Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Chetcuti,
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 Millbrae. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Usbp

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 25, 2023

I am pleased to have organized the 20 Year Tribute to Dave. Over a hundred friends and family gathered in the David Chetcuti Community Room. His three boys spoke, and there was a lot of laughter, as Dave would want. We still miss him terribly, but his heroism is just a reminder of the great officer he was.

Jim Pappas, 29J1
Retired Millbrae Police Dept

April 30, 2018

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

April 28, 2018

Officer Chetcuti,

Although I didn't personally know you, we did share a common bond as I also worked for a neighboring agency within San Mateo County. I can still remember hearing the news that day. Hearing of a fellow officer's loss is always tragic no matter what the circumstances. It is especially hard when that life is selfishly taken by another. The news of the incident hit home not only for myself, but for all of us in the law enforcement family. It reminded us all that life can be taken so easily and that none of us are exempt from it happening to any one of us at any given time. I thank you for your service to the city of Millbrae and can only wish that you had the same opportunity as did I. To proudly serve your community for your entire career until it reached it's natural conclusion. Rest in peace.

Officer (Retired)

April 26, 2018

Twenty years ago today. It’s like it happened just a moment ago.

M.F. Brookman, CPL (Ret)
Morgan Hill Police

April 26, 2018

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

April 25, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 20th anniversary of your EOW. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

April 25, 2018

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

April 26, 2017

Although I never had the privilege of knowing you Officer Chetcuti, I do appreciate the fact that you may have saved my life that day…

You see, I was 12 years old at the time and I lived with my family at 304 Roblar Ave in Millbrae. After looking at Google Maps, you will notice that my home was just across a field from the scene of the murder. I myself spent very much time playing in and around the field and drainage ditch that Officer Seann Graham dove into. I remember the huge commotion that day after hearing what I thought was fireworks. I was however, not aware of what happened until the following Monday. Furthermore, I never realized the magnitude of what took place until much later in life…

After doing much reading online, I now know that officer Chetcuti approached the murderer from the south while the suspect was looking for Officer Seann Graham in the bushes and drainage ditch. Had Officer Chetcuti not thrown his life on the line as he did, I can envision a totally different outcome…

Picture with me Hero Chetcuti not showing up and the gun wielding suspect hopping into the bushed to either look for Officer Graham or perhaps to make an escape on foot. I can only imagine what could have happened to my family and I had that suspect done so…

THANK YOU OFFICER CHETCUTI!

REST IN PEACE!

Appreciative Neighbor

May 17, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today on the 14th 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. He was shot twice when ambushed on April 23rd when he was on a foot pursuit of two bank robbers.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all that love and remember you. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

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

April 25, 2012

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

Officer 11169

January 15, 2012

I remember Dave from my days working as a medic. He was always friendly and professional. I grew up and live in the area and Dave will forever be part of this community. I'm remembering Dave today.

Officer Michael Arsanis
Oakland Police Dept

March 9, 2010

Dave,

Thank you for your help with our students. Also, personal thanks for your kindness to my son. He has never forgotten the day when he was 4 years old and you lifted him onto the seat of your motorcycle. The look of joy on his face is one of my favorite memories. Thank you, thank you.

Curtis L. Washington, Teacher
Mills High School

November 11, 2009

It's been ten years. I live it every day. Sometimes, I dream it at night. Never met you before that day, but I'll never forget you. I'm sorry I wasn't there thirty seconds sooner. I'm sorry for your wife and sorry for your boys. You're all in my prayers.

Cpl. M.F. Brookman
Morgan Hill Police Department

April 26, 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

September 20, 2007

Thank you Ofc. Chetcuti for your service and dedication to your community and fellow officers. God speed.

Ofc. Eric Chiang
San Francisco Police Department

November 17, 2005

Dear Dave:
Although I have never met you in person, I feel as though I know you. We have a strange connection. April 25, 1998, I was taking the POST exam for 911 Dispatcher, through the San Mateo Consortium. The test was stopped midway through, because an officer in San Mateo County had just been shot. For many minutes, I watched those who were administering the test, stand, pace and worry about who it was. It was then that I realized how big a law enforcement family truly is. Because no matter who it was, they would feel it.

Shortly after that sad day, I took a position with Burlingame Police, and became a member of a law enforcement family. Shortly after that, I also started working part time at Millbrae PD. It was then that I met your law enforcement family and friends.

Dave, you are surely missed. I've heard many stories about you. I have gotten to know your son David. How proud you'd be of him. He is a blessing to Millbrae PD. One thing is absolutely true. You are still there. I, and many others feel your presence. Soon after April 25, 1998 they put up your memorial sign on northbound 101, close to where you gave your life for a fellow officer. Every day that I work, either at Millbrae or Burlingame, I drive past that sign. And, every day I drive past I say the same little prayer.....which is: Dave, please help me to be the best, most protective dispatcher that I can be today, and please Dave, help me to do everything I can to make sure my guys go home today. You see Dave, the day you died was the day I started my journey in law enforcement again. I feel a connection with you because of that. And, Dave.....every day I pray that prayer, I swear I hear you say - don't worry, I'm there. Thank you Dave for being the inspiration you have been to many, and the wonderful Dad to your boys. I know that you and Gail are now together. God bless you and your family.

Marilyn Johnson
Burlingame PD
Millbrae PD

Marilyn Johnson, Police Dispatcher
Burlingame Police Department

April 20, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

April 13, 2005

David Chetcuti is my cousin. Our relatives came from the island of Malta. Often, Dave would come into my parent's business and he would bring his smile and sense of humor. I couldn't believe that something like this could happen in my hometown of Millbrae.

Probably one of the saddest experiences in my whole life was David's funeral. There were so many officers standing tall in the pouring rain. They were sending off a hero. David Chetcuti was a hero who saved another officer's life.

God bless David and his family.

Officer Christopher Sherry
California Highway Patrol

Dave,

You have been gone almost a year now, and oh how I miss you terribly. You made such a difference to me just by being part of my life. You were the best training officer anyone could hope to have. You will always be in my thoughts.

CSO Karen McAdams
Millbrae Police Department

Dearest Dave,

When ever I saw you, you always put a smile on my face. You always knew when someone needed a little pick me up. You would do anything to make people laugh and cheer them up in any way.

Remember the time when Paola was dispatching and she hid in a big box and when she heard you coming down the hall, she jumped out and tried to scare you, well she couldn't do it like you could. You smiled though and that was good enough. You are the best friend anyone could ever hope for. Even though we weren't that close, your thoughtfulness and constant concern always there. You are greatly missed and I think about you all the time. God is with you now and he will keep you safe. You are greatly missed and Loved by all. Thanks for all the memories and good times of laughter and those great parties.

Explorer Alena Matthews
Millbrae PD, CA

My wife and I both knew and worked with Dave.  Dave went through the basic academy with the Alameda County Sheriff's Department and then worked for a short time on the department.  Before he entered the academy he had been a reserve officer with Millbrae PD.  It was there that my wife met and worked with him during the years she worked in the traffic court.  She was always talking about the officers she would have contacts with, and Dave was often mentioned as one of the nicest people both on the phone and in court.

We have many, many close friends from many departments, and everyone who knew and worked with Dave has been devastated by his brutal murder.  Through it all, Chief Parker and the entire peninsula law enforcement community has rallied around Dave's family, making sure that it's understood that their loss will not be in vain.  Each of us had our lives shaken to the very foundation, but with support and time comes healing.  You will be missed, but never forgotten.

Bruce Rank
Dublin Police Services, CA

Dave...

"Judgement Day"

The policeman stood and faced his God.

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining.

Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To My chuch have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,

"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,

Because those of us who carry badges

can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,

and at times my talk was rough.

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the streets are tough.

But I never took a penny,

That wasn't mine to keep...

Though I worked a lot of overtime

When the bill got just to steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear.

And sometime, God forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place

Among the people here.

They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fear."

There was silence around the throne,

Where the saints had often trod.

As the policeman waited quietly,

For the judgement of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman,

You've borne your burdens well.

Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in hell."

- Author Unknown

To the Chetcuti Family and the Millbrae Police Department, your in our hearts and in our prayers.      29 Tom 6 - R.I.P.

Officer Jordan J. Boyd
Broadmoor Police Department, CA

I worked with Dave at Millbrae for 6 years.  He was a partner and a friend.  Dave was a true 'cops cop.'  He was proud of his job and was respected by all.  Dave was a fun loving guy, bringing humor to every situation that called for it.  He was couragous; saving the life of a fellow officer.  He was a proud and caring father, and was a loving husband.  My wife and I are devastated by Dave's brutal murder.  Our hearts go out to his family and to his extended family at Millbrae PD.  We love you Dave and we'll treasure the on and off duty memories we shared. Dave's call sign: 29 Tom 6 - R.I.P.

Officer Max Bosel
Mointain View Police Department, CA

For Dave Chetcuti

Three thousand proud and sad they stood on this your memorial day.

Even the heavens darkened and wept to send you on your way.

You gave your life to save another, no one could do more.

And I'm sure the Lord was there to greet you when you got to heaven's door.

Your loss is felt much deeper than any words can show,

but you'll live on in the hearts and minds of those who loved you so.

We'll miss you, Dave.

Jo Tyler
San Carlos, CA