Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Kelly,
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 Maywood. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

July 18, 2024

Rest in peace Motor Officer Kelley.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 25, 2020

It’s been 21 years today Danny since we lost you. Not a day goes by I don’t think about you and miss you, your smile, quick wit and unyielding friendship.

You were an incredible street cop and you left and indelible impression on every officer who was fortunate enough to work alongside of you.

There will be a day when we will ride again as partners.

I miss you terribly. With all my love.

Mark

Chief of Police (Ret.) Mark Van Holt
SASPD

July 18, 2020

Semper Fi Motorman Kelley. It’s been 21 years since your untimely passing. I worked South LA CHP and worked close to your city. Thank you again for your service and May God bless you and your family.

State Traffic Officer 7185 Mike Becze
California Highway Patrol, South LA. & US Marine Vietnam Veteran.

July 17, 2020

Rest in peace Motor Officer Kelley.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 20, 2019

Semper Fi Motorman. May God bless you and your family. You honored us by your service and I know how proud you were to represent your department by having the honor of patrolling your city as a proud and distinguished motor officer. May you ride the heavens watching over all your brothers and sisters in Blue.

State Traffic Officer 7185 and United St
California Highway Patrol/SLA Area 530

July 18, 2019

I will write when my tears dry after reading my sons reflection about his dear, dear friend....and .....”brother”, Dan. My heart still aches from the pain Dan’s loss was, and is.

Mary Van Holt

July 18, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

July 18, 2018

May God bless you always Danny. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten by me and the pain of losing you will live forever.

Rick Lopez
Chief of Police - Maywood PD
1997-2002

Rick Lopez, Police Officer
Santa Ana School Police (California)

March 23, 2015

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

Officer 11169

January 15, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the eleventh 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 who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 18, 2010

MY NAME IS DEPUTY DURAN AND I WORK EAST LOS ANGELES SHERIFFS STATION. OUR STATION HAS ABSORBED THE CITY OF MAYWOOD AS OF 07-01-10. IN HONOR OF A FALLEN BROTHER THE ELA STATION HAS TAKEN IT UPON OURSELVES TO HONOR OFFICER KELLEY ON THE UPCOMING ANNIVERSERY OF HIS TRAJEDY. WE AS A STATION ARE ATTEMPTING TO GET A HOLD OF ANY FAMILY/FRIENDS WHO WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEMORIAL. CONTACT # FOR ELA STATION IS 323-264-4151.

DEPUTY DURAN
LASD/ELA

July 15, 2010

I had the privelege of working with Kelly for a short time. He is a very unique person and one who I will always remember. He could make anybody laugh, even Chiefs who didn't laugh much.

Andrew Musselman

March 9, 2010

Thank you Dan for your service to the Southeast and for your sacrifice. You are a true Hero.

Sergeant T. Henshaw
Bell Gardens Police Dept., CA.

April 29, 2009

I visit this website often to remember those who dedicate their lives to making this world a better place. God rest. Never forgotten.

Laura
Philly, PA

August 14, 2008

I met Dan when I was a young explorer scout for the Los Alamitos Police Department, as Dan was one of the explorer advisors along with his best friend Mark. I just found this web page and saw the reflections section. I wanted to leave one to someone who I truly admired.

I remember the numerous ride-a-alongs he would take me on and the life and police lessons he would teach me. I admired Dan a lot and I told myself I wanted to be just like him when I was a police officer. I wanted to have his sense of humor, his caring for others, and his pride and honor for police work.

I still remember the exact spot I was standing when I got the telephone call that he had passed away from his injuries during his accident. The call brought me to my knees and tears streamed down my face as I had just visited him in the hospial the prior day and the doctors said he was getting better.

I truly miss Dan. My father and I still talk about him to this day, as my father also worked with Dan at the Los Alamitos Police Department. We talk about what a great attitude Dan had and how he had such a caring attitude towards anyone he met, including strangers and suspects.

I did not become a police officer until a few years after Dan passed away. I was looking forward to swaping "War" stories with him and telling him about my first pursuit on my own, as I remember the first pursuit we got into while on a ride-a-along with him.

I know that God had a reason for taking him from us, but I also know that God only wants the best angels at his side. Dan was one of the best. Thank you for teaching me about police work and life. I am a better cop and person today because of the things you taught me. I will see you again someday and we can swap those "War" stories then.

God Speed!

Mike Sellers, Orange PD

Mike Sellers Jr., Police Officer
Orange Police Dept., Orange, California

April 13, 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 1, 2007

I love this Chris Rice song titled Untitled Hymn.

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!

Your memory is alive and well. Healing will only come
when those whose faith is in Christ will meet you on the other side. Until then, we rejoice that you are with the Savior and the cares of this earth are far from you!
Lynn Kole
Washington State

July 18, 2007

Dear Big Brother...
Almost 8 years have passed since you left this world and those who loved and knew you. I still cannot believe that you are gone and that I am someone who has the dubious distinction of saying "my brother is gone, he was a police officer killed in the line of duty. He died a hero!" You were my main protector from EVERYTHING when we were growing up and we all knew you would be the one in the family to do everyone proud. You sure lived up to our dreams for you. My heart aches yet is filled with joy to read all the reflections on here because you are so greatly admired, missed and loved by so many. I could never have asked for a better brother ever, and even though we fought like typical siblings do, I always wanted you to be as proud of me as I was and am of you! The one main thing I had to learn after your passing was that life is short and to make the most of it. The day we cleaned your room and storage unit out, I realized something important...that you lived your life the way you wanted...doing what made you happy! I wish I could have learned that before you died. I wonder how many children have been named after you in your honor? I know Mark named his son after you, I had a son a year after you left us too...his name is Andrew Daniel...but I am sure you know this, don't you! The time we had together as brother and sister is but memories now, but something that will never leave me. I miss you more than words can say...my big brother! Please continue to watch over us until we all meet again! I love you!

Donna Krauss-Militello
Your little sister

April 29, 2007

Danny-

I live in Las Vegas now. But, I was still in the OC when I heard of your motor accident. My only wish is that I could have spent more time with you and Mark. Our golf trip at Heartwell is a fond memory. Travel well, my friend. You will not be forgotten...Semper Fi.

Don McKay
OCSD Class #74

January 7, 2007

It's been over seven years since you were called. I was so angry at the world, and now regretfully-God, for taking you from all of us. You left an indelible mark on all whom met you; a tribute to the man you were. You will always live on in my heart. Rarely does a single day go by where I don't think about you and the times we shared together. Much has changed since you have passed. Derek "Kelley" Van Holt turned seven this week (or "DK" as I like to call him in rememberance of you). And most importantly, I have begun to find peace in the word of God. When you left, my world tumbled apart. Lost, without direction, a void became so large in my heart and soul, I found it difficult to regain the "value" of life. I have read through some of the "reflections" below. From those who knew you, they miss you terribly. And even more remarkably, from those who never met you, who sent their words of love and their "thank you's" for giving your life trying to make the community you worked in safer!
John 15:13 - "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Without question, you were the best "cop" I have ever known or met. You were truly a "cops cop."
But more importantly, you had a huge heart. You were always there for me, and my family, and your friends. Always smiling. Always optimistic. You were a joy of life!
God has his plan for each one of us. While we may not know or understand his plan now, I know that in time, we will be together again.
I loved and love you like a brother. You were family.
You are missed more than you can possibly imagine.
See you soon Danny.
GOD BLESS!!

Mark.
10/09/2006

Mark Van Holt
Friend, brother and soul mate

October 9, 2006

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

July 18, 2006

A man so remembered with love and respect never dies but continues to live on in the hearts and minds of others.May you Rest In peace and may Our Lord bless your loved ones.

July 18, 2006

Rest in peace motorman, we have the watch now.

Offc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

July 11, 2006

Dear Danny....I miss you so much. A day doesn't go by that I don't think of you. You know how proud you made me, not so much for the excellent cop that you were, but for the man and friend and love you showed me. Too many times I was "too busy", but you never held that against me. I thank God we had our time together and miss the times we would have had. God bless you, Danny. I know we'll be together again. I love you, Danny.
Dad

Sgt. Bob Krauss- Retired
Seal Beach Police Dept - Dad

May 6, 2006