Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dan,
Today, Tom and I will honor your memory today in true Irish style.
Thank you for your service to this great nation. Rest in peace knowing that you sacrifice that dreadful day will be eternally honored by all people that share in the blessing of freedom. Where do we get such men?
Until we meet again for our final mission, ktf.

September 11, 2007

Dear Claude:
My promise of writing a reflection to each of you who made the supreme sacrifice on 11 September 2001 continues. There is so much more that I would like to do, like thank you personally for the valor and the dedication you displayed toward our fellow countrymen. I would like to buy you a beer as well, and tell "war stories" to each other. Perhaps God will give me that chance someday in a better place; a place I am certain you are in.
Unfortunately, some folks in this country are what has become known as, "United States of amnesia", meaning that so many have forgotten the carnage and the sacrifice made that awful day. But this is my sacred vow to you and every other officer who died that day: I won't allow that to happen, not as long as God gives me the ability to talk and write.
As a Detective, some folks are led to believe that Detectives are rarely, if ever, in harm's way. As a fellow Detective, you and I know better. I survived my shooting situation, and you made the ultimate sacrifice. Detectives DO get in harm's way. But thank God for Detectives like you, Detectives who remember that we are POLICE OFFICERS first, and that our oath, "to serve and protect" is what we are all about.
In the 230 years of our nation's history, there have been so many heroes, and there will undoubtedly be many more. But you too, are among them, immortalized forever. I pray that our God keeps you close to His heart, watches over your family and eases their pain, and continues to bless our great country. Rest in peace, and until we meet in a better place, know that we have the watch, and all is well. Amen

Detective Ron Tomassi
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office-Florida

January 11, 2007

To the family and loved ones of Detective Claude Richards and his fellow officers with the New York City Police Department and most especially to Claude:

Mere words seem insignificant to honor your heroism and courage which will never be forgotten. On this the fifth anniversary month of the tragic devastation wreaked upon our nation, those brave men and women who lost their lives safeguarding others are remembered and revered.

May your spirit continue to soar and your memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect and gratitude for the distinquished service Claude gave to his community and country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 11, 2001.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg Police Department, CA; eow 4/24/05

September 28, 2006

a hero lives forever.....

September 12, 2006

Five years ago today you selflessly gave your life in service to your country. It has been written that no greater love hath a man than he give his life for a friend. I say that there is no greater love than when a man gives his life for a stranger.
Today a lot of people are memorializing and honoring yours and many others, brave and courageous acts that day. But I think about you every day, not just the hardships and danger we faced together, but mostly the good times and the laughs we shared. One memory stands above all else, I recall that more than anything, you wanted to serve your country. Well bud, you got there, in spades. ktf, gary

Gary Vaughan
friend

September 11, 2006

Five years ago today you selflessly gave your life in service to your country. It has been written that no greater love hath a man than he give his life for a friend. I say that there is no greater love than when a man gives his life for a stranger.
Today a lot of people are memorializing and honoring yours and many others, brave and courageous acts that day. But I think about you every day, not just the hardships and danger we faced together, but mostly the good times and the laughs we shared. One memory stands above all else, I recall that more than anything, you wanted to serve your country. Well bud, you got there, in spades. ktf, gary

Dan's friend, gary

September 11, 2006

Thinking of you and your loved ones on this tragic day in history. You will never be forgotten and will be forever a hero.

Nicole Burdette
Wife of Deputy Alex Burdette EOW 3-12-05

September 11, 2006

It broke our hearts to lose you,
but you did not go alone.

A part of us went with you,
the day God called you home.

Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but God calls us all one by one, the chain will link again.

A million times we've needed you,
a million times we've cried.
If love could have only saved you,
you never would have died.

The Lord be with you and May you Rest in Peace.

It has been five years, tomorrow that you gave your life, when others were in need. Your a true hero and you will never forgotten!

Pasadena PD

September 10, 2006

HERO! Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

July 17, 2006

On September 11th, 2001, a number of men and women amazed the world with their phenomenal acts of bravery. When other ran away, they charged forward. When others reached out for safety, they offered a helping hand. When others cried out, they responded with a soothing voice. And, tragically, many of them died...but in doing so taught us all how to live.
With their sacrifice they redefined the word “HEROES”

Sergeant
NPD

July 9, 2006

You are one of New York's finest. Rest in peace.

Lt. Stephen A. Joy
Prince George's County Police Department

April 7, 2006

I had the absolute honor of being present when you were recovered so many months later. Your sacrifice will always be remembered. Rest easy Detective, you have earned it.

John Nagele
Former Police Officer

November 3, 2005

Dan
Its been four years today that you gave your life in selfless act that mirrored the way you lived your life. You are a true American hero that will never be forgotten. Hang tough my brother, ktf, gary

September 11, 2005

REST IN PEACE BROTHR AND KNOW YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DID ON THIS TRADGIC DAY

ROBERT THORNTON
EX-POLICE OFFICER AT GROUND ZERO

September 11, 2005

To my buddy Dan, an American hero

"He which hath no stomach for this fight, let him depart, for we would not die in that man's company"

Rest in Peace my brother

September 11, 2004

I can only imagine your family's loss at this horrible tragedy. May you rest in peace. Thank you for serving your fellow man.

DISPATCHER DEBORAH MORGAN
Md Transportation Authority

July 29, 2004

There are but two persons who protect the sinful human race from destroying itself. One is God's Holy Spirit. The other is the Peace Officer. Without them, we would all perish at each other's hands.

You were called into this profession and our Lord and Savior has blessed you because:
According to Romans 13.1-5...
God ordains the Peace Officer’s profession.
The Peace Officer is sent by God.
The Peace Officer is vested with God's authority to enforce the law.
A Peace Officer's badge is to be honored by us, because God honors it.

You gave the ultimate sacrifice, your life for your fellow man, while serving, defending, and protecting others in your community.

Thank you for your service to America. Your efforts saved thousand that horrible day.
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends. You will be in our hearts forever.

September 11, 2001---Gone, but Never Forgotten.

Marti Ingle (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 6, 2004

it has been over 2 years , i like to think that dective richards is looking down upon his fellow nypd officers , and those deputies on patrol here in polk county guiding them

thank you dectective for your ultimate sacrifice you are a true hero ....

to your family god bless you and stay strong

dispatcher
polk county sheriff's office, florida

December 27, 2003

I cannot find the words to say how sorry I am that we have lost these great heroes. I cannot express my thanks enough for your bravery and sacrifice. My prayers are with you and all of your families and brother/sister officers......................AC

Trooper - Troop M
Pennsylvania State Police

September 15, 2003

Today marks the second anniversary of your needless and tragic death at the hands of a band of cowards. Recently you have had a influx of good company. Several hundred great Americans of all walks of life have given their lives in the war on terror. I find some solace in the fact that these heros are met at Heavens gate by a guy like you. Know that you and they live in our memory and will be forever honored. My brother, you are turly missed by all that knew and loved you. As long as there is breath in my body you will not be forgotten. hang tough, ktf.

Cpt. Gary Vaughan
Camden Police Department

September 11, 2003

I remember Claude when from I used to work for a security firm in NYC by the NYSE. He always had words of advice and always encouraged me. A good friend and a great officer! Claude, thanks and we knwo you're with us. Espcially when those dogs start barking..:)

T. Hamilton Police Officer
Richmond City Police Dept.

I was one of the 340 officers who attended the 911 memorial in manhattan NY 2002.
I like the rest of my fellow officers paid tribute to every officer who lost their lives at the world trade center 9 11 2001.

whilst at the NYPD museum in manhattan i was touched by the bravery of the officers of that fateful day in 2001.
God Bless you all .

Many regards to their families and colleagues ,
on behalf of the U.k. police officers..

In respect of all who perished ,a Ground Zero flag which was given to Sc 7061 Boyce at the 911 memorial 2002 .
Has now been donated and is now situated at the
SOUTH WALES POLICE FORCE H.Q.
in Bridgend , South Wales .u.k.


Sc 7061 Dave Boyce ,
South Wales Police force ,
u.k.

sc7061 boyce
south wales police. uk

I did not know this officer or the others who lost their lives on September 11th. They are TRUE AMERICAN HERO'S. GOD bless the NYPD and all of the families associated with them.

" THE WICKED FLEE WHEN NO MAN PURSUETH BUT THE RIGHTEOUS ARE BOLD AS A LION" - Proverbs 28:1

Recruit Don Reichhardt
60th Crater Criminal Justice Academy
Prince George, Va.

Officer Don Reichhardt
Virginia State University Police Department

It was late one Tuesday evening,
Before a mother could sit down,
To tell her only child about
The terror that hit downtown.

She looked into the eyes of her son
God, she loved him so,
She felt her heart begin to break
And the hurt begin to show.

She gathered all her strength and courage,
as her story she began to tell.
"Baby don't cry, but I'm afraid daddy
Might be under a building that fell."

The boy looked back at his mother,
His eyes made not one blink.
And the mother's tears began to fall.
What would her baby think?

You see, his dad is a Policeman,
And his hero from the day of his birth.
He loved his dad more than anything else
That could ever inherit this earth.

The mother's head began to drop,
Her forehead resting on palm.
She thought her son would be upset.
Instead, he was very calm.

The boy leaned over towards his mom,
And put his hand upon her head.
In her ear he began to whisper,
And this is what he said:

"Mommy please don't cry,
I knew daddy wasn't coming home.
I talked to him just a while ago,
But it wasn't on the phone.

He told me that he loved me,
And he promised we'd meet again.
He told of his new home,
And the job he was to begin."

"God is building an army,
And there are many angels needed.
That, is where daddy and the others went.
They weren't all defeated."

It was then, the mother lifted her head.
The tears streamed down her face.
And she could feel her husband's presence,
As it filled her heart with grace.

It was then she knew her son was right.
He was in God's great army now.
She also knew her son was safe,
That he'd be kept from harm somehow.

So, evildoers of the world beware.
An army is on the way.
Bolstered by new angels,
Who left the towers that day..

Their commander has never been beaten.
His power has never been matched,
And if evil thinks He was almighty before......
Well, the surface has just been scratched!

9-11-02 - 1 year anniversary
We will NEVER forget!
GOD BLESS!

Anonymous

Anonymous

Dan,
It's been a year today and I still don't what to say. There is no way mere words could express your bravey and sacrifice that day. I knew as soon as I turned on the TV and saw what had happened I knew that you were there. It never mattered to you if you were on duty or not. If someone needed your help, I knew you would stay to the end. I honestly thought you had a fighting chance until the towers began collapsing. Once they did, one of my co workers said "Well, maybe he got out". I knew better, if even one person was left stranded in the building, you would be there trying to help. Such was your character.
Just know how much you meant to all of us, your presence and that laugh of yours brightened many a cold desolate day in joyless place. You were a true Patriot in every sense of the word. Thank you for being the man you were. ktf.