Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You served our country once in the Corps, protecting us abroad. You served our country as a Law Enforcement Officer at home. You have gone above and beyond what most would never even consider. I, along with all Americans are in debt to you for your sacrifices. I hope that one day we can repay you. I look forward to shaking your hand one day Devil Dog!!!!! Rest easy now my brother.........we have the watch!!!!!! SEMPER FI........

Police Officer and Former US Marine
Ocoee Police Department, Florida

September 5, 2003

For: Shannon's Family (2 poems)

Shannon Distel

His handsome smile lay naturally
on a face that loved to grin
and his laughter came so easily
that you had to join right in

In his life he made many friends
through the states with work and play
and a special bond that he had made
with the boys of Riverside & South L.A.

His family that he held so dear
his children and his wife
his parents and his siblings
were the circle of his life

His handsome smile lay naturally
just above his own son's chin
and when his daughter smiles
you can see her daddy's grin

************************************************************

If You Were...

If you were like Shannon
you would be
happy go lucky and carefree

If you were like Shannon
you would be
honest and giving indefinitely

If you were like Shannon
you would be
smiling, laughing & friendly

If you were like Shannon
you would be
brave and courageous amazingly

If you were like Shannon
you would be
full of honor, trust and integrity

If you were like Shannon
you would be
giving the world the gift of glee

If you were like Shannon
you would be
loving a woman by the name of Dee

If you were like Shannon
you would be
a father who cherished his family

If you were like Shannon
you would be
living life to its full capacity

If you were like Shannon
you would be
the most incredibly perfect memory

If you were...

Heather McCullah

Heather McCullah Sister-In-Law

September 5, 2003

I had the pleasure of having Shannon in our family for some time now and he was an inspiration to all of us. Shannon was my brother in law and an uncle to my children. Shannon always had a smile on his face and a story ready to tell. As short as his life was it was a full life. He was willing to help everyone around him.

I remember when my husband Bill began his career in law enforcement Shannon was there for him all the way. He encouraged him every chance he could and even missed his Vegas 2 Baker run to be at my husbands gradutation party. He said, "I'm there" and he was. And we are so thankful to him for the time we had together.

On Shannon and Deanna's wedding day, I remember the joy on his face as she walked down the isle before him, and he mouthed the words, "you're so beautiful" to her. His love for Dee will never die. It was stronger than anything I've ever seen before.

Shannon's family seemed to be the most important thing in his life. His kids meant the world to him and he showed it. And Shannon meant the world to my family too. He gave so much and asked for so little in return.

Brittany and Colton want to tell Brionna, Savannah, Tucker and Brodster that they will never forget their Uncle the "Pizza Man, Mr. Shandiggity" He's in their hearts and souls forever!

To Dee:

Thank you for bringing such a wonderful man into the family and sharing him with all of us. He is going to live on in our hearts and we will be here for you and the kids during all the times ahead. Your a strong woman and an awesome mom and those are some of the things Shannon loved about you. He gave his daughter Bri and his Son Brody such a gift when he married you. May you have the strength to make every memory last and the energy to make more tomorrows with your children and us. We love you!

HUGS n KISSES

Heather McCullah

Heather McCullah

September 5, 2003

Rest in peace brother. God bless the family of Officer Distel

Trooper David W. Steward Jr.
Alabama Department of Public Safety

September 4, 2003

Another hero is gone!!

Rest in peace brother, you will not be forgotten!

We will continue the fight.

In memory of, Officer Shannon Distel and all the hero’s, please light a BLUE LIGHT in a window of your home and let it shine 24/7!!!

RJF
CPD, NY

September 4, 2003

SEMPER FI HARD CHARGER, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO COUNTRY AND CORPS, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AND YOUR FAMILY IS IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS. PLEASE WATCH OVER THE REST OF US IN THE PROFORMANCE OF OUR DAILEY DUTIES.

THANK YOU CPL USMC

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS MILITARY POLICE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION DIVISION (5811/5813)

CPL
USMC

September 4, 2003

Thank You for yor service to our Country as a U.S. Marine and to your community as a Police Officer.

Rest Easy Now Marine, Semper Fi

Another Former Marine

September 4, 2003

Dear Officer Distel's Survivors,
I have followed your story in the paper. I am praying for all of you, fellow officers and family. I cannot imagine your pain and hope I never have to, with 3 officers and 1 retired in my immediate family. Each one of you is blessed to have had this Servant (Psalm 140:13) in your life. God will keep him safe now and comfort you when you ask (Luke 11:9). Your needs are important to those around you, lean on each other and ask God to reveal Himself and shine His light on your path. (Psalm 18:28). As a wife and mother, my heart and love goes out to Mrs. Distel....there are no words. (Psalm 138:3)

A. Maier
Law Enforcement Family

September 4, 2003

I am Shannon's sister-in-law and would like to say what an awesome guy he was. He always made everyone laugh. His smile was contagious. This is such a tragedy to our family and the whole community. He was such a terrific guy and I can't say enough about him. He will be dearly missed and I know he is watching from above and still protecting his family. I will always be here for Deanna and his children but I know no one can take the place of him in their hearts.
I will miss you terribly Shannon and love you with all of my heart! I will pray and be there for Deanna and your beautiful children always!!!!
Cindy

Cindy McCullah - Sister-in-Law

September 4, 2003

You will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and fellow officers.

tROOPER
Florida Highway Patrol

September 4, 2003

It is with profound sadness that our school community has learned of the
senseless, tragic accident that befell Officer Distel. Our children will soon
celebrate a week-long dedication to a life lived without the use of drugs,
and I hope that the family will allow us to honor Officer Distel by asking
our community to stand in a minute of silent thought in love for a fellow
human being who has left us because of the scourge of drugs in our
society.

Gary Hearty,
Principal, Price School, Downey, California

Gary Hearty, Principal
Price School, Downey, California

September 4, 2003

Marines and Police Officers are part of a brotherhood that others will never know! Take care and Semper Fi!

Ofc. Culver, RJ
Holly Hill Police Department
Volusia County, Fl

Ofc. Culver, RJ
Holly Hill Police Department

September 4, 2003

My anger is high as I write this reflection. A good man and officer has been taken unnecessarily and now his family suffers. I know they are strong and will pull through. I wish them peace in this time of sorrow. To Officer Distel, rest easy my friend and Godspeed.

Detective T. Henshaw
Bell Gardens Police Department, CA

September 3, 2003

Rest in peace my brother. May God watch over the family you left behind and grant them peace. You and your family will be in my prayers.

Sergeant Clinton Schott
Chesterfield County Police Department

September 3, 2003

A STATE TRAFFIC OFFICER WAS KILLED TODAY AND A PART OF AMERICA DIED. A PIECE OF OUR COUNTRY HE SWORE TO PROTECT, WILL BE BURIED WITH HIM AT HIS SIDE. THE SUSPECT WHO DID THIS WILL STAND UP IN COURT, WITH COUNSEL DEMANDING HIS RIGHTS, WHILE A YOUNG WIDOWED MOTHER MUST WORK FOR HER KIDS, AND SPEND MANY, LONG, LONLY NIGHTS.
THE BEAT HE DROVE WAS A BATTLEFIELD TOO, JUST AS IF HE'D GONE TO WAR. YES, SOMEBODY KILLED AN OFFICER TODAY, IN YOUR TOWN OR MINE. WHILE WE SLEPT IN COMFORT BEHIND OUR LOCKED DOORS, AN OFFICER PUT HIS LIFE ON THE LINE.
NOW HIS GHOST DRIVES A BEAT ON A DARK STATE HIGHWAY, AND HE STANDS AT EACH NEW ROOKIE'S SIDE. HE ANSWERED THE CALL, OF HIMSELF GAVE HIS ALL, AND A PART OF AMERICA DIED

TO SHANNONS FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Anonymous

September 2, 2003

To Mrs. Distel - I am so sorry for you tragedy. We have that fear as wives, but we never think it could happen to us. Let the Lord guide you through this horrible time. He has guided me every step! Be strong for your children. You all are in my prayers.
Elena Wagstaff
Wife of Game Warden Wesley Wagstaff
E.O.W. 8-5-03

Matthew 5:9

September 2, 2003

I was fortunate enough to have know Shannon....The smile you see in his pictures is the one quality that most stands out even after all these years...I found out today that he passed (09/02/03) and am proud to have know him.
The fact that someone who hasnt spoken to him in 6 years and still feels the loss should be an idicator of this mans character.
May god bless you and your family.
your brother
eduardo "eddie" hernandez

Old Friend
Private Citizen

September 2, 2003

God speed brother, let us take the reigns from here my man you have done ur time. Always be faithful and always be true because we are the men in blue.......To the family of Officer Ditel & and his CHP Family ourt hearts and prayers are with you.

Anonymous

September 2, 2003

Our thoughts are with the family and coworkers of Officer Distel. My uncle (same age and tour of duty as Ofc Distel)lost his life in a similar incident. Take care and rest easy, motormen.

George Anderson
nephew of Officer H.R. Anderson
Waco TX PD
EOW 10/8/40

george anderson

September 2, 2003

Our Law Enforcement has suffered another loss (Romans 5:3-5). My condolences to Shannon's family and friends, remain strong and faithful (Joshua 1:9).

Derek E. Clark, Lieutenant
San Diego County Sheriff Department

September 2, 2003

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers Officer Distel.

While I did not the privilege to have known you, I am sure you have earned your place in heaven. Rest in Peace my friend, those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin blue line.

Anonymous

September 2, 2003

Day is done,
gone the sun.
From the hills,
from the lake,
From the skies.
All is well,
safely rest,
God is nigh.

Godspeed to you and your family.

Lt. James A. Williams N.Y.P.D.

LT. JAMES A. WILLIAMS
N.Y.P.D.

September 2, 2003

TO MY FELLOW LAW ENFORCEMENT BROTHER WE WILL ALL MISS YOU. THANKS FOR DOING YOUR JOB
YOUR BROTHER YOU NEVER KNEW
BRANDON DAVIES

OFFICER B.E DAVIES
BENSON POLICE DEPT NC

September 1, 2003

I saw the Heavens open wide.
The Earth shook with Fear.
For Evil, knew of God's Army.
They were Heroes, Men on steel horses.

Sgt. James J. Crawford
Lower Providence Twp Police Motor Unit , Montg. Co. PA.

September 1, 2003

Rest in peace motorman.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

September 1, 2003