Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"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

October 23, 2007

Honey, today you would be 53 years old, but instead of getting you something special or something silly, I'll place flowers & a flag at your memorial. I remember you being 46 and so, so handsome. I wonder if your beautiful blonde hair would now be the color of gray....if your moustache would be gray ...

I love you and miss you very, very much - you will never be forgotten by me. Happy Birthday to my husband, my best friend.

janice Marie
wife of Sgt.Dan R. Starnes EOW 7/10/2001

August 30, 2007

Hi Honey, today is not a holiday or a particular day - just a 'I miss you day.' You are in my thoughts so much again lately. I continue to try to stay strong & positive. This reflection is a 'just because' one. I continue to hold on to memories of you and 'remembering' more than anything else. I miss you more than anyone except you would understand.

I am so very thankful and blessed that we met in 1974, and have you as my best friend, married you, spent 25 1/2 years together as husband and wife. I'm so lucky to have spent more than half my life with you. I'm thankful to give birth to your sons, to have loved you and most important to have been loved by you. I appreciate and miss the respect you gave me,the laughter we shared and the happiness we knew. Most of all, I miss you being my husband and me being your wife.

All of these are a once in a lifetime.

Honey,thank you for giving me all these precious gifts.

I love you.I miss you everyday. Always in my heart and soul.

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

August 11, 2007

Sergeant Starnes,
I found your page while leaving a reflection for another officer (Chief Deputy Perry). Six years have now passed since you were called, and you are remembered not only by family, friends and your department, but by citizens across the country, as well. Thank you for choosing this profession, and I thank your family for standing behind you as you made the world a better place.

Pennsylvania citizen

July 29, 2007

Dan, I can't believe it's been 6 years ago that your life ended - your watch was over, and our lives were forever changed. Sometimes it seems like many, many years since I've seen you, other times, like now, it seems like this all happened yesterday. As I was driving to a funeral home on July 10th to pay respects to yet another one of our Indiana officers killed in the line of duty; you were so, so heavy in my heart & on my mind. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to go inside the funeral home once I got there, or that I'd be able to place a carnation on another fallen heroes casket, but your strength carried through to me. I know you would have wanted me to honor one of your own.

I know you are so proud of our boys...I can see that proud smile of yours, the one only a dad has, when Dustin and Ryan were mentioned. And, although you never held your first grandson, he looks JUST like you - He is a STARNES through and through! You'd be the best grandpa!

I miss you everyday of my life. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I miss your kindness and the love you gave to me. Most of all, Dan, I miss being your wife.

Honey, thank you for all you gave me and always continue to be our guardian angel.

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

July 12, 2007

There are those who leave impressions upon us and impact our lives for the better even though we have never met.

May God grant you rest and peace and comfort to your family and friends.

You are not forgotten sir.

Officer Sweeten
LPD Utah

July 11, 2007

My heart goes out to the Starnes family today. Dan gave the ultimate sacrifice for us and in turn so did his family. May he watch over his two sons as they follow in his footsteps and keep them safe. Also with Janice as she fights for justice, not only for herself but for other survivors.

Natasha Boyce

July 10, 2007

Sergeant Starnes:

To have Your son present while You were shot multiple times had to be horrific.

To be shot himself, obtain a shotgun, and yet not choose to take justice into his own hands, speaks volumes regarding what a great role model You must have been.

Sir, may You-Rest-In-Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

July 10, 2007

Sergeant Starnes,

On this the anniversary of your leaving us in the physicla sence, we pay tribute to your spirit. Tonight the Evening Watch of the Henry County Georgia Police Department's North Precinct will hit the street in your honor. Please watch over us as we continue your fine work.

For the entire Shift
Sergeant V.T. Rosen

Sergeant V.T. Rosen
Henry County police Department

July 10, 2007

God bless you and your family on this anniversary of your tragic death

Detective
Cranford Police Dept (NJ)

July 10, 2007

Thinking of you on the 6th anniversary of your EOW.
Thinking of your sons who are carrying on the legacy.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

July 10, 2007

As I sit here about to end another duty day. I couldn't help but remember the anniversary of a "Fallen Hero". Any loss of a Brother Officer is a tragedy. Felt not only by the community, but everyone regardless of which Department, District, or Agency. As the anniversary falls upon us tomorrow let us reflect in the contributions Sgt. Starnes left on us all. May God Bless your family and keep an ever watchful eye over them.

Gang Task Force Investigator

July 9, 2007

I am a prior Fort Morgan resident and remember when this happened. I had since forgotten about this trajedy. I admire all law enforcement officers and especially for all our fallen angels. Officer Starnes was a brave person as well as a excellent officer and it shows thru his sons whom have followed his footsteps. My God Bless his family!!
Sophia Mendoza 6/22/07

Sophia Juarez Mendoza
Loveland Community Health Center

June 22, 2007

Dan, we never met, but you are so often in my thoughts, prompted by the caring and concern I feel for your Janice. She is a joy and inspiriation and has been a good friend in our shared sorrow for our guys. You have not been forgotten.

Debbie Clapp
Wife of New Richmond Town Marshal Mark Clapp

June 15, 2007

Dan, another year is here ...it's such a long time since I saw you...but, it seems like yesterday that this all happened to you & Ryan. 6 years ago today our lives were forever changed. You have 2 EOW's - today, Flag Day, and July 10th. What a brave man you were that day - to protect our son, and to protect your community. On your 6th anniversary date of being shot, I will go to Indiana State Prison as one police officers family will receive final justice. One day I'll go for you. I wish that day was today - justice on the day you were shot -

I will be as close to the coward who shot you & Ryan as the law will allow, but one day it will be his turn. In the meantime, I will stand strong for you, and because of you. The reality is that you are gone and the boys and I must carry on.

Thank you honey for all you have given me. I know you will continue to watch over our boys.

You will never be forgotten ~ and I will love you always.

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

June 14, 2007

I was so moved reading what your family and friends have left. I was honoured to have met Janice at the Washington memorial Capital Hill, what a strong women she is. I do so admire her strength. You must all be proud of her I know she is of you. I only spoke briefly with Janice and the love she has for Dan and her family will always go with me. You are a very special family and i know Dan is keeping a loving eye over you. I will be thinking of you on July 10th and will light a candle for Dan. My love to you all.

Sue Brace
Sister of a fallen officer U.K

May 19, 2007

Wanted to let you know that you have not been forgotten as the 6th anniversary of that horrible day approaches. Your loved ones have not forgotten you nor will the Blue Family ever let your memory be forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

May 10, 2007

I remember just days before this tragic shooting I saw Dan outside of the Police Department as I was leaving work and getting ready to work a shift on the road. As always, he said if I needed anything call him on the radio and he would be right there. Dan meant just that. I never had to call Dan on the radio because if things were tense he was already there helping out. That's the kind of officer and man Dan was. That's the kind of Trooper's his sons are. I remember on more than one occassion while on a stop or at a scene Dustin would pull up and offer assistance and make sure things were okay.

Dan's family has endured something nobody should ever have to but, sadly, dozens of famlies across the county are faced with every year. I know they already know but, Dan was truly a Hero. He was a Hero for putting on the uniform and marking 10-41 (on duty) everyday. He was a to the community which he served and to even those he was arresting. Dan treated everyone with professionalism and great respect. Many times, I saw men apologize to Dan for their crimes as he was taking them into custody. Most importantly, Dan was a Hero to his loving wife and children who continue to miss him and love him to this day. To them I say the thoughts of my family and the entire community are still with you and Dan everyday. You are always in our prayers.

Reserve Patrolman (Former) Jim Snider
Martinsville City Police Department, IN

May 1, 2007

Dan,

I just wanted to say thanks for everything. I remember when you had a choice to pick up a prisoner in Daytona Beach or out west and you let me get the one in Daytona. You also lent me you car when I was doing Operation Pullover so I wouldn't have to use my marked patrol car. I remember the day of the shooting just like it was yesterday. Larry, Garry, and I rushing as fast as we could to get there. You were brave then and I know that you instilled that qualitiy in your children. I just wanted to tell you I appreciate everything you did for me and taught me. Your children are proud of you and I just wanted them to know how much of an impact you had on me. Janice, Dustin, and Ryan, your husband and father was a great friend to me and co-worker. He will never be forgotten and his spirt of kindness and dedication will always live on. God bless!

Detective Matt Williams
Palm Beach County, FL Former Morgan County Deputy Sheriff

April 27, 2007

Sarge, I know you are very proud of your family. Reading their reflections put a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. You have left a wonderful legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with your wonderful family. I will make sure and hold my wifes hand today when we go out. Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice.

NC Game Warden

March 30, 2007

I was just looking through this sight after obtaining some information when I saw this part about officers that have been lost, and decided to read it. Through my tears now, I realize how dangerous it is out there for law enforcement officers. I have an uncle that is chief of police for my hometown, but it never dawned on me until just now, how much danger he faces everytime he puts on his uniform. Both of these officers paid the price that he risked everyday for the last 30 years. So I say thank you to the families of the Heroes we've lost and stay strong with your families. I say open your eyes to everyone else. It's not that hard to change lanes and slow down when you see an officer on the side of the road or to take other safety measures when necessary. For all that say they don't "like" police officers, just think of what our life would be like without them. Between police officers and firemen, I'd say they are just our unsung heroes in this day and age. We all focus on our soldiers, who we also need to keep in our hearts, but don't forget our protection here at home.

Mandi
niece of an officer

February 14, 2007

I wanted to stop at your page and let you know that you have not been forgotten. You are a true hero and I salute you for your bravery and love for your son. I know on that horrible day you were fighting to save your son and had no regard for your own life. You are a true hero.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

January 23, 2007

Dan,another anniversary without you - this would have been our 31st. .... another Christmas without out you. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you, all the things we did together during the holiday season. I especially miss shopping for our boys with you - their dad who always picked the perfect gifts. Holding hands in the mall, laughing, enjoying each other and loving the season.
Now, you hold my hand as I journey through life without you. Please don't ever let go - I love you always.
Merry Christmas

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

December 30, 2006

Another Christmas without my dad and best friend. It took 5 years, but it finally sank in. Missing you with everything I have during the Holliday Season...

Ryan Starnes
son

December 21, 2006

A Father and his two warrior sons.

my dad told me, when i was young
he said here's a story, of a father and his sons
he said the story was written long ago
and this is how the story goes.
He said,

"there were three warrior ones
a father and his two young sons.
One was meant to be rich with gold
one was meant never to grow old
and one was meant to prove he was bold.
one day they were put to the test
when the father was shot in the chest.
On that day the warrior father died,
and the two sons and mother cried."

But the story goes on my father said,
and he turned down the lights and tucked me into bed.
I'll tell you the ending if you promise to rest
he said the beginning was bad, but the ending was best.

"the youngest warrior", he went on,
"was thin and weak and not very strong
and one day when he was all by himself
he took his fathers shield from the shelf
he dusted it off and polished the metal
and put it on before the dust could settle"

What did he do with it, asked I,

"He wore it with honor, do you want to know why?
His father had promised to be by his side
so the young warrior had no reason to hide.
He is out there right now patrolling our streets
while his father is walking one of Heavens lonely beats."

I stayed in bed awake all night in wonder
how the young warrior could push past all of the thunder
until i realised it could only be...
that my father is an angel watching over me.

July 10, 2006

Trooper R. Starnes
Indiana State Police - and Son

August 5, 2006