Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My Lil' David,
It is so hard to imagine that is has been two years since you left us. So much has happened and you are always present in our hearts. Your spirit carries us through every event. You have a niece now and she has your hair, eyes and smile. I can see you smiling down on us all the time. I thank God every night and morning for allowing you to be a part of our lives. You were with me the morning of April 2lst 2006 because you knew I would need you. You made me think of A Plant City Police Officer, Russell Bass and his family. His precious four year old daughter Ashton lost her battle to cancer and joined you in heaven on April 7th. I asked Family and friends to donate money to the family in your honor. Papa and Vince took the card to the Police Dept. on the 22nd. We love you David and for as long as we have to be here on earth we will love and cherish your children and help others in your honor. God Bless you my precious son. I love you for always, Love you forever throughout eternity.

Pamela Abella
loving mom & Nonnie

April 24, 2006

Dear Lil David, I still can remember all the fun we used to have when we were kids. Me you and Vince used to horse play all day and night when i would sleep over. I really didnt see myself as your uncle , but more like a big brother to you and vince. I just wanted to tell you how much WE MISS YOU. as you know Dara is always talking about you and we pray for you everyday, but we know you are here with all of us in spirit. Thank You for always being there for all of us, then and now, and Thanks for giving your Mom & Pop beautiful grandchildren ,it helps. You give me and Patty so much motivation to work hard and to never quit striving for our children. Thank You so much for always being there for Abuela, she misses you every minute of every day, I look forward to your b-day every year, because she makes you her special fried chicken and sweet tea and when Im eating, it makes me feel like your sitting at the table shootin the breeze with me. THANK YOU. I find myself talking about all of this because its now been 2 years, and I miss you dearly.... I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!, Daran

Daran Abella
uncle

April 22, 2006

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers today on the second anniversary of your tragic death. May you rest in peace and may your family be comforted by their memories of your love and dedication to serving the community.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04

April 21, 2006

To Deputy Sheriff David Abella and his loved ones:

On this the second year anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart is with your family. You’re all in our thoughts and our prayers.

David, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Deputy David Abella. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service David gave to his community and the citizens of Florida, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 21, 2004.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 21, 2006

4/21/06

Your family, friends, and loved ones have been in my thoughts today, as they remember the day, two years ago that forever changed their lives.

I often think of your parents, as they work through their grief, realizing that we are facing and feeling many of the same things.

Norie Haas
Mother of Brian A. Haas
E.O.W. 4/24/04

Norie Haas

April 21, 2006

DAVID,
YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!

DEPUTY S. HUTSKO
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY/MONROE COUNTY (KEY WEST

April 8, 2006

On behalf of the Latino Officers Association Florida we wish to express our deepest condolence to the family and the rank and file of your fine department.
“No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for
his friends." John 15:13

God bless

President LOA-FLA

Ofc .Alexander Martinez
Miami Dade

March 4, 2006

My Lil' David,
Our tears could flood a desert but your gift giving goes on everyday with your love and through your children. Your hugs and kisses are felt with their touch and your voice is heard each time they say " I love you Nonnie" or "oh shut-up Pop". Angela kept her promise to you. Amanda brings us joy by always remembering funny things you did and making us new pictures of you and engraving your name in everything silver, gold, and crystal she can find. She is there for your children all of the time just like your brother Vincent. He is an awesome uncle and his wife Christie an loving aunt to your children and parents to your nephew and namesake Davin Anthony. We often see you in his eyes and smile. God has blessed us because soon you will be an uncle again to a niece, Aubrey. We miss you so much David and we pray constantly for your brothers and sisters in law enforcement. Peacemakers are the sons of God.

Mom and Papa

December 25, 2005

May god bless you Deputy Abella as well as all the men and women of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. REST IN PEACE!!!

November 5, 2005

David - it has taken me a long time to write this..over the years (33 so far) I have had to say goodbye to far too many fellow officers, Deputies and Troopers. It never gets eaiser, it never seems that the words are enough to express what we see and feel each day. After so many years on the job I feel blessed that I have been able to follow my heart and dreams . . . but to see a young man like you stopped at the very beginning of his career hurts us old timers more than most of us will admit. Since being recalled back to active military duty in Washington, D.C. this past January I had begun to put my law enforcement "life" in the back pages of my mind until I paid a long-overdue visit to the Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial. Too many friends and co-workers names there for me not to finally take time to write to you and your family and express my gratitude for your service and sacrifice. Rest in peace, my brother...after seeing the names on that memorial I know that you have many brothers and sisters with you...you are not alone now, nor will you ever be.

Deputy James Procunier
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

November 1, 2005

Dear Abella Family,
Our family is praying for all of you.
After meeting you in Tallahassee my heart has not been the same.
Day by day your strength will come.
Just continue to put one foot in front of the other. Your angel is watching over you!

Tammy Ruis -aunt of deputy Josh Blyler E

May 17, 2005

My precious son,
It has been a year since you left us.
I miss you terribly and realize how much I took you for granted. You were always there for me and anyone that needed you. You took a big piece of my heart with you and the piece I still have is filled with your love. Most of the time I thank God for the wonderful 27 years we had with you and the other times I just ask why. I know that you are an angel in Heaven and God's right hand man.

Our hearts were broken the day you left this place, Sadness from inside began to pour down our face. It's been so hard living life without you, But family and friends have helped carry us through. Your presence is missed as we try to live on, We never imagined life with you gone. We try to accept that you're safe at God's side, But deep in our hearts is where you"ll always hide.
We miss seeing your face and feeling your touch, We'll love you always and so very much.
I love you my Lil' David and as difficult as it may be I will try to live my life to the fullest for your Papa, brother, sister and family.

David's mom

April 22, 2005

You live on in the memories, minds, and hearts of your family, friends, and coworkers. My thoughts are with those who love you, as they struggle with the first anniversary of your death.

Norie Haas
Mother of Brian Haas
E.O.W. 4/24/04

Norie Haas

April 20, 2005

"MY FIRST CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN"

I SEE THE COUNTLESS CHRISTMAS TREES
AROUND THE WORLD BELOW
WITH TINY LIGHTS LIKE HEAVEN'S STARS,
REFLECTING ALL IN ROWS.

THE SIGHT IS SO SPECTACULAR,
PLEASE WIPE AWAY THE TEAR
FOR I AM SPENDING CHRISTMAS WITH
JESUS CHRIST THIS YEAR

I HEAR THE MANY CHRISTMAS SONGS
THAT PEOPLE HOLD SO DEAR
BUT THE SOUNDS OF MUSIC CAN'T COMPARE WITH THE CHRISTMAS CHOIR UP HERE.

I HAVE NO WORDS TO TELL YOU,
THE JOY THEIR VOICES BRING,
FOR IT IS BEYOND DESCRIPTION,
TO HEAR THE ANGELS SING.

I KNOW HOW MUCH YOU MISS ME,
I SEE THE PAIN INSIDE YOUR HEART.
BUT I AM NOT FAR AWAY
WE REALLY AREN'T APART.

SO BE HAPPY FOR ME, DEAR ONES,
YOU KNOW I HOLD YOU DEAR.
AND BE GLAD I'M SPENDING CHRISTMAS WITH
JESUS CHRIST THIS YEAR.

I SENT YOU EACH A SPECIAL GIFT,
FOR MY HEAVENLY HOME ABOVE,
SENT YOU EACH A MEMORY
OF MY UNDYING LOVE.

AFTER ALL LOVE IS A GIFT MORE PRECIOUS
THAN PURE GOLD
IT WAS ALWAYS MOST IMPORTANT
IN THE STORIES JESUS TOLD.

PLEASE LOVE AND KEEP EACH OTHER,
AS MY FATHER SAID TO DO.
FOR I CAN'T COUNT THE BLESSINGS OR LOVE
HE HAS FOR EACH OF YOU.

SO HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS
AND WIPE AWAY THE TEAR.
REMEMBER I AM SPENDING CHRISTMAS WITH
JESUS CHRIST THIS YEAR.
LOVE TO YOU ALL!

PAMELA ABELLA, OFFICERS MOTHER

December 23, 2004

I DIDN'T KNOW DEPUTY ABELLA PERSONALLY, I WISH I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET HIM. I AM AN EXPLORER WITH THE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE EXPLORER POST#238, AND WHEN I BECOME A DEPUTY I WANT TO BE AS BRAVE AS HE WAS/IS!!! HE STILL LIVES IN OUR HEARTS TODAY! DEPUTY ABELLA I WANT TO THANK-YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU'VE DONE! THANKS FOR HELPING TO KEEP ALL OF US SAFE YOU'RE OUR HERO!!! YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!

LT.Antongiorgi
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Explorer Post#238

October 15, 2004

To the Abella family, I am so sorry for your loss, what a great man David was, Though I did not know David too well I did meet him at his place of work a few times. David as well as all the other Deputy's at district(#4) have inspired me to want to be a police man.

May God Bless and comfort you all.

Brendon Werner

September 14, 2004

My Brother behind the shield you have ended your tour of duty but will never be forgotten, I grew up in Tampa and know my brothers and sisters in blue will one day be patrolling with you in heaven.

Joe Noplis
Jacksonville Florida Federal Reserve Police

Cpl. Joe Noplis
Federal Reserve Police

September 4, 2004

I have grown up and lived in Hillsborough County for the past 26 years of my life. It is people like Deputy Abella that make Hillsborough County my home. I know what it takes to go out and protect what you find near and dear. David loved his job and loved the people that he served.

To the family, I personally did not know David, but I thiank you for sharing him with the rest of the residents of Hillsborough County.

A1C Emery
US Air Force

August 17, 2004

It seems like only yesterday that we met David. His presence alone always made us smile. The day he started he was a natural. Our early morning meetings at 7-11 were always filled with laughter and will surely be missed. David was a great cop and an even greater friend. He will always be a part of our family. WE MISS YOU!!!

Deputy Larry Berg and Tara Berg
Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office

August 2, 2004

We are truly saddened at Dave's loss.
--------------------------------------
We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
Your comrades now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

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

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

June 11, 2004

My thoughts and prayers go out to Deputy Sheriff David Abella's family. Rest in peace. God Bless..

Emmanuel Abella
UWMC Public Safety Dept.

Emmanuel Abella
UWMC Public Safety Department

June 1, 2004

I went to school with David, One person I will never forget. He was an awsome guy. He always had some thing good to say. He was a person you loved to be around he would always lift your spirt up when you where down.
My heart goes out to his entire family always smile when you think of him, I know he smiling down on you may god bless you my prayers will be with his wife three kids and the rest of his family.

Miranda

May 20, 2004

DEAR DAVID,
I DID NOT KNOW YOU HOWEVER, I ATTENDED YOUR FUNERAL WITH MY GIRLFRIEND AGELA AT MY SIDE. YOU WOULD BE PROUD TO KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR FAMILY AT THE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE LOVES YOU. YOUR WIFE AND THREE BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN HAVE OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES AND ANGELA WAS DEEPLY TOUCHED BY THE DOVES BEING RELEASED AT THE GRAVE SIDE, REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.

DEPUTY A. HOBBS
POLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

DEPUTY ADAM HOBBS
POLK COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

May 18, 2004

I went to high school with David at Plant City High. We fell out of touch when we joined the Coast Guard but came into contacted shortly after returning home, when he was in the academy. I can't say enough about David, he was a tough stand up guy who made an excellant Deputy. Although are reunion was short I will not forget the person David was or the advice David gave me about family life that set my mind at ease. I will miss you buddy, until we meet again.
God Bless

PO1 Joseph Best
Coast Guard

May 17, 2004

Through My Eyes

I buried a family member I may not have met. From the moment of his ultimate
sacrifice, he is my hero and I quickly realize that he is yours also. This
tragedy reaffirms my vulnerability and my God's blessing to have escaped
harm on many occasions as I protect you. I feel the pain of his loved ones
who I may not know. The visible pain in all my ``family'' as the loss
becomes a reality. I daydream, ``What if I was called, as my hero before
me?'' How much I would miss those I love and list them in my mind, wishing I
had a split second with each to say goodbye. How would they feel and what
would they be thinking if this day were for me?
I black-band my polished badge in mourning. I am commanded to prepare my
dress uniform. I report to work and handle responsibilities, as do all my
heroes, regrettably anticipating my fallen hero's farewell. I wonder if each
of my heroes are reflecting on their years of dedication, case by case, as I
do; thinking, ``Is what I do worth it?''

I travel and sit with my family to gain strength from their support. I hear
momentous testimony of life by strangers, whose words drain my energy and
soften my heart. I see my heroes cry. Is it fear or compassion? I strain my
watery eyes to identify the various uniforms of family that I may not have
met. I don't recognize the location represented by my extended family, but I
am glad they are here for me.

I see civilian strangers being interrupted from life's routines, all I may
not have met, standing outside their cars, some crying, some waving American
flags, some with hands on their hearts. I see a man and young boy saluting
the procession. Fighting the emotion of this humbling moment, I think, ``I
see now, the community really does care.'' And that is why I do what I do.
It is for you.

I see no end to red and blue lights to the north and the same sight as I
look out of my car's rear window. Do they all feel the emptiness I feel? Are
they as proud of me as I am of them?

Is that an American flag hung from my brother's ladder truck that creates a
gateway over the street for my hero and family? I am speechless as I realize
the love shared for someone they may not have met. The world in which we
travel appears to have stopped, as the traffic in the opposite direction
recognizes all our loss.

Within moments, from 360 degrees, a sea of my family pours in closer and
closer to my fallen hero's final resting spot. Comforted by thousands of
saluting heroes around me, I find strength in my tears. ``Amazing Grace,''
bagpipes, taps, flag flying at half-mast, the release of white doves, a
riderless horse, gun salute, helicopter flyover, all remind me of who I am
and who I am proud to be and the sacrifice at times I must endure.

One event that weakened even the strongest resolve was ``roll call''
repeated radio calls for my hero that has no response from the fallen hero.
``10-7 forever'' are words I wish to never hear again.

Law enforcement is my ``family,'' and I am proud of who I am and who I have
become. I am proud to protect you. I am a COP.

Thank you Tampa and to all those I may not have met - yet!

On behalf of all law enforcement officers.

Published: May 1, 2004
The Tampa Tribune

May 16, 2004