Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Today, July 25, 2006, Class 64 of the Napa Valley College Basic Police Academy executed post inspection quality push-ups, in memory of Officer Niemi. His dedicated service and the selfless sacrifice of Officer Niemi and his family is an example to us all. We, as the next generation of Peace Officers, will continue to honor those who have fallen; never allowing ourselves to forget their sacrifice.

Cadet P. Gorman
Napa Valley College Police Academy

July 25, 2006

Dan was an engergetic and dedicated friend. His nuggets of knowledge and wisdom will live on in parts of my life in terms of my job and cosulting activities; as well as his contagious smile and of course, his forward sense of humor. I am lucky to have known a man like this to learn to teach others the values of courage, honor and duty.
RC

Robert C
friend

July 25, 2006

It will be 1 year that your tour of duty ended and I know it has been a long and painful uphill battle for your loved ones. The question they keep asking is WHY? None of really know the answer to that but you know it will be the first one we ask when we join our loved ones. Wrap your wings around your loved ones and help them with their grief. Visit them in their dreams so that they know you are okay. Protect them from harm. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten as heroes never die.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Member

July 24, 2006

I can’t believe it has almost been a year.

I miss the early days of the DSC, when I was able to go regularly. I miss the late night Denny’s visits after shooting, where we made a noisy, happy bunch. I miss our weekly Friday lunches at Chevy’s with John. I miss being able to ask you about any topic, knowing that you would have something to say about it. I miss the discussions we had, often turned to debates as you stepped, yet again, into the devil’s advocate roll. You loved to stir it up and challenge my information, my theories, my beliefs, if only to make sure that I had thought it through before I had come to a decision. I miss your passions, all of them: for life, for family and friends, for knowledge, for shooting, for justice, for bringing out the best in people. I miss you, just as any person whose life was touched by you. I regret the times that I didn’t call, the effort I didn’t make to see you. I feel guilty for letting time get away…

My thoughts go to you so often. I think of that morning when I realized you were gone. I can still hear that wail of grief that my heart made at that moment and has been making ever since. I think of Dionne and can’t imagine… I think of Gaby. I see you holding her in you arms in the hospital when she was only one day old. Your feet didn’t touch the ground. We brought you champagne and strawberries to celebrate because we knew that you would be a father that all kids wish that they could have: patient, honest, fair, fun, attentive, proud. I think of your family and friends and fellow officers and the impact that you made on all of their lives and the hole that is left behind. I think of you when I go shooting with my Dad. I think of you when I see a police officer or a police car. I think of you when I see fighter planes. I just think of you…

The Friday before, I did what I frequently did. I told John that it had been too long since we’d seen the Niemi’s and we should call you. We didn’t get around to it. We would do it next weekend. The day before, when I was going shooting with Dad, I mentioned again that I really wanted to see you all and my Dad and I spoke about you and Dionne. (Dad does appreciate beautiful, intelligent women!) That Monday was John’s birthday. We had gone out to dinner to celebrate. We had gone to bed believing that tomorrow would be like any other day. It wasn’t and they never will be. John’s birthday is approaching and I am unsure how to celebrate his life and acknowledge your death on the same day…

I miss you…

April Tarbuskovich
Friend

July 20, 2006

I had the pleasure of saying hello to you on one ride-along occasion about two years ago.

I check your reflections often, and wanted to leave you a reflection to show my respects. Even through I am not a police officer yet, it still hits close to home when a police officer is killed in the line of duty in the PD I would like to be apart of someday. I cannot describe what kind of feeling you get when you hear that a police is taken in the line of duty, especially when I heard about your call on July 25.

This career choice is a challenging one to get into, and when I get down or get lazy I think of what you have sacrificed and that is all I need.

I wear your bracelet all day, everyday to keep me in line. You will never be forgotten! Officer Niemi.

It is coming close to your "end of watch" anniversary, and I wise the best for your family!

Kevin McShea
SLPD hopeful/citizen of SL

July 5, 2006

we had a call the other night,...same location,.....same noise complaint,..and someone might had mentioned a "shooting".....as we rolled up,...it was one of the same knuckleheads,.....everyone else was gone,...I couldn't help but to look at "the sidewalk",...and the knucklehead,....it shouldn't have been you that night......

slpd officer

May 25, 2006

We will be in Washington with honor and respect to hear your name read.

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse

May 9, 2006

Dan,
I went to the State Capitol with Shane on Thursday night where they held a vigil for you and the other officers that died on the line of duty. I had a lump in my throat the entire time I was there. I couldn't hold my tears back when they read your name. I held Shane as tight as I could. So many of us from our dept. were there and comforted each other. We miss you.
On Friday morning the State Capitol was packed with police officers everywhere. The stairs leading to the state capitol had officers lined up waiting for all the family members for the fallen officers to walk down. My heart goes out to all of them and pray for them. They read your name off the list of the fallen Officer's for 2005 it was the hardest thing to hear. Your name is on a plaque at the State Capitol and next week they will have it in Washington. You will never be forgotten. I think of you everyday.

Elizabeth Gonzalez
Animal Control Officer San Leandro PD

May 6, 2006

Dan,
You are an Inspiration to all people who want to become a police officer and even those who arent. You inspired me to do what i like to do the best. I liked all the great talks that we had, you are a very smart and good person. I will carry on your memory for as long as i live. Never forget Macys.

Bayfair Macys Loss Prevention

March 17, 2006

To Dan and all his loved ones:

I saw this on another site and wanted to post it for Dan and all our other heroes.


Dan, 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, Dan. Your memory is honored and revered today and everyday.

Our families are helping us get through this terrible ordeal together by supporting each other.

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

March 7, 2006

Dan, I'm not sure how to start this message. I've wanted to do this ever since I heard what happened. I haven't seen you since you were in elementary school. I was your babysitter when you were little. My name was Sally Raplee. Now I'm a 50-something grandma! You were always my favorite (and I had a long babsitting career!) . You were smart and funny, and bound and determined to grow up to be a crimefighter! "Batman" was your favorite show, and you loved your cape. I was not surprised at all to learn you became a plice officer. You were living your dream! I can tell from all the other reflections you grew up to be the a great man who touched many lives. I am grateful to have known you. My prayers are with your family. Love you!

Sarah McDermed

March 6, 2006

To Dan's Family,

I used to live with Dan in Campbell, CA quit a few years ago. Dan touched everyone he came across. He was very smart (knew something about every subject), loved guns and had a terrific shot (took me to the shooting range for the first time), helped motivate me to become a stronger person (mentally and physically), and he loved my dogs like they were his own (Duke & Otto, my dogs, are also in heaven now).

We all miss you Dan!

Sincerely,

Steve Jacobson
Friend

Steve Jacobson
Friend

March 5, 2006

Gabby has her bear I made with your uniform. A locket she wears has a picture of you and her. For the rest of my life I promise to thank the officers I see and tell them to be careful. I know you were doing what made you who you are. Someday your death won't hurt so much. Thank you SLPD you are the best and the most wonderful people to Dionne and our family.


Who can say for certain maybe you'er still here.
I feel you all around me, your memory so clear.
Deep within the stillness, I can hear you speak
Your still an inspiration, can it be....

A breath aways not far to where you are.
To where you are...
Go in peace my wonderful son in law.
I love you

Jeri

Geraldine Mitchell
Mother in Law

March 3, 2006

I've finally come to terms with my feelings and have decided I NEED to share some of them here. Please bear with me while I do. I have a lot to say.

First, I want to thank everyone who was there "that night".

Thank you Dispatch. You may not think you did enough but you got us there. We all wish we were able to have been there sooner. However, without you, we would never have been able to help the way we did.

Those of us on duty and dispatched to an "11-99; Officer Down" have become members of a "club" I wish we NEVER had to join. However, I thank all of you and I know Nels does too. My thanks is for your support, your help, and for being part of one hellofa team!

Thank you to the crew at ALCO Fire Station #11. I remember when you expressed your pain for not being able to save Nels. However, you guys gave us hope. You're our brothers... Thanks for everything!

Thank you Randy and Jason for the "rundown" and "the catch" 18 hours later. Your efforts (along with every law enforcement agency and law enforcement officer involved that day) have NOT gone unnoticed or unappreciated. You two made me DAMN PROUD. I know Nels agrees.

Thank you to the CHP officers who walked down Doolittle Drive with coffee for my team. I don't know who you are, but as I saw you walk down the street offering your help, I knew at that moment why I had become a police officer. I remember one of you who said, "If there's ANYTHING you need for the rest of the night, call me". THANK YOU!

As for my team that night, Bobby, Tim, Dick, Steve, Jeff, Scott, Dan, and Josh, GREAT work fellas! In fact, probably some of the best work we have ever done and will ever do! Thanks for your help, support, and dedication! Because of you and your efforts, Nels will rest in peace and the Niemi family will see justice and closure!

We did our best for YOU, Nels.

Thank you to the entire SLPD Family. EVERYONE pitched in, sucked it up, and pushed on through the worst time of our lives.

Second, I want to express my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the entire Niemi family. Nels was our friend, our brother, our confidant, and our solace. He was THE epitome of a friend. Many of meetings “4-Corners” were spent talking family, flying, shooting, report writing, grammar, police work, and general nonsense!

As I know you do, I too miss the smile and the laugh. I miss the never-ending quest for knowledge. The desire to know everything there was to know about everything. And the overwhelming desire to share his knowledge with the world.

I miss seeing you at Camaraderie Thursday. The fact you would sign for voluntary overtime shifts specifically on Thursdays just to attend "CT" showed me (showed us) your dedication to the brotherhood and the quest to learn everything there was to learn. The attentive look on your face when the guys told "war stories" of years past was refreshing. The fact you wanted to hear those stories still makes me smile to the point of laughter.

Third, I watched two friends die that night. One will never come back and will be sorely missed. I know Nels is watching and keeping vigil over us all. I just hope he keeps an extra special eye on our buddy Mario.

Mar, I saw the look in your eyes. I promise, with God's help, Nels' help, and the help of your friends and family, you WILL get through it. I know you will NEVER forget nor should you. Stay strong, brother! I thank God we have the Hideout!

Hey, "Moron", you keep your head in the game! We've been through too many years together (36 and counting). If I were to ever lose you, I'd be lost too.

Nels is watching over us all. Remember that!

"High Flight"

"Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds — and done a hundred things you have not dreamed of —wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long, delirious burning blue I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace where never lark, or even eagle flew. And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod the high un-trespassed sanctity of space, put out my hand, and touched the face of God."


We will NEVER forget that night; we watched as Nels, "...slipped the surly bonds of Earth.... to touch the face of God."

He is in a much better place.
He is watching over us.
He is keeping us strong.
He is keeping us safe.

May you rest in blissful peace.

Goodbye my friend.

P.J. Kyle, #237
San Leandro Police Department

February 25, 2006

Officer Niemi and Family

On May 6th 2006 the American Cancer Society Relay for Life for San Leandro is having a baseball game between SLPD and the Alameda County Fire Department.Half of the proceed will go to Officer Niemi's family and the other half to the Cancer Society. I was a former employee of the San Leandro Police Department, and then a dispatcher for the Alameda County Sheriff's Department. Officer Niemi, we will honor your name and keep you close to our hearts forever at the game.

Betti Former Employee SLPD

February 23, 2006

Hey Dan. Its 0-dark-30 in the am, working dog watch....on my day off as most of us dog watch folks do. I was looking at my blue band that has not come off of my wrist once since I got it and thought of you, as I often do. I often read the wonderful things people write about you on this site. I think everyone takes you somewhere, or everywhere with them. The phone call is still etched in my mind as we skated in the hockey tourney in Tahoe. I put a black piece of tape over my SLPD patch on my jersey, it is also still there. I guess I am thinking of this because we are skating in another tourney Feb26th. You are the drive in my legs in every game when I feel like I cant skate anymore. You always will be because I know in the back of my mind I would share a section on this page with you, were it not for gods will. Just wanted to say you are not, and will never be forgotten.

Shane Nelson
SLPD

February 17, 2006

I am on the verge of going into law enforcement myself, and after reading what everyone has said about Officer Dan it has made me want go after it even more. I am truly inspired from everyone's comments regarding the fallen officer. NOW I KNOW I AM DOING THE RIGHT THING, BECAUSE AS SOMEONE STATED EARLIER "I WOULD RATHER STAND AND DIE, THAN BE A COWARD ON MY KNEES. THANKS FOR THE MOTIVATION.

SOON TO BE DEPUTY SHERIFF
ALAMEDA COUNTY

February 15, 2006

Good Morning my friend.

We have kept up the Monday morning tradition of breakfast after shift. In fact Tommy (and Ruff as a back up), picked me up, crutches and all this past Monday.

Recent dinner with your parents and brother was fantastic. Haha - we learned a few more things about you ... how about those tractor rides down the hill?!!

Thank you for being my angel through my recent surgery. Again the "blue band" stayed with me. I explained the signifigance of it to the staff and they allowed it to stay on me through the ordeal.

Missing you this morning ... wanting you to know that you have not be forgotten.

Thank you for your friendship and guidance from above.

Jailer Thompson
San Leandro Police Department

February 2, 2006

Officer Niemi your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in Gods Care now. May you rest in peace brother...

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

January 27, 2006

We thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice to the citizens of San Leandro Police Department. God
be with your family and give them
peace.

Police Mom
Missouri

January 5, 2006

Dan,

I couldn't help but think of you at breakfast last Friday morning. I was feeling like I was too tired to go, but ended up enjoying myself as usual. I can't tell you how much I regret all of the times I told you "next time" when you were trying to convince me to go to breakfast. I am so sorry. If only I could've known how precious and few those breakfast opportunties would be. I wish I had sacrificed sleep to strengthen a friendship.

Now you're on my mind again as we start a New Year ... a new watch. I often "visit" you here, but today feels a little different. It's difficult to think about ringing in 2006, making resolutions for a fresh start and all of the other little things people focus on at the new year, without feeling your loss all over again. It seems impossible that it's been 5 months now. You are still greatly missed and I know that will never change. I can only hope that we continue to keep your memory alive, learn from your example and honor you with the work that we do. My thoughts and prayers remain with Dionne and your family.

Happy New Year, Niemi

D Balelo - Dispatcher
SLPD

January 1, 2006

"Dan",..what's up bud,....It's been 5 months since the night we will never forget. I want to say Merry Christmas,..but it just doesn't seem right. I miss you, and I will never forget you,....or our "last" cup of coffee at 4 corners. You will never be forgotten, and you are with me in a way no one will ever know. You hit the street with me every shift, and I bring you back each night. I don't know how to "end" this message,...nor do I want to.........

Officer Stephen Shodeen #274
San Leandro Police Department

December 25, 2005

The holidays are moving forward and our lives have become more chaotic with the move into the new house.

Millie and Rudy have been good to the troops at work, bringing home baked yummys for us all to eat.

I visit here daily. I usually shed a tear and say a silent quick hello and a prayer to you, your family, and all our brothers and sisters in blue, who, like you, have paid the ultimate price.

The blue band on my wrist is a constant reminder of the amazing guardian angel I have watching over me. I have been known to grab onto it and give a little rub when ever I am feeling down or need a little bit of extra strength or courage. Thank you ... I know it works, you got me through a rough dive in Puerto Rico, I tugged quite a few times on that band! ;)

Tommy and I have not, nor will we ever, forget about you and your family.

Merry Christmas my friend.

May you be at peace.

Jailer Thompson
San Leandro Police Department

December 20, 2005

We think of you and your family during these holidays, and offer thoughts and prayers as you celebrate without your loved one. Cherish the memories of the past and be open to new ones with your loved ones and friends. Your loved one will never be forgotten and always honored for their sacrifice.

Alissa Scott
Widow of Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-03

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network
www.survivorhelpnetwork.org

November 29, 2005

Brother Niemi,
I come to your reflection page at least once a day. So that I never forget, so that I can read some of our coworkers reflections, so I can say hello.

We just had Thanksgiving dinner at Robin's folks house and Robin's niece said grace. She started talking about what she was thankful for, and it hit me. Guilt, I felt guilty. I wish you were here, and there wouldn't be any empty seats at your families table.

I'm thankful that I was able to get to know you and call you a friend. My folks always said "friends are family that you make for yourself". Thats why I call you Brother Niemi. We miss you buddy.

Police Officer Tom Rosenlind #267
San Leandro Police Department

November 24, 2005