Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

DAN:

Words cannot begin to explain the way I felt for you in life and they can't explain the way I grieve for you in death.

You were the best of all of us. You were the best partner any cop could hope for and you were an even better friend. I will never forget you.

Take your spot in heavens force and we will keep watch below.

Rest in peace brother.

Your partner, your brother, your friend. Damian Nord

Deputy Damian Nord
Kern County Sheriffs Department

October 4, 2004

Hi Dan!

I'm just stopping by your website to read what folks are saying about you. It's all good, but I guess you know that. I can't believe that so many peace officers have joined you in the past couple of weeks. God must have something great planned for all of you, for each one of you made the ultimate sacrifice for your fellow man.

I believe I was directed to this website for a reason. I am pretty much confined to our home because of failing health, and I was beginning to think I had no purpose left on this earth. And, in a strange way, God saw my depression and brought me to you. Now I collect angels in heaven who can pray for me as I pray for them. I now check this site daily and make sure to add all you special angels to my prayer list.

Thank you for your years of dedicated service. May your family find comfort and peace in God's mercy and grace. Rest well my son. We will meet again someday.

A Friend
Oxnard, California

September 29, 2004

To my very good friend, "Arch";

It never ceased to amaze me how many times I could get us into some crazy drama inside that jail and you would smile all the way through it. Tony would never get excited, Sorrow would laugh in amazement and I would just keep feeding off of your diligence to the tasks and your irreverance to the stress. You would probably one of the best friends I have had in this thing we call a career and now you are gone. My career will greatly benefit from your example of making this job stay just a job and keeping the important things important. Thanks for you contribution to not just the careers of all of us, but to the lives you touched through your dedication to the Lord. I only wish I could have told you myself how your example guided me to Him in my time of need. I remembered you every step of the way. I look forward to seeing you one day again, my brother.

Deputy Joe Conner
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

September 26, 2004

WHEN GOD MADE PEACE OFFICERS

When the lord was creating Peace Officers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one."

And the Lord said, "Have you read the spec on this order? A Peace Officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn't touch, and not wrinkle their uniform.

They have to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next day.

They have to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half-eaten meals. And they have to have six pairs of hands.

The angel shook her head slowly and said. "Six pairs of hands...No Way."

"It's not the hands that are causing me the problems," said the Lord, "It's the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have."

"That's on the standard model?" asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, "May I see what's in there sir?" (When they alrady know and wishes they had taken that accounting job.) Another pair here in the side of their head for their partners' safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, "You'll be alright ma'am, when they know it isn't so."

"Lord," said the angel, touching his sleeve, "rest and work tomorrow."

"I can't," said the Lord. "I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on a civil service paycheck."

The angel circled the model of the Peace Officer very slowly, "Can it think?" she asked.

"You bet," said the Lord. "It can tell you elements of a hundred crimes, recite Miranda warnings in it's sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five judges to debate the legality of the stop...and still it keeps it's sense of humor.

This officer also has phenomenal personal control. They can deal with crime scenes painted in HELL, con a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim's family' and then read in the paper how Law Enforcement isn't sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects.

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Peace Officer. "There is a leak," she pronounced. "I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model."

"That's not a leak, said the Lord, "It's a tear."

"What is the tear for?" asked the angel.

"It's for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag, and for justice."

"You're a genius," said the angel.

The Lord looked sober. "I didn't put it there," he said.

Anonymous

Deputy Paul Hinkle
Kern County Sheriff, Taft Substation

September 24, 2004

DANNY,YOU LEFT US DOING GOD'S WORK, AND BOY YOU DID AN AWESOME JOB. THANKS FOR BEING SUCH A GREAT PARTNER AND FRIEND. YOU WILL BE MISSED.

DEPUTY MARCELO RUIZ
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

September 22, 2004

Rest in peace buddy.

My thoughts are with Daniel's friends, colleagues and more importantly wife Laura and children.

xxx

SC Brad Taylor
Metropolitan Police (London)

September 22, 2004

Dan,

Your positive outlook on life was refreshing. You left an indelible impression on us while you were here. May God bless you and watch over your family.

Your brother in Christ,
Dan

Deputy Dan Rindge
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept

September 22, 2004

Prayer of Solace

May Christ support us all the day long,
till the shadows lengthen,
and the evening comes,
and the busy world is hushed,
and the fever of life is over
and our work is done.
Then in his mercy
may he give us a safe lodging,
and holy rest and peace at the last.

Senior Deputy David Judge
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

September 21, 2004

You were my partner, You were my friend, You were my brother. You were one of the best people I ever knew. I will never forget you.

Deputy Skidmore
Kern County Sheriff's Department

September 21, 2004

DeputyArchuleta

That you made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to help another deputy says it all.....God Speed, Sir...

wife of a Sgt
Macomb County Sheriff Dept, MI

September 21, 2004

The Lord called my husband to be in his presence one week ago. He died doing what he loved to do at work, going on a code run. He loved his job, was excited about what he did nightly, and looked forward to work. Our girls will be well looked after by these fine folks here, our family and friends, and our church family. Thank you all for this great support system that I am going to be in great need of for the rest of my life and thank you for the great words from each and every one of you. I plan on including them in a memory book for each of our girls.
With all my gratitude,
Laura Archuleta
...proud and loving wife of Kern County Deputy Sheriff, Dan Archuleta

Laura Archuleta-his wife

September 20, 2004

Dearest Dan,

When your partner and friend, our son Paul Hinkle, called to tell us of your fatal accident last Sunday afternoon, we felt numb. Slowly, as the week went by, we began to recall some of the funny things that you did and some of the stories Paul would tell us. We reminded Paul to get out his video of last year's Halloween Party when you came as a pirate and had fun teasing the magician. A great time was had by all.

Rest in peace you wonderful guy. You did a great job and are an inspiration to all of us. We are all here for the little girls, your wife, Laura, and anyone who needs us. You can never die because as long as we are here you will always be in our hearts and thoughts. Watch over all of us from up above. We love you so!

Grandma and Grandpa Hinkle
Parents of your Deputy Partner, Paul Hinkle

September 19, 2004

Deputy Archuleta, Your sacrifiec will not be forgotten. Rest Easy Brother, We'll take it from here!

Dep. Paul Sperandeo
JEfferson Parish Sheriffs Office, La.

September 19, 2004

BUFFALO, NEW YORK

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

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE

September 19, 2004

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in southeast Iowa. 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 Deputy Archuleta'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 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 Deputy Bryant 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)
Fiancee of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

September 19, 2004

We are deeply saddened at Dan'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.

September 18, 2004

Farewell Brother. Thank you for your service and dedication to duty. Rest in the knowledge your loved ones are not alone. We are but a phone call away.

Bob Johnson VA-VI

Bob Johnson U.S. Marshal's (Ret'd)
Blue Knights International Police Assn.

September 18, 2004

The members of the 67th Precinct Anti-Crime unit with to extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Archuleta.

Having just lost two Detectives from our precinct last week, we know all to well what you are going through right now.

Stay strong. The law enforcement community is with you.

67th Precinct Anti-Crime Unit
New York City Police Department

September 18, 2004

On behalf of the CHP-San Bernardino Motor Squad, we grieve your loss and will continue to pray with your loved ones.

Officer S.D. Hazelton
CHP-San Bernardino

September 18, 2004

To Deputy Archuleta family, friends, and the Kern County Sheriff's Department. I would like to extend my condolences and deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prays are with you all. Thanks Deputy Archuleta for a job well done; may your soul rest in peace.

Patrol Officer
Prince George's County, Maryland

September 17, 2004

May God watch over and bless your family during this tragic time in their lives.

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

Robert Gordon Asst. Chief, Ret.
Riverside PD, IL

September 17, 2004

I went to this website to visit the page for another fallen officer, my ex-husband, the father of my four children. I noticed that Deputy Archuleta was killed on the same day that our deputy, John Gunsell was killed. I decided to see how Daniel had died. It is very eerie that both Daniel and John were killed while enroute to assist other officers and both died as a result of a rollover accident. I truly know what Daniel's family and his department are going through right now and my heart goes out to all of you. God bless you all.

Kelly Gunsell
Otsego County, Michigan

September 17, 2004

I would like to extend my condolences to Deputy Archuleta's family and friends, and to the men and women of the Kern County Sheriff's Department. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of tragedy. Rest in peace Deputy Archuleta, your duty here is done.

Deputy Sheriff
Butte County Sheriff's Office

September 16, 2004

Goodbye Brother! You will be missed!

Police Officer Scott Parker
Pelican Bay Police Dept. Texas

September 16, 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 Archuleta 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.

September 16, 2004