Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thinking of you and your family today, especially your wife, sons, and now your grandchildren. Nine years have passed since you were taken from them, and I know you have been remembered and loved each day. You must be proud to know that your sons have continued your legacy of serving and protecting.

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

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 10, 2010

Dan, Nine years ago, July 10,2001 you gave your life for your community, to make it a better place and safer place to live. Sometimes it seems so much longer ago than that, and other times it seems like only yesterday. Time passes us by so quickly. Dustin is now a "Senior Trooper" and Ryan has almost 5 years already as a trooper. I know you are as proud of them. Wonderful men they have become.

There are now three little grandchildren, all beautiful, and innocent little darlings. I spend time with them - without you. Everytime I'm with them I think about all the things you would be doing with our grandchildren. I'm sure you'd pull them around the lawn on your riding mower with a wagon tied to the back, like you did with our boys when they will little. I think about how we would have made such wonderful grandparents, together. I try to make up for you not being here as grandpa, but only you could really do what a grandpa does. You would love them so much!

I will always have you in my heart and in my soul. Always.

The ultimate sacrifice you made, I will not let fade.

Love always,

Janice
Wife

July 9, 2010

Always remembered & honored 4 his service & his ultimate sacrifice.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister & grandau. of LEO's

June 10, 2010

Although I did not have the honor of knowing Sergeant Daniel R. Starnes, I express my condolences to his wife, Janice Marie Starnes and his sons, Ryan and Dustin, as well as his colleagues and friends of the Morgan County (IN) Sheriff's Department and the citizens of Morgan County whom he served and protected with dedication and honor.

His son, Ryan is a true hero and exemplifies his father's character. I wish both Dustin and Ryan God's Speed and Protection as they serve as Troopers with the Indiana State Police and follow in their father's footsteps to serve and protect the citizens of Indiana.

Michael Phelps
Retired

April 1, 2010

Merry Christmas Dan.

Love always ~

Janice Marie
Wife

December 27, 2009

Dan, today we will gather for Thanksgiving dinner - our boys, their families, our grandchildren - the 3 grandchildren you never got to meet. They are growing up very fast and are already 3 1/2, 26 months and 15 months old. It will be a special day, with fond memories, a time to be with family, and a time to remember you and the sacrifice you made for all of us.

You are always in my heart, my soul. Thank you for being the man you were, the kind hearted gentle giant to your community. But most of all, a wonderful husband and dad to our sons.

Love always,

Janice Marie
Wife

November 26, 2009

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. I have been given the priveledge of keeping in contact with your wife through C.O.P.S. She seems to be a wonderful woman, full of kindness and concern for others. Please know we will keep your memory, along with all the other officers that we have lost in the line of duty. May God be with your family.

Gena Bennett
Shelbyville PD

October 6, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the eighth 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 continue to hold your family in my heart's embrace.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

July 10, 2009

Sergeant Starnes, I had the privilege of meeting your wonderful wife today at a blood drive in honor of fallen officers. The blood drive, which she started to honor you, has spread across the state of Indiana and is going on in every county in the state this month. This great work, begun in your honor, is saving untold numbers of lives across the state. Your great legacy lives on and continues to grow through your wife and children. Rest in peace Brother.

Chief Deputy R. Gambill
Clay County Indiana Sheriff's Office

June 11, 2009

Your story continues to haunt me. I hold your wife and sons in my heart's embrace today. Janice, thank you for sharing your beautiful love story with us, and I am so glad you have a beautiful grandchild now to bring you moments of joy. Our wonderful grandchildren are definitely God's gift to us.

With deepest respect for Dan's sacrifice and service.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 6, 2009

Your story continues to haunt me. I hold your wife and sons in my heart's embrace today. Janice, thank you for sharing your beautiful love story with us, and I am so glad you have a beautiful grandchild now to bring you moments of joy. Our wonderful grandchildren are definitely God's gift to us.

With deepest respect for Dan's sacrifice and service.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 6, 2009

I read an account of Ryan's experience on that fateful day and of the "real" impact it has had on Ryan's life. I pray for solace for you Ryan. I understand the meaning of a life forever changed when bullets end your beloved's life...they kill our beloved, but also kill a part of everyone who loved them.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 10, 2009

Dan,...another Christmas is almost here. I think of you everyday and miss you so much. I think about how you never had the chance to be a grandpa. We now have 3 beautiful grandchildren. You would be the best grandpa in the world - spoiling them and loving them. They will always know about you as their "grandpa."

You would be so proud of Dustin and Ryan, not only in their police officer jobs but also the men they have become.

You will never be forgotten for the sacrifice you made in the line of duty. BUT, you will especially be remembered for the man you were; my wonderful husband and a wonderful dad to Dustin & Ryan; and for the friend you were to your community, also remembered as kind, compassionate, loving, caring; and ofen called by those who knew you as the "Gentle Giant." And a 'giving' person......you gave your all....


I am blessed to have been your wife for more than 25 years. I miss you so much Dan. I love you, you will always be in my heart and my soul. Thank you for giving me such a wonderful life for more than 25 years. Thank you for being my husband.

Janice
wife

December 6, 2008

To Sgt. Daniel Starnes, his wife, his sons, and other loved ones and friends, and his fellow officers:

It has been seven years since your tragic death, but please know that your valor, bravery and dedication to your job is remembered today and always.

I learned of the circumstances of your brutal murder while leaving a reflection for Detective Thomas Williams.
What happened to you and your family on that fateful day is heartbreaking. I too understand the meaning of lives forever changed, and know that the bullets that killed our beloved officers also killed a part of everyone who cared for them. I am humbled by the courage, selflessness, and integrity that both you and your son Ryan exhhibited.

I pray for solace for each day your family is on the survivors' path.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Sgt Starnes gave to his community and his country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on July 10, 2001.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

November 1, 2008

Dan,

I just made a call today to Spike at the Sheriff's Department and started thinking about how long it's been since I worked there. Just a few weeks before the shooting we talked behind the police department not realizing what the coming weeks and years would hold for you and your family. The tragedy of that day is still clear in my mind as my wife and I walked out of the doctor's office and in turning on the car heard the shots fired call go out. Even at such a terrible time you were calm and in control, a true hero. God Bless you and your family Dan. I know they are as brave and courageous as you and my family and I pray that they find peace and comfort as we know their hearts still hurt and long for you with each beat.

Homeland Security Instructor Jim Snider
AJCC

September 2, 2008

Dear Starnes Family,
I just stopped at this site and felt the need to let you know how much I not only appreciate Dan's service and sacrifice, but yours as well. Every day of your lives has been changed because Dan chose to serve and protect. I am thankful for him, a true hero protecting his community and his son, and for each of you. May God Bless you and help you carry on until you see him again!

Indiana Resident

August 27, 2008

Sagre,

You raised some mighty fine boys. I am sure you are proud of them and a little worried. Don't worry to much, the boys have a great guardian angle.

Thank you for your service.

Anonymous

July 20, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former N.H. Police Officer
Fauquier County, Va

July 10, 2008

Reading your story, I am so proud of you and your son. My father is a police officer and I cannot imagine being in the situation your son was in. I wish I could have the kind of strength it takes to do what you and my father do. I am so sorry to hear that your son had to suffer through that trauma, but I am filled with pride at his heroic actions. My heart goes out to you, your wife, and your children. You are appreciated.

Dispatcher
Riverside Sherriff, CA

June 25, 2008

I thank you for your serivice and give honor to you and your family.

Casey

April 9, 2008

I'll never forget the fun I had serving warrants with you. You were a great teacher. Rest in peace Dan.

Sgt. Hoffman
Federal

March 29, 2008

Sergeant Starnes,
I was reading through this memorial and was touched by all the reflections of those who truly knew you. I want to thank you and your family for your sacrifice. I was touched to see the outpouring from the community and fellow officers when you left us. You have left a legacy of honor and pride in your family and friends and that is a testament to the man you were. Morgan County citizens are lucky to have had you keeping watch. May God hold you in the hollow of his hand until you and your family are reunited again.
Blessings and Peace to your family
Tammy Brummett, Lifelong resident of Morgan County, Martinsville, Indiana

Tammy Brummett
citizen of Morgan County, IN

March 22, 2008

Policeman's 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want,
His comforting hand reduces fear naught;
He makes me walk through streets of crime,
But He gives me courage and peace of mind.

He leads me by still waters in the path I trod,
And He says in Romans I'm a "minister of God",
He leads me in righteousness as He restores my soul,
For his name sake He Keeps me whole.

When I walk through death's valley, right up to the door,
I will fear no evil, for He comforts me more;
For thou art with me every step of the way,
As thy rod and thy staff protect me each day.

He prepares a table, especially for me,
As I work daily among life's enemies;
He gives me authority to uphold the law,
And He anoints my position in the midst of it all.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me,
Each day of my life through eternity;
As I long to hear Him say,"Well done...,"
When I lay down my life, my badge, and my gun.

Author Unknown
Ann Woodrell
family of Sheriff Dwigth Woodrell eow 10-13-01

February 11, 2008

~ Dan,

Tomorrow is Christmas Day 2007/I know you look down upon us from Heaven/I know we are safe, I know we are loved/as you spread your guardian angels around us from above/Please keep all of us in your arms during the season/as I continue to try to find a reason /I don't understand why it wasn't meant to be/ that you wouldn't retire & spend the rest of your life with me/25 short years is what we had/I also know you don't want me sad/ With all of my soul I miss you/I know you watch over of us in everything we do/

Thank you for being such a wonderful loving husband. Thank you for being such a wonderful loving dad. Thank you for your love you gave to so many people.

You will always be in my heart and in my soul ~

Merry Christmas honey.

love, Janice Marie
wife of Sgt.Dan R. Starnes EOW 7/10/2001

December 24, 2007

Dan, thinking of you during this holiday ~ I have so much to thank you for; the life we shared, the joy of being your wife for over 25 years, our sons, being loved by you.

You will never be forgotten, and on this Thanksgiving Day I also thank you for your service and your sacrifice.

Always in my heart.

love, Janice Marie
wife of Sgt.Dan R. Starnes EOW 7/10/2001

November 22, 2007