Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

From my Sister in Law, she lives in San Leandro, i heard from her what happen.
Im deeply toucht in my heart and i whish Dan's Family all the best and power to look forward.
Im shure Dan is now in good place.

Your Brother in blue
Roger

Officer Roger Bobillier
Stadtpolizei Dietikon / Switzerland

August 23, 2005

The men and women of the Mahomet Police Department extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and co-workers of Ofc. Niemi.

Thank you for your service. God bless you.

Rest in peace Sir!

Mahomet, IL Police Dept.

August 19, 2005

Brother you have walked the dark streets of hell, now its time for you to walk the beat in heaven. We will take it from here, rest easy.

Ofcr Thomas Andreas
LAPD/Rampart Division

August 17, 2005

It seems like yesterday I was on a ride along with Dan debating with him about witch scary movies were the best. I joined the San Leandro Police Department in February of 2004 as an explorer. I then had the privlege of going on ride alongs. After meeting Dan I quickly became his friend. My ride alongs with him always started with a meal break at Elios where he would always order the French Dip. I got the news that one of our police officers was killed. I immediately put on the news. When they gave the description and Bio of the officer I knew it Officer Niemi. I still to this day cannot beleive that he is gone. My ride alongs with him were always fun and knowledgeable. He would always have a differn't plane on his laptop wallpaper.
I will truly miss him not only as a member of the law enforcdement community but as a great friend. We as an explorer post decided to still go on to the Explorer Academy in San Diego because we knew that Dan would have wanted us to go there and show all the other agencies what were made of and to represent San Leandro. I will never forget Dan because he was not only helped me threw tough times, but made me a better explorer and for that I thank him.

Explorer Sgt. David Martinez
San Leandro Police Department

August 15, 2005

My fiancé, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in SE Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Dan did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Dan be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Officer Niemi's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. 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 these tough times, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you and that you are not alone in your "journey". Should you ever need anything please do not hesitate to contact me. (Dennis' department will also always know how to reach me.)

As a fallen officer "survivor" and a friend, please accept my condolences on behalf of myself and the McElderry family. I never got the opportunity to know Dan but, I am certain he was well respected and well loved. Dan will live on in the hearts of all the lives he touched. You were all lucky to have had him be a part of your lives, even for a short time. I pray that Dan will continue to watch over us all as only he can.

Thank you Officer Niemi for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiancé Dennis for me.

Wishing you and all those who loved you brighter and better days,

Jocelyne :)

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

August 14, 2005

I have never met Dan, but talked with him on-line for many years. Rest in Peace Brother, you will not be forgotten. Keep the Faith!!

Bradley Levy, Senior Probation Officer
FL. Dept of Corrections

August 12, 2005

Dan, my heart sunk when I heard it was you. I had just gotten to really know you over how-many-beers-and-glasses-of-wine, when we were at computer school in Pasadena. My mind replays our pub crawling each night, and Starbucks in the morning to wake us up for another day of headaches trying to learn Encase!!

Through you I got to know Dionne, Josh, and little Gabs, and I saw the love you had for them in your soul of souls, and heart of hearts. I am so torn that you won't see them grow, and they won't have their dad to guide them, to be their soil as they grow. I am so sorry for Dionne that you are no longer at her side.

In your eternal rest, Dan, know that we will be with Dionne as long as she wants us to be. Know that you will be be a part of SLPD for all eternity. Know that I, and others that follow, will pass down the kind of man you were, and generations of SLPD personnel to come, will know about you.

Nels, I look at your picture, and I still have a hard time grasping this. I feel I could reach out and touch you.

I miss you so much, little bud. What I wouldn't give for one more argument over the merits of Merlot as a stand alone varietal!! You're still wrong!!

To you Dan, from Les Miserables:

Drink with me, to days gone by
Sing with me the songs we knew
Here's to pretty girls
Who went to our heads
Here's to witty girls
Who went to our beds
Here's to them
And here's to you!

Drink with me to days gone by
To the life that used to be
At the shrine of friendship
Never say die!
May the wine of friendship
Never run dry
Here's to you
And here's to me

Forever your friend,
Rick

Training Manager Rick Turner #997
San Leandro Police Department

August 11, 2005

May God Bless you. Your family , friends and fellow Officers are in my Prayers.Every time an Officer dies a Piece of each one of us also dies. Rest in Peace Brother.

RetPaState Narcotics Agent II DiMiceli
Pa Office Of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations

August 11, 2005

I've known Dan online for many years, and continued to correspond with him in emails & instant messages long after he ceased to be a 'regular' in the chatrooms we'd frequent.

He always sent me his gun club's monthly newsletter (which he edited) and I've saved every one.

I remember many times we discussed his life, and I was one of many, who encouraged him to follow his dream and join the law enforcement community. Yes, he even wrote me of his academy adventures..the ups & downs.

I never got a chance to meet him or his family, in real life. It seems when I was in his area, we just couldn't get our schedules to match. Such is the nature of our work. But we didn't mind...we "understood without saying."

I will surely miss him as much as I will ever miss anyone.

God Bless you Dan...and your family.

Senior Patrol Agent Brian Gervol
US Border Patrol

August 11, 2005

A couple of your fellow Officers and Explorers are here this week with us at the San Diego Explorer Academy. Our hearts go out to them as they knew you well. The Explorers are here to carry on for our future and to continue in your memory. Thank you for being part of our family in blue. Our sympathy to your family and fellow department members.

San Anselmo Police Explorer Post #306
San Anslemo Police

August 11, 2005

Your sacrafice will never be forgoten. Rest easy brother.

Ofc Michael Wilhelm
The George Washington University Police Dept

August 10, 2005

Nels

How lucky I was that you were assigned to my shift and I got the privilege to work with you. Your down to earth nature, sense of humor and never-ending smile attracted me to you immediately and the bond was formed. I treasure our coffee breaks together and our 40's just to shoot the breeze. You were a man who loved life and the phone call of your shooting truly broke my heart. Although it was good to see my fellow brothers and sisters in arms, the circumstances of the reunion could not have been sadder. I will do my best to keep in touch with your wife and kids and I will never ever forget you. Rest in peace Dano. I already know your up in Heaven making it a brighter place. You were one of the good ones and will always be missed.

Laurie DeMott
Retired Officer SLPD

August 10, 2005

I don't know Officer Niemi but I regard him as óne of ús. I wish the strength to carry on to all people who have miss Officer Niemi.

Brigadier Eric Jansen
Rotterdam Police (Netherlands)

August 9, 2005

You are in my prayers during this difficult time.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

August 9, 2005

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Niemi Family. It is always a sad day when a brother is lost. Mrs. Niemi hold your children and tell them of a brave hero they called "Dad". Brother Niemi will not be forgotten and my prayers go to you and the children.

May god watch over you and the children.

Officer W. Flesher
Surprise Police Dept.

August 9, 2005

Couarge is the thing. All goes if courage goes.

Be at peace Brother.

Heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Niemi.

Ofc. SCott Bachman
Baltimore County (MD) PD

August 9, 2005

Our heartfelt grief goes out to the family of this officer who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Parole Officer
NYS Division of Parole

August 9, 2005

I have had the pleasure of meeting representatives from your department this week during the Explorer Academy. Hearing the memories that they have of Officer Niemi just confirms that he was a wonderful man and a person that I am sorry that I did not have the pleasure to meet while on this earth.

I wish the Niemi family and friends and the San Leandro Police Department comfort and support during this difficult time.

RAA #1354
Escondido PD

August 8, 2005

To the family of Officer Niemi; As I have experienced in the past, it is the famlies that are in the deepest pain...

My Fire Dept Chaplin once told me to remember the three "T's" when dealing with loss...

TIME

Talk

Tears

Talking and crying come easy...but the time seems to take for ever...

I hope you talk and weep!!

Please hold the children close and often...

and Mom...remember to reach out...and ask for a hug too...

I wish you well...

Captain Tony Slimick
San Mateo County Firefighters

August 7, 2005

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

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE BUFFALO, NEW YORK

August 7, 2005

My heart goes out to Officer Niemi family. God Bless the peace keepers for they support and defend that in which we hold dear. Rest in peace my brother.

Deputy Sheriff Mark Reese
Alameda County Sheriffs Office

August 6, 2005

My condolences

August 6, 2005

“Brother Niemi” … I am a complete loss for words. That phone call in the middle of the night was one I had hoped I would never receive, but I did, and it was about you.
WHY ?
Why did the Lord feel that he needed to call you home so soon.
I am a better person for having known you. You taught me so much. Thank you
for the talks in the jail, at breakfast, over drinks, and being my line-up buddy.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom, sense of wicked humor and your family with me.
Thank you for always making me feel like “one of the guys” and including me in all of the chaos our 3-12 mid shift had to offer. I love you and will miss you forever.

And as only you can laugh about it, because it is a Journey song, I leave these words:

Remember Me

Find myself all alone
In darkness without you
Now I can’t turn away
From what I must do
You know I’d give my life for you
More than words can say
I’ve shown you how to love someone
I know you’ll find the way

Say goodbye, close your eyes
Remember me
Walk away, the sun remains
Remember me

I’ll live on somewhere in your heart
You must believe
Remember me

No way I can change my mind
I don’t have the answers
If you could see through my eyes
You’d let go of your fears
And though I have to leave you now
With the thought of each other
I’ll miss your touch
You call my name
I am with you forever
With the change, we can’t explain
Remember me

You know I’d give my life for you
More than words can say
I showed you how to love someone
I know you’ll find the way

Be there to watch over you
Remember me
Feel I’m gone
My heart lives on
Remember me

Don’t you think of this as the end
I’ll come into your dreams
Remember me

Close your eyes
Say goodbye
Remember me
Say you will

Close your eyes
Remember me
Say you will

Say goodbye
Remember me

Jailer Robin Thompson #1038
San Leandro Police Department

August 6, 2005

On behalf of The Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club Chapter XVIII Tracy, Ca. we are deeply sadden of the loss of our brother Nels. Our prayers are with the family and friends of Officer Niemi.

San Leandro Police Department may our prayers and thoughts be with you.

SOME TRUST IN CHARIOTS, AND SOME IN HORSES; BUT WE WILL REMEMBER THE NAME OF THE LORD OUR GOD.
THEY HAVE BOWED DOWN AND FALLEN; BUT WE HAVE RISEN AND STAND UPRIGHT.
SAVE, LORD! MAY THE KING ANSWER US WHEN WE CALL. PSALM 20:7

Linda Reese Tracy, CA.

Linda Reese Deputy spouse
Alameda County Sheriff Dept.

August 5, 2005

Every night before my husband leaves for work I take a moment to say a prayer for his safe return in the morning as well as the other officers that work with him. There is nothing more devastating than getting that phone call or visit in the middle of the night to hear that your husband has been shot. I pray that I will never have to experience that in my life. With each prayer every night, I will be praying for your wife and children. Though you may be gone, they will never be alone.

Sarah
Wife of SLPD

August 5, 2005