Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

David, I have read so much about you, and heard so much about you from those who knew you, I even gotten lucky enough to love your son who is a spitting image of you. You would be so incredibly proud of the man he is. He is truly a remarkable human, hes the best fiancée and the absolute best dad to our two daughters and our son, we’re expecting another boy in the fall, we’ve chose to name him “Daven” after you. One day we will all meet, I have such a strong feeling that you and I will get along just fine. I promise to keep taking care of your boy <3

Deputy Beth Topliss-Dees
WCSO/ Daughter in law

June 17, 2024

This morning as I’m getting off shift you are on my mind heavy! I still see little signs that bring back memories and thoughts of you! Not a day goes by that I don’t think about what life would be like if you were still here and how close we would be! I wish you could meet my beautiful Fiancee and three beautiful children! I know you would love them so much! I often think about the conversations you and Beth would have and how much you two would have in common. She’s a bit cornbread like us. lol she also wears the uniform proudly just like we do!
I continue to live everyday like it’s my last and do my best in everything I do. You were taken from us way way too soon! I love you! We’ve got a lot to catch up on when we meet again. Until then continue to watch over us!

Bradley Dees
Son

February 6, 2024

Rest in Peace Trooper Dees. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with the Dees Family and the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

Cpl. Gary Hughes (Retired)
Passaic County Sheriff's Office New Jersey

November 29, 2023

On this bright Saturday morning I’m laying here reading all the memories and beautiful things everyone has to say about you. I wish I had more time with you. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t wonder what my life would have been like if you were still here. Although, I know you’re in a better place away from all this insanity of the world, I find myself feeling selfish and wanting you here with us. I’ve got a beautiful daughter who turns 5 in a couple months a gorgeous fiancé and we are currently house hunting in Elizabeth city. Holly has her own house and works at a pediatricians office. Chris is living in New York with his wife and son. Your legacy will never be forgotten Dad! Love you! And until we meet again... keep an eye out for us.

Bradley Dees
Son

August 1, 2020

We have the Watch. Thank you for your Service. May you Rest in Peace.

Asst. State Captain Roy W Hankinson
North Carolina Patriot Guard Riders

April 6, 2020

We miss you every day David!! You would be so very proud of your children and their families!! We will always love you!!! ❤️❤️❤️

Debbie Potts
Sister-in-law

April 4, 2020

Rest in heavenly peace on this your 21 anniversary in heaven

Mark Mottola

April 4, 2020

20 years....your sacrifice is not diminished. I still think about you often trooper. I haven’t forgotten that ticket way back when. I still laugh about it. Thank you for keeping an eye on me and the rest of us.

Godspeed brother.

Officer Tom Sokolis
Upper Moreland Twp

April 9, 2019

Trooper Dees,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of North Carolina. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

April 4, 2019

Remembering you & thinking about your family!

Denise (former Dare County Deputy)
Survivor of NC Trooper Calvin Taylor

December 2, 2015

Trooper Dees, I salute you Sir. We played baseball when we were young. Margaret E.called your passing on facebook. You brought a smile when I heard your name. I pray we are all just in transition and that you are Safe now. Brother, just know now that I love you and respect you. You bring me good memories.

Charles Wells
Babe Ruth Friend

April 6, 2015

Just last week was the 15 year anniversary. Like I said in an earlier post, I am grateful you touched my life if only for an instant. I think of you often Trooper.

Ofc. Tom Sokolis
Upper Moreland Township

April 12, 2014

Still think of you often, brother!

Aloha,
Ted Kearns

Inspector/DHS
Former Dare County, NC Deputy Sheriff

April 4, 2013

I am so proud to have had you as a cousin. My mind floods with memories of our childhood and times we had with all of the Dees cousins. You are missed but I know I will see you again. Until we meet again....

Melisa Dees McPeek
Cousin

April 4, 2012

So much time has passed since you left us. I remember the phone call early that morning and the feeling of loss that set in.
Our call signs flashed through my mind from when we worked together, as did a flood of other memories. David you gave me and so many others such good memories. Take care of Earl and show him the way up there. Your brothers and sisters will cover the watch here.

Police Officer Specialist CPD Virginia
Former DCSO Deputy Sheriff

April 3, 2012

I miss you and think of you often David...Thanks for helping me make it through Patrol School in 1996. RIP

TROOPER A.D.DEZSO
NCSHP

December 7, 2011

I am a member of the ODMP on Facebook and saw your profile. Even though we never met, you are a fellow brother. I just wanted to say thank you for your service.

Inv. Ronald Hayes
Alaska State Troopers

April 6, 2011

I see you son has chosen the path of his father. I can't believe he has grown up so fast. I wish he could have know you longer, hopefully he has your boyish grin and your easy way. Say hello to Earl I know you two have hooked up and the stories are flying back and forth. Miss you both.

Anonymous

January 16, 2011

Today is the 11th aniversary of your death and the first time that it has been easter since the day of your accident. Everyone in the family is doing good and I'm on a full ride at NC State. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you, and you should know that I am very proud to call you my father. Thank you for everything that you did!!

Rest in Peace dad!!

Christopher
Son

April 4, 2010

I still miss and think of you quite often. We all miss you here at the Dare County Sheriffs Office. This will be the 11th year to date you have been gone from us.

Earl left here last May 15th as we miss you boys beyond belief.

Thinking of you,

Your friend,

George H. Bowman
Investigator
Dare county Sheriffs Office

Investigator
Dare County Sheriffs Office, NC

February 15, 2010

As Ive pass through the Eastern portion of the state,Ive often seen your name on this bridge. I wondered about you. Now I know the face, the warriors face, that goes with that name. You're not forgotten.

Anon NC cop

January 25, 2010

My family and I drove over the bridge dedicated to Tpr. Dees while returning from vacation, so I had to research the story. The reflections left are very moving. God Bless Tpr. Dees and his family.

SSGT Christopher Wagner
NJ State Police

July 30, 2009

IT SEEMS ALMOST SILLY OF ME TO WRITE SOMETHING ON A POST LIKE SOMEHOW YOU WILL HEAR IT, BUT WITH THAT BEING SAID I JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW THAT I MISS YOU AND THINK OF YOU OFTEN. I HAD THE PLEASURE OF SPENDING A WEEK WITH HOLLY, BRADLEY AND CHRIS AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT THEY WOULD MAKE YOU VERY PROUD. THEY HAVE TURNED IN TO SUCH GREAT KIDS AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT WHENEVER WE GET THE CHANCE THAT WE TELL THEM ALOT OF GREAT STORIES ABOUT YOU. I KNOW THAT YOU ARE ALL SMILES SEEINNG HOW THEY HAVE GROWN IN TO GREAT KIDS! I MISS YOU DEARLY!

JENNIFER MCCORMAC
NIECE

July 2, 2009

I had the pleasure of knowing and working with David from the time he was in Basic Training for Deputy Sheriff's until the day GOD called him to patrol the streets of heaven. We shred a lot of laughs once he got to know me. One day he met me at the courthouse after traveling from the NC Justice Academy. As serious as one could be he looked at the Oak Leaf Clusters on my collar and said" Id sure like to have those." In a funny sort of way I responded Son you ain't been here long enough yet." He smiled and we started a long friendship.
In the later years I had the opportunity to ride with him on patrol and work special assignments. He became of of the finest State troopers I every worked with. My friend you are missed here but when GOD called you home you got the highest promotion ever given, better than my Oak Leaf Clusters for sure.

E. J Williams,Jr Lt Col Retired
Dare County S.O. Retired

May 23, 2009

i also drove over your bridge the other day. You will NEVER be forgotten.

Anonymous

January 20, 2009