Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The month of October 2003 has been dedicated to Dan as we took a journey for justice during the entire month. On October 21,2003 the cold blooded killer was found guilty of murder ~ Justice for Dan ~ & guilty of attempted murder ~ Justice for Ryan~

On October 30, 2003 the jury gave this coward the death penalty. He was also found guilty of 8 other charges including being a habitual offender. IN does care about their law enforcement officers and their public safety officers.
We know it will be many years of appeals before justice is complete, however its comforting to know that 22 hours a day he will sit alone for those next 17 + years. The fact that his 2 hours a day out of his hole will be spent with other death row inmates is also comforting.

Regardless of what happens from this point onward he will in the end face judgement day and with GOD at his side Dan has one more warrant with this cowards name on it....this time Dan won't send him to jail but rather the coward will go straight to hell.

Janice
wife

November 4, 2003

Dan, Janice, Dustin and Ryan~

Today you received justice, and although it will never bring Dan back, he will not have died in vein either. My children and I have had your family on our "special prayers" list since the day Dan was shot. Dustin knows that, I have asked for his father to keep him and his brother safe~ which we all know he will! I miss his smart aleck sense of humor~ always trying to get a rise out of me~ don't worry Dan, Dustin takes over where you left off! You have a wonderful family, rich with love and they know if they ever need anything, we're all just a phone call away. Again, my thoughts are with you today, and always!

Liz
Plaifield PD/Mooresville PD

October 31, 2003

I happened to come across the story of this horrible tragedy and felt that I should stop in. I never met you brother, but I know you help watch over all of us rookies. When we are alone running tags and our hands start to shake . . you help steady them. When our fears begin to swell . . you help calm them. When we feel that we just need a partner on a lonely old night, doing the job that everyone seems to hate and never appreciates . . you take up the seat next to us and ride along with us. When we are checked out on a traffic stop, with no back up available . . you take up Heavenly arms and become a shield around our cruiser. Thank you brother. Thank you.
To the family:
I know time has passed for you, but I'm sure you have not forgotten. Just know that you are not the only ones. Dan gave the ultimate price, knowing full well what could happen, but he believed in what he was doing. If he did not believe in what he was doing, or if he did not believe in his uniform then he simply would have stayed home that fateful day. I know that you wish he would have Janice, but he now comforts me on my lonely beat. I know that is no comfort to you, but please remember that he did not die in vein. His death has served a purpose, and will continue to do so for so many years to come. Thank you.

Anonymous

October 20, 2003

I read the papers every day about the trial of your killer. I just can not believe that there are lawyers out there who will represent this kind of scum. I hope and pray the jurors will see through the lies that are being told and find the killer guilty and sentence him to death. It is unfortunate that even if they do he will have many more years to live as the appeals process goes on. My thoughts and prayers are with your family while they have to endure this terrible process. God Bless you Dan Starnes. May you Rest in Peace.

Anonymous

October 18, 2003

Dear Mrs. Starnes,
I am deeply sorry for your loss as well as your two sons. It is apparent that the pain you feel is deep. I am extremely touched by your dedication to your husband and please know that your family's law enforcement brothers pray for TRUE justice for the coward that caused all this pain. It is my personal prayer that God will grant your family peace in the days ahead. God Bless each of you.

Captain Scott Wright
Mount Holly Police Department, NC

August 29, 2003

Dan, 7-23-03
I was sitting here just thinking of you and just wanted you to know that I love you. You were so good to me and so was Janice. I am no longer in the family but I want you to know that I will always look at you as my father-n-law. You are and will always be the best one I will ever have. there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you and there will never be a day that goes by that you don't go through my head and my heart. You are my hero and my good friend. I want you and Janice to know that you guys are always going to be part of my family for now and forever. One of these days we will see each other again and hopefully you will still open your arms to me. I will be looking forward to seeing you again. You and Janice did a wonderful job as parents I just want you to know that both of your boys are good guys. But I am sure you know that. keep watching over them and protecting them and janice. I love you Dan you are a wonderful man. love mandy

mandy (starnes) marsh
daughter-n-law

Two years ago today July 10, 2003 my devoted husband of 25 1/2 years & wonderful father to our two sons, Sgt. Daniel Robert Starnes was KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY. Dan was shot 5 times by a coward who admitted to shooting my husband to avoid prison; yet into the justice system he ran demanding his rights & wanting his worthless life spared.

Justice must prevail not only for Dan but for each & every officer who serves their community and for every officer who has served before them-trying to make a difference. Dan's sacrifice must not be in vain. Hopefully in October 2003 the coward will get the death penalty he deserves and Sgt. Daniel R. Starnes who was only 46, will get the justice he's earned and he deserves.

Reading the newest reflections as well as re-reading the older ones I find comfort knowing Dan has not been forgotten. These 2 years have been extremely hard, they don't get easier but IT IS WHAT IT IS is a phrase often said to me by a close friend. As much as I don't like that phrase its true.

Dan watch over our boys as they are following in your footsteps. They are strong wonderful sons, thank you honey for our boys.

Love always,
Janice Marie, Proud Wife Of
SGT. DANIEL ROBERT STARNES
Killed In The Line Of Duty
July 10, 2001

Wife
Janice

I met Sgt. Starnes while he was riding along with his son. Dustin. His son is a State Trooper with the Indiana State Police. Dustin made a Traffic Stop near Notre Dame on SR933. I backed him up on the Stop. Once the Stop was over, I had a chance to speak with Sgt. Starnes. He seemed to be a genuinely decent person. He appreciated my stopping to offer assistance. Sgt. Starnes was also interested in my squad car. I was driving a 2000 Chevy Impala. He told me that he was going to be getting the same type car. I let him sit in it and get a good feel of the car. He really enjoyed it.
It was a pleasure meeting him. I recently met his wife, Janice, in Washington D.C. at the Memorial Service for fallen officers. He left behind a close nit family. I will remember them in my daily prayers.

Police Officer Patrick Holdeman
Notre Dame Police

On May 12th,2003,at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial,the night before the Vigil,I had the pleasure of meeting Janice,Dustin and Ryan. What a wonderful family!! I was truly impressed with the grace and positive attitude of this surviving family who lost a loving husband , father and hero. Janice was in Indianapolis to see us(27 police officers) off on the Chapter 5 Indiana Police Unity Tour (Bicycle) to Washington DC. 600 miles and nine days later,she and her two sons(both police officers in Indiana) and friends were there to honor their Fallen Hero and all the others who have made the supreme sacrifice. She and her family must now endure the rigors of the trial for the killer of her husband that will be held in Dearborn County,Lawrenceburg,Indiana, in a few short months from now. Janice,Dustin,Ryan and their friends will be in our prayers,to give them strength during this approaching tough time...and we'll be hoping and praying that the Courts in Indiana will see that Justice will be done for the loss of Dan, who was forever taken from them while on this Earth. May Justice and Peace be the result of the trial. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all...Dan shall never be forgotten !!

Ranger Steve Ranz
Hamilton County Park District

I am a LEO in Ohio. I am one tough guy, nothing bothers me. I've seen it all, and done it all...Until I came across this memorial. To see all the people that loved and respected Sgt. Starnes. And the story of his death is so tragic. I can barely type this because I am weeping uncontrolably. To see that his children followed in his footsteps even after this horrific event, warms my heart and tells me that Sgt Starnes was above all a wonderful husband and role model to his kids. Every time someone dies, it is a tragedy, but this is so much more. Sgt Starnes was truly one of the good guys, May God Bless and keep his family.

Anonymous

Happy Valentines Day Honey~ Everyday holds a special memory of how good you were to me, and reminders of how much I miss you more each day. Instead of giving you a kiss and a hug, I stood at NEBO as the sun shined and tried to melt some of the snow... on this windy cold day~ a Valentines Day card I left for you ~

You are my strength, my hope, my faith, my guardian angel. Without you standing beside me, I can't go forward. I need you to continue to be with me. Without you, there is no me~ I love you always.

Wife
Janice

Another Fishing, Hunting season gone by without my buddy and freind. Much missed by us, but not nearly as much as JANICE, DUSTIN AND RYAN.

Jim and Lucia Furnas
X-Member G.T.V.F.D and Spouse

Dan,

Happy New Year 1-1-2003~another beginning of another year~ Hopefully this year we will have justice for you through the court system, finally. For all the other fallen officers before you & all that will pay the ultimate sacrifice after you there must be nothing less than complete justice for each of you.

I love you very much, I miss your kindness, gentleness, and that beautiful friendly smile you shared with everyone.

Keep us close honey as you continue to be our guardian angel, we continue to gather strength from your love and devotion to us.

I love you always & miss you more each day,

Janice Marie
Wife

Dan, honey its Christmas 2002~ without you. You are in our thoughts, you will remain in our hearts, our soul, your strength carrys through to the boys and me. Things are just so different not just for me but for your sons too. I hold on to "remembering" more than anything else. Holding you close in my heart is helpful but not ever enough. I miss you Dan, more than anyone other than you will ever understand. Im so thankful to have met you, married you, had your children, loved you and so importantly loved by you. Merry Christmas to my husband, my best friend, my soulmate, my breath, my heartbeat, my everything. Always be our guardian angel babe, walk with us with every step we take. I love you always.

I will never let you be forgotten as long as I live. The sacrifice you made must not be in vain. Merry Christmas Dan.

LOVE YOU FOREVER,

Wife
Janice

DAN, Today December 19, 2002 is our 27th wedding anniversary~I love you so much, life is so difficult without you. With your smile always in my mind, your love always in my heart, your strength always in my soul ~ this is what gets me through each day, one day at a time. Instead of sharing a hug and a kiss, I will share my quiet moments with you as my best friend in my soul~I love you and miss you very, very much.

Happy 27th anniversary babe. Until we meet again,

Love always,

Janice, PROUD WIFE OF
SGT. DANIEL ROBERT STARNES

Dan,
Happy Thanksgiving Day 2002 babe. Trying not to change the things you loved about this special day. I will always hold true to the holidays for you~we shared together-as our sons know meant so much to both of us. The house seems so empty this year~You are loved & missed by so many people, Dan, especially me. Dustin & Ryan continue to make you proud with their accomplishments & strength they have. We need your guidance & protection always. With GOD at your side, I have no doubt you are our guardian angel, watching over us keeping us in your arms, the arms of an angel. I love you Dan. I miss you so much its unbearable at times, but your smile comes through & makes me smile too. Happy Thanksgiving honey.

Until we meet again,

Wife
janice

May God richly bless those left behind. Mrs, Starnes stay strong. Look to God, he is always there hearing every prayer faithful and true. Walk by his side in his love abide. When you get discourged just remember what to do, reach out to Jesus, he's reaching out to you. 11/27/02

concerned citizen

Dan,

The Memorial Cross that was erected for your 48th birthday now stands where the shooting took place is absolutely beautiful. Once again, the citizens of Morgan County, as well as many of the police officers, were there during the ceremony. 55-22, you will live in the hearts of the Morgan County community forever.

Please continue to watch over Janice, Dustin and Ryan. You are still and always will be -- their hero. God bless you, Dan. Happy Birthday.

-- Robin

Happy 48th Birthday Dan! Today we will place a memorial at the site where this all happened~the memorial is absolutely beautiful, it's breathtaking. The community, your law enforcement friends/co-workers, and your family have all joined together once again to keep the promise that YOUR SACRIFICE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN! I love you so much and miss you very, very much. Your smile is always with me and your words of "honey, don't worry everything will be ok," is an echo in my mind everyday. The boys continue to make you proud & to be proud of you. Thank you honey for all you stand for, for all you are to us and the strength you continue to give the boys & I.
Together forever,
I love you
Janice

Wife
Janice

I meet some great young adults at 2002 Outward Bound,but no one touched me more than meeting and getting to know Ryan. He never had a harsh word for anyone, gave his best to every task and it was an honor to meet him. He became a true friend, will always be welcome by me and I wish him the best of luck in everything he hopes and dreams for.

2nd Lt. Kevin Holmes
Farifax Co. P.D.,Fairfax Va.

Janice Starnes:
I have just recently found this site. I kept seeing your name and your husbands E.O.W. on other officers reflections who have fallen. I am a third generation Law Enforcement Office. My Grandfather, my Father and myself are all LEO's. I lost my grandfather to cancer in 1984. Growing up I never thought I would be a Deputy or anything to do with Law Enforcement. I now know that Law Enforcement is not a thing you chose to do, but it is something that picks you at birth. I have been a Deputy since 1989. It saddens me to see anymore names go to this site or to the wall in Washington, DC.
I have lost many friends over my 14 years of protecting and serving. Most resently Trooper Rao, whom I had the honor of knowing. I can see every new day is still a struggle for you. I hope a poem my wife wrote might help.

Another Policeman Died Today
I want to cry, but my four year old wnats to show me something. I was to scream until no sound is left, but my two year old wants to cuddle. I want to curl up in the corner, but my neighbor wants to know how I'm doing. I want my mom to hold me and tell me the world is a good place, but I have to hold my own children. I want to sob into my pillow, but I just kissed my husband goodbye and watched him drive off with a smile. I smile, not knowing if I will see him again. I want to know if I'll see him again, but I am a policemans wife............and Another Officer Died Today.

It takes alot for those of us in Law Enforcement to do what we do everyday. Somedays harder than others. Again I say you do not pick this as a job it picks you. It takes a certain type of person to do this job, but it takes an even different type person to be a policemans wife, husband, son, daughter or parent. I have two daughters and I can only hope they have not been picked to do this job. Best wishes to you.
To your two sons, you have been picked to do a thankless job. If you two can carry on the way your father did his job, you are a great credit to the job and to him.

Anonymous

Dan, Last night the boys & I gave your first SGT. DAN R. STARNES LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to a local graduate who will go into the career of law enforcement. We all were so proud to do this in your honor, for you, especially for you. I can just see you smile that beautiful smile. Dan I promise to keep you with us forever. I love you and miss you so very, very much. I know you are our guardian angel.

Love you always,
Janice

Janice
wife of FALLEN OFFICER

Dan,
Janice has been working hard and doing a wonderful job to make sure that no one will ever forget you. I know that I never will. I think about you every day and pray that although they miss you very much, everyone in your family is able to live a happy life without you, knowing that you are watching over them and will be reunited with you again one day. I miss you too Dan and wish you were here.

Emily

Dan today marks one year ago that GOD took you~we love you & miss you very, very much. It seems like today is the first day of all this, not the first year, other times I feel like you've been away from me forever...I love you Dan, so,so very much.

Your first ANNUAL DANIEL R. STARNES MEMORIAL BLOOD DRIVE today was very successful, & very touching. Many friends, family, co-workers & strangers donated their blood to honor you. The blood drive will help 240 people when the time is needed. Honey, so many people love you & respect you & miss you so much. Your blood was shed, your life shortened, but babe you will NEVER, EVER be forgotten as long as the boys & I are here. I have dedicated my life to making sure YOU are not ever forgotten. There are too many who love you & miss you. Its a blessing to have the community stand behind us & beside us to see you ALWAYS remembered. The sacrifice you made MUST never be forgotten, & WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

Love you babe, Janice
So Proud to be your wife

SGT. DAN R. STARNES MORGAN CO SHERIFF DEPT-IN
KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY
JULY 10, 2001

Janice
wife of FALLEN OFFICER

In loving memory of Sgt. Dan Starnes who lost his life in the line of duty one year ago today on July 10, 2001.

Dan,

You are gone from us here on earth but you remain very strong in our hearts and memories. Janice is committed and determined to make sure justice is served on the coward that took you away from your wonderful family and friends. We stand behind Janice 200%.

Please continue to protect Janice, Dustin and Ryan and help them get through all of the tough times ahead.

GOD BLESS YOU, DAN! Love, Robin