Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My dearest Shawna, Justin and Jordan: Hello my darlings. Do you know when the most awesome time of the year is? It's now. It's in this month that we celebrate our Lord and Savior's birth. This is the month that as Christians we hold on to all of His promises. Three thousand years ago, a tiny baby was born in a manger. This baby's life and purpose was ultimately to die for us and in dying for us, He gave us the hope and joy in knowing that we will someday join Him in Heaven. He made it possible for us to all be together. He will be there waiting for us and will welcome us with open arms with the most amazing abundance of love and peace and joy that we will never, ever truly begin to imagine until it is our time. In July 2006, it was Davids's time....and David walked right into His arms. He is so happy, so content. I don't believe for a moment that he has any idea the sadness and pain that you and your babies, his mother and father, brother and sister all still feel. For Dave, there is no more sorrow....no more tears. David was brought into this world by Bill and Lan for a reason. They were meant to be his parents. They were meant to nuture and take care of him. They did their job well. You were meant to be David's wife my dear Shawna. Justin and Jordan were meant to be his children. It was the Lord's destiny for all of you. Nothing happens in His world by mistake. And we will never know the answer to our whys until we see Him. How much does He love us though? Some people can live a lifetime, and never be blessed with what you and Dave had. What an incredible gift. Some people can live a life time, and never have been blessed with children. Again, as parents, Dave and his siblings were incredible gifts. Over three thousand years ago, a little baby was born. When he was 32 years old, His destiny was fulfilled. Praise the Lord for loving us so much that someday we will all be able to walk into His arms and David, and all our loved ones will be there waiting for us. I love you Shawna. I love your babies. I love and miss David. God bless all of you. And Lan, Bill and Rich I pray for His peace for you that surpasses all understanding. I pray that you are filled with His love and the hope, joy and knowledge that you will someday be with your David again as well. Merry Christmas my darling Shawna.....hugs and kisses. Aunt Janel

Aunt

December 2, 2007

"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 29, 2007

I can never thank you enough for what you taught me in the academy! "keep your hands up"...you will NEVER be forgotten!

349

Dep. Estrada
LASD

November 26, 2007

Dave,
Today is Thanksgiving and we are all together thinking about you and missing you. We had all of your favorite foods like fried shrimp and all the asian food plus the turkey.
You are truely miss and we never stop thinking about you. Mom and dad drop flowers off to all of your sites so that you know your loved by us always. It's been hard for mom with all the holidays coming up, she still misses you alot.

Piquette and Walsh family
family

November 22, 2007

Hi Dave,

Jason and I wanted to tell you we are thinking of you this Thanksgiving. We thank you for watching over all of us this year.
We miss and love you,
Jason and Maria Butler

Maria
Sister-in-Law

November 21, 2007

DAVE WE ALL MISS YOU ALOT.THINK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME.I AM VERY PROUD OF YOU.

BILL PIQUETTE
DAD

November 4, 2007

David I just had my birthday.It was so hard not having you here to celebrate it with me. The staff at the Academy had a little BBQ for Karen and I. It always makes me feel better when I go by Stars center and put new flowers in front of your office evey monday. You are so well respected throughout the department and even after a year it still feels like yesterday you were with us for me and your co workers. I know you have seen the changes in Rich. He looks up to you so much. You would be so proud of your little brother.

Love you always,
Mom

LAN PIQUETTE
MOM

October 21, 2007

DAVE
IM GONA MISS YOU BRO.I REMEMBER ON FLOAT YOU,JIM,AND I USED TO TALK ABOUT THE VACATIONS WE WERE GOING TO TAKE WHEN WE ALL GOT OUT OF THE CORPS.WE NEVER DID GET TO MAKE THOSE VACATIONS.I AM VERY GLAD I DID GET TO SEE YOU BEFORE THE ACCIDENT.EVEN THOUGH IT WAS JUST A COUPLE OF HOURS I WILL ALWAYS CHERISH THAT TIME.I WILL REMEMBER YOU ALWAYS AND WILL ALWAYS MISS YOU.SEMPER FI. BEN

BEN ATMAR
FRIEND FROM USMC

October 1, 2007

Hey Sir,

Just wanted to let you know that I got signed off training. Can you believe it? Me neither. It wasn't at Century but I hope you won't hold that against me. Really wish you were here to celebrate with me and so I could tell you that I'm applying things that you taught me every day. Thanks for keeping an eye out on us down here...

Respectfully,

Don

Deputy Don Lin
LASD IDT FNG

September 18, 2007

My sweet Love,

Why does it only seem to be getting harder? My heart aches for you everyday. You were so deserving of a good, healthy life. You worked so hard during the little time you were here. There was still so much life for you to live. I stare at your picture during the quiet nights. I reflect back in our high school days. Even back then, you were so motivated about life!! You would always tell me of your goals and what you would accomplish. Of coarse, you met ALL your goals and then some! Our life will never be the same. This pain in my heart will remain. The pain of not feeling your touch, your kiss, not seeing your handsome face. My promise to you holds true... I will raise our babies the way we spoke of together. I see you in them in so many incredible ways. I am so blessed to have a piece of you through our babies.

I miss you so much

Forever and Ever,

Shawna

Wife

September 2, 2007

Todays not a good day at all Dave...I miss you!

MISSING YOU TONS!!!!

August 29, 2007

Dave,

Not a day / moment goes by that I'm not thinking of what a wonderful human being you were and the wonderful life you led. Talking to you was always filled with encouragement and pride in all that you did. You were such a hard worker always reaching for the stars.
I think of your babies often as I have one myself and it saddens me that they will not have you, I pray for Justin & Jordan. I read your mothers reflections and my heart aches for her loss. I CAN NOT imagine the pain of losing your child. I think of Shawna and her loss. You guys were only begining and leading the life others only dreamed of, I pray for you and your entire family constantly. I pray that they seek the Lord for continued comfort and peace.
Thank you for all the years of loyal friendship I miss you TREMENDOUSLY!!!!!

Miss you tons!

August 20, 2007

I MISS U.

RICH PIQUETTE
BROTHER

August 14, 2007

Today I spend time with Lisa's famliy. We all sat here and looked at all the pictures of you. Last Christmas we spendt all together and we talked about you and how good a man and father you are. David all of are family misses you so much. My heart is aching thinking about you. Why does it have to be you. My qustion that I always ask is why? David as you know mom always love you. I have been sick since you been gone. Love you David
Mom

Lan Piquette
mom

July 30, 2007

My Baby, 1 year has passed by. You haven't been forgotten in our family. As everyday goes by I always run into people you know who say that you're hero and a great instructer. I and Dad always smile in the face, but we are crying in our hearts and we miss you soooooooooooooooooooooooooo much. Every morning when i get coffe i always get starbucks for you. Dad and me are working hard in the garden that Class 350 donated for you. It is beautiful memorial and our family, with 300 deputies, ran for you and your memory will live on for all of eternity.
Love you for every,
Mom and Dad

Mom and Family

July 30, 2007

David,
I never met you, but I feel like I know so much about you through pictures and stories, but most of all, through your son, Justin. He is so amazing David, and I know that he's everything you ever wanted him to be. I held him in my arms today, he was crying so hard after he told me that he missed his daddy. I squeezed him so tight and he just put his head on my shoulder and wept, It absolutely crushed me. (God, it's just not fair) I can't stop thinking about him - and you. I can't explain it, but within this past week, God has put such an overwhelming burden on my heart for your family.
As my wife and I prepare to have a daughter this November, I am constantly reminded each day of how amazing and precious life is, and how important it is to love the people in our lives who are special to us.
David, I never knew you, but my wife and I miss you, your legacy shines so bright through little Justin.
Shawna, Justin, and Jordan.. You are our family now, we love you so much.

Shawn and Lani

Shawn York

July 27, 2007

Sunday was the first time that I went to the accident site. It was difficult yet nice to see a memorial plaque, flowers, tons of flags and your picture in your honor. Your dad stopped by as I'm sure he does very often to pour water in your flowers.
I pray for Shawna, your babies, your parents and siblings that the Lord continues to fill them with strength and peace to get through this one moment at a time. You are sooo missed!

Missing you tons!

July 24, 2007

David, I was really sad to hear about your passing. I remember the great experiences we had back during our time together in the Marine Corps. I was just looking at some photos of our old squa!d having a good time in Singapore or the UAE, and it brought back a lot of memories. I know we lost contact for years but it does not change how things were. You were an explemplary Marine and held in great respect by the people around you. Sleep well brother! Semper Fi

Anthony O'Morda
U.S.M.C. (former)

July 19, 2007

It's been a hard day for all of us who knew you...we all miss you very much and will never forget your antics and smiling face. Shawna, Justin, Jordan, and the rest of your family...hang in there, let the memories of Dave get you through the tough times for those memories will never leave you!! Miss you

July 8, 2007

Shawna...

I may not have kept in touch, but I want you to know that I think about you and your family ALL the time.

I remember David and know how happy you were with him, and my heart aches for you and the twins now that he's gone. I can't believe it's been a year since the accident.

I see Tom and Bev occasionally and always ask how you are.

I love you.

Anne
Friend

July 7, 2007

I lit a candle for you today...in your honor and as a rememberance of the light you shed on others. It's been a difficult year but you've been present in our hearts and in our prayers. My prayers go out to your entire family and all who's lives you've touched. May you rest in eternal peace my friend.

Missing you tons!

July 7, 2007

Shawna, I only met you a few times and you were such a sweet person. I remember Dave telling me stories about the two of you when we were in the Academy. I know how much Dave loved you and I know how happy he was when you two got back together. Shawna, I pray for you today and everyday that you are able to find the strength to be strong for your kids and your family. May God bless you and your beautiful kids and know that Dave had the greatest love for you!!!!

CLASS 294
FRIEND

July 7, 2007

Piquette, I can't believe it's been a year already that your life was taken away from us. I think about you everyday and wonder how your wife and kids are doing. I went by the accident site this morning and it was so great to see that you are not forgotten, but truly missed. I pray that God helps your wife, kids, and family to be strong today. I also pray that they are able to find happiness today in celebrating your life. You were an amazing person and I thank you for the friendship and all the great memories. I miss you and PLEASE watch over us all. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!!!!!!!!!

Class 294
Friend

July 7, 2007

DAVE I CANT BELIEVE ITS BEEN A YEAR SINCE YOU LEFT US. I MISS YOU AND THINK ABOUT YOU EVERY SECOND. I WISH I COULD TURN BACK TIME DAVE. WE WILL BE TOGETHER AGAIN DAVE ONE DAY. I WILL ALWAYS HAVE YOU IN MY HEART DAVE, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN. YOU ARE THE BEST ROLE MODEL A PERSON COULD EVER HAVE.

LOVE RICH YOUR LIL BRO

RICH PIQUETTE
BROTHER

July 7, 2007

Deputy Piquette,

Today is your first anniversary of your passing. You are not forgotten!

Deputy
King County Sheriff's Office

July 7, 2007