Fort Myers Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Saturday, October 25, 2003
Reflections for Police Officer Daniel Matthew Starks
My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Daniel did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Daniel be the last to die this way.
Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Officer Starks' family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his family. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.
Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Daniel is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Daniel was well respected and well loved.
Thank you for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.
Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!
Jocelyne Brar (Drakesville, IA)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)
Jocelyne Brar (Drakesville, IA)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)
October 27, 2003
My prayers are with you and your family.
October 27, 2003
You are now with the Lord. May you watch over all of us. You are forever in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and your family, brother.
Cpl. Bruce P. Sigler
Lee County Sheriff's Office, Fort Myers, Fl.
October 27, 2003
I never knew you,
But we are brothers,
I never met you,
But we are brothers,
Our paths never crossed,
But we are brothers,
I have never patrolled in your town,
But I know we have been on duty together,
I just in another town.
And we are brothers.
And as a brother,
I feel the pain,
I feel the hurt,
And I feel the sadness that only a brother can undergo.
The sacrifices that each of us make everyday in nothing compared to the one you and your fellow officer have accepted.
One that everyone one of us is aware could happen
Any day, any moment, any second.
You have made me proud,
You have made my job easier because
I am more aware.
I am more cautious
And I will never forget you.
May God hold you in his hand and have you rest in peace.
Anonymous
Cpl Larry Fermin
Cumberland County Sheriff Office, NC
October 27, 2003
Although you were in the brotherhood for a short time, you will always stand tall in our ranks. God bless you.
Anonymous
October 27, 2003
Rest in peace brother in blue.
The watch is ours now.
God bless your family and your department.
Thanks for your dedication and service.
Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police
October 27, 2003
My prayers to you and your loved ones.You gave all brother,rest in peace.
J.Wilkins, CO.
DOC.Fort Myers Work Camp
October 27, 2003
Dan, I always looked forward to when you rode with me! You were my co-pilot for many nights!! You used to ride with me my entire shift right after you completed your own shift!! You were truly dedicated and ambitious. I will cherish those days forever. You knew exactly what you wanted to do with your life and you did it!! You were greatly appreciated by all. You're a good man Stax!!
Deputy Paul M. Martin
Pasco County Sheriff's Office
October 27, 2003
Rest in peace Brother Daniel, you are a true hero and will not be forgotten.
Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73
Assistant Chief Carl Wortham
Sand Springs Police Dept. Okla
October 27, 2003
My condolences to the members of the Fort Myers P.D. and to the family of Officer Starks. Rest in peace brother for we have the watch now.
Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.
October 27, 2003
This is a terrible tragedy. Another career ended way too soon. My prayers are with the family and co-workers of Officer Starks.
Captain Scott Wright
Mount Holly Police Department
October 27, 2003
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Starks.
God Speed Brother
Maryland-National Capital Park Police
October 27, 2003
On behalf of myself and my Explorers, we are so sorry for such a senseless loss. I have been a part of the Explorer Post for 5 years and hope I never have to bury one of my kids. Our sympathy goes to the friends, family, Explorers and Fellow Officers of Officer Starks.
Officer Julie Schmidt
Louisville Metro Police Dept. Louisville, KY
October 27, 2003
From a fellow ex-Explorer...
God Bless you, Blue Angel...
May you rest in peace...
October 27, 2003
Yikes! You were barely an adult! You were so full of life and energy
and had so many goals and dreams to pursue. Another sad and tragic
day for law enforcement, your family and friends. Your death diminshes
us all. Thank you for your selfless service and sacrifice. It is a long
road to healing that lies ahead, but I know that our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ will extend His mercy and comfort to all who reach out to
Him. There is none greater than He. We don't get to Heaven based on
what we do, but what He did for us!! AMEN! There is now a huge void
that cannot be filled. God be with all those who mourn and may His
promises lift all those with heavy hearts for many years to come.
Lynn Kole
Washington State
October 26, 2003
It is with a sadden heart that we heard of a former Police Explorer, who had followed his dreams of becoming a Police Officer, and to have been taken from us way to soon. The entire Florida Association of Police Explorers feels the grief of Daniels family and pray for closure for them.
To his Police Explorer Advisor, Elmer, I know the pain your suffering at the loss of one of "your kids". Be strong and know that your brothers and sisters under the badge, are here for you.
Mike Simpson
Executive Director, Florida Association of Police Explorers
Cpl. M.W. Simpson
Tampa Police Department
October 26, 2003
Our deepest condolences the family, friends, and co-workers of Officer Starks.
Newark NJ Auto Theft Task Force
October 26, 2003
Let's all be careful out there men and women. This kind of thing should never happen. Protect and Serve...sory for your loss
Anonymous
October 26, 2003
Dan,
I am so sorry that you had to leave this way, but you are in a better place now. I will always remember you for your jokes and the pranks that we played on each other at Deleagates Meetings. You were a true friend and I will miss you everyday. You were the best and I know that one day we will see each other again. Rest in Peace Sweetheart!
My condolences go to the family and all the other friends of his for this loss. He will be missed dearly, but we know that he is in a better place. We love you and miss you and will always remember you.
Allison Carter
Former FMPD Explorer
October 26, 2003
God bless you and your family.
Border Patrol Agent
U.S Border Patrol Casa Grande, AZ
October 26, 2003
God Bless and Thank you for your service.
Ofc. Angela M. Velarde
Calera Police Dept. Alabama
October 26, 2003
It's so tragic to see such a young officer killed, or any officer for that matter. The Great Oaks Police Academy in Cincinnati, OH as well as I, send our thoughts and prayers to this fallen officers family and friends. God bless you all.
Todd Smith
na
October 26, 2003
DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF PO DANIEL STARKS.
Anonymous
October 26, 2003
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Police Officer Daniel Starks....and the Fort Myers Police Department, FL..... our hearts and prayers are with you all...... Thank you for a job well done Daniel ... rest in peace as you continue your watch from the heavens......your memory will never be forgotten...
God Bless....Be Safe..... and wear your vests...
Vin, Pook and all of us at beyond-the-blue
Vin and Pook- Site Owners
beyond-the-blue
October 26, 2003
Officer Daniel Starks, You will not be forgotten, Rest In Peace Brother.
October 26, 2003
Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:
- Quick access to your heroes
- Reflections published quicker
- Save a Reflection signature
- View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past