Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Capt. Knapps,
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 Louisiana. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Corrections Officer.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

December 28, 2024

Your Brave And Dedicated Service To Your Department And The Citizens Of Louisiana Will Not Be Forgotten. Rest In Peace Captain.

Retired Officer G. S. Siegrist
Bucks Co. PA Corrections

December 28, 2018

miss you capt knapps

merl scott mst sgt
retired Angola trips

January 30, 2017

Ive attended the academy named after you on two different occasions and took many different skills with me that I learned there in the job. It's truly a tragedy every time an officer is taken from us in any way. I want to express my condolences to you and your family and a thank you for your sacrifice. I spoke with an officer that was on the team that went in to rescue you and the other officers and he said that there's not a day that goes by that he doesn't think about you. You are truly missed and your legacy at Angola is being carried on to multiple facilities. I served at Angola, Elayn Hunt and am now currently serving at Dixon Correctional. Thank you for your service and you are greatly missed by officers that knew you and the ones that didn't.

Corrections Officer Adam Tarver
Dixon Correctional Institute

January 9, 2017

I didn't know this site or page existed until now. Rest In Peace David & God Bless Everyone whom you touched while you were here with us. Prayers to the Family, Friends, Co-Workers & Loved Ones. May You Find Peace & Harmony ! Amen

John Knaps
Cousin

December 30, 2015

thank you for your service to the state of louisiana

captain johnson
huntsville prison

July 3, 2012

Happy Birthday Uncle David! You are still deeply missed and we still feel a void. Love you lots and think of you always!

Racheal Knapps
Niece

December 8, 2011

Hi I had been summonsed as a potential juror forn this case. Although, I was not chosen I would just like to say sorry to the family of this man.

Ashley Simmons

October 30, 2011

Jeffrey Cameron Clark murdered my brother, Andrew Cheswick 27 years ago. I had hoped prison had rehabilitated him, but I can see that it has done no good. I understand how David Kanpps' family and friends feel. My condolences and prayers go out to all of you.

Deborah Thomas
Victim of Jeffrey Cameron Clark

June 14, 2011

To the Knapps family:

We can never bring back that which has been taken,
we can only now morn with you and pray that in some way a small burden has been lifted.

It was an honor to stand for you and for David.

Thank you
137

137
Juror

May 17, 2011

Finally justice is starting to be served in this case. RIP Capt. Knapps

Brian

July 14, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 10th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for those who miss and love you for I know the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
fallen officer of Phyllis Loya

December 29, 2009

10 years ago today we lost you. You will always be remembered as the music loving, dedicated, very special man that you were and still are in our hearts. we miss you more with each and every day. You would not beleive how your family has grown.We think about you every day and wish you were here but we know that you are now playing your music for jesus. You will never be forgotten. We love you always.

The Knapps Family

December 29, 2009

hi capt. knapps. i have had an interest of working at angola for a long time. i went there yesterday and applied to become a correctional officer, and i was hired on the spot. i will be attending your academy starting on july 28. im going to learn all i can about and hopefully hear good stories about you.

RIP

corrections cadet
louisiana state penitentiary

July 18, 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

February 2, 2008

Captain Knapps,
Today is the eighth anniversary of your EOW. You will forever be remembered for your heroism by grateful citizens everywhere.

Pennsylvania citizen

December 28, 2007

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 27, 2007

I had the opportunity to be able to go through the David C. Knapps Corrections Officer Training Academy and put in a little work time at Angola before becoming a Deputy Sheriff. I never heard anything bad about the man that lost his life in the line of duty. I was able to work with several of his co-workers at Camp-J and the instructors at the Academy. It was truely an honor to be able to go through his Academy. He will be and is missed dearly by all who knew and worked with him. And by what everyone says, i wish there was more people like him in the world. Thanks Capt.

Deputy Adam Temple
Franklin Parish Sheriffs Department

August 28, 2007

I miss you. I wish I knew you better.+

Amy Glasgow
daughter

August 26, 2007

Capt. Knapps, god bless you! i read about what you and all the officers involved went throught that night, in warden cain's book. R.I.P

richard hunt
washington correctional institute

June 16, 2007

REST IN PEACE BROTHER

P2 ANTHONY PESHOFF
CALCASIEU PARISH S.O (FORMER OFFICER LA. DOC/PHELPS)

June 10, 2007

The Officer stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shinning,
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The Officer squared his shoulder and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I aint,
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 bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept an unmanly tear.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
it needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't...I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne,
where the saints often trod.
As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, Officer."
"You've borne your burdens well."
"Come walk a beat on heaven's streets,"
"You've done your time in Hell"

Rest In Peace My Brothers & Sisters
Who Have Given Your All. You Have
Earned Your Wings, Soar On.

Rest in peace my DOC Brother. Youre gone but will not be forgot

Deputy Scott Hinson
St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs Office

December 30, 2006

Captain David Knapps,

I have never met you, however, I feel like I know you. I have heard many wonderful things about you and I have never heard any bad things about you. I understand that you were easy to get along with. I salute you for taking your stand on that fateful night.

I also want to say thank you. Your passing has not gone in vain. Every year in the month of June, there is a Correctional Peace Officers Foundation memorial service held in your memory and every other officers memory that has been killed in the line of duty. I will be attending this memorial.Captain Knapps, I will definitely pay my respects again this year.

Rest in Peace my brother.

Brian Daigle
Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, Louisiana

June 6, 2006

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

A hero never dies...

Rest in peace, hero.

December 28, 2004

It is now almost 5 years since that horrible night, and I still think about it often. I still think of how scared the Officers involved in the whole ordeal must have been. I also think of how brave they were to stand firm and remain true to duty, even unto the very end. May God truly bless them and their families in this Holiday season, and bring them peace and comfort not only now, but the whole year through. I still remember when Capt. Knapps used to make his rounds in my dorm. He used to talk about his house that he was working on, and how he was ready to move into it. I remember when I got moved from night watch to day watch how he used to ask me all the time if I wanted to come back to night watch. Rest easy sir. You will never be forgotten.

December 23, 2004