Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Well David, another year has passed and everyday I think of you, especially when I see a helicopter fly over. Its been many years since that fateful day and I as well as countless others have not forgotten the dedicated service that you provided to the State of Missouri. There have been a lot of changes in the MSHP since you've been gone and more of our officers have gone on to the "Great Beyond". God speed brother, hope to see you again someday.

Your Friend,

JW

Sgt (ret) Jerome W Burford
Missouri State Highway Patrol

May 16, 2016

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

May 17, 2015

Well David, its been almost 15 years since that fateful day. It is National Police Week and I have been thinking about you, and how much I miss you. Your girls are all grown up now and many things have changed. You and Jay are in my thoughts everyday, miss you buddy. See you in Heaven some day.

Sgt (ret) Jerome W Burford
Missouri State Highway Patrol

May 13, 2014

Sgt. May,
On today, the 13th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Missouri. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

May 17, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the tenth 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 hold your family in thought and prayer today and pray for their solace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

May 17, 2009

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

July 20, 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

December 6, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Sergeant May. May God continue to give you comfort. Heros are never forgotten.
Thank you for your service. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

May 17, 2007

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

May 17, 2005

Dave was always a bright spot in Troop E. I think of him often.

Trooper
Missouri State Highway Patrol

March 23, 2005

Well Dave, its been about a year since you've been gone and I as well as countless others miss you terribly.  We miss your great big smile and your encourging words and that ability to make everyone feel good.  I especially miss those days that we were in the air and your attempts at trying to teach me to fly.  I'm sure you're flying high and probably looking down and getting a chuckle at whats gone on since you've been gone.  Miss you and will see you in eternity some day.

J. W. Burford
Missouri State Highway Patrol

David was a friend, colleague and member of the 54 Recruit Class.  He remains an inspiration to many of us within our agency and is sadly missed.  We counted on him for that never fading smile to make our day bright. He loved serving mankind, both in the selection of his profession and his interaction within his community.  David is our second classmate to end his watch will on duty, hopefully he will be our last.   Always in our prayers.

Bruce Clemonds
Missouri State Highway Patrol

As I reflect on the days since May 17, 1999, I can only say that the pain gets better with time, however, it never goes away.  David May was my boss and my mentor.  He taught me my trade, I'm a police pilot.  He showed me the ins and outs of how to be efficient and provide necessary services to the public and to the officers on the ground that count on their pilots.  I miss my boss terribly, I miss my friend even more.  God bless all who wear the uniform that are willing to lay down their life in the service of others.  Be safe, and keep the faith!

Sergeant J. A. Sampietro
Missouri State Highway Patrol

Officer May, you've served well and I'm sure you'll be missed by all your fellow airmen/women and officers. On behalf of the Airborne Law Enforcement Association, I want to issue you a clearance on your flight to rest. You're cleared direct to peace and rest, as filed. Make sure to enjoy the Eternal's pilot's lounge. You'll be back on duty soon in the resurrection of the dead with new wings waiting to be pinned on. Contact Departure...have a good flight.

Special Agent/Pilot Darin L. Paul
Federal Bureau of Investigation