Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

How do you begin to thank a family of law enforcement officers and an entire community who, on a daily basis, continually try to comfort us by sharing their stories, pictures, tributes, time, money, and love? We think it is impossible, but we want you to know how much everyone has touched all of our lives. Deputy David Anthony Abella must feel so proud when he looks down and sees, hears and feels all of the love that is being shared because of who he was. All of the law enforcement agencies and first responders from every branch, from fire departments to rescue squads to as far as reservist fellow officers serving in Operation Iraq. We feel like we owe so much to Deputy Mike Blair and his wife Danyel, as well as Michelle Young. They were on call with the whole family from the very beginning and amazingly took care of a million details. Their devotion and dedication will never be forgotten. The schools where David's children attend have been so wonderful. Knight's Elementary where David's mom and aunt teach and his son attends were there to support any way they could. The First Presbyterian Learning Center where David's young daughter attends school has povided meals for the family every other day for an entire month. Sometimes it is unbearable trying to imagine how life can go on but we are all blessed with David's three young children, they are the precious ones that will help us to go on each and every day. Our family will always stay close and strong and do everything to ensure that the children grow up happy and healthy. It is important to let all of you who prayed, shared kind words, sent cards, provided food, attended the service and even helped Angela and the children financially know how very much it meant to all of us. During the days of our loss so many things were unclear, and it seemed as if we were in a fog. Because of all your love and generosity, we were able to somehow to go through the motions and planning necessary to make David's "FAREWELL CELEBRATION" as special and honorable as the person he was. The support that you provided for our family, physically and emotionally, will never ever be forgotten. The children will always know how very much their Daddy was loved when we continually tell them about the support and love that we received from family, friends, co-workers, and the community as a whole. Just as it was to find the right words to say to us, it is equally hard to put into words the appreciation we have for you. If we tried to make a list of all the blessings we've received, the list would be at least a mile long! Please know that every single person that helped in some way will always hold a special place in our hearts. Your continued prayers are felt and appreciated. With heartfelt love and thanks, the Abella , Howard and Liess Families. Special web site in memory of David

The Abella, Howard and Liess Families
David's mother

May 15, 2004

David Anthony Abella was the most wonderful person in my life as a husband, friend, and amazing father to our 3 children. As for being a Deputy he really loved it. He looked forward to going to work every night. Even though he loved his job to David family always came first. He would always be there when needed not only for me and our children, but for his whole family. I am so proud of the man that I married. He will always be in my heart. His children will grow up knowing that thier father was a wonderful person. I will do my best to make him proud as he has made me. I can go on and on about David but I just wanted to say a few things about him for those who didn't know him. I will end by saying I will miss him with all of my heart and soul he will always be in my heart.

GOODBYE MY SWEETNESS
DEAREST HUSBAND OF MINE
LOVING AND GIVING
WARMCARING AND KIND
YOUR LIFE MADE MY LIFE
BEST AS ONE LIFE CAN BE
FOREVER WILL YOU LIVE
IN MY HEART
GOODBYE MY KINDNESS
PURE HEAVENLY SOUL
GOODNESS WHO LOVED ME
NOW GODS HAND YOU HOLD
FOREVER I'LL LOVE YOU
AND IN MY HEART YOU'LL STAY
UNTIL GOD COMES TO JOIN US
ONE BLESSED DAY

Loving Wife

May 11, 2004

David Anthony Abella was the most wonderful person in my life as a husband, friend, and amazing father to our 3 children. As for being a Deputy he really loved it. He looked forward to going to work every night. Even though he loved his job to David family always came first. He would always be there when needed not only for me and our children, but for his whole family. I am so proud of the man that I married. He will always be in my heart. His children will grow up knowing that thier father was a wonderful person. I will do my best to make him proud as he has made me. I can go on and on about David but I just wanted to say a few things about him for those who didn't know him. I will end by saying I will miss him with all of my heart and soul he will always be in my heart.

GOODBYE MY SWEETNESS
DEAREST HUSBAND OF MINE
LOVING AND GIVING
WARMCARING AND KIND
YOUR LIFE MADE MY LIFE
BEST AS ONE LIFE CAN BE
FOREVER WILL YOU LIVE
IN MY HEART
GOODBYE MY KINDNESS

Loving Wife

May 11, 2004

David Anthony Abella was the most wonderful person in my life as a husband, friend, and amazing father to our 3 children. As for being a Deputy he really loved it. He looked forward to going to work every night. Even though he loved his job to David family always came first. He would always be there when needed not only for me and our children, but for his whole family. I am so proud of the man that I married. He will always be in my heart. His children will grow up knowing that thier father was a wonderful person. I will do my best to make him proud as he has made me. I can go on and on about David but I just wanted to say a few things about him for those who didn't know him. I will end by saying I will miss him with all of my heart and soul he will always be in my heart.

GOODBYE MY SWEETNESS
DEAREST HUSBAND OF MINE
LOVING AND GIVING
WARMCARING AND KIND
YOUR LIFE MADE MY LIFE
BEST AS ONE LIFE CAN BE
FOREVER WILL YOU LIVE
IN MY HEART
GOODBYE MY KINDNESS

Loving Wife

May 11, 2004

To Deputy David Abella Family, Friends and Hillborough County Sheriff Department you are in the thoughts and prayers Of myself and the Mullins Police Department. Deputy Abella laid down his life in the line of duty ,this is the ultimate sacrifice a officer can do for his community and department. Now rest my Brother, FORE THE THIN BLUE-LINE WILL CARRY ON IN YOUR NAME AND MEMORY.

Lt. Chuck Jackson
Mullins Police Department (S.C)

May 6, 2004

My thoughts and prays are with the survivors of Dep. David Abella. If there were more men like you this world would be a better place to live.

Rest now brother, you did well!

David Stonebrook
Florida

May 4, 2004

REST IN PEACE BROTHER...

Officer S.Murphy
Tampa P.D.

May 4, 2004

David Abella worked for me and with me. I had the great fortune of training him in the police academy and Sheriff's Office module. Ultimately, I had the honor and pleasure of working with him on Squad 407. It was amazing to see how quickly David grew as a person and as a Deputy Sheriff in such a short time. I will miss his usual beginning of the shift greeting on the computer, "Whatszzzup Squad 407", along with, "Let's go squad 407, it's time to put some bad guys in jail", knowing that shortly after that message he woul d be asking for a supervisor to sign an arrest affidavit. You never knew what you were going to see, or hear going on a call with David. I am proud to say that I was David's supervisor, friend and Squad 407 family member. David, take comfort in knowing that your Squad 407 family will support and take care of your family until you are all once again reunited. Rest in peace my friend. Squad 407 forever.

Corporal Terry Martin
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

May 1, 2004

My thoughts and prayers go out to Deputy Sheriff David Abella's family, friends, and co-workers. This has been a hard time for all of us. We need to stick together during this time.

Trooper Brandon Hoaglan
Florida Highway Patrol

April 27, 2004

Rest in peace... now you walk a beat on heavens street.. we will take it from here til meet at heavens at gate..

To the family friends and brother/sister Deputies you are in my thought and prayers....

Deputy Sheriff Thomas Kinsey
Alachua County Sheriff's Office, FL

April 27, 2004

Thoughts and prayers to your family and friends. I pray that whoever reads this reflection page find comfort in knowing that all though many officers have never met, we all feel the loss and the sorrow and carry on your legacy each day.

D/Sgt. Vencent Woods
State of Michigan-Department of Environmental Quality

April 27, 2004

To the family of David Abella,

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in your time of sorrow. We attended P.C.H.S. with David and graduated with him. He was a great guy. We are grateful for selfless people like him who give there lives to protect others.He paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Please remind your children daily what a hero their father was. He will be greatly missed.

Jennifer & JJ Dross
Plant City, FL

April 27, 2004

Family of Dep Abella,

May god be with you at your time of need. My prayers and love go out to you and all the members of the Sheriff Office. A true american hero lost their life today, and now he is patrolling the streets of heaven. David is now the guardian angel to his beloved family and fellow Officers still fighting the fight. God Speed Deputy Abella.

Deputy W F Schrader II

Deputy W F Schrader II
St Johns County Sheriffs Office

April 27, 2004

David Abella was one of my men. I had the pleasure of supervising, training, and watching him grow. He was a member of my family. He started in our agency with a sparkle in his eye. We all know the sign. Like so few, David was bestowed with the gift of being a natural cop. The way he walked, the way he talked and the way he could smell trouble. David was never a clown, but he sure made everyone around him laugh. God, was he funny. His stories, his jokes and his everlasting smile will be sorely missed by all who knew him. His dedication to God, Country, Family and Law Enforcement were truely uplifting. David Abella died tragically, but one thing for sure he died doing what he loved the most. He died enroute to a call, as a deputy sheriff, trying to make a difference, with a big grin on his face. He was a great husband, father, son, brother and most of all a great friend. Rest in Peace, David. Squad 407 forever.

Sergeant H. Wooden
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

April 27, 2004

From your fellow brother and sister law enforcement officers in Michigan, our prayers go out to the family of deputy Abella.

Deputy William Coggins
Washtenaw County Sheriff

April 27, 2004

I went to high school with David Abella at Plant City High. Although, I haven't heard from or see him much since we graduated. David was always a fun loving and wonderful person to be around. My heart felt prayers goes out to his wife and beautiful children. I hope that everyone will remember him for what he was. He was a wonderful person and will be missed so much. God bless, Nichole Danley (Seffner, FL)

Nichole Danley

April 26, 2004

Though we will hear your voice no more, you will forever be in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. We will miss you each and everyday. To your family and loved ones, if there is anything we at the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office can do for you please don't hesitate to let us know. REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER...GOD BLESS

Dispatcher
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

April 26, 2004

Deputy Abella, Thank You protecting our homeland, and a job well done. May god be with you, your family and friends.

Deputy Terry Shirley
St.Johns County Sheriffs Office

April 26, 2004

Goodbye Deputy Abella, we will miss you!!! My thoughts and prayers are with your family. You were an important part of the HCSO family and you will never be forgotten. May God be with your family and may you always rest in peace.

Dispatcher 127
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

April 26, 2004

On behalf of the Pittsfield Police Dept., we extend our condolences to the family and friends of Dpty. Abella. God Bless.

Officer Rodney Minoty
Pittsfield Police Dept. ME

April 26, 2004

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure David did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and David be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Sergeant Miller's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all. 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 David 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 David 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 (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Deputy Sheriff Dennis McElderry's fiancee - EOW (01/03/03)

April 26, 2004

Dep. Abella,

You truly are a hero. Your brothers in blue could only wish to be as strong as you. My prayers are with you and your family and all the members of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. RIP.

Ofc. BM Damon
T/ Manlius PD, NY

April 26, 2004

BUFFALO, NEW YORK

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

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE

April 25, 2004

David,
Your voice we shall hear no more, we hope you are doing 10-4 in the skies above. We know you are watching over us
for eternity, may god bless you and your family.
....rest in peace our fellow friend......

HCSO Communications

Dispatcher
Hillsborough County Sheriff

April 25, 2004

Please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Thank you Deputy Abella for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

Anonymous

April 25, 2004