Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear David,
With the weather getting warm, the boys and I are getting anxious to go swimming over at Mom and Dad's house. I can't help but remember how you would always tease me about wanting to be the first one to go down the slide, the first one to jump off the diving board. Your teasing was always done with love; what I wouldn't give for just one more laugh with you.
I miss you every day. I wish you were here to watch Lance play t-ball and listen to Jacob sing. I wish you could see John David run up to Dad and catch Meredith when she gives us a big smile. I wish all of this and then I believe you are watching over all of us and seeing all of it and smiling, too.
Love you,
Ashley

April 23, 2004

God Bless You and Jay both David Yall will always be with me wherever I go.......
Love always,
Kailtyn Hammond
(sister of Jay Carruths Fiancee')

Kaitlyn Hammond

April 21, 2004

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family. It is obvious from the reflections that Officer Ezernack was a wonderful man.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

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

April 4, 2004

Rest in peace Officer Ezernack. I never met you but I remember crying when I heard what had happened. I just found this site March 14, 2004 when my nephew, Officer John Logan was shot and killed in Texas. May GOD bless your family. Thank you for your service and dedication. You are now a Blue Angel ,watching out for everyone from above.
Shirley Roberts-Aunt of Officer John Logan E.O.W. March 14, 2004

Shirley Roberts

April 2, 2004

Yo Dave- I have been thinking about writing you a little something for a while now, just didn't quite know what to say. Man, nothing is the same without you around. Running yo-yo's, camping, dancing, or just chilling out somewhere watching you and Distefano go at it... gives me chills thinking about it. I talk to some of the guys... Jerrod, Cooper, Bruce, Darren, Joey...Dude, I have to say these guys amaze me with their ability to show such courage. It is hard for everyone without you, but I am just so glad that you are doing so much better than all of us now. It makes me feel good to know that you will never have to feel pain again. I still see K-Dawg, Distefano, Sammie, Fairbanks, Craig, and the rest of the crew all the time, I just wish I could see you one more time. I know you're here and I know you are protecting all of us... I just miss your voice. I think I actually even miss going to the skating rink with you back in elementary school. Man, this is NOT easy. You should see Daylon; he is getting huge. I just thank God for blessing all of us with your presence for all the years he did. You will always have a place in my heart! I miss you and I love you Dave... Later dude.

M Bozeman

March 3, 2004

DAVID, I HAVE NOT LEFT A MESSAGE IN LONG TIME BECAUSE IT IS REALLY HARD FOR ME TO EXPRESS HOW I FEEL ABOUT YOU AND JAY. I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY OF MY LIFE. I SEE YOUR FAMILY AND I GET AN OVERWHELMING FEELING OF GUILT. MAYBE I COULD HAVE MOVED FASTER AND YOU WOULD STILL BE HERE, I DONT KNOW. YOUR MOM AND DAD ASKED ME TO BE YOUR FAMILIES ESCORT OFFICER AND I COULD NOT EVEN SPEAK BECAUSE I AM SO OVERWHELMED AND HONORED. I HOPE THAT I AM ABLE TO PAY THE RESPECT AND HONOR TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU AND WILL CARRY YOU WITH ME FOREVER. LOVE JERROD

J. KING
ALEX P.D.

March 2, 2004

I remember running around the football field with you, and you trying to cheer me up for striking out. Thanks David for showing mercy when I got in that wreck and destroyed my new Silverado pickup. You will always be remembered.

James Morse
Old Friend

March 2, 2004

David,

There is not a day goes by that I am not reminded in someway about February 20, 2003. My husband a co-worker of yours was off duty that day, but he was there on the scene as soon as he heard what was going on.

Never before did it ever both me when my husband left home for duty, leaving behind myself and our little girl. February 20, 2003 changed all of that. I have been around law enforcement all of my life. When I married my husband, I married a police officer, not realizing that at any moment he could be taken from me.

(Kristie I really do not know how you do it)

David you will never be forgotten.

Wife of an APD Officer

February 27, 2004

David,
Well, it's been a year now and I still wonder sometimes at how it seems so long ago. There are still a lot of unseen wounds with the team, a lot of questions left unanswered but I guess that might always be the case. I saw all of the guys the other day and during our conversation I began to wonder if I was at the same incident they were at. There seems to be some confusion about who did what when and so forth and it's all really so difficult to think about. I'm going to try to go back to work but I don't know if I will be able to hang. I want to do it for myself and my family, but also for you and Jay. I'm trying to withdraw from the morphine and it's been really hard this weekend. I feel like a ton of bricks have fallen on me and my arm still hurts really bad. I still have a lot of anger inside for what I think was such a foolish waste of good men. I've decided to allow myself to be hypnotized to try to recall exactly what I saw, did and heard. It's for no reason other than to try to heal myself and know in my heart that I did all I could have done, all be it too late. Lately I've begun to doubt myself after hearing other people's version of the events. I'm so sorry that I didn't take a firmer stance and position when we were planning this operation. I was filled with doubts about the intel, the plan, our team strength, our equipment and training but I didn't say anything. I wanted to pray with all you guys when we were staging at the van but I didn't. I'm sorry, guys. I, of all people, should have known better. I know from experience that the people who talk the loudest usually had the least involvement in a situation . It's easy to be brave from a distance but when you're close enough to hear the angry hiss of the rounds passing your face it makes you take a moment to realize that God could have taken you also. But it's also made me very reluctant to talk about what happened. I don't want the news media anywhere around me. And you know what, I wish God would have taken me instead of you and Jay. You guys had so much ahead of you, such a bright future, so much to live for. I know God is beyond question and He had a reason for what He allowed to happen. I submit to His divine will and I also know He had a reason for allowing me to survive, I don't yet know what it was but maybe I'll find out someday.

"Courage is not the absence of fear, rather it is the realization that some things are more important than fear"

Little "E", you and Jay were much more important than the fear.
Again, I'm sorry.


A Comrade

Anonymous

February 22, 2004

Dear Uncle David,
I never got a chance to see you, but there are pictures of you all around me. You never got to hold me, but I can feel your protection all the time. I never got to hear your voice, but I hear stories about you all the time. Although I never met you, I will love you always
Your new niece,
Meredith

Your niece, Meredith

February 20, 2004

On Angels ...
"The wings ain't anything but a uniform, that's all. When they are in the field so to speak, they always wear them."
Taken from Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

David,
You're not forgotten ...
February 20, 2004

Anonymous

February 20, 2004

Dear David,
Words are inadequate when I want to describe my feelings for you. My heart soars with pride, my memories are filled with joy, and I cry daily with lonesomeness. Such a rollercoaster of emotions flood my heart and mind, but the love I feel surfaces always and my prayers and faith sustain me during the difficult times. You were such a blessing and I always knew you would touch other lives in a positive manner.
That day in February haunts our family. It changed all of us in many ways. In spite of the tragedy however, there have been many positive things to come about. As I think back there are many various things that transpired in our lives that brought us to that fatal day. Your beautiful spirituality and the way you walked with the Lord gives me the most comfort as I am confidant that you were spiritually ready to be called by God. I attended Steubenville South this past summer and cried when Bishop Jacobs dedicated the Conference to you. I witnessed your love of God through our private talks and through your open profession of your faith.
As a Police Officer I saw your dedication, pride in your work and the private satisfaction when you were able to help others. Since we have been a law enforcement family, I knew the risks and sacrifices that were always on the horizon. Never did I entertain the thought that tragedy would strike our family. But we must accept the will of God and continue to thank Him for our blessings. Your sisters and their families are here to love and to keep your memory alive. Your bond with us will remain always and our hearts will love you more each day. I thank God for allowing us to share 26 years of your life. Please know the magnitude of my love, pride and gratefulness. I know you walk beside me always. I love you son, now and forever.

Your Mom
Millie Ezernack

January 13, 2004

Dear David,

January 13, 2004

Dave,

We miss you and Jay terribly but if I know you two, you're up to something up there in Heaven. Not a day goes by that I don't put on this uniform and not think about ya'll. I am proud to wear it and will never trade it for any other. Please watch over us down here in "A" town. We miss and love you bunches.

Cpl. Whitstine
ALexandria P.D.

January 2, 2004

Dave,

Just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for having an impact on my life. Even though you may not know, you were my inspiration for joining the team. Sometimes, people doubt our capabilities and it's up to us to prove ourselves to everyone. I remember meeting you at A.J.H. and am happy that I had the opportunity to be friends with you. You will never be forgotten.

PFC Sammie Dauzat 453
Alexandria Police Department

December 29, 2003

I lost two friends, both in the same year and began to wonder why or was it worth the job. I found that the answer is "yes" and that to do anything different would be to tarnish all that was done before us. I pray that God watches over your family and thank you for serving this great country of ours.

SPO S. Willis
Austin, Tx. PD-SWAT

December 26, 2003

Hey Dave. This weekend was the opening weekend of duck season. I had to work opening day; but had a chance to go today. To be honest, i really didn't want to go; this would have been the first time on Catahoula Lake, on opening weekend, in the last two years with out you. I went with Keith and Gary to thier pitt blind. We were late getting to the blind, due to the weather. Oh boy, but when we did, it was awsome. We had one of the best times, and limited out before 0800 hrs. I got to feeling really sad towards the end of the hunt because you weren't there; but then i realized that you were. I know that you were looking down on us and sharing the moment. I just wanted to tell you, Thank You!

CPL. ROBERT DISTEFANO 398
ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPT.

November 16, 2003

Hey David, I writing you in Heaven to let you know how proud I am of you, and I appreciate how you touched Jay's life with your presence. Thank you for always being there for him and thank you for walking thru the Gates of Heaven with him. I have to say I have been blessed for knowing you, and I trust that God has a plan and that we are all in it. Take care of my boy, Blue Angel. I will always Love You, Miss Pat

Pat Carruth
Mom of Jeremy

November 3, 2003

David, i just wanted you to know that i was thinking of you. It has been quite a while since the last time i left a reflection; but i check them often. You and Jay are kept close in my thoughts with the pictures that are kept at my desk at work and home. I miss you so much, and have come to cherish the times that i get to spend with your family. I know that God had His reasons for taking you and Jay; but i thank Him daily for the good times that we were able to share. Thank you for being such a good friend. I LOVE YOU!

CPL. ROBERT DISTEFANO 398
ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPT.

CPL. ROBERT DISTEFANO 398
ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPT.

November 2, 2003

Millie,

Just a note to let you know I am thinking of you and praying for you. Today is one more month (10/20/2003).
God Bless You and Keep You and your family safe.

Kay Wood
Mother of Deputy City Marshal Glen DeVanie EOW 04/02/03
Alexandria, Louisiana

Kay D. Wood
APD

October 20, 2003

dear david,
it is so hard here without you. mom, dad, amy and i take it one day at a time, but there is such a deep hole that can't be filled. we turn to lance, jacob, and john david for comfort--believe me, your nephews will remember you through us and admire their "uncle david" forever. i've got plenty of pictures to show them, along with plenty of stories to share.
i am so proud of your accomplishments. you inspire me to be strong and brave throughout everyday life. thank you for supporting me and loving me so much.
whether it's in a familiar song, a bird overhead, or a jeep that drives by , i know that your spirit is around us. your presence here was too powerful to be forgotten...i love you and look forward to the day when we can see each other again. all my heart, ash

Ashley Seeling
Big Sister

September 21, 2003

went teal hunting today and it just didn't feel the same but i know you were there with me and i know hat before it is all said and done we will hunt togather again

Jason

Jason

September 15, 2003

Patrolman David Ezernack, I read your memorial page today and wanted to let you and your family know that your fellow officers are thinking of you. Your sacrifice was great and you continue to be our hero. God Bless

Clearwater, FL PD (SWAT) 08/20/03

Officer
Clearwater, FL PD

August 22, 2003

My dearest Charles David and Millie,
It's been 5 months and a lot has happened, our lives have changed so much since February 20,2003. We have watched our families and Police Officers try to find the healing needed to go on, while we ourselves ask God for the strength to carry on. I can remember the day I met David, I can still feel the laughter he brought to my life, he was such a fine youg man. He was such a wonderful friend to Jay, he would always have the right thing to say. I thank you for raising him in the manner you did, so he could share the love and the wisdom that he surely possessed, which I know came from his relationship with God. You will never know how much he helped Jay while he was in Cuba, Jay seemed to listen to David. He was there for him when he came home from Cuba, I really enjoyed his visits by the pool, and the talks and the laughter ( we always laughed when David and Robert were around), all the meetings at El Reparo's and more laughter. It amazed me how someone who could be so funny could be so serious as a Policeman. Jay admired him in his work and I guess that's what made them Buds. They really shared a lot in the time they knew each other, which makes me think Gods hand was in that also. I know our sons will never be forgotton, as you know that doesn't take away the pain, But I am so thankful to have known your son and to have mingled with his spirit and so thankful to know you and share with you the memories of our sons. I pray for God to place a special blessing on you and that it will always bring warmth to your life. (Iwalu) I will always love u
Pat Carruth

Pat Carruth

David- I was told to read the reflections left here by family, friends, and your fellow officers. As I was reading them I naturally began to cry, all the memories, and all the people you touched.. it just leaves me speechless. When I first met you at Steubenville South.. I have to admit I thought that you were the man I was going to marry. Your personality,charm and not to mention those boyish good looks, I feel in love with you right then and there. A day did not go by when I didn't think about what a remarkable person you were. I am so thankful that I got to spend time with you before that day. I swear I still hear your voice and your laugh, your in my dreams everynight and when I mess up I can hear you telling me that I shouldn't have done that. It would seem that time would start to heal my broken heart but it hasn't I remember that day like it was an hour ago, the shock of it all is still with me and there are times when I don't believe it. I wanted so badly for you to be there this year , to see the 7,000 kids that showed up, but I know you were. You were with me that entire weekend but only in the shape of someone else. Things will never be the same without you here for any of us, but we deal the best way we can. Everyday it's just as hard to get out of bed as it was the day before, nothings seems to make it better, only time and our faith in God will help us through this long journey without you. We have all changed, some for the good and some for the bad. I am trying to be strong for you but it's hard. I find now that every challenge that I am faced with I don't turn away I embrace it and do it for you. you are my hero and I know the day is coming when you will wait for all of us at the gates of heaven and we will all get to hear you say "wassup girl" I will never forget all of our talks and I know there are plenty of soft cookies and milk where you are
I love you will all my heart david
love beth

beth