Tallahassee Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Wednesday, November 13, 2002
Reflections for Sergeant Daniel Dale Green
My deepest sympathy and prayers to Sgt Green and his family. To an officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice for the betterment of all of mankind,you are loved and missed by all officers who wear their uniforms with the utmost pride and dignity and for knowing that as close as we all are as law enforcement officers "Each man's personal journey through life is a solitary one,"We live as we dream-alone. "May God bless and keep the Green family in his care.
Detective Merrill W. Riou,Jr.
Palm Beach County Sheriffs
Dale, I waited in check on Thursday praying I'd hear you in the hallway or see you walk through that door. I sat there thinking of our time in the academy so many years ago, and all the things we've done since then. I am going to miss you so much, most of all your smile and gentle way. I didn't think it was possible to cry so much, but through all the tears I am still thankful. I know I have been blessed to know you, to work beside you, and to call you my friend. Thank you for gracing us with your presence. There is no doubt in my mind you will be watching over us. We will make you proud.
Officer Sheri Tatum #734
Tallahassee Police Department
Dale,
With every stroke of the brush more tears fall freely. I sit and reflect on the reason why I have to shine my boots. It's not for an inspection but for a final roll call for you my friend.
I remember the first day of the academy back in 1989. All of us from TPD sat together and through the last 13plus years we've stayed together. I never dreamed that we wouldn't finish together. I remember long talks about backpacking in the mountains. You would show me pictures of your wife and kids and I would show you pictures of my dog. It amazes me that those conversations that were once filed away as insignificant have suddenly become very precious to me.
You've been an inspiraion to me over the years. I am reminded of a quote by Indira Gandhi that epitimizes your life in my eyes, "You must learn to be still in the midst of activity and vibrantly alive in repose." You were always calm and level-headed even in the worst situations. I never in 13 years heard you speak an unkind word to even the worst of suspects. I'd watch you when we would work in the projects together. You always had this peaceful and contented look about you. You seemed to have the secrets of life that the rest of us are still trying to find.
You were a great officer and man. People often say that to be kind to the dead but in your case it is an absolute truth. You made our academy class proud when you got promoted to Sgt. and you're still making us proud even in death. You didn't have to go to that fatal call but you did out of duty and responsibility to your squad and to the citizens who needed our help. Respect can't be demanded it must be earned and you've certainly earned it from every man and woman who has put on a Tallahassee Police Dept. uniform.
Your death will not be in vain or forgotten. Everytime that I put on the uniform, I will remember what you stood for-God,family, and community. I promise you that I'll strive to be an officer and person that you will be proud of when you look down from heaven.
I've worn a guardian angel necklace since our first day on the streets. It is no longer just a charm but now it's a warm, comfortable friend that has your face.
I won't tell you goodbye Dale because you'll always remain in my heart. I'll only say "until we meet again under heaven's first bright star".
To Debbie and the kids, there are no words to express how sorry I am. Your husband and father was an exceptional man.
Officer Kathy Brinson
Tallahassee Police Dept.
Even though Dale and I were not that close, I still feel a profound sense of loss. When someone mentioned that he was a "consummate professional", they really hit the nail on the head. He was always willing to help any officer, not just the ones he was supervising. This also carried over into his dealings with the public, as well. I developed a great deal of respect for him over the years. I will miss his smile and sense of humor. His family should always know that we will always be there for them, too! God Speed, Dale!
Officer Scott Westbrook
Tallahassee PD
I have no words of comfort that will make this moment easier for you. Many individuals, such as I, do not know what it is like to lose the life of a loved one. Nor, have I experienced the tragedy of someone telling me that my spouse will not return home to me tonight. We can only hope that this unfortunate event will never take place. This day, this hour, this minute, is not about me, for it is about you. Many of us, your unheard family, weeps tonight of your loss. No one can explain as to why men and women of great honor must leave us, for we think that their mission in life has ended. In reality, their misson has only begun. For they are the guardians of our skies and of our eternal life. I beg you to believe that hundreds, if not thousands, of men and women of this great nation, congratulate you on your endless tire, and awesome dedication and support on the devoted duty of this man, whom is and will always be a husband, father, brother, son, and friend. Remain focused on the many that he helped and changed. He died for what he believd in. He wore a badge of duty, courage, and trust. Within that badge lies a portion of each and every one us whom he protected. Celebrate his purpose and scream his name, and let his legacy continue. I salute you, and honor him for his undevoted heroism and bravey. Brag about his purpose and let him live for eternity. My condolences to you and your family..
Staff Sergeant Douglas Hermann
Washington Air National Guard
Srg I didn't get to work with you very often but I learned something everytime I did. I will always remember that great little smile you had all the time when you were talking about your family or work. I think it was obvious to all that you loved God, your family, and this job. I will truly miss you. I will use you as an example to model the coming years of my new career in law enforcement. I can't think of anyone that could be a better role model. May God Bless your family. Keep an eye on us from up there.
Anonymous
To the family of Sergeant Green and the members of The Tallahassee Police Dept. May God be with each of you during this time of great sorrow. Your brothers from the central Florida area grieve with you. Go and rest my brother, we will continue the fight in your honor.
Anonymous
Our prayers are with Officer Green's family and also his department.
A Police Officer's Wife
Rest in Peace
S. Yates
It was an honor to have known and worked under such a great man as Dale Green. He is truly a hero. God bless you and your family. I will never forget you. Rest in peace Sergeant Dale Green.
Special Agent Jeffrey Burt
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
God bless and RIP Sgt Green. You are a true hero and a warrior. Watch over and protect your family as you sit next to God as one of his beloved soldiers.
A Brother in Blue
Ptlm
CPD, NY
Rest in peace my BROTHER in blue. May God comfort your wife, children, and the Tallahassee Police Department during this tragic time. GOD SPEED!
Recruit Don Reichhardt
60th Basic Police Academy
Crater Criminal Justice Academy
Officer Don Reichhardt
Virginia State University Police Department
It is so sad to see another name on the list of fallen officers. This is such a tragic thing and there is no understanding it. All we can do is accept God's will and let him carry us. May God give you strength and comfort. My prayers are with you all.
Becky Jacks, Mother of
Fallen Officer Julie Jacks
Chattanooga Police Department
EOW 5-6-02
Dale, as a sergeant and as a trainer, a very special part of you will live on in the officers that you’ve touched during your distinguished career. They will miss you, your community will miss you, and most of all your family will miss you.
While your sacrifice has reminded us all of the fragile nature of our mortal bodies, it has also demonstrated the unyielding spirit and courage which you selflessly demonstrated during your 13 years of dedicated service.
Stand tall brother, for you bravely paid the ultimate price to come to the aid of your brethren… may God keep you and protect you, as you have protected us.
Sgt. Jeffrey Katz
Boynton Beach Police Department
My thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends. God Bless You and be with you in this time.
Anonymous
To the Family, Relatives, Friends, and Colleuges of Sgt. Dale Green,
Often we are at a loss for words because 1 Cor. 13 tells us that "...we see now in a glass darkly" This nation and the world has become a massive battlefield each day.
Our prayers go up for each one of you in these times and for the days ahead. May you trust the Lord of Hosts to wrap His mighty arms of love around you.
Let's remember to carry out the dedication of Sgt. Dale Green in "Protecting and serving" mankind.
In Christ's Name,
Jack H. Lanier,Jr.
Chaplain/Ofcr.
Longview Police Dept. (TX)
Chaplain/ofc.
Longview Police Dept. (TX)
Gates of Fire, by Stephen Pressfield
"This is my shield.
I bear it before me into battle,
but it is not mine alone.
It protects my brother on my left.
It protects my city.
I will never let my brother
out of its shadow
nor my city out of its shelter.
I will die with my shield before me
facing the enemy."
John 15:13 "Greater Love has no man than this: That he give his life for his friends."
To the family no one can know you pain, but know this we grieve with you as another of our brothers has passed. To the officers that worked day in and day out with this brave man you are suffering too, and i know your pain.
Your patrol is done here Officer Green. God has a place on his force for you. God Bless and God speed,
Cadet Taylor
NHMCCD Law Enforcement Academy,Houton,Tx
My prayers and thoughts are with the family of Sgt. Green at the time. To his fellow brothers in blue, carry on even though you have heavy hearts, remember what a true hero he is. Know that he is keeping watch from above now.
Lori Brown
Aunt of Deputy Renee Azure EOW 8/06/02
To the wife, children, co-workers and family members of Sergeant Green may God be with you all in this terrible time of loss. My heart and prayers go out to you all. To the children of Sergeant Green may you know that your dad was a true HERO.
God bless you Sergeant Green and may you rest in peace.
Deb Azure
Mother of Union County Sheriff Deputy Renee Danell Azure,
EOW 08/06/2002
Dale, from each of us who knew, and worked with you, we were all inspired by your character and wisdom. We miss you very much.
Anonymous
My deepest sympathy goes out to this officer's family and co-workers. I am so sorry that another family has to go through this. This man is a TRUE HERO in every sense of the word. May God comfort your family and co-workers. You are all in my prayers.............John 15:13
Shelly Ragsdale, surviving spouse
Officer Alan Ragsdale, Hohenwald Police Dept., EOW 11-27-00
Dale Green was example for all of us to follow. He was a Cop's Cop both in his professionalism and his knowledge and skills. He was a teacher, one of my best. But what was truly unique about Dale was his devotion to his family and to our Lord Jesus Christ. Dale was a family man who was able to elegantly manage the difficult balance between police work related responsibilies and a meaningful and loving presence for his family. As part of his walk with God Dale was very active in his church and a Christian leader in the community. I pray that all officers will use Dale's example to base their approach to police work, their participation and responsibility to their family, and to their walk with God.
My family is praying for Dale's immediate family and for our extended family here at the Tallahassee Police Department.
Investigator W. S. Clendinen
Tallahassee Police Department
For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is a revenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil. Romans 13.4
Rest in Peace you and your family are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Trooper
Florida Highway Patrol
Dale, you will be greatly missed, not only by your co-workers but by the citizens that you served so well. You have taught me much, not only as an officer, but as a man. I aspire to be the officer and man that you were. Dale you were a quiet warrior and a hero and will be missed
Tallahassee Police Dept.
It was honor and a priviledge to serve with you the past 13+ years. You helped many officers including myself get thru the academy back in 1989. You were and still are the best police officer or sergeant T.P.D. has ever had. You will be missed.
Inv. John Newland
Tallahassee Police
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