Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the Archuleta family,

Our family, like yours, lost an officer and a very important part of our lives on September 12, 2004. We would like to thank you for your kind words on John's memorial page and would like to extend our sympathies to your family as well. It has, of course, been a very difficult time for us as you can well understand. Our family and yours have a common bond even though we are many miles apart. Take care of yourselves and just know that our thoughts are with your family as well.

Kelly, Karissa, Joshua, Jordan and Levi Gunsell

Kelly Gunsell

February 16, 2005

I think of today and how 5 months ago my world stopped. It will never turn the same again. Until I get to heaven I will live with the memory of you in my heart. Love Mom

Mom

February 12, 2005

In loving memory of…. A son, a brother, a servant, a husband, a father, a HERO…

Danny Archuleta

Our time with you has rested
Your work on earth is done.
And like the fallen hero’s
You shine amongst the sun
The ocean spreads your honor
The rain renews our faith
The wind brings us together
To get us through the day
Your picture holds our silence
A prayer keeps the peace
A thought may bring us laughter
A cry brings us release
And though the holidays will pass us
The birthdays will get hard
Everyday will make us stronger
Every night we stand our guard
And so I’ll say a prayer,
As I take Him by the hand
Please look upon your loved ones

Take a moment, take a stand.
Dear Lord, I ask your patience,
And your warmth for those who grieve
I ask you guard those children
From the world their bound to see
I ask you for your guidance
To help us understand
When you call upon your angels
Their fulfilling something grand
And though we’ll miss them dearly
We’ll see them once again
When our duties here are finished
Our life will never end….

From Kay Hosford

February 6, 2005

My Dear Sweet Precious Grandson Danny what can I say only that I loved you more than life itself. I ask God why? I just know He loves you more than me. So when He decides to take me home your face will be the first one I see. Until then I will never forget you and your sweet spirit. Love Grandma.

Grandma June

January 27, 2005

Christmas has come and gone. We made it through this diffucult time. It was made easier knowing that Dan celebrated it with the Lord. Things will never be as they were but the Lord will continue to be in the center of all we do. Until we celebrate together in heaven we will live with the memory of your sweet smile and gentle, kind spirit. I will love you all the days of my life Son. Love Mom

Mom

December 30, 2004

As I set here thinking of Christmas Eve and the many wonders that it has brought to the family and to the world I can only think of you. Christmas will never change to the world or to our family but there will be a part missing from our day and that is you. I know if they are celebrating Christ birth in heaven you are in the middle of the celebration lighting up the party with your smile. One of the best memories of Christmas is that your were born on that day. Our celebration of your birthday will be different this year, but what we have to look forward to is your re-birthday knowing that you have already received the best gift of all, and that is seeing our Lord on your birthday. As we celebrate this special holiday, may the world know that the love of our Jesus is taking care of us while we are apart from you. Until we meet again, love to you Aunt Gracie

Aunt Grace

December 24, 2004

The word cousin doesn't seem adequate. You were a brother, a friend, an example, a hero, and much more to me. I have learned so much from the time we spent together. Every single memory is a good one. There are few people which that can be said about. I look forward to seeing you again.
Ryan

Ryan Pearsey (Cousin)

December 16, 2004

Dan I can remember the day you were born into our family....I was a first time "auntie" and I took that title very seriously! Watching you grow up to become the fine young man that you became, was a great pleasure. God truly blessed our lives with you. Josh and Ryan and Nick and I came to love you more like a son and brother than a nephew and cousin. We hold dear the many memories that our families spent together and treasure each one in our hearts. I am so very thankful to our Lord for the influence that you have had on Josh and Ryan. They have seen what it is like to be a husband and father from watching your example. I think back on the silly things that you and my boys have said and done and it makes me smile. The fond memories of the time that you spent being in their weddings in March and June, what precious memories those are for Josh and Eliza and Ryan and Sarah Jane. I am so very happy that you moved to Bakersfield to live. The time that we shared here with you will be treasured. Your sweet little girls will be loved by us all....... I see bits of you in them daily. I get the privilege of spending quality time with them regularly and I am very grateful for that. So..... Sweet Dan....You are loved...you are missed and you will always be remembered. love, Auntie Lois

Aunt Lois

December 15, 2004

There is not to many people in this world that can say.. "I have a cousin like Dan". Cuz you are truly one of a kind, the camping trips we went on, the family gatherings, we could always count on you to light up the room with laughter and jokes. There isnt a day that goes by and i do not think about you, your wife and girls and just how much you adore them. As i become a father in the near future, i want to practice all the things i have seen you do in becoming a great father to your precious little ones. From me to you Cuz.. I love you and miss you dearly. Thanks for all the good times.

You are truly missed..love ya Dan

Cousin...Jason Shaver

Jason Shaver (Cousin)

December 11, 2004

I was in the same academy class and platoon as Dan. I would sometimes joke around with him and call him "My little Buddy". I instantly befriended him, or he did me, he always had a kind word during stressful parts of the academy. I can't say anything more than what has already been said about him. I will miss you, "my little buddy".....

Deputy Joe Araujo
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

December 5, 2004

What can I say that hasn't already been said.I was at the hospital when your parents brought you home. I remember taking you to the Seal Beach Police Department when you were 5. You got to sit in a police car and laughed when they "locked me up". I remember you and Nicole joking about whose training was harder, yours or her Marine bootcamp. I miss you terribly, but know that God is in control, and we are just beginning to see the way your faith has touched so many lives. We are a very close family and will always be there for Laura, your girls, and your Mom and Dad. Love, Aunt Patsy

Aunt Patsy

November 21, 2004

What can I say about a nephew that was the best!!!!!! It was such an honor to have called him my nephew. Not all aunts can say that they have had a nephew that also has been a best friend. You have always brought such fun and joy to our family activities by just coming in the room. Your smile just always lit up the room. When you were just a baby I knew that God had a special plan for you, and I was lucky enough to see you grow up and live out that plan. What an awesome man you became and what a wonderful family you have. We will always be there for them. Because God lives so will we and so do you. I love you, I will always miss you, but I know that Heaven has added the best now that you are there. Love Aunt Gracie

Aunt Grace

November 20, 2004

Dan was my brother-in-law but he was so much more than that to me. We laughed together, joked with each other, picked on each other mercilessly, all in love. When I needed him, he was there. I could tell him anything and he could do the same with me. He was not perfect, just like the rest of us, but he was the best big brother I could have asked for. I'll never understand why the Lord chose to take him when He did, but I know that God is forever in charge and that I will see him again someday. Dan, I want you to know that Matt and I are going to take care of Laura and those girls. We have made a vow to the Lord that we will carry on for you. I love you and miss you. Jen

Jennifer Archuleta
Sister-in-law

November 18, 2004

All of what is said is true of my son. He was all this and much more. Our family is at great loss. I will never forget the wonder of you Dan. I live for the time God calls me to himself and we will once again see you in heaven. Thanks for letting be be your mom. I love you.

Linda Archuleta
Proud mother of Dan

November 8, 2004

My heart goes out to the family, friends and coworkers of Deputy Archuleta.

Laurie Heck, Surviving Spouse
Alaska State Trp. Bruce Heck eow 1/10/97

November 8, 2004

I was very fortunate to have met Daniel during our time in the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Academy. Being in the same platoon together, I had the pleasure of spending a great deal of time with Daniel as we worked our way toward our goal of a career in law enforcement. Daniel was always smiling, always ready to help anyone who needed assistance, and was always upbeat. Daniel made it very hard to be upset, be down, or feel as though life was becoming more than you could handle. He had the ability to take your worries away and get you back on track. He just had that way about him. I very saddened to learn of his passing and I know he will be missed. He was a terrific person, and anyone who had the chance to know him will know the impact he had on those around him. I extend my best wishes to his family, friends and fellow deputies in the Kern County Sheriffs Department. He will forever be in our hearts and minds.

Officer Clint E. Daniel Jr.
Gardena Police Department K9 Team

November 8, 2004

Our son loved being a Deputy Sheriff. Being in Law Enforcement was his dream come true ever since he was a small boy. It is heartbreaking that his dream was cut so short. Dan was the kind of person that when you met him your life would be changed in a positive way. When you departed ways, he would leave you with a smile on your face and joy in your heart. His mother asked him one time how do you deal with all the garbage that goes on at work. He said: I try and separate the people from their bad deeds. I think that is what made Dan such a wonderful Deputy, the kind of person who was liked and loved by everyone he met, even those he arrested. I believe that Dan is on patrol today in Heaven doing what he was called to do. "To Protect and Serve" Well Son until we see you at that Great Home Coming Reunion, we will miss you and love you all our days. Dad

November 5, 2004

My brother is home now, what feels like 40 years ahead of schedule. I will forever live with the void of losing my best friend but with the hope of seeing him again and being together for eternity. I want to extend my immense gratitude to those in law enforcement and my deepest sympathy to families like ours, who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.

Thank you all for your sentiments expressed here.

Be careful out there. Even one lost, is one too many

I Thessalonians 4:13-14

Matt Archuleta - Dan's brother

November 3, 2004

Hey Dan!

How's it going up there? Last night was Halloween and all the kids were out in costume again. It was just last year that we were with you at the Halloween Party. Time just keeps moving on - sometimes slowly, sometimes fast.

Today is All Soul's Day, or All Saint's Day. I'm not sure which one, but it doesn't really matter. You're a precious soul who is now a saint.

I'll be talking to you again soon. You're in my thoughts every day. Grandpa and I are feeling better and I think we have your prayers to thank for a lot of it.

Paul and Deputy Nord had dinner the other night and I'm sure they exchanged stories about the fire and the pit bulls. Thanks for protecting all your buddies.

We love you.

Grandma Hinkle
Your Friend

November 1, 2004

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

October 25, 2004

Daniel, though we only new each other a short while in the academy, I will always remember your smile. From what was said about you, I wish I could have known you better. Even though you're 10-7 with us, you're 10-8 with Michael the Arch Angel. Look after us brother.

Officer Jonathan Yepes
Downey Police Department

October 20, 2004

Deputy Archuleta:

I had the pleasure of meeting you in LASD Academy Class 313. After we graduated, we went our separate ways, but I remember your smile and your willingness to help, and that, I will never forget. My prayers are with your family, may God bless them. Brother, we will miss you, but we will meet again, and we will do the job that we do best in Heaven. Until then, look out for us.

Deputy Pinedo
LASD

October 17, 2004

Hey Daniel,
I had the HONOR of being in the same platoon with you in the academy (LASO Class 313). You were always smiling even when we were in the front leaning rest position doing pushups.
I know you are watching over us from heaven. I will see you in heaven someday so until then my brother.
"Greater love has no other than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" John 15:13

Police Officer Gino Alvarino
EL CAMINO POLICE DEPARTMENT

October 15, 2004

Although I only had the opportunity to meet you on one occasion, I knew that your dedication to the job was second to none. Rest peacefully brother and watch over us all.

Trooper Keith Kozubal
Indiana State Police, District 13

October 11, 2004

Dan grew up in Grace Community Church of Seal Beach and became a fine young man, husband, father. For Dan, being a deputy sheriff was a vocation, a service, an honor and a risk.
But most of all it was a call from God, a ministry.
(Romans 13:4—describing those who enforce the law) “He is God’s servant to do good. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.”

Donald Shoemaker
Pastor and PD chaplain

Chaplain Donald Shoemaker
Seal Beach CA Police Department

October 7, 2004