Run last Saturday. We had over 800 riders and fed 1000. It's with this money that we help other Fallen Officers families, friends, and coworkers with their grief. David was loved by all. We all miss him each and everyday. We'll see him again in heaven. He is there greeting other officers at the gate and showing them around. Love you, Mom

Jeri Manning Robinson (mother)
President Central California C.O.P.S.

April 12, 2013

Dear Officer Manning: You are remembered today and thought of with love, respect and gratitude. I pray your family is at peace with your loss. Thank you for keeping us safe and thank you for being Blue and Gold. Watch over all officers and please keep my beloved San Bernardino Squad safe!!

Love, Aunt LoVae

LoVae Pray Martines, Law Enf. Liaison
MADD, San Bernardino County

February 15, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service.

Rest In Peace and I'll see you on the other side.

Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen

Don P Jensen
Milwaukee Wisconsin Police, Retired

February 15, 2010

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

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

To Officer David Manning, his loved ones, and his fellow officers with the CHP:

On this the 13th anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart is with all family members and friends who call you beloved. They are all in my thoughts and prayers today. I can see from the loving reflections left by your loyal friends that you were an amazing man who is loved and missed by all those whose lives you touched.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, David. I am so humbled by your valor and service.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service David gave to his community and the citizens of California, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 13, 1996.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 15, 2009

I remember the sad day we heard the news you did not survive.. Met you at in service classes a few years before and just like all your buds have said about you, I'm a better person just knowing for a few days. You are still badly missed Brother. Keep resting easy knowing the Blue & Gold NEVER forgets our own.. God Bless All.

DB
Calif Hwy Patrol..Ret.

February 15, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 10, 2008

It’s been 11 years since you left us. It’s been over 30 years since we rode skateboards, spent afternoons watching the “Star Channel” and shot BB guns.

It seems strange that our childhood paths would separate only to return in the law enforcement profession.

Dave, I haven’t forgotten you, never will. That’s a promise!

I’ve visited with you many times, in private thoughts, during trips to the Police Memorial in Sacramento and Washington. I always find your name.

In the years that have passed, there have been so many good men join you. I know you are in good company.

Rest in peace my friend.

We are here, still fighting the good fight.

With deepest respect…

Danny Leper

Commander
Kern County Sheriff's Department

December 21, 2007

"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 21, 2007

~Heros are never forgotten~ God Bless your family.
Rest in peace. Another Hero taken too soon.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

October 19, 2007

Just wanted to let you and your family know that you are not forgotten. Rest in peace bro.

RM Taylor
US DOJ

October 1, 2007

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.