Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I only had a year and a half to get to know you, Dan, but that was enough time for me find out what a wonderful person the world is gonna miss. I remember one time up at the hospital you said something about the view of Indy through the window of your room. Well, now you really do have a room with a view and a window to the world up in Heaven. I always thought you'd make it through, but I guess you knew you had a better place to go. To say "thank you" would never be enough to express the gratitude of your ultimate sacrifice. I think about you every day and I know you're safe now and I'm proud to say that I know such a great man.

Emily Vaught-friend

Dustin, I never had the priviledge of meeting your father but I have only heard great things about him. I am sure your father is mighty proud of you as you have excelled at everything you have attempted to do from EMS to dispatching to law enforcement. I was at the memorial service but did not get an opportunity to speak to you but please know you and your family have been in my family's thoughts and prayers. "That's My Job" was an excellent tribute song. I have heard it a million times but it never touched me like it did that day and I will never hear it again without thinking of your dad and your family. Take care and when you get transferred back down this way get in touch with me.
Mark, Pam & Kayla Singer

Mark Singer Paramedic and 911 operator
Brown Twp Fire-Rescue (Morgan County) and Mooresville Police Dept

Sergeant Dan Starnes was truly a great friend. He was an inspiration to all of us that had the privilege of working with him. My life will change through the tragic experience of loosing my dear friend and fellow officer. I will take the time to say Thank You, I Love You, Be Safe, and pray for my fellow officers. Thank You Dan for sharing a part of your life with me. It was truly a pleasure knowing you. You will always be remembered. Rest in Peace my good Friend.

Det. Sgt. Garry D. Long
Morgan County Sheriff's Dept.

On behalf of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge#1, our deepest heartfelt condolences on this tragic loss. We will always remember your dedication, bravery, and ultimate sacrifice in protecting our Nation and your community. This service was not in vain, for it displayed uncommon valor in this collective effort to make our Nation free from the evil that exists in our world today.
"The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, and stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you Lord have never forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9:9-10

John D. Sainz, Chaplain
Tucson Police Department

The Starnes Family, My wife and I greatly regret the loss of your father,husband,friend. I work with Dustin and feel his pain coming from a Law Enforcement family. Know that we are all here for you at any time day or night and we all feel your loss.

Trooper Anthony LoMonaco
Indiana State Police

Sgt. Starnes

My family knows how your wife and sons feel with your loss. We went through this 25 years ago when my Brother-In-Law was killed in the line of duty by a bank robber. Tom Dunigan was more to me than a brother in law he was more like a father. When you pinned the badge on you joined one of the largest brother and sister hoods known. And once you join it you remain in it forever, and your family has the same support if they need anything I hope they dont hesitate to ask a fellow officer whether they are still active or retired. your loss has been a great pain for the people of Morgan County and your co-workers. You will be sadly missed by all. Your two sons will get along just fine in life if they follow after their dad. They are two great boys and I know that you are very proud of both of them. God must have a need for you at this time or he wouldn't have called you home. God Bless you and thank you for all you have done to make this world safer for everyone.

Robert Williams
Retired Deputy Sheriff
Morgan County Sheriff Dept.
Martinsville, Indiana

Robert Williams retired Deputy Sheriff
Morgan County Sheriff Dept. Martinsville, Ind

Dear Dad. I love you. You are the one that I always looked up to. I think about you daily. I know that you are in a better place, "Heaven". I miss you. There will never be a day go by that I do not think about you. You have raised two boys that are proud of you and will always know that you are the reason that we are who we are. Since the day you pinned the badge on my chest at my graduation, I remember every night while getting ready for work that you are the one who place my badge on me. Dad I love you. I now know that I have a guarding angel in my car with me every night. I am now a two man unit. Love you always your son Dustin Robert Starnes

Trp. Dustin R. Starnes
Indiana State Police

Blessed are the peacemakers,For they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9

Anonymous

Sgt. D. Starnes, may you rest in peace. You have given the ultimate. May your family and friends and the community you serve understand that they have lost a hero. One who did not ask for anything but I am sure was always ready to give. We wear many hats out there and only we know what goes on. So many are always ready to jump on us when something does not go right, but so few ever say thank you.

Sgt. Daniel Starnes thank you for trying to make a difference, you truly did.

Deputy Sheriff Thomas Tallman
Huntington County Sheriff's Dept.

Sgt. Starnes died protecting his community, God blesses him today in Heaven, and God blesses his family and comrades thru comfort......

Be at peace Sarge, a job well done..

Scott Parker
Harris County Texas Former Deputy Constable

Dan was my best friend, my hero, my soulmate, my best half and the dad to our 2 wonderful sons. He was not only an officer that loved his job very much, but he also was a wonderful family man. His family always came first, and was the most important thing in his life. He was a very happy man, a good man, and always treated everyone with respect, and in turn got the respect he deserved. Dan was my "gentle Ben" and his "little boy" smile will always get me through a day. He will be missed by many, but especially his sons Dustin and Ryan, and me.

Love you forever honey, Janice

janice
wife

Dan was always really nice to me and he would always say to get this taken care of or I'll half to pick you up that's my job. I half to say that one of the great cops and a wonderful person passed on and he will be greatly missed by many but especially me.

Anonymous

Sgt Starnes your Memorial is seen everyday by thoose of us who know the family you have raised. You will never be forgotten for your legacy lives on in your sons, Dustin and Ryan. They have been raised by a family man and his wonderfull wife Janice who taught respect and love. It shows everyday in their actions. God Bless the soul of a wonderfull man who never spoke cross of anyone, who always treated everyone with respect and dignity. You will be greatly missed.

Angie Meacham
Mooresville Police Dept

There is no greater gift a man can give than to lay down his life for his fellow man . THANKS DAN

LT
Gregg twp Fire

Dan was a great man and a great friend. The day he was shot was probably one of the longest days of my life. I remember looking into his eyes when I got into his car to work on him, thinking, Dan you are going to be okay, then I saw his wounds and a shadow of doubt crept in. Then just a few hours later the surgeon emerged from the room, giving us hope. I watched the news nightly and talked to friends, just to get the latest update. Days and nights went by, then the day we all feared came to pass. Dan had left this world for a better life, but he is not gone. He lives on in his two sons, Dustin and Ryan. They are mirror images of their dad's life. They are two son's that any man would be proud to call his own. I thank God that he gave me the opportunity to know Dan and he will always have a place in my heart and the guys at Station 12. We will miss you Dan but we will never forget you. Janice, Dustin, and Ryan, just remember one thing, Dan was and still is proud of his family.

Asst. Chief Larry Hayes
Gregg Twp Fire Department

My prayers go out to Sergeant Starnes, his family, and his fellow Morgan County deputies. From Seattle, I thank you for your dedicated service to mankind. It is unfortunate that this cowardly suspect was the object of your peace officer duties on the day of your shooting, but your service is not unnoticed. The good people of Morgan County, Indiana and of our Union are indebted to you.

Mike Monico, Field Training Officer
Federal Way Police Department

One of the "GOOD" ones...he can never be replaced. A man dedicated to God, family, and community. Janice, Dustin, and Ryan...Thank you for sharing him with us.

The Wilson Family

My prayers go out to Sergeant Starnes, his family, and his fellow Morgan County deputies. From Seattle, I thank you for your service to your dedicated service to mankind. It is unfortunate that this cowardly suspect was the object of your peace officer duties on the day of your shooting, but your service is not unnoticed. The good people of Morgan County, Indiana and of our Union are indebted to you.

Mike Monico, Field Training Officer
Federal Way Police Department

My father was a great man who owned an even greater heart. Thank you, everyone, for showing your support.

Officer Ryan Starnes
Morgan County Sheriff's Dept.

To the family, friends and colleagues of Sergeant Starnes, please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of people all over the world. It is such a tragedy when a community loses an officer. We all have reason to grieve for the loss of someone who walks the thin blue line. We all must close ranks and keep watch over each other as we go through our daily routine. No day is the same as the next after we have lost a member of the law enforcement community. Godspeed, Dan.

Officer Donna C. Hillier
Purdue University Calumet Police Department Hammond, IN

You have done your county, your state, your nation, but most importantly, your family proud. You are a hero that will live on. Rest in peace!

Thomas Fergison

Rest in peace, man...

inspector Vlatko Novak
MUP RH, Zagreb

You died a hero. Please watch over the rest of us as you did while you were with us.

Wolcottville Police Dept.
Wolcottville, Indiana

As we sat there in the hospital praying for our daughter who was right nextdoor to the Sgt.Starnes we seen a man of courage bravery and honor.Its a true shame that a man with such big heart has fallen ...To Family and friends of Sgt.Starnes, May God be with you.....You are in our hearts and in our prayers...

Ruth and Harvey Burchfield
Grandparents of a officer to be...

To Sergeant Starnes family,
We would just like to say to you that we are so sorry for your loss. We too have walked where you are walking now and know how much you are hurting. We read this page everyday and each time we see a new name added we cry. Every wife,son,daughter,mother,father,brother,sister,aunt, uncle,grandparent,friend and fellow officer that has been where you are at right now, really does understand and wants to help you. Some will help you today and some tommorow, some in time, and others will help you everyday by praying for you. We could not be with you in person but we are with you in spirit and you are in our hearts and prayers everyday. May God comfort you in these days of heartache and if we can help any of you at anytime please let us.

Mr & Mrs Colby Mattteson
brother of fallen officer Brad Matteson :Fort Wayne ,Indiana PD