Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Every time I think about the tragic loss of David, I think of the humble life he lead and how he would have been the last person to expect all the attention he has received. I know how diligent he was to make sure he and his family made it to heaven. I can still remember the first Sunday David brought Hannah to church. What a proud Daddy he was. The fact that he brought Jacob and Hannah to every church service he could, spoke volumes to everyone about his dedication to the Lord. David...your absence on the back row in church and Sunday school will forever be with us! You were a great friend and will be missed forever!

Cindy Emerson
Friend from Lehman Avenue

November 13, 2006

"Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again, I hold back a tear.
They patrol in the state, city, county and town,
in uniforms colored white, green, blue and brown.
The shape of their badges may vary,
but it’s a symbol that they all, proudly carry.
They leave for work with a kiss goodbye,
but some don’t come home, no matter how hard they try.
To uphold the law is the job that they pick,
with such high aspirations, why must some die so quick?
They leave behind loved ones, family and friends,
after their lives have met tragic ends.
Some die in crashes, others hearts not too stout,
too many have been lost when gunshots ring out.
Our Heavenly Father has called them home,
no more these dark streets do they roam.
Through trial and error they have given their best,
please Lord, now grant them eternal rest.
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again I hold back a tear.

God bless you and your family! Keep watching over us, we will resume the watch from here..."

PC Dave STUBBS
Staffordshire Police, England

November 13, 2006

We are deeply saddened and he is greatly missed.

Wife of Badge #196
Bowling Green Police Dept

November 12, 2006

I am glad I found this page. I was at "Slim's" funeral and burial in Gallatin, TN. "Slim" will surely be missed. He was one of the finest and nicest most dedicated officer and family man a person can ever encounter. I went through the Citizens' Police academy and rode in the squad car with Officer "Slim". My ride was supposed to last for a couple of hours patroling the City of Bowling Green. I enjoyed "Slim's" company so much that I rode with him all night -- from around 8:30 P. M. until 8 A. M. the next morning. I accepted "Slim's" invitation to ride together again and I regret not having taken him up on it. "Slim" worked at Dillard's and he never hesitated to exchange pleasantries and stop to talk whenever he'll see me. When I found out we had lost "Slim" and told my family, they exclaimed: "you mean 'Slim'"? Yes, kids. It was "Slim" that passed and we will all miss him.

Osi Onyekwuluje
Friend

November 12, 2006

You are in my prayers.

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

November 10, 2006

My heart aches any time I hear of a police officer or firefighter losing his/her life while protecting the community in which they live and work. My prayers go out to the family, friends, and co-workers of Master Police Officer David Whitson. I am so sorry for your loss.

Carol Dawson
EEO Guidance, Inc.

November 10, 2006

I always liked David because he was a country boy like me. People made fun of the way that we talked but we always understood each other. David was always laughing and made everyone around him laugh. We always talked about NASCAR and family. I am thankful to have known and served with David. I will miss his friendship and smile.

Rip David I will never forget you.

Sergeant Terry Steff
Bowling Green Police Department

November 9, 2006

May the Lord hold your family and friends in the palm of His hand. Thank-you for your service on behalf of so many, Officer Whitson. May you rest in peace.

DCM
Farmington, New York

November 9, 2006

When an officer falls, it is a sad day not only for his family, but his Brothers and Sisters in uniform. As one who has 2 brothers who also serve in Law Enforcement, I know how hard this is.
Please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers for you all.

Laury Torrence

November 9, 2006

My condolences to the family of Officer Whitson. I offer my prayers for comfrot, strength and peace.

Rita Walter

November 9, 2006

May God bless MPO David Whitson for his commitment to duty and his compassion for his fellow citizens. Bowling Green can take comfort that they have men and women of David's strength and character willing to face the challenges and dangers of law enforcement.

To my brothers and sisters at BGPD, MPO Whitson served your department and city with honor and valor. My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you; hoping that you will endure this tradegy and continue your duties with compassion and integrity.

To the family of MPO David Whitson; your loss is beyond expression. It is obvious that David is with the Lord, but that does not remove the pain of David's absence. May God's love and grace eventually replace your pain and suffering.

LT Garry Gilliam
Anchorage (AK) Police Department

November 9, 2006

Many prayers for the friends and family of this fallen hero. God bless you, MPO Whitson.

Officer Laura Ann Madore
New Bern Police Department

November 9, 2006

Rest in peace Officer David Whitson and god bless.

Sgt. Bruce Burns
Owensboro Police Dept.

November 8, 2006

David was such a wonderful person. I attended Church with David and his children for many years. He would always have a smile on his face and have a kind word for everyone. David will be missed by all. He lived a wonderful life serving this city, and serving the Lord.
Our prayers are with Holly, Jacob, and Hannah as they try to move on with their life. God will be with you always!

Ashley Turner
Lehman Avenue Church of Christ, member

November 8, 2006

May god comfort those involved, our prayers are with you all, rest in peace brother.

Ofc Minardi
New Haven Pd,CT

November 8, 2006

Officer Whitson was an exceptional father to his children. He brought them to the library on a regular basis to check out juvenile materials. He patronized the library at least once per week. He always made the staff feel safe and appreciated.

His kindness and professionalism will always be remembered,
Mary Younger

Mary Younger
Bowling Green Public Library

November 8, 2006

David was a wonderful patron. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word for us here. He would refer to our library as "His Library". His death has touched us all and he will be sadly missed. I know he will be watching us from heaven and keeping us safe.

Robyn Murphy
Bowling Green Public Library

November 8, 2006

Officer Whitson will be greatly missed by all of the Bowling Green Public Library staff. He was a valued patron, who with his wife and children participated in our programs and weekly visited to check out books. All of us at the library were always glad to see him and thought of him as our personal policeman. I remember talking to him while my husband was in Iraq about him possibly going to Iraq to help train policemen. I discouraged him from going for fear he would be in greater danger and knew the stress it would be on his wife and children. We need to realize our police officers face danger every day and thank
God for them and ask Him to keep them safe, where ever they serve.

Toni McIntyre
Bowling Green Public Library

November 8, 2006

To the men and women of the Bowling Green Police Department, to the family and friends of Officer Whitson, our hearts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.

To the officers who were present at the time of David's death...though your actions may have contributed to his death, please know that your law enforcement family understands that your actions were in good faith and that you were doing what you believed to be the right thing during an incident that was in absolute chaos, in an effort to save David's life. I know there is little anyone can say right now to make the pain any less, but know that our hearts and prayers are with you.

To the officers and residents of Bowling Green...do everything possible to take the two surviving officers under your wings and let them know how much you love them. They will need that kind of support for many years to come. This is the kind of situation that can shake the core of a law enforcement agency and its community...do everything possible to ensure that the death of Officer Whitson, and the pain of the two involved officers, was not in vain.

NJM
SPD, WA

November 8, 2006

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. -Albert Pine

Master Police Officer Whitson -- The sacrifice you made for your community will never be forgotten.

To all those touched by the loss of Master Police Officer Whitson -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Association

November 8, 2006

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. -Albert Pine

Officer Corr -- The sacrifice you made for your community will never be forgotten.

To all those touched by the loss of Officer Corr -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Colorado Springs (CO)

November 8, 2006

David I will always remember the times you told us stories in dispatch and of how you got your nick name "Slim".. It was just a few weeks ago we asked him again to tell the story.. It was so cute to hear him talk in his country voice and how he would laugh about how he got it. We will always remember Slim as our dept knew him. I know you are watching over everyone and making jokes with your father in heaven. God Bless you and Thank You for protecting our City!!!

Samantha Jones
BGPD Dispatcher

November 7, 2006

Slim was the kind of officer you could count on. He was a good man, good father, and he will be missed.

Rest well brother.

Sgt. Jim Hyde
Bowling Green P.D.

November 7, 2006

I attended church with David. I wanted everyone to know about something that happened the morning of David's funeral service.

An older man in rather poor clothes came into the building very early that Saturday morning - it was actually prior to the posted visitation times scheduled. After passing by the casket, another person who was helping set up for the funeral service stopped the man and asked him how he knew David. No one could have imagined the response of the old man.

The man said, "David Whitson arrested me four times for being drunk. But you know, he always treated me fairly and with respect. I thought I should come and pay my respects."

Doesn't this speak volumes to the kind of man David was?

In my experience with David at church, David was a faithful man who participated any time and in any way that he could. He loved God and his family very much. David was a hero in our midst. He will always be in our hearts and in God's care.

John K Gott, elder
Lehman Ave Church of Christ

November 7, 2006

"True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others, at whatever cost." --tennis great Arthur Ashe


Thank you, David. Godspeed.

Hilary Eversoll
Wife of BGPD Ofc. Jeff Eversoll #182

November 7, 2006