Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey Dad!
Just missing you and wanting to talk. I started last week working at a Hospice for the summer, kind of a nursing externship. I see people daily who are on their deathbeds and it has helped me to see the beauty in everyday. I have lots of good stories I wish I could share with you. Trying to make you proud :)

Love you.

Hillary Jarvis
daughter

June 27, 2008

Dan,

We made it through another April and May! Even though it has been over 3 years, sometimes I still feel you are here. Hoping to see you over the holidays, hear your laugh, and just you being you.

I was at a memorial service on the 12th and a Captain from the State Police used to be on midnights with you. He shared a great story. You and him were sitting in front of a TV store for what seemed like hours talking. You both got hungry and went to a local Dennys to grab a bite to eat. After you both returned to the TV store parking lot to talk some more. After a few minutes, both of you looked at the front window and it was completely gone. You both laughed about it for days, wondering if it had been broken out the entire time!

You are missed horribly by you entire family and we can't wait to see you again!

Love you

Craig Figgins
Brother

May 30, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 1, 2008

To The Family of Sergeant Figgins,
May you be blessed and comforted today and always.
May you find comfort in knowing that Sergeant Figgins is not forgotten.

Holley Orr
Wife of Detective Kevin Orr EOW 11-22-06

April 9, 2008

Sergeant Figgins, by the looks of it you are missed a great deal by your family, especially your daughter Hillary. It sound like you were a great man, and I am sure you were. I just want you and your family to know that your sacrifices have not been forgotten.
To his family, you will always be a part of the extended Law Enforcement community. Your father, brother, husband will never be forgotten.

Sergeant Chris DiToro
NYPD

April 9, 2008

Dan you were loved greatly by our family. Your laughter, playing tricks and humor are greatly missed. The love you shared with others was amazing. Thank you for loving my sister enough to share your life with her. The stories that we have learned about who you really were has made my appreciation for you grow these past 3 years. Even in death you have continued to inspire and share God's love with others.

Sandy Barnard
Sister-in-law

April 9, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE, GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSE THAT LOVE YOU

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 9, 2008

Sgt. Figgins,
I'd never met you but could relate to you being about the same age and time on the job. Reading the reflections left by others, especially your family make it quite obvious of your impact on other's lives. You were truly and still are a hero and your death was a tremendous loss to all. You will never be forgotten. To your family my prayers and support, you are not alone in your grief, all of us that do or have put on the uniform every day are there for you.

Brother in Blue (retired)
Mt. Prospect PD

April 9, 2008

Just wanted you and your family to know that I have them in my thoughts today. We will never forget you or the sacrifice you made 3 years ago today. You are a hero and sad to say your family has had to made the biggest sacrifice, they miss you everyday. Keep a watch over them and let them know you are close.
You know I've always said that Clint's E.O.W. dates were his birthday's in Heaven, Clint celebrated his 4 birthday in Heaven in January. So on that note and I hope your family doesn't mind, Happy 3rd Birthday in Heaven Sergeant Figgins.
Look Clint up for me let him know we still miss him.

Connie Barker F.W.B. Fl.
Mother of Clint Walker Prattville Al. E.O.W. 1-14-04

April 9, 2008

Dan,

It is really hard to believe it has been 3 years. Sometimes it feels like a long time ago and around this time of the year I remember that early morning phone call that changed our lives forever, and it seems just like yesterday.

You are missed greatly by all of us, you left too suddenly. You impacted so many and we just wish you knew that before you left us. We will carry on your legacy with the Foundation in your name and we hope to impact other Officer's families and live up to the standard you set.

We miss you daily and I thank you for being my brother...

Craig Figgins
Brother

April 9, 2008

Dad,
I can't believe it has been three years since I've heard your voice or given you a hug. I miss you even more as time passes, wishing you were here to share in every moment like you used to. To this day, no one calls me as much as you did, not even Jonathan :)- no words can express how deeply I miss that. We take it one day at a time, moving forward ( as you would have demanded!) trying to fulfill what we've been called to do, so we can be a testiment of God's love and grace, as you were with your life. You left an amazing legacy, and I am so honored to carry it on. You are part of my everyday, and I will always love you my precious father.

hillary jarvis
daughter

April 8, 2008

Hey dad,
I was thinking about you today- I saw two police officers on their motorcyles, about your age, being goofy and making all sorts of silly signs. I just wanted to pretend, just for a moment, that it was you. I miss you today, and all your laughs. Smile big in heaven.

Hillary Jarvis
dan's daughter

January 22, 2008

Sergeant Figgins I would like you and your family to know that we have not forgotten the sacrifice you made on April the 9th, or the sacrifice that your family will make from that day forward. You are a true hero I have blue candles that burn 24/7 in memory of all L.E.O.'s fallen and protrolling the streets today.
I wanted to thank Craig for the reflection he left on my sons site. I check his site and others daily it's always nice to see someone else remembers. All of you will be in our prayers daily...
Sergeant Figgins look Clint up for me tell him his mother misses him daily.

Connie Barker F.W.B. Fl.
Mother of Clint Walker Prattville Al. E.O.W. 1-14-04

January 17, 2008

I can see in your eyes you were special, but HERO'S always are. I pray your family finds peace.

Identical Twin Sis of Officer Sheila Herring NPD
EOW 1-16-03
Sharon Atkins

Sharon Atkins

January 16, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 8, 2008

Hey dad! I can't believe it's 2008! April 9th will have been 3 years since your death. It's so hard to believe. Time is flying. As you said it does. I still remember senior year of college I called you at 2am, you were working midnights, and I was so stressed because I had a huge paper and finals the next day. You said "Hillary Ann, don't rush these you have. Just take it one thing at a time, and one day at a time, and you will do so much better than you ever thought possible."
Thank you, my father, for always loving me.

Hillary Jarvis
Daniel's daughter

January 6, 2008

Dan,

So far we made it another year!

I was thinking Christmas Eve after everyone left and/or went to bed, I remember one Christmas Eve probably 25 or so years ago. All the other kids that follow our tradition and open presents with family on Christmas Eve were probably playing with their toys, listening to their new tapes and radios, etc...instead you asked "It's gonna be a long boring night, do you want to ride we me?" After thinking about it, and having a rough time in life at the time, I said "Yes". I will never forget the time together and the conversations.

You helped me, now looking back...Thank You!

Craig Figgins
Brother

December 28, 2007

Dan,
The family has made it through another Christmas Holiday. You were there, we all could feel your spirit. Craig and I are trying to keep some of the family traditions alive but I know that it is hard for him because some of the tasks that he has taken on were your tasks when you were here.

Your grandson is beautiful. He is such a precious little boy. You would be so proud of him and your daughter Kristin. She is a wonderful mother. Hillary is embarking on a new chapter of her life and I know she will succeed because she is so much like you.

Linda misses you so much but knows that you are always with her giving her the strength to go on and accomplish all of her dreams. She is an amazing women and I respect and admire her. She truly can accomplish anything she puts her mind to.

Craig is an amazing man. You would be proud of him and his accomplishments. He misses you and loves you. He has started the Daniel P. Figgins Memorial Foundation and I know he will work hard to accomplish its mission. If this foundation can save one life all the hard work will be worth it.

Please always know that you are missed by everyone that knew you. The family will never be same. But the memory of you gives everyone the courage to take on the new days.

Love,
Your Sister-In-Law
Karen

Karen Figgins
Sister-In-Law

December 26, 2007

My Precious Dad,
I definately think this is the hardest time of year for our family. We miss you so much and wish you here. I can't tell you how many times a day I wish I could call you to ask you this or that or tell you something. I would give anything to hear you say "Hi Hillary Annie, it's your dad! Wacha-doin??" (in your peppy voice, you were always so excited to talk to your girls, even if it was about something bad).
I've spent a lot of time reflecting on our relationship and all the things you meant to me the last couple of weeks. As the years go by, I realize how alike we really were and I wish you were here so that I could truly understand you now and appreciate you for YOU.
I will never know a better man.
I want you to know I'm starting nursing school in January!!!! It will only take me two years for my bachelors because of my Nutrition degree (so it was useful for something:) You know how much I love the little sweet old people- I hope to go into Hospice!
Mom is one heck of a grandma!!!! But I know how it pains her to be without the Grandpa. She even says Dylan looks like you. You may be the best man I will ever know, but your wife is the best women. I wish she didn't have to be alone, she misses you daily. I can't believe she is actaully retiring!!! All those years of trying to slow her down, and she finally has too!!!
Kristin Marie is the sweetest mom! She loves Dylan so much and it's precious to watch. It's hard for her not to have you around. what an amazing Grandpa you would have been. But we will make sure he knows everything about you and how much we know you love him.
Jonathan has been so wonderful to me through everything. He's always so supportive and I love him more and more as time goes by. He is my soulmate and I am so thankful he got to know you.
Uncle Craig married Aunt Karen (and we love her to pieces). She holds him together like mom did you :) And you know what a pill you were at times. She is a wonderful and compassionate women and I know you'd be happy for your brother. He's also been busy helping with COPS and he even started a memorial in your name and it's going to be great!!!! You and him are two peas in a pod...
I love you, my dad! There is so much to say, I could type forever. But I pray that you some how know already...

~Hillary Ann
AKA The Proudest Daughter in the World

Hillary Jarvis
Daniel's daughter

December 20, 2007

Dan,

Yesterday was our families Christmas Party at your house, it was still not the same without you. We watched the video you filmed at the last Christmas you were here, wish you would of been in front of the camera instead of the back as usual. It still was nice hearing your voice. We got a good amount of snow and it reminded me of a story:

One night during the winter when I was 13-15 I rode with you during a midnight shift. Needless to say, a weekday midnight shift back then in St. Charles was pretty boring. We went into the station for a couple cups of coffee (I didn't drink coffee, but since you did, it sounded like a good idea).

Then we drove around watching for people not stopping at stop signs, even though you never gave a ticket, I think you were just "checking".

About 2am, I think we both were about ready to fall a sleep, we stopped at a construction equipment maker site, I think it was International or Cat. You knew that had guard dogs and I remember you saying "watch this" as you took the baton and ran it up and down the chain link fence. We never laughed so hard, running up and down the fence.

We all miss you!!!!

Craig Figgins
Brother

December 16, 2007

Craig,
Thank you for your heartfelt reflection that you left on my husband's 4 year EOW date. God Bless you, your family, and all of Dan's co-workers as your mourn the loss of Sgt. Dan Figgins.

Juli Verkler
Widow of Ptlm. Bryan S. Verkler, EOW 12/13/03

December 13, 2007

Today I decorated the outside of my home for Christmas with all blue lights. One of those lights will be lit every night beginning tonight up until New Years in your honor as a tribute to the true hero you are. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones, congrats on being a new grampa. You have not been forgotten.

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

November 25, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving Bro...we are thinking about you.

Craig Figgins
Brother

November 22, 2007

Dan,

You would be so proud, your daughter gave birth today to your first Grandson. She did it all naturally, and even waited until I was able to get Hillary from the airport to the hospital through all the Chicago Traffic. Linda is doing great and is a proud Grandmother!! You were there...we know that.

We miss you

Craig Figgins
Brother

November 13, 2007

I thought I would stop in and leave a reflection and thank your brother for attending my son Michael's Foundation Awards ceremony this past weekend. I have to agree with him, listening to the pipers play "Amazing Grace", one of my sons favorite tunes on the pipes, is very hard for us also and you can not attend any police function where the pipers are present where they don't play it. As soon as the tune is played, tears rush from the heart as those are tears of love. I know there is not a day that goes by that your loved ones don't think of you as they will always carry you in their hearts for as long as they walk this earth. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. Watch over all of your loved ones, especially that grand child. I'd like to end with this very short poem by an unknown author:

"Those who we love and lose
Are No longer where they were before.
They are now wherever we are."

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

November 7, 2007