Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Shannon, I had just turned 20 years old and was a South Los Angeles CHP Explorer for several years at the time of your death. You were one of our favorite explorer advisors. I still have a picture somewhere of you and Officer Coyle, your motor brother, at the law enforcement appreciation night at a Long Beach Ice Dogs hockey game. A few of us explorers were lucky enough to be able to tag along. I remember hearing about your death the same day it happened and it only strengthened my steely resolve to get hired on as on officer and work at the South Los Angeles CHP office, which I did for several years. I can't ever forget the pain I felt, and I knew you least of anyone compared to all your fellow officers and family. I couldn't comprehend what your family had felt. You are the first officer that I had every personally known and had interaction with that had later been killed. It hit me SO hard, brother. Not a day goes by that I don't carry on your legacy by looking for impaired drivers. I was sad to see you leave South LA for Riverside, and even sadder to see you taken from us. I will never forget sitting in my Explorer Blue Uniform with two of my best friends whom were explorers. We sat right in the middle of the South Los Angeles Officers at your funeral. Walking under that huge American flag hanging from the ladders of the two firetrucks. Hearing your final "10-10" end-of-watch call go out over the CHP radio/church PA system. It was heart wrenching. I can't ever remember feeling that kind of pain before. You were so unfairly taken from us. Every day I pray for the ongoing comfort of your family and children. Keep watch over us, brother, as we continue to carry on your legacy every day.

Jeremy

Officer J. Tolen, #17998
CHP-Santa Fe Springs

June 12, 2010

Shannon, I never got a chance to know you but your family speaks so highly of you all the time. As a friend to your family you will never be forgotten. I'll be thinking of you this weekend during the Law Enforcement Memorial events and beyond.

Gina
FBI

May 6, 2010

I lit a virtual candle in your memory today. I miss you so much and will love you forever.

Anonymous

May 5, 2010

Shannon, remembering you and us..on our special day today...
Ironically, Brionna and her boyfriend,Cody had their first date a year ago today...he just came and picked her up for dinner to celebrate their 1 year anniversary...you'd definitely be proud of the beautiful young lady she's growing up to be..and you'd definitely approve of the boyfriend she chose...kinda think you might have had a lil something to do with her choosing such an awesome guy..and couldn't have picked a better date for them to start their relationship...=)
~*forever in my heart*~
Deanna

Anonymous

November 23, 2009

Rest in Peace, Officer Distel. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

I can't believe that another year has passed! I think you and all of the fun we had growing up every day. I watch my daughter ride off on her bike with her friends and hope and pray that they don't do the dumb crap that we did. She and her friends are actually older than we were when we started hanging out together. I hope to one day get to meet your wife and kids so I can share some of the dumb yet fun things that we did when we were little. Dee sent me a message after you died and asked me to write down the stories, but I couldn't. There are some good ones though. From the days at the BMX track to playing "Hang on" in the cemetery on our mopeds (yes we were dorks!) to cranking "Baby Got Back" in the Hooptie. We had a lot of fun! You will always be missed!! I hope to one day get a chance to reminisce about all of the good times that we had. I only pray that it is not too soon. Until that day, I will just remember and post some goofy little blurb on here. I miss you brother and "Hang On"!

Matt

P.O. Matt Deerwester
Friend Columbus Police

August 27, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 6th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. He was also a brother in green so I also thank you for your service to our country as a Marine.

In reading the reflections, I can see you were an amazing person who is loved and missed by so many. Cindy, I share your anquish in losing a beloved child which is surely one of life's greatest sorrows. To Deanna and children and
all of Shannon's loved ones, I hold you in my heart's embrace and pray for your solace.

Shannon, time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I hope one day to meet one of your family members at a meeting of COPS .

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

August 27, 2009

Miss you Shan!

Lindsay Carr
Sister

August 27, 2009

Shannon

Today I"m celbrating your life and how you were such a great friend, father, son and husband. I've seen pics of your family and have to say, your kids have turned out Great! They're really beautiful and in great hands. I'm going to keep this short but just wanted to leave you a little something today! miss you with much love

Pat

Pat Yancy
Marine brother and friend

August 27, 2009

Hey Shan, you remember when we both arrived at El Toro for duty? I saw you pull up in the barracks parking lot with a surf board on your Saturn. I was like "what the ???"..especially since we just drove in from Memphis. I guess somewhere along the way you picked up a freakin surfboard..Ha. It was just like you to do something like that! Who knew we'd become such close friends. I've been watching the messages from your friends, family and fellow officers from everywhere on this site over the years and finally had the courage to write something myself, just for you. Its amazing devil dog how many people you touched. I'm not gonna lie bro, its been a tough, tough loss for me, even still these days.

Guess what? Bug and I toasted a few beers to you at Tijuanas long bar in Irvine just the other day. We laughed about some of the crazy stuff you did or said. Believe me, there was a lot to talk about. Just know that the guys always think and talk about you. Chip, Nat, Bug, Mac, Pete, Dana, bragino, Yurick and all your Marine buddies. You were a good friend to a lot people.

I hear your kids are getting big. I never did get to meet Brody and its been a long time since I'd seen Brionna, but I did see of a pic of her and she's a beatiful young lady.

I wanted to say Shan that Im sorry for not being at your funeral. I didnt get the news until just after. I changed phone number and Chip found me somehow. I dont know what was harder, hearing it or Chip trying to get the words out! man, that was a tough day.

Thanks again for throwing me my going away party at your place! Everyone was there. One of the best and funnest parties we had.

We shared a lot of tower time and poker nights. You'd double down when you lost unitl you got it all back. That was you Shan, double down! Dont forget black 17. Ha When you let it ride on black 17 at Whiskey Petes on the way back from Vegas. The best

Well, I'm going to leave room for others to write and share their thoughts. Like Chip wrote; your one my closest friends. Although I havent seen you in a while, but we have great little conversations when I'm walking, standing on a corner or driving.

So, we'll talk soon ...

Pat

Patrick Yancy
Marine brother and close friend

June 11, 2009

I think about ya all the time bro. sometimes when I clear a call I'll just put your badge number in on the m.d.t. Often times before I jump in the car and go 10-8 I'll write your badge number in dust on the hood next to all the handprints :) Brody looks just like you. Whenever I'm around him or Briona I try to tell them a story about you, something to help keep your memory alive. One of my best Shannon memories is when Josh and I were working construction down in watts. We were at the end of an alley doing some jack hammer work when I heard the roar of a motorcycle. I look to my left and hear comes Shannon riding a wheely on his CHiPy B.M.W. That was so cool. He was bringing me some recruitment papers.

Police Officer Bill McCullah
Bell P.D. Brother in law

March 28, 2009

I was driving through Riverside the other day and saw your memorial sign on the freeway... before I knew it I was crying. The wave of emotions that came over me were so strong, that I had to pull over; and then it was like you were there telling me it would be ok.

I think of you and Bri so often. When I came home I pulled out a box of old pictures from our time together and smiled as the memories of you, me and Bri. The times weren't always good, but I will never forget the years we had and the memories that you both gave me and my family.

Keep smiling down on Deanna and your kids as I know you do every day. You are missed by so many and were taken away from us far too soon.

Michelle
Friend

September 25, 2008

I've been thinking of you so much lately...today is your daughter's birthday. She is her father's daughter...looking so much like you at that age. You would be so proud of her...what a beautiful young lady. You would also be so proud of your other three children...so well behaved..so loving and beautiful as well. Deanna has done a wonderful job raising them..what a monumental task to take on alone. We are so proud of her and know that you are too. We miss you so very much and wish you could be with us. Your brother is getting married soon and we know that you will be there with us. We know that you will continue to watch over us and we look forward to the day when we can see you once again.

You are in my heart forever,

Mom

Cindy Distel
Mother

September 18, 2008

Brother.. Keep resting easy knowing the Blue and Gold NEVER forgets our own..God Bless All

DB
Calif Hwy Patrol.Ret.

August 28, 2008

Hard to believe it's been 5 years . . . I can remember it like it was yesterday. My life has never been the same since that day and I know many others feel the same way. I don't know how to put into words the impact he has had on my life. All I can say is . . .Shandiggity, we miss you. I pray for your wonderful family (in Murrieta and Ohio) often. Peace.

Janis (Howard) Walker
Friend

August 28, 2008

It's that time of year again. I still think of you every day, and my daughter still reminds me of the day that she saw daddy cry. I still tell your story to every OVI suspect that I arrest. We all miss you! I hope to see you again someday. You and your family will always be in my prayers.

See you again someday. Hang on!

Matt

P.O. Matt Deerwester
Friend

August 27, 2008

It's been 5 years today. Thinking of all the good times...there were so many of them!

Heather

Heather McCullah
Sister In Law

August 27, 2008

Hey Shannon,

It’s been 5 years now and this is the first time I’ve written. I’ll never forget that day as I was with Dee when she was told the horrible news. It was like the kind of bad dream where you really want to wake up, where you’re trying to run, but you can’t, your legs just won’t work.

I know we were just getting to know each other when you were taken that day but I feel like I know you quite well now. Through Dee and the kids I have learned what an awesome guy/dad/brother/son/husband/friend you were and I see ‘you’ all around your house. The kids are all amazing and Brody is such a little character (that little booger…). And, oh my, is he your little clone! Your parents are great, too. I’ve learned about you thru them, also, and I’m sure they are really proud of Dee for the way she is raising the kids.

I believe you’re still around Dee and the kids so you can see how strong they all are. On that day I saw Dee, crumble to the floor with that single phone call, only to get up again and take charge of a situation she has done so amazingly well with. I know that you can see your kids are being raised in a house full of love and laughter, respect and guidance. And although they miss you terribly they are a true legacy to your name.

Shannon, you are missed, and not forgotten…

Anne

August 27, 2008

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. Time may pass but all those that love you and are close to you will remember you always. Continue to keep watch over all of them and protect them from harm. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

August 26, 2008

Shannon,

I was listening to my music after a long weekend on the yard. 'Into The Fire' by Springsteen came on and I suddenly thought of the date. It will be Five years tomorrow. Five years that WE ALL lost you. To this day I still remember vividly the day of your funeral. I was there with many others. I heard the words of your comrades and of those of your children. And then the final 10-10 over the air of your call sign. I still remember the pain in my heart when I heard that. I wrote back then that we Shall not forget. And on this day WE have not.

I feel that my words are feeble. They can never fill the space you have left. You were and are truly a man's mans. A Marine, a Highway Ranger, a husband and father. An example that many of us will always strive to be.

Shannon, I know that you have gone with God. You are in His peace. But, your memory still lives with us. And on this day, we pledge, once again, to remember you forever.

And in the words of Bruce,

May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love

dave
16000

D. Thomas
CHP

August 26, 2008

I wrote this email to my coed softball team, wanting to dedicate our Game on 08/27/08 the 5th year anniversary in Shannon's memory....we miss him terribly and know that he is watching us all...

I miss u Shannon....



Hey everyone,

I was wanting to ask a favor about dedicating Wednesday nights game In Memory of Shannon Lee Distel....this night will be 5 years that he was taken away way too soon....I know that only a few of you know who he is but he was my brother-in-law...married to my ex-husbands sister...he was an amazing father, husband, son, brother, friend, soul....he gave a lot of himself being a CHP officer and keeping us safe as a Marine and he is deeply missed...

So if u all don't mind I want to dedicate our WIN or loss to Shannon...we all know he is in a better place but sorely and deeply missed by all who knew him and were lucky enough to have known him and his smile....

Our thoughts and prayers are with Deanna and their amazing kids during this time...

Thanks BEERME it will mean a lot,

Cindy

Cindy McCullah
Sister in law

August 26, 2008

Thinking of you today, on your birthday, remembering the hawaiian party we had for you, 5 years ago..what a great time we all had...you were so happy and appreciative for all the friends and family that came to our house to celebrate "you." I am so thankful that we all got to celebrate with you one last time.. not knowing that less than 3 weeks later you would be taken from us in a horrible accident--changing all of our lives forever.
Shannon, you were definitely one-of-a-kind and are so very missed...not only by me and the kids..but all who knew and loved you. You've left footprints on so many hearts and will forever be embedded in them. Although, you were taken from us too soon, you will never be forgotten--There are so many great memories.. and I will always cherish those memories and the love we shared and the family we created.

Deanna

August 7, 2008

Your face crossed my mind today, and so I felt that I just needed to write to you and tell you how much we miss you. I know you are watching down on us. You must be so proud of Deanna and the kids, for they are so strong. Your memory lives on in their eyes for everyone to see. Thank you for the time you were here, we miss you so much.

Crystal Schabinger
Good Friend

July 30, 2008

Shannon,
I was thinking about you today, googled your name and came across this website.I cant believe I havent found it before now.Its almost been five years since that terrible day. I think about you all the time and all the crazy fun we had. Im taking a trip out to California next month and I want to see your freeway sign and I hope to see your family. Your mom tells me Brody looks just like you. I cant wait to meet him and see Brionna. Just wanted to let you know that I miss you and that you were one of the greatest friends Ive ever had...

Chip
Friend

July 24, 2008

To Shannon and Family

I never met you in person, and your accident happened behind me. I came to the roadside where you lay and began to pray for you. I was praying when you where driven away. It was not till later when I learned how grave your injuries were and of your passing from this world. My heart was broken with this news. Since then I never looked at Law Enforcement Officers the same way.
Everyday on my way to work I see your sign, and I thank God for you and the public servants who have answered the call on their life to serve. It has been through your death that God has given me a respect and gratitude for you and the men and women who served with you. Thank you Shannon for being God’s minister of righteousness, and I hope to meet you at the gates of heaven one day.

To the Family of Shannon

You have been in my prayers continually, I pray he will continually comfort you, guide you, and richly bless you as you seek his will in your life.

Semper Fi, God Bless

Tom B

Tom B
Bystander

July 16, 2008