Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Bessant,
Althought we never met, I feel like we have known each other for a long time. Your father came in to talk to my class last thursday it was pretty emotional. Now that I have heard your story from your father and how you dedicated yourself to your family and your profession, I was truley inspired. I just pray that I have as much courage and dedication as you. You will always be an inspiration to me and Class 15.

Cadet
Palomar Police Academy

April 10, 2007

HEY BUDDY- HOWS EVERYTHING GOIN UP THERE. FUNNIEST THING WAS THE OTHER DAY SOMEONE ASKED ME WHAT DO YOU THINK DAN IS DOING RIGHT NOW.... AND WITHOUT HESITATION I SAID EATING SOMETHING. WE HAD A FEW LAUGHS. WELL THINGS ARE BEING PLANNED ALL YEAR NOW AND ALTHOUGH THEY WILL BE FUN THEY WONT BE THE FUNNEST THING POSSIBLE CAUSE YOU CANT MAKE IT. HOPEFULLY WHEN WE DO THIS EAST CAPE TRIP YOU CAN KEEP THE WATER CLEAN SO I CAN GET A ROOSTERFISH AND THE WAHOO WE SPENT ALL DAY TRYING TO CATCH. AS YOU PROBABLY KNOW I MISS YOU MORE AND MORE AS EACH DAY PASSES BUT I TRY TO STAY STRONG KNOWING THAT ONE DAY WE WILL BE ABLE TO HANG OUT AGAIN. THANKS FOR LETTING ME HAVE AN EASY SATURDAY NIGHT BY THE WAY CAUSE YOU KNOW IVE BEEN GETTING MY BUTT KICKED LATELY WORKING SOLO, BUT HEY ITS COMP TIME FOR EAST CAPE! ALRIGHT WELL IM GONNA GO EAT ONE OF THOSE STALE FOOD THINGS SOMEONE LEFT ON THE TABLE IN THE BREAK ROOM.

RICHIE SCAGGS
OPD

April 8, 2007

Dan... I've been thinking about you a lot lately, I'm not sure why... the little things in life just remind us of things we hold dear. We had an officer down two nights ago. I was at work and in my office listening to my radio. I heard the call, officer down and bleeding... my heart skipped a beat and I began praying. I've heard this call too many times in my career... I immediately thought of Tony and how it felt the night I heard this call for him... then I thought of you... our officer made it, thank God... I've been thinking of you and Tony a great deal since that night, I guess that's why I'm here today.

I haven't written you for a while but that doesn't mean I don't think about you every day. I have a picture of you and a picture of Tony in my office. People come in and ask me about you all the time so naturally I have to tell them about how you always made me laugh so hard. I tell them about Tony's smile and your silliness... it still makes me smile.

I miss you ...

Shirl
OPD/TPD

April 7, 2007

Hey Dan,
I'm working right now and started to think about you. Just wanted to stop by to read your reflections and say hi. You are constantly in my thoughts as well as your family and friends...

...Always remembered and never forgotten...

Stephanie Hernandez
Oceanside, CA

April 6, 2007

Danny Boy,

It's one of those nights...you've been heavy on my mind all week and then Doyle gave me a DVD with a bunch of still shots and music from the service...definitely all it took to put me over the top. It's still so strange, feels like you've been gone forever but you're always on my mind. Seems like just about every night I get at least one comment from a random citizen about you, we're still telling all your stories and your stud of a son is still growing like a weed.

Your pictures are all over lockers and walls at the station, the fridge at home and of course then there's the classy wallet Richie and I use which consists of a stack of random cards held together with the mourning band with your ID number on it. But I miss you most when I get up on those lazy afternoons and I want to just hang out with my buddy, go get Johnny's and share a bucket of Tecate's, take a drive to nowhere in particular, go to dog beach with Bella and Cassidy, float on the "sidewinder" in Richie's pool or plan one of our last minute BBQ's in the cul-de-sac.

Miss you...

Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD

March 31, 2007

Sgt Steve Menafro rode for my son, Deputy James Tutino last year,and I sent him a patch from OPD. It is a wonderful thing that the Unity Tour does every year,honoring fallen heroes. I have met your family and they are trying hard to cope with this tragedy as my family did .My granddaughter worked at OPD and I have friends there ,and I know how much you were liked.I feel that there is a special place in Heaven for all of our fallen officers and I hope you meet up with Jim and have a few laughs.My prayers are with your family.

Maureen Tutino
Mother of a fallen officer

March 30, 2007

This evening I learned that I am riding for Officer Daniel Bessant of the Oceanside Police Dept. in the Police Unity Tour to Washington DC in May. I'd just like to say it is an honor and privilege to be able to ride for him and to honor his memory.

Sgt. Steven Menafro
Metuchen PD, New Jersey

Sgt. Steven Menafro
Metuchen Police Dept., Metuchen, New Jersey

March 21, 2007

I still can't believe it. It's been almost 4 months now. That was one phone call that I could never and will never forget. Your laughter was contagious, you had a huge love for life itself. The memories I had the privilege to make with you, Jon, and Richie, are some of the most cherished ones I will hold with me forever. May you rest in peace Danny.

Sandi

March 17, 2007

HEY BUDDY- STILL MISSING YOU MORE AND MORE AS EACH DAY PASSES. YOUR POPS CALLED ME YESTERDAY ABOUT THE FISHING SHOW NEXT WEEK CAUSE HE GOT A LETTER IN THE MAIL ADDRESSED TO YOU ABOUT IT. EVENTHOUGH YOU WONT BE THERE TO WALK THE AISLES AND SAMPLE TASTY BEEF JERKY, PLANNING TRIPS AROUND THE WORLD, OR BEING SUCKERED INTO BUYING A STAY PACKAGE TO THE AVI WHICH WE NEVER USED AND YOU PROBABLY LOST (I LOST MINE TOO)... BUT ATLEAST ILL BE GOING WITH A BESSANT. TALK TO YOU SOON!

RICHIE SCAGGS
OPD

March 16, 2007

Officer Bessant-
I was an applicant for OPD and resident of Oceanside the you were taken from this community. My wife and I sat at home that night listening to the sirens that went on for a long time wondering what was happening only to be shocked the next morning that and Oceanside Police Officer had fallen. I felt sadness and anger and a range of emotions and though even more about the line of work I would be entering. I have thought of you often as well as Tony Zepetella throughout my application process. This passed Tuesday I signed my acceptance paper work and will be entering the academy in April. I hope to serve this department and community as you have and know you will be keeping watch over us all. God bless you and your family!
-Kevin

Kevin Wilson
OPD - Recruit

March 15, 2007

Dan-
I read the reflections of John and Rich and still can't beleive you are gone. It's amazing how much you had an affect on everyone you came into contact with. For me, it's a daily reminder. I ran into a guy you arrested a few years ago that you sent to prison on tranporting and weapons violations. He's in a homeless shelter where I am working with the kids who live their, including his two step children. He asked if he could tell me a story and I was a little leary, but he told me that you were the last officer to arrest him and it saved his life. He had grown up with nothing but negative contacts throughout his life with police, but something you did that day changed his life for the better. Apparently, you told him that "it didn't have to be this way and it wasn't too late for him to turn his life around". He said that even though you arrested him, this was the most positive experience he's ever had with police and he owes his life to you. Every day, I speak with someone who has a similar story about you and I can't believe how much you touched everyone's life- even the street thugs. Maybe you can rest a little easier knowing that you succeeded in what you set out to do, change the world for the better. I know your zest for adventure and life has carried over into my life and I have vowed to never miss a moment of fun again. May God bless you and the lives of everyone you touched.

Crime Prevention Specialist
San Diego Sheriff's Department- Vista Patrol Station

March 7, 2007

Off. Bessant,

I am not comfortable with starting this with "Dan" yet, but I am sure that within a year after you have worked through PCPA Class 15 that will change.......

Listening to the radio tonight, the Rascal Flatts song came on that was played at your service..... That song will forever remind me of that day...... This is still so recent, that I am sorry if I am a scatter brain for the next few months of checking in with you and letting you know how your Class 15 Cadets are doing..... I hope that through your inspiration this new class will learn about how you lived your life to the fullest and they will hold tight to the important things in life and the things that you valued.

I remember the day of your service, we as a department gave up our seats for the citizens that wanted to watch your service. I WISH we could have been inside the actual church because outside it was televised and the camera continued to show your parents, your brother, Katelyn and Wyatt..... I could not pry my eyes off of that monitor and I was wondering if I should walk outside and gain some composure. As Off. Hoover and Skaggs gave their last words, I stood next to one of my best friends that I work with on one said, and two of my heros on the other side with my Chief behind us. During the last prayer, we all locked arms around each other with our Chief "watching over us" and I THANK YOU so much for that divine intervention bonding moment. Although we were all in tears and full of sadness, I THANK YOU for giving us those brief seconds to let each other know how much we care about one another without ever having to say a word. I THANK YOU so much for that moment. I will keep that with me forever and at that point, we were bonded tighter then ever before. This was because of you. THANK YOU! I will never forget that.....

I look forward to keeping you and your family, friends and Brothers and Sisters at OPD updated on Class 15's progress..... Your Memorial Motorcycle rally for the Academy is coming up on May 12th... We of course are praying for a bright sunny day, but I am sure if you have it your way and there is some prank that can be done, the weather will have an interesting twist. ha ha

Until next time Brother...........

R.Akans #1354
ESPD/PCPA

March 7, 2007

Ofc. Bessant,

While I was in O'side (doesn't it drive locals crazy when we say that?!) last Nov., I forgot the overwhelming sad memories of losing fellow officers to criminals. Working cold nites, it was a beautiful change to see the sun and be warm.
I often think what if I changed something about my life, would they still be here? I called in sick the night I lost my friend Nick Birco, a fellow Marine who once found a "dumped" AK-47 because he kept hearing a "tink, tink" when he was chucking peanut shells (haaaa, that was classic). I just wish your friends and family strength to keep thinking of happy memories and all the little things you did, things that made you who you were. Ofc. Hoover has done an excellent job of painting that picture, and I thank him for bringing an occasional smile to my face- because of you...semper fi.

P.B.
SFPD, Bayview, 3rd. Watch

March 6, 2007

Danny Boy,

It's been a tough week, really missing you...the good news is that your family is doing much better, there's still ups and downs but everyone is trying to figure out how to continue to live life...it doesn't hurt any less, but everyone seems to be actively trying to live on. In fact, I think your family is almost doing better than some of your friends some of the time...I think now that I know they're doing better I am starting to allow myself time to deal with everything...Richie and I still don't really know what to do...there are so many things in our life that you were the person we'd call...whether it was just somebody to grab a cocktail with or take a drive to get tortas in Tecate or just to hang out in the pool or go to dog beach with Bella and Cassidy...or, or, or...you were that friend for a million different situations. Miss you buddy, we're doing the best we can...

Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD

March 1, 2007

Dan,
I was on your shift for phase 3 of my training. I remember being amazed at the energy you had. You were so proactive. You truly cared about the good, law-abiding people of this city. You had such a good relationship with all of the other Officers on your team. I truly admired you as a Police Officer. Well, Im out on my own now and I just hope that with time Ill approach your level of police work. I know you'll be watching over all of us at OPD.

Police Officer R. Campbell
Oceanside Police Department

February 28, 2007

Dan,
The reflections are fewer now as time passes, but this does not mean we have forgotten your ultimate sacrifice. Many of us still check this site and think of you daily. Hopefully your family and friends are learning to cope with life without you by seeing the amazing effect you have had in your few short years and knowing you continue to watch over us. They must be proud to know you were truly interested in providing a service to your community to make Oceanside a better place for everyone. You are always on my mind and in my heart.

Frank
Santa Ana P.D.

February 25, 2007

HEY BUDDY- STILL NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT I DONT THINK ABOUT YOU AND THE GREAT TIMES WE HAD. NOW THAT ADVERTISEMENTS FOR THE FRED HALL SHOW ARE STARTING TO POP UP IT BRINGS ME BACK TO LAST YEAR AND EVERY YEAR WE WENT TO BUY NEW LURES AND PLAN FISHING TRIPS AROUND THE WORLD. IT SUCKS THAT YOU WONT BE ABLE TO GO TACKLE GIANT HALIBUT IN ALASKA WITH ME EITHER BUT I KNOW YOU'LL BE THERE WITH ME IN SPIRIT! MISS YOU BUDDY

RICHIE SCAGGS
OPD

February 25, 2007

Dan,
Still missing you. So many young officers and inexperienced. But they are full of enrgy, desire, and passion like you were. Many of them want to emulate you and Tony. Keep the peace there for us.

Sergeant Leonard Cosby
Oceanside Police

February 24, 2007

Dan, it's been a while since I've written, but something drew me here today. I just worked a homicide scene this week where an innocent hard working family man was shot and killed... the love from the community has poured out for this man and it reminded me of you... so I came here to read, even though it breaks my heart.

I feel for Richie and Jonathan so much, and I just want to hug them so tight, but I don’t see them anymore since leaving the department. You’re just going to have to hug them for me!

As I read ML's reflection it brought me back home to where my heart will always be. I, like him, still feel and always will feel that OPD is my family and I, like him, miss them so very much. Nothing can ever replace the memories or the friendships we made, nor will the brotherhood we all share ever change. ML, thanks for reminding me of that, we have all missed you so much and being out of sight doesn't mean out of our hearts... we will all always remain a part of each other... Dan, Tony, you, me, and all our brothers and sisters we know and love, whether we are still at OPD or not, nothing will ever change what has already been... one day we will all be together again, what a party it will be! Love to you all, be safe! ~Shirl

Shirl
OPD/TPD

February 16, 2007

This is a cruel world that we live in. Dan was a good man trying to provide for his family and make Oceanside a better place for us all. I grew up in Oceanside went to middle school with him at Lincoln and although we weren't friends I remember him as a good fellow student. I pray that your wife remains strong and raises your son to know his dad was a real hero.
God bless the Bessant family and friends

Jameel Beasley

Jameel Beasley

February 15, 2007

Hey Buddy,

So last night I was looking through some of the pictures that were on your camera phone and I was printing a couple of them out to put up in my locker and on my fridge at home when I came across something that cracked me up, then made me want to cry. I clumped a few pictures of you and Wyatt together on the same sheet when I was printing them out and he is the spitting image of you...it's hilarious to see his little face next to yours...he was making some goofy face and looking out of the corner of his eye and you took a picture of yourself with your camera phone with some equally goofy face and I swear he looks just like you...I guess it's fitting that your son would look like you but then it just brings all the hurt back and I just want you to be back here so desperately. I keep trying to think I don't see you just because you're on that lame NPT schedule and we're off at all the wrong times...but of course that's not really the case huh? If you could find a way to come back it would fix a lot of things for all of us. Katelyn's hurting, and it's a struggle, I try to do everything that I can but it's not enough...I'm not you...you are it for her...the one that people spend their entire life looking for, that's you and Katelyn.

On another note, I just thought I would mention that you are still dramatically changing lives...it's amazing and you continue to be a huge motivator for me although not where you might expect. I have very little motivation with work but you are a driving force behind the re-alignment of my priorities at home and with God...still far from perfect but you're helping to push me in the right direction.

I need to try to get some more sleep before I get ready for work, so I'll talk to you later, but take a look on my page at those pictures side by side...you'll love it!

Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD

February 15, 2007

To the family of Officer Dan Bessant.I am so sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Our loved ones live forever in our hearts. God bless.

Terri Coo
Mother of Police Officer Thomas A. Cook,EOW 09.27.06

February 15, 2007

Your tour of duty has ended but your dedicated service will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.

I remeber this officer as if it was yesterday. He stopped me for speeding 2 years ago, but he let me go once he saw that I was a investigator in a unmarked vechile. He had the greatest personality and was by far a great officer. Take care brother. Semper Fi, always.

Anthony Oliver
CA Fugitive Warrants / USMC

February 15, 2007

To The Bessant Family:

There are no words that could properly express how grateful we are for our police officers and the tough job they do.
Our hearts go out to you at this time. I pray that you find peace in God's word that you'll meet again.

Cheryl, Mark and Bree Meyer
grateful citizen

February 14, 2007

Dan,

Last night the Baker 2 Vegas team had a bowling tournament in your honor. Boy, it was crazy!!! There was so much support from the department and the community. It was crazy!!! The tournament was a success and the only thing that would have made it better was if you were there!!! Sometimes, I still can't believe you are gone. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you, your dedication to your family and the department. I know that you are in a better place and are up there looking down on all of us and smiling with that great, big grin!!!

Toni Epps/CSO
Oceanside Police Dept

February 11, 2007