Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

October 3, 2020

Always remembered. Rest in peace Dale.

Ken Paris
Retired Dearborn PD Lieutenant 2002

May 10, 2019

Rest in peace Commander Bernock.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 12, 2019

Your heroism and service is honored today, the fourth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 3, 2009

To Commander Dale Bernock, his family and his fellow officers with the Dearborn Police Department:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Commander Bernock’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Commander Bernock and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

October 3, 2009

You were a good man, a good leader, a fine boss and good friend. Thanks for the guidance on the job and off. Heaven is a better place because your in it. Rest well Commander till we meet again.

Cpl.
Dearborn

February 6, 2009

Rest in peace, Commander Bernock. You have done well.

C/PO3 Sung
NJROTC

November 10, 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

November 13, 2007

You ara remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

vandenberghe
nh

October 15, 2007

Commander, it's been 2 years today since you left us prematurely. The place is not the same without you. Your influence and wisdom has been sorely missed atop the police department. It has yet to be replaced.

For the many years that I knew you, you were always a decent and fair man of strong character, a good policeman, and a positive influence on the younger officers at work. You are sorely missed, sir, and my thoughts and prayers continue to be with your widow and son as they carry on with their lives despite the large void left behind after your death.

Until we meet again, Commander, thank you.

Corporal
Dearborn P.D.

October 3, 2007

My thoughts are with your family on this day. You have not been forgotten and are a true hero. Keep watch over your loved ones and protect them from harm.

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

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

October 3, 2006

Remembering you today,and praying for your family.

The family of Austin Police Officer Amy Lynn Donovan
E.O.W. 31 October 2004

October 2, 2006

Dale,

Its been seven months now since you departed this Earth. I knew you as a supervisor, partner and most importantly a friend. We had many laughs together...I still remember all those silly 3 stooges impersonations!! Something so simple and it made our days that much better. I miss you and still cannot make sense of your premature death. I know you are in a better place, looking down on us and watching our backs. Thank you for being my friend for 20+ years Dale...rest in peace brother.

Cpl. Christopher Mertoian
Dearborn PD

June 6, 2006

I work with your sister, Donna. She speaks of you so lovingly that I know you were a special person. I am sorry that your family must walk this very painful journey. Rest in peace, Commander Bernock. Your dedication to serving the community and your courage in the face of danger will never be forgotten. Heroes live forever.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04

March 23, 2006

Rest in peace sir, and may God bless your family.

Police Officer John Pizzi
Calumet Village

December 27, 2005

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of a loved one in law enforcement. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support. As we personally know, sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

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

November 28, 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 Dale did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Dale be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Commander Bernock's family, friends, and co-workers are going through in losing him. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of loss until they've walked in our shoes. Please 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. (The Davis County Sheriff's Office and COPS 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 Dale but, I am certain he was well respected and well loved. Dale will live on in the hearts of all the lives he touched. You were all blessed to have been able to know and love Dale, even for a short time. I pray that Dale, Dennis, and all the other fallen officers will continue to watch over us all as only they can.

Thank you Commander Bernock 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)

November 11, 2005

God Bless you and your family at this time. Heroes live forever!

Brother Owen Fisher, Flint PD, EOW 7/16/05

KatieFisher

November 9, 2005

You are in my prayers.

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

November 7, 2005

Thank you for your service.

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

October 29, 2005

My family would like to extend our deepest heart felt sympathies to the family, friends, and fellow co-workers of Commander Dale Bernock. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. We would like to let law enforcement officers everywhere know how much we appreciate them for putting their lives on the line everyday doing their jobs to keep their communities safe. May God watch over and protect each & everyone of you!

Gail M Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2-16-04

October 26, 2005

Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Commander Bernock. Thank you for serving and protecting, Sir. Rest in peace.

Shirley Roberts
Aunt of Fallen Officer John Logan EOW-3-14-04

October 25, 2005

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

GOD BLESS...

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

October 22, 2005

I appreciate the respect you always showed me and my fellow dispatchers. Kindness and civility will always be associated with your name. God keep you and forever bless your family.

Dispatcher E. Baugh
Dearborn PD

October 19, 2005

Thank you for your many years of service. Rest in peace, Brother.

Deputy N. Antoniou
San Jacinto County Precinct 2

October 18, 2005