Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

it's been said a million times over, but that just doesn't seem like enough for me--so, here's to you, kelso. here's to your honesty, your undying loyalty, and your everlasting faith. here's to your love of life and laughter. here's to your wife, children--here on earth and in heaven--mother, father, brother and family. here is to THE JOB YOU DIED FOR, even if it was only to see a little hope on a face in despair. you're an angel kid, so i guess that promotion couldn't wait. you will ALWAYS AND FOREVER be in our hearts and never EVER forgotten. thank you for everything you've already done, and thank you in advance for all you are to do--

Officer
HPD

September 3, 2005

Daniel Golden

A true blue Police Officer who lived and breathed the job he done, fulfilling his childhood dreams as a Huntsville Police Officer.

Kelso, knowing you was an honor and a privilege and though we only met on a few occasions I can truly say that you loved your job and set an example for others to follow. You laid down your life on August 29TH leaving behind a wife, family and many friends. You made the ultimate sacrifice but I know in my heart that if you knew today the price you have to pay you would not hesitate to respond to prevent someone else from meeting your fate. Kelso you will be truly missed by all. Rest in Peace brother!

Lt. Steve Watson
Madison County Sheriff's Department

September 3, 2005

Daniel tonite is the fifth night that you've been away from us. Believe me when I say that were all praying for you and your Family. Everyone in lawenforcement understands were all a Family not to mention your Family that is left at home when you come in to work. We stand up and do the right thing day in and day out and you lead by example. I'am only able to type this now because I haven't read any reflections today. It's hard for me to read them because it always brings tears to my eyes and I have to stop reading for awhile. We cannot second guess God's plan, But sometimes like this ....lets just say it gets hard. Kelso I really appreciate everything you've done for me and one day when we meet again I"ll still owe you a hug. There is so many things I still want to say, But I guess you understand I can't type anymore. God Bless Us All and my prayers will forever be there for both your Families.

Tommy Mayo
HPD

September 3, 2005

Somebody killed a policeman today,
and a part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect,
will be buried with him at his side.
The suspect that shot him will stand up in court,
with counsel demanding his rights.
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids,
and spend many long, lonely nights.
The beat that he walked was a battle field too,
just as if he'd gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,
to his name they will add a gold star.
Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,
in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
a cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
and he stands at each new rookie's side.
He answered the call, of himself gave his all,
and a part of America died.


"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God."

September 3, 2005

Daniel,
I've known you for many years - back when your mom coached basketball at Flintville when I was young. Idon't recall every seeing you without a smile. You were always saying something that made everyone laugh whether you meant to or not - that was just your personality. You had your worries and concerns like everyone else and for some reason you'd ask me for advice. I'm not sure why you chose me but I am blessed to have had those conversations with you. You will be greatly missed but will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Daniel. We wear orange and white just for you.

To the family,
Daniel was loved by so many as you can see by reading the memorials and by those that attended the funeral - there were faces there that you probably never saw and names on the registry that don't sound familiar - just know that they are people who care. Daniel took pride in his work but family always came first. I am so sorry for your loss and am honored to have known him. God bless.

To those standing along the roadside during the procession,
Whether you held your hand over your heart, saluted, or held a flag, it was nice to see that there are others out there who didn't know Daniel but cared enough to show respect. Thank you.

To those citizens reading who are just curious,
Everything you read about Daniel is true. He was a wonderful person on duty and off. Funerals are of course sad in the first place because you are mourning the loss of a loved one, a friend but at an officers funeral...well, if the changing of the Honor Guard doesn't get to you then maybe it will be the 21 gun salute...or the playing of the bag pipes... or the flag being handed to his wife at the graveside ceremony. Most people don't understand or really care to know what officers go through. You watch it on TV then turn it off and go to bed, but for the officers and their families it's something you can't turn off. The fear, the worries, just praying that the last conversation you had wasn't an argument. Did I tell him I loved him before he left to go to work to help others and to respond to calls where they aren't happy to see the police. The next time you hear sirens coming up behind you, move out of the way - they may be on their way to help one of your family members and when someone drives through your yard and knocks over your flower pot and you're upset because an officer isn't there yet and call back demanding someone arrive ASAP... think of Daniel. Your precious flower pot can wait.

Daniel is looking over us from Heaven but as for Benito, well, there's a special place in hell for him.

We miss you Daniel!

Shelley, friend
Huntsville Police Department

September 3, 2005

Just want to pass on my thoughts and prayers to the immediate family of Officer Golden. To the extended family of brothers, and sisters in the Law Enforcement community, thank you for continuing to serve their respective communities.
Officer Golden, REST IN PEACE OFFICER.
To your family, know that you have a BLUE ANGEL looking over you.
To everyone else, even in our own country, FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!!!
From one vetern to the Huntsville Police Department, your loss is felt, and Officer Golden will not be forgotten!

"STITCH"
1/1 MEDIC-COLORADO FIREFIGHTER/EMT

September 3, 2005

I must be rare in having a friend in the Huntsville Police Department - most Brits have never heard of Huntsville. Thus it was I learned of this tragedy, for that is what it is. I personally knew an officer who died in this way. It hurt - and no words are ever enough.

I didn't know officer Golden, I have met, and was treated courteously by, several officers from Huntsville. I just wish so much, that this had never happened. God be with you all.

Roy Grove,
Exeter,
England.

Roy Grove (Police Constable) retired
Devon & Cornwall Constabulary

September 3, 2005

RIP BROTHER

Reserve Deputy Enriquez
MCSO Montgomery County TN.

September 3, 2005

No word, no gesture seems adequate enough to express the sorrow we feel at this fine young man's passing. May he rest in peace and may his dedication and service to others be rewarded heavan.

Rest In Peace.

Special Agent
United States Secret Service, Washington, DC

September 3, 2005

On behalf of the members of the Fayetteville Police Department, Daniel, you will be greatly missed. I look forward to meeting you again one day in a place where police officers are no longer needed.

Lieutenant Patrick Murdock
Fayetteville Police Department

Lieutenant Patrick Murdock
Fayetteville Police Department

September 3, 2005

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Officer Golden. I attended the services along with Officer Worthy and our field sergeant, Sgt. Bradley. I never met him but I could tell he was well liked and respected within his department and the community he policed. The freedoms we enjoy are not free.

Officer Farris
Gadsden F.O.P Lodge #2

September 3, 2005

My heart and my prayers go out to P.O. Golden's family, teh Huntsville Police Department and the community he served. His untimely sacrifice is not in vain. We all share collectively in your grief and your loss.

Detective Donald E. Sanchez (Ret.)
NYPD

September 3, 2005

To be a police officer is a calling for many that can't be denied.... Daniel had that calling. It was in his nature to want to help others. There is no doubt that he did not love his job and take pride in doing it. It is obvious that Daniel had a positive impact on so many people's lives. I am so proud to be one of those many. My heart hurts for his fellow HPD officers. You guys will be in my thoughts and prayers. Dee, you are my hero. You have many brothers taking care of you now. Time will ease your pain, but Daniel "Kelso" Golden will NEVER be forgotten. May we all be better people because of him.

DeAnna McCarver
wife and sister-in-law of HPD officers

September 3, 2005

He was a Exelent officer,I hate to see him go!!!!

Harley Boyett

September 3, 2005

To the family,friends and co-workers of Ofc.Golden,we are so sorry for your loss and we to have lost a brother Officer.When a brother or sister Officer has been taken from us we all feel the hurt and pain.Just know your neighbors in Tennessee will have you in our thoughts and prayers.I have spent alot of time in Huntsville as I was born and raised only fifty miles from there.Officer Golden,the reflections I have read about you tell me just what kind of person and Officer you are and I know you will be proud of that.You my brother are a TRUE HERO!WE hope and pray that justice will be served on the low life scum that took your life!Goodbye my brother in blue and we will continue to do the job in your and all our fallen brothers and sisters honor.

Cpl. David Hazlett
Berry Hill P.D./ Nashville,Tn.

September 3, 2005

My heart goes out to the family, co-workers,and friends. I've been at a loss for words for days, but I have to say that this man was one of the the most generous,sincere and hardworking person I know. I came into contact with him during some very stressful times in my life this past year and he really had an impact on me from day one. Always had a smile and kind words. He had a way to make you feel everything was going to be okay. He told me to keep pushing on and keep praying. I want to extend those words to each and every person that may read this post.

He will be truly missed and never forgotten.

TeKeyla Harris Fletcher
Huntsville City Employee

September 3, 2005

To the family of Officer Golden,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss, so often the life of a loved one is taken far too soon. Matthew 5:3-12
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,
Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted,
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth,
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy,
Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God,
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven, for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The Snow Family
Oxford, AL

September 3, 2005

My deepest sympathies to the family and the department. Know that the Lord is good and will guide you through this difficult time.

Ptl. M. Knutson
Sapulpa Police Dept.

September 3, 2005

A Dispatcher's Promise
By Paula Ann Gomes

Another morning has approached
as I think of my officer again.
One of the many officers that swore
to serve and to protect,
and gave up his life in the very end.

That fateful day is something that
I am not allowed to forget.
It is that memory that reappears
each time I put on my headset.

And when I sit in front of the radio
and dispatch my officers to a priority call,
I silently hope and pray
that I hear them clear,
instead of hearing them take the fall.

You see, I have always read their voices
and sent back up when I sensed tension or fear.
But now, more than ever, it is their voice
I want to continue to hear.

Taking for granted that you will hear
an officer do another traffic stop,
just should not be done.
For it does not matter how routine
the stop or call may be,
it only takes one.

When one of our brothers or sisters
is lost in the field,
the briefing room will then be left
with an empty space.
And in our hearts it is perceived,
that this brother or sister will
never be replaced.

It is my solemn vow to all of my officers
to give my very best,
and to be the voice they want to hear
in their worst times of distress.

It is for my officers that
my loyalty is firmly planted,
And it is their voices
that I will never again,
take for granted.



I think I speak for all of us in Communications when I say this is exactly how we feel. We have lost one of 'our boys'. Rest in Peace Daniel.

R Sullivan
HPD Dispatcher

September 3, 2005

I've only been on the force a few months but I have learned one thing is for certain; we're all brothers and sisters in blue. Rest in peace Officer Golden. You will be missed. To his family and friends: I wish you strength and peace during this difficult time. We'll carry on in Daniel's name.

A Rookie Officer

September 3, 2005

Thanks for the great service you provided for the states of Tennessee and Alabama.You will be greatly missed.

Dorothy Flannery

September 3, 2005

A Policeman's Prayer

Lord, I ask for courage;
Courage to face and conquer my own fears...
Courage to take me where others will not go.

I ask for strength;
Strength of body to protect others...
Strength of spirit to lead others.

I ask dedication;
Dedication to my job to do it well...
Dedication to my community to keep it safe.

Give me, Lord, concern;
For all those who trust me...
And compassion for those who need me.
And, please, Lord, through it all; be at my side.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God-Matthew 5:9

Daniel- you were truly a peacemaker.

Mrs. Sandy Pendergraft
Wife of Lt. Barry Pendergraft HPD

September 2, 2005

Daniel,

I remember us playing backyard football as kids and playing football at Flintville Junior High. Also, this is one of the fondest memories I had.(If you ever needing anything Daniel was there) I needed a ride to school because I was without a vehicle and I called Daniel and he said," Yea I'll give you a ride...I'll come by in the morning." That is the kind of guy he was. He always had that big smile and was willing to help any and everyone out. Brother, I know you are in a better place. You are an angel now...wear those wings proudly because you deserve them.

To the Family,
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. I asked the Lord to give you strength as you face the days ahead.

With Deepest Sympathy,
Jason & Amanda Bagby

Jason & Amanda Bagby
A Part of the Pendergrass and Snow Road Gang

September 2, 2005

Daniel,
I really thought alot of you!

I remember when we and "The Flintville Gang" used to play backyard football, run up and down, spend the night at each others house,and just be kids.We played football together at Flintville Junior High and I never imagined...
As hard as it is to let you go I know that you are in a better place now...a place where you are wearing the wings because you are an angel of the Lord now. You were those wings proudly. Thank you for your service and you sacrifice that you gave for the Huntsville community.
As for the Golden Family,
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. I asked the Lord to give you the strength to face the days ahead.

September 2, 2005

God bless the family of Officer Golden and I hope you all can find some peace and comfort after this tragic loss. "Gone, but never forgotten"

Officer Wendy Adkisson
Tucson Police Department

September 2, 2005