Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Piquette, you are truly missed. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of you. I only wish I could have seen you one more time and talked to you. I miss you and pray for your family everyday.

Academy Classmate #294
LASD

September 22, 2006

Hi Uncle Dave! It's me again. School has started and well its hard. Mom and Ba Ngaoi are doing ok. We all miss you. Oh Uncle Dave, if only you were still here. yesterday we went to the dodger game in honor of you. Aunt Shawna is being strong and so is justin and jordan. Some of my friends said that death isn't the end and i know that it's not. You are now in Heaven with the Lord and are in a safer place. You are up there waiting for your knew asignment from the Lord. Uncle Dave there is just one favor I ask of you in Heaven; Protect us. Keep us safe. I love you uncle dave.
love and miss you,
Leah

Leah
Neice

September 20, 2006

dave i can remember you coming over to our apartment to help us shine our shoes. we were all busy trying to get through the academy, but you still found time to help people with something as simple as shining shoes. your family and friends should be very proud. you worked at the roughest jail and worked at the roughest station,not to mention your great military service. to become an academy instructor after just ten years of service is remarkable. you had everything in the world to brag about but you never did. your parents and wife should be very proud of you. i recently saw an espn story on pat tillman. one of his friends said when he heard the news of his death he said no way that could have happend that guy is superman. that guy stoled my line. you were the best of the best.

lasd class 294 classmate
lasd

September 16, 2006

Hi Dave,

Last Saturday on our way to pick up our new puppy, we drove by the accident site. It happened quiet by accident. As I noticed we were getting closer, I let Jason know we were near and then he saw the Fry's…we grabbed each other's hand and in silence said a special prayer. We were driving and came upon it very quickly, but our hearts stopped for a second... as we marveled in the flowers people leave to your memory. I hope you heard our prayers…

As far as the puppy, she is so cute! You would love her, she looks like a mini-version of Sandy!

We love you and think of you all the time.

Maria and Jason

Maria
Sister-in-law

September 15, 2006

Dear Shawna, Jordan & Justin. I only met you a week ago, but after reading everything about your daddy and meeting the three of you I feel like I have known you a lot longer! What a wonderful husband and father you had! I wish I could have met him. I feel so privileged to have gotten to know you Shawna, you are an amazingly strong woman. Your faith in God is amazing & what a wonderful support team you have. I am so happy we go to the same church and I really hope to keep our new found friendship going. Jordan & Justin.. you are two very special and precious little ones. Justin, I think you look just like your daddy & Jordan, you have the most beautiful eyes!! My girls love you both and enjoy playing with you! Shawna, if you ever need anything I want you to know we are always here for you... if I can help with ANYTHING.. please let me know! I cant even imagine what you must be going through.. so I pray this fundraiser is a HUGE success and the monetary part of it will help you with the financial difficulties that come your way!! May God continue to watch over you and your family during these so very difficult times! Tammy Horsley

Tammy Horsley
Wife of Mike Horsley-LASD

September 8, 2006

Howdy Neighbor,
One of the hardest decisions in leaving Corona was loosing our wonderful neighbors & the beauty of the hills. Since we don't have children it was a tough decision between Justin & Jordan or collecting horses. Unfortunately I already had a couple of horses & really wanted them at home. The fortunate part is we remained friends & didn't loose our neighbors, we just didn't get to see them as often.
This last weekend I was honored to be at Justin & Jordan's dedication. Through all Shawna's heartache, the amazement at her strength is unbelievable. After loosing her husband & best friend, her belief in God is still so strong that she made a promise to the Lord to raise your darlings in his name. What a wonderful morning. After, we went to Grazianos which was a perfect get together to celebrate the event. The restaurant was empty & we sat where we celebrated the twins 3rd Birthday. It wasn't as hectic and was definitely extra special. This is where Betty told me about this internet site & that I should write in. I couldn't wait to get started on stories, so here we go with two special events.
At Graziano's the memory that came back to me was our last visit there. The day before Easter celebrating the twins birthday my husband decides to tempt you with fishing on Easter Sunday. Now anyone knows this is a family day and it shouldn't have gone any further except your father-in-law joined in. I figured Shawna would never talk to us again. I even called her Easter morning to make sure I was forgiven for the boys need to be outdoors. I was only off the hook if two of you made it home ON TIME!!! Thanks for being punctual boys. I am so glad all of you had that special morning bonding with God & his beauty.
Another special day was the day the twins came home from the hospital. You see I volunteered to suppply a dinner. We were the 1st meal since we were right next door. For some reason it didn't stop that night. I made a very average Lasagne but with Dave's great passion for food he seemed to think it was exceptional. (what a compliment!) From that day on all request were for lasagne & any time I would cook one he would get a portion or two or possibly his very own for special occassions. Shortly before the accident we got to share a special evening together for a meal at our most recent place. Can you believe Dave almost boycotted dinner since lasagne wasn't on the menu. I'm sure we all know what the outcome was since with Dave the stomache always wins. Boy for his size he sure could eat!
Dave it's two months today and still so hard to believe you are not with us here on earth. We know you are close by but for those of us left behind it's not always easy to move on. You are with us in our thoughts and prayers and please know that your support group from your life here with family and friends are taking wonderful care of your amazing wife & beautiful children.
All our Love Mike & Judy DeBruyn (9-7-06)

Judy DeBruyn
Old neighbor & friend

September 7, 2006

"FOR WE LIVE BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT".
(PAUL'S SECOND EPISTLE) CORINTHIANS II 5:7

U.S.D.O.J.
F.BO.P.

September 4, 2006

I just heard the tragic news and was shocked. I new David all through high school. He was one of my best friends. I remember his hugh smile and he amazing kindness. We use to ditch auto shop class and drive his black camero around and talk or go to lunch. He was a great friend to me. The last time I saw him was in 2004 and he was very excited about his career as a sheriff. I couldn't be more proud to have him as my friend. My condolences to Shawna and his family. He will be greatly missed.

Briana Pinney
High School Friend

August 30, 2006

Sir, I honor your service and your sacrifice. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9.

Daniel
Citizen

August 29, 2006

Dave,

You've given so much and have touched the lives of many without asking for anything in return. You are a man of honor, a true gentleman. Thank you for your friendship. God bless you and your family and may you rest in peace good friend.

Loc Pham
Friend

August 25, 2006

Letter For Ba Nogi $5

Dear Lan,

I received your heart-breaking note and newspaper on Tuesday. I wanted to call you but every time I picked up the phone, I started crying. I have also begun many letters to you. I just couldn't complete them as my sadness for you is so strong that all I can do is cry!

I don’t know if you realize this or not, but, to know you Lan, is to love you and your family! I feel closer to you and your family than many of my life-long friends. I can’t even imagine your pain! God is good and merciful, but I wish we knew why he takes the best so young, leaving such an empty place in our hearts and home. I trust someday we will know the answer. David was such a wonderful person with such a loving family who needed and loved him so much!

Lan, without David, your life has changed forever. An adult child burying a parent is natural. Parents, burying their child is not. The sting and pain of your loss has to be overwhelming. Be patient, healing a broken heart takes time. With time the pain of your loss will be replaced with all the wonderful memories you have of 35 years with David. Thank God for those 35 wonderful years. Until that time grieve as you must, pamper and take care of you and your family. Your strong faith and religion will help you.

I was pleased to read about the wonderful tributes given by so many wonderful friends and dignitaries at his service. David was such a great human being, I am not surprised that he was honored by the attendance of over 5000 people including Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, California Secretary of State Bruce McPherson and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Please give Bill, Lisa, Richie, and Shawna my sympathy and love. Tell Shawna to hold her little ones tightly and to remind themthat Daddy's in heaven with God and although we miss him we know he is in a good, safe place. Someday you all will be together again.

I love all of youand care deeply,
Jacque


P.S. Lan, I wish I was with you. I would give you a Hug! And I would hope that you wouldn't mind too much.

Jaque
Mom's Friend

August 24, 2006

Hi Dave!

It's Maria again, your now "official" new sister-in-law. I wanted to tell you that our wedding was beautiful, and Jason and I knew and felt you standing right there next to him. We remembered you in our prayers during Mass that day and saw your great smile in our slide presentation. We were blessed to have Shawna and the kids there with us that day. Jordan danced the night away, she is quiet the ballerina and Justin played all night!!!
Thank you for blessing us with a beautiful niece and a very handsome nephew! And Shawna looked beautiful, I am soo glad she could share this day with us....

Jason took you to Hawaii with him, by wearing the black bracelet all week.... he kept talking to it and telling him "see Dave..we are in Hawaii now!!".

You are in our thoughts and prayers..always...
Love,

Jason and Maria

Maria
Sister-in-law

August 23, 2006

God bless to the family, friends and co-workers of deputy Piquette. Thank you for your service.

mjw643

August 23, 2006

I do not have any connection to the Piquette family other than from the heart. I heard their story and my heart seemed to break in a million pieces. I can relate to Shawna in many ways. I have a 4 year old son and a 2 year old daughter and my husband works for LA Co Fire Dept.

I will continue to pray for the family.

Respectfully,

Andrea Berklite

Andrea Berklite
no relation

August 22, 2006

I still can't believe you are gone. Thanks for always being a friend and always giving me a helping hand (darn, MDT). We miss your bright smile or is that a dorky smile. Either way, you are missed by all you've touched. You are the definition of a leader, father and friend. We love and miss you Dave....

Deputy
294

August 19, 2006

FINAL CALL

An angel must leave his place of rest
Gently tucking his wings beneath his armored vest.
For duty has called, there is much work at hand
Little did he know this one's dressed in green and tan.
Arriving on scene he knows just what to say
Follow me, my brother, I'll show you the way.
Your duty has ended, your work is now through
Come hang your hat beside mine; I'm a cop, too.

Rest in Peace, Sir.

LASD FAMILY

August 18, 2006

I MISS YOU SO MUCH DAVE.THIS HAS FOREVER CHANGED ME.THE ONLY THING THAT WILL NOT CHANGE IS OUR BOND.DAVE REMEMBER JUSTIN AND JORDAN WILL KNOW EXACTLY WHO THEIR FATHER WAS.THEY WILL KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU.ALL YOUR STORIES AND ADVENTURES WILL LIVE ON THROUGH ME.

LOVE YOUR LITTLE BRO

RICH PIQUETTE
BROTHER

August 18, 2006

Deputy Piquette,

We miss you very much here at the academy, every recruit wishes that you were here. Its not the same anymore. Yeah, we train with several other force instructors, but you were different..
"I guess we can ask a lot, but take only what is offered".

May god bless your wife and beautiful children.
LASD Class #350

Deputy Sheriff Trainee
LASD

August 17, 2006

David,my family did not really get to know you but i can see from the outpour of support and love Shawna and Justin and Jordan are receiving you were a great police officer,husband and father.Thank you for protecting us all and serving your country.Your watch might be over but God's watch over your wife and children will never end.May you rest in peace and know your love and caring spirit will live on through your wonderful children and wife.You will truly be missed and be in everyone hearts forever.Love always Barbara,Scott,Joshua,Jacob Apperson

Barbara Apperson and Family

August 16, 2006

When I was little, I used to write letters to Dave, while he was in the USMC. He sent me back stickers with his letter. I told him how I wanted to be a grunt. I wanted to be like Dave. The few times we were able to visit, i'd sit in his room with him playing with his grenades and what not. He'd show me how to pull the pin and where the trigger was on the bazooka. Family is all we ever have. It's good to have a beautiful person like you in ours. I miss you. I love you. Take care cuz. You're still my hero.

Shaun San Agustin
Cousin

August 15, 2006

Thanks!
For protecting this country!
For protecting Los Angeles County!
For being an outstanding father of two!
You became an outstanding hero by the nuturing and discipline of more heros, Your Father and Mother.
What terrific people they are. I am blessed to have met you. Your brother Rich, my best friend of many, is a member of a elite group of family. You "All" are making a difference in others lifes that are beneficial. This is the type of people we hopefully choose as our friends and want to be around us. I cannot say enough thanks for letting me be a part of your great family. I have been going to school for years to become one of the best nurses. During my struggles in life and setteling down and starting a family of my own i look up to you and say, "How can i make a difference to this world". Many people laugh but this is what separates heros from ordinary people. It takes many years to become an outstanding person. And you Dave became someone that i look up to. A hero. We are in the same field Dave, in the field of helping and making a difference. We have to sacrifice our personal lives so that others live no matter if we are on or off duty. You are a hero Dave and you surrounded yourself by them. To Bill, Lan, Lisa, and Rich Piquette, thank you for being who you are. You have changed the lives of many in the world of ugliness.

Jeff

Jeff
Friend

August 14, 2006

Deputy Piquette,

I really don't even know where to begin. I want to thank you for your dedication and strength that you showed us during our days of training. Although we didn't spend much time together your guidance gave us all inspiration to pull through and continue in our careers. I will hold what you told us close to my heart "When you go 10-8, you must be great!"

Rest in peace Deputy Piquette your strength and dedication will NEVER be forgotten.

Recruit LASD S/R Class 106
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept.

August 14, 2006

Sir,
Several of us from Class 105 and 106 met Shawna, Jordan, Justin (face covered with dirt), your lovely mom, you dad and your brother Richard today at the BBQ. Those of us who only knew you as our force training instructor got a glimpse of who you are as a husband, father, son and brother. You have an incredible family. Shawna is being so strong for the babies, she is a beautiful person. It was truly an honor to meet her. Shawna pointed out your mom so we could meet her, too. She was serving food to everyone. We said hello and told her you taught our classes and she said she was glad we got to meet you. You could see the sadness in her eyes, but she was smiling - you could tell how proud she was of you. We told Shawna that you would never be forgotten. We are soon-to-be deputies and officers and we will always remember what you taught us about keeping oursleves safe. You would be proud to see how far we've come.
Rest in peace, sir.

Debbie Iketani
LASD

August 14, 2006

Dave,

It is 12:00am and like so many nights lately I lay here thinking of you. It’s been a little over a month since you left us. Time has flown by quickly, but it has not lesson the pain our family is feeling. Kaitlyn your niece cried while watching a superman cartoon the other day, when I asked her why, she said “it made her think of you”. And she is right, you were a super guy. Mom tries to be strong , but cries everyday because she misses her baby boy. Rich went and got your tattoo on his arm in honor of you and Dad goes by the accident site everyday and puts fresh flowers and an American flag there for you. I miss you a lot and still can’t believe you’re gone. I sit and type as tears roll down my chin. I can’t express the emptiness I feel that our family is missing a piece to it. People say “that time heals all wounds”, but it’s not true. It might lesson the pain, but this is a wound our family can never be healed of. There will always be a piece missing. I miss your goofy smile and that look to get when you’re doing something wrong and waiting to be caught. All the complaints you would give me on your drive home about your day not letting me off the phone just because you wanted company while sitting in traffic. I miss you a lot bro. Every time I think of you I cry. I cry for the memories we’ve shared and for the ones that you will not be a part of. Knowing you will not be around to see my kids or yours grow up to be the best that they can be because of your influence. I always thought we would compare notes about which kid was driving us crazy. Remember how you tease about me going thru the teenage years with Leah and Kaitlyn first so that you would know what to expect from Jordan. Or all the trouble our two sons would get into together when they got older, they would have you to bail them out at 2: 00 in the morning.

I know we are not suppose to question God’s will, but I still ask every night. Why would God take such a great person who was sooo much needed still down here. It really does seem unfair that only the good die young. It hurts a lot to see the twins and have them tell me that you are in their hearts and that your in God’s house now. I have to try really hard not to break into tears in front of them. They are blessed that you’ve built such a network of friends that are there now to help them and Shawna in their hour of need. For that I am greatful, because we on your side cannot help as much as we like because the pain is too extreme for us still. We have known you all your life, have seen you grow to be the much respected man that you were. We knew of your dreams, your worries and your concerns. Be free of them now bro, we will always be there for the twins and Shawna. Although we didn’t always see eye to eye on everything and it was never said enough,
I LOVED YOU AND ALWAYS WILL. Peace be with you my brother.

Lisa Walsh
sister

August 13, 2006

My dear sweet baby,
Today I write for the first time. It is August 12, over one month since this nightmare began. My heart aches as I sit and think of you. I have our son in my arms fast asleep at this very moment. The pain is so intense. This little boy snuggled on my chest..he is apart of us, our creation. Our baby girl is asleep in her bed. She misses her daddy so. She puts her soft, baby hands clutched tight together before bedtime every night. She talks to you, tells you about her day and how much she loves you. David.. I need you. The kids and I miss you so much. I often flash back to you coming home from work. You would pull into the drive, drop your bags and embrace our babies. I can see your strong arms holding them so tight. You would stand up and carry them into the house. I would get a kiss from you, God I miss that... then, you would begin your "ground-fighting" with the kids. You know how much they looked forward to that time with you, as I did watching all of you on the living room floor. No matter how your day was, you would always have that time with the kids. Never did I hear you tell them that you were too tired for them. You are so amazing baby. I am so honored to be your wife. I will forever adore you. Your strength will forever guide me in raising our beautiful babies. I see you through them in so many ways. Thank you my darling... thank you for 16 beautiful years. I will have you safe, here in my heart. You are in our babies hearts. Justin often puts his hand over his heart and says "mommy, daddy is in my heart". "Yes, he is baby... daddy will forever be in our hearts".

I will see you again David, just not yet, not yet my love. 16 years today... I LOVE YOU!!!!

Forever and Ever Amen,

Shawna

Your Baby
WIFE

August 12, 2006