Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Going home was different this time around. Every time I saw an APD car, out of habit, I was seeing if you were in it like I always use to do when I would visit home. It gave me great pride to know you were protecting and serving the community where we grew up. Thank you for your friendship and for just being you. I know I will see you again.

Anonymous

DAVID, I WISH I KNEW HOW TO PUT INTO WORDS WHAT I'M FEELING. YOU AND JAY ARE SO MISSED, AND I WISH THAT I COULD SPEAK TO YOU AGAIN. IT'S JUST TOO BAD THAT PEOPLE DON'T SAY HOW THEY FEEL ABOUT EACH OTHER WHEN THEY HAVE A CHANCE, INSTEAD OF WAITING UNTIL ITS TOO LATE. I FEEL SO LUCKY THAT YOU AND I WERE ABLE TO RIDE TOGETHER THE DAY BEFORE YOU DIED. IT WAS THE ONLY TIME YOU AND I EVER RODE TOGETHER, AND I WILL CHERISH THAT DAY FOREVER IN MY HEART. WE SHARED LOTS OF LAUGHS THAT MORNING, AND IT REALLY MEANT A LOT TO ME. NOW THAT YOU'RE GONE, I JUST WISH THAT I HAD KNOWN THEN THE THINGS I KNOW NOW. YOU AND JAY ARE TWO OF THE MOST DEDICATED COPS I EVER MET, AND WE'LL NEVER FORGET YOU. I KNOW THAT THE TWO OF YOU RIDE WITH ME EVERY SHIFT, AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE WITH ME. I MISS AND LOVE YOU FOREVER, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AGAIN. YOUR BROTHER--CHRIS COOPER.

PFC C. COOPER
ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPT.

DAVID, I REMEMBER WHEN YOU CAME TO S.R.T. YOU WANTED TO BE THE BEST. I REMEMBER THAT EVERYTIME WE TRAINED YOU WANTED TO DO IT UNTIL IT WAS RIGHT. I REMEMBER THAT YOU ALWAYS WERE ASKING WHEN IT WAS DINNER TIME BECAUSE YOU WERE ALWAYS HUNGRY, WE ACTUALLY THOUGHT YOU HAD A TAPEWORM. DAVID, I REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE ONE OF THE BEST AND I ALONG WITH THE REST OF THE TEAM COULD ALWAYS COUNT ON YOU BEING THERE FOR US. I WOULD GO INTO THE MOST DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH YOU BECAUSE I KNEW YOU WOULD BE THERE BROTHER. DAVID I MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU AND SOMEDAY WE WILL ROLL AGAIN. YOUR S.R.T. BROTHER JERROD.

PFC J. KING
ALEXANDRIA P.D.

David, i don't know where to began. I never would have thought that the morning of Feb. 20, 2003, when we spoke on the phone; and "cut on each other" would have been the last time we ever spoke. I want to take this time to thank you for being my best friend. In the twenty eight years of my life, i have never quite had a friend that was as special to me as you were. We had a lot of good times over the past few years; awsome duck hunts, great fishing trips, and LOTS of alcohol and dancing. But i wanted you to know this, it is the little things that i miss the most, a phone call to tell me to come get a fresh cup of coffee cause you just made a pot, or tieing jugs at the camp when we would just talk for hours, or all the times you would "teach me something", or just "hanging out" at your house watching something stupid on tv or the countless times that you would cook something on the pitt. There isn't a day that has gone by that i don't struggle with the loss of you and Jay. I feel lucky and honored to have been friends, "BEST FRIENDS", with you and long for the day that we can see each other again. I LOVE YOU DAVE!

PFC R. DISTEFANO 398
ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPT.

I remember how Thursday February 20, 2003 started. It was overcast with intermittent showers but warm for the time of year. I was preparing to attend an out-of-town funeral and on k-time when I got my SRT page @ 0810 hrs to report to APD, Detective squad room for briefing on a mission. I left home after an argument with my wife which left us both angry. I didn't tell her I loved her or goodbye when I walked out.

Looking back, it seems like some unseen force was steadily
pulling the team along a pre-determined path that we were powerless to resist. I was very uneasy and could see it also in some of the other guys. While staging in the rear lot I recall looking at David, his balaclava was down and only his eyes were visible beneath his helmet. He seemed to be deep in thought and had a blank stare on his face as guys often do when lost in thought. I remember wondering what he was thinking, was he nervous, did he also feel uneasy? The other guys were talking in small groups, laughing softly, checking gear. I thought about suggesting a team prayer, but I didn't. I don't know why. I did mouth a quick one on the ride to the target.

David, you and I, and the other team members, know what happened out there. I don't know if it matters now, but I'll just say it like this: With guys like you by my side I wouldn't be afraid to try to kick in the gates of hell!!! You are a policeman's policeman. The department lost a big piece of it's future that day and I lost a teammate that I greatly admired.
Until we meet again................."keep it tight and watch your 6"

Anonymous

Hey dave. Today, me and Keith went fishing at your camp with your dad, Mr. Buzzy, Fred, and Jeffery; you were very much missed. We fished all the same holes that you and i had fished so many times before. It was a beautiful, sunny day today. You know, all those times we went fishing before, i had never caught a fish on that lake; i guess i really didn't care either, i was just having fun drinking and cutting up with you. I thought alot about you today; and i know that you got a good laugh when i hooked those two fish, Keith sure did. I'm sure you and Jay laughed even harder when me and Keith had to change that flat tire on hwy 28 today. It has only been four months since you were taken from us; life doesn't feel like it has gotten back to normal yet, and i'm not sure that for some of us it ever will. Everyone's life goes on and there has been so much that has happened, so many things that i wish i could tell you, or get advice about. Dave, you were always a good "listener" and had such a down to earth way about making everything that was complicated-simple. I really miss you!

PFC. R. DISTEFANO 398
ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPT.

Happy birthday David, we all miss you very much but i know we will be duck hunting togather again one day. I know you will be with me everyday on the job and in the blind.

Anonymous

DAVID,
I KNOW YOU AND JAY ARE HAVING A GREAT TIME IN YALL'S NEW HOME. PLEASE DON'T FIGHT OVER WHOSE WINGS LOOK BETTER BECAUSE IM SURE THAT THERE PERFECT. KRISTIE AND I MISS YALL VERY MUCH AND CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YALL AGAIN. THANKS FOR BEING SUCH A WONDERFUL FRIEND TO ME AND TO JAY. YOU GUYS HAVE FUN AND KEEP WATCHING OVER US.
LOVE YOU ----SUNNI

SUNNI THOMAS

We are truly saddened at your loss.
--------------------------------------
We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
The young ones now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.
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Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!

Ptlm. P.K. Harding
Binghamton (NY) PD

i lost my beloved husband on the same day i know how you feel may God help us get through this

donna hicks
widow of glenn hicks

A day doesn't go by that I don't think of you or hear your laugh. Words can't describe how much you meant to me and how much I miss you. I love you.
Katie Flynn

I met David through Jay. I remember when I first talked to him I went and told my mom that I didnt know how Jay could be friends with him he was so annoying. But as i was around him a little more i realized that he was hilarious not annoying. He came into my work at Christmas time to buy his girlfriend a camera, he walks in and says "I want a good camera, but I dont want to spend more than $20". I explained to him that she was worth much more than that and to stop being cheap. He said "Whoa! girl I aint cheap, i have bought her alot of other stuff" He ended up spending $75. I think that David is best known for his "Hey girl!" and "Whoa girl!" and "Wasup dude?" cant forget the "naw bro". Full of smiles all the time. I should have known that Jay would be with David, Jay loved to laugh and David was the dude for the job. It still hasnt been long enough to not cry when I even mention my brothers name, and I know the Ezernacks are doing the same thing. Just hang in there and we will all get through this together. I never imagined that there would be so much support, I have heard "If you need anything let us know" so much its like a tape recorder now. To the Ezernacks: "If you need anything let us know!"

Carey Carruth
Jay Carruth's little sister

Our thoughts and prayers are with David and his family. We know he has made the ultimate sacrafice for all. You went where others would never go. You are respected and appreciated among your peers. Our hearts go out to a fallen brother.

Rapides Training Center
Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office

It was so hard to deal with you leaving us and still is. Things happended so quickly and unexpected, but I know that you are overwhelmed with happiness now. Tell Momo and Aunt Bet that I love them and miss them also. I can't wait until my day comes to reunite with you and them. I'm trying to be strong for mom and dad. You were always the caretaker of the family and I know I will never be able to fill your shoes, but thank you for leaving me a strong path to follow. I get angry sometimes for not having you with us, but then the anger turns into sorrow. I'm only sad because I miss you so much. I try and remember all the good times we had together and as a family. If I could of only told you how proud you make me and that I love you just one more time. I'd give anything for that chance. You are my mentor and will live in my heart always. I look at Lance and his personalilty is such a reminder of you. We'll have to wait until he's a teenager to see if he inherited your dance moves. He stated he can't wait until the end of the world comes so he can go to heaven and be with his Uncle David. It broke my heart hearing that, but then I realized that he only loves and misses you also. We all do. I know that you will take of me and watch over me daily. I could not ask for a better Guardian Angel. I hope I can guide my life into the direction as yours and then when my day arrives, you will be waiting at the gate with your hand held out to me. The thought of that is what keeps me going. I miss and love you very much big brother.

Thinking of you always-
Little Sis-Amy

Little Sis-Amy

You have made the ultimate sacrifice and you will not be forgotten. May you rest in peace, and may god watch over your family and friends.

Cpl. William White
Lafayette City Police (Louisiana)

You will not be forgotten, rest easy brother - "Una Stamus"

E. Bruss - Police Officer
US Dept of Veterans Affairs Police

As a member of the Alexandria Police Departments Citizen's Academy and Ride-a-long Program, I've had the honor and privilege of riding with too many Officers to name. And I've made some very good friends in the process. It does this mother's heart good getting to know who's out there protecting my children and the others of Alexandria.

My motto has always been to "Support the ones who protect and serve BEFORE you need their service and protection." Officers David Ezernack and Jay Carruth are not the only heroes at the APD. The others are still out there protecting us. And they have my deepest respect and appreciation for what they're doing and my sincerest sympathies for such a great loss.

We often fail to let our officers know what they mean to us until a tragedy like this happens. We need to let these men and women know how much they mean to us now. Before they've proven their bravery and dedication by putting their life on the line to protect us.

The bravery of Officers Ezernack and Carruth will never be forgotten. The APD and the local community will make sure of that. But we also need to make sure that the ones who are still out there aren't forgotten or taken for granted.

Thank you and God bless you all for what you do.

Paula Gorham Fealko
Alexandria, Louisiana

To the family, friends, and Department
of Officer David Ezernack

Our department lost one of its own a few weeks ago and though I never met you, your loss is great in my heart. You gave the ultimate sacrifice to perform your job and serve the people. May your family find peace in knowing that Heaven has gained an angel and that you are an inspiration to us all. I salute you my brother in blue and your memory will live on forever. "What we do in life, echoes in eternity."

New Tazewell Police Department

Courage is something many never have to test, but those who carry the badge know that it will be tested every day. Your courage and dedication will never be forgotten, rest hero and watch over use as we too are tested each day. Thank you for your courage and honor.

Carl Wortham
Son of Glenn T. Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham
Sand Springs PD OK

I am so saddened to hear that 2 brave, fine young men died in such a tragic way. It breaks my heart. We also lost an officer that day, LT Glenn Hicks and we had his partner lose an eye in the attack. So senseless.

These 2 brave men are now walking the beat in Heaven with St. Michael. We share your grief and sense of loss. My heart goes out to the families, colleagues and friends. Be safe and God Bless.

Chief JA Millan
NC Public Schools Law Enforcement, Avery Dist.

YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN

PATROLMAN FIRST CLASS
MBPD

BUFFALO, NEW YORK

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE OFFICERS
WISH TO SEND OUR CONDOLENCES. OUR THOUGHTS AND
PRAYERS ARE WITH OFFICER EZERNACK, HIS FAMILY AND
CO-WORKERS.

GOD BLESS..

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE

THIS IS TRULEY A TRAGETY FOR ALL. MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY AND THIS AGENCY. BEING A 10 VETEREN OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND A SRT MEMBER WE ALL KNOW THE DANGERS BUT ARE NEVER PREPARED FOR THIS KIND OF TRAGEDY.

DEPUTY MARK GOLDEN
LAFAYETTE COUNTY AR.

This is a sad and unforgettable experience for all alexandria citizens. I pray for and praise at the same time the Ezernack family for raising such a respectable and honorable young man. Without hesitation, this brave officer requested to go first because he did not have a wife or child. This alone shows David's huge heart for others by his willingness to give his own life rather than give up a child's father, or a wife's husband. I'm sorry for your irreplacable loss, but please understand that your child did not die in vain. His memory will always be represented by the proud Alexandria police officers and the relentless SRT team fighting in his honor.

Anonymous

I pray for the family of Private Ezernack. May God be with you during this time.

Sami Thomson
Surviving niece of Officer Jon Cook
San Francisco Police Department