Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Danny-Boy...I called you on Friday, but you haven't called me back. Your truck's in my driveway, so I parked in yours, but you're not home. There's food to be eaten in my fridge but you haven't been over. I stood out front in the cul-de-sac and had a cocktail but I stood there alone. I cannot comprehend you not being here...I miss you like you've been gone for six months. On the other hand I feel like I've been awake for the past couple days without sleep, turns out it's been over a week. I was taking Katelyn, Sam and Laura home from the reception yesterday and we drove by the Red Rooster and I thought, "It's been a long day, I should call Dan, we can go get Rooster burgers and have an adult beverage". It's not hitting me, it's like you got hurt and your gone but you'll be back...I can't accept you not being here.

Your service would have made you proud. I remember being in the academy together and going to Tony's with you. Remember how proud we were to pick up where he left off? It was like that for many, I could see it in their faces. But for me, I felt as though my body was there but I was elsewhere. I miss you, I'm doing my best to take care of Katelyn and Wyatt...that was my commitment to you, the one I made with no intention of ever having to carry it out. Check your voicemail...talk to you soon.

Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD

December 29, 2006

Thank you brother, I am sorry you were taken so soon. May you rest in peace and rememeber that we all have you back. We will take the watch from here, thank you brother.

Detective Brian Jackson
Pooler Police Department

December 29, 2006

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Officer Bessant personally, I am intrigued by the many stories told by his family and friends. OPD has lost an honorable and faithful soldier. Our hearts mourn with you.
To Katelyn, Wyatt, and the entire Bessant family...
You have made the ultimate sacrifice. May you each find comfort in "the peace that passes all understanding" that can only be found in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My thoughts and prayers are with you all daily.
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13)."

To a man of great honor, faith, respect, service, and love...may God bless you in his Holy presence.

Jenna Moreno
OPD wife

December 29, 2006

I am so sorry for the loss of this young man. His family and friends are in my prayers.

Godbless

KC
Citizen, Raleigh, NC

December 29, 2006

Officer Dan, it has been difficult to read all the reflections left by those who knew you and loved you. But God has His purpose and His plan. Thank you for your faithful service and your ultimate sacrifice. To the Bessant family, may God give you much of His abundant grace through this trial. To the OPD family, my heart goes out to all of you for the loss of one more of your heroes. May God keep you all safe as you continue the watch! Romans 13:4!! Brother Dan, I look forward to meeting you one day in His kingdom.

Traffic Officer Tom Williams
City of Los Angeles DOT

December 29, 2006

Dan,
On 12-20-06, you were taken from us. Your loss was immediately felt at our department.
Our officers attended your funeral yesterday - what an amazing response from so many agencies. An incredible procession of marked units, with lights and even sirens. An enormous American Flag flying high above the congregation of people. A sea of blue uniforms all standing in formation. There is no doubt that you will be remembered in all of our hearts.
From reading what those who knew you wrote about you, I feel as if I also know you in a distant way. Many of these writings have brought me to tears. I feel the pain of your loss, but I know it is nothing to compare to the grief felt by those who knew and loved you.
To your wife and son, and your family and friends: you are all truly in my prayers. Thank you for sharing Dan with us. I'm so sorry you have lost such an amazing person, loving husband and father, and dedicated officer. He was truly a hero, and his memory will be treasured in our hearts. I know that Dan will be in the minds of each officer who reports for duty, to protect and serve as he did.

Dispatcher
GCCCD PD

December 29, 2006

Rest in peace Brother

1773P
CSPD

December 29, 2006

You gave the ultimate sacrifice, may God be with your family. Welcome to your kingdom with Jesus, Thank you!

Ret. Police Officer
LVMPD

December 29, 2006

My heart goes out to the Bessant family and to the Oceanside Police Department. What a great man Dan was...from a wonderful family and so devoted to his community. I send honor and love to the family and to the officers that support our community. Bless you all and know that you are in my prayers.

Diane Stoecker
Friend of his father

December 28, 2006

To the wife of Officer Bessant, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. You are not alone. Take one day at a time and know that Dan is with you always. Draw strenght from your memories and your child. I am always available if you need to talk to someone who knows your pain. God Bless

Teresa Bailey
Widow of CHP Officer John Bailey EOW 2/25/06

December 28, 2006

God Bless the family, colleagues, and friends of this officer. My boys (Justin, 7 and Joshua, 6) know only too well your pain. Deputy David Briese was killed in the line of duty on 11/03/06. We have not yet begun to deal with our loss. Thank God for the law enforcement family and friends who have been with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, as I know there are no words of comfort. Please feel free to contact me at any time if you need an understanding person to talk with.

Take care,
Dawn M Macey
Fiance of David L Briese JR EOW 11/03/06

Dawn Macey
fiancee

December 28, 2006

I AM SO GREATFUL FOR THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY OFFICER BESSANT.
I DID NOT PERSONALLY KNOW DAN BUT HIS STORY HAS AFFECTED ME. I WISH ALL THE BEST FOR HIS WIFE AND CHILD. I SAW THE PRECESSION ON EL CAMINO REAL THIS MORNING, AND JUDGING BY THE TURN OUT, I KNOW DAN WAS A GREAT MAN. MAY PEACE BE WITH THE FAMILY,AND MAY DAN REST IN PEACE.

BRIAN SMITH
WELL WISHER

December 28, 2006

I AM SO GREATFUL FOR THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY OFFICER BESSANT.
I DID NOT PERSONALLY KNOW DAN BUT HIS STORY HAS AFFECTED ME. I WISH ALL THE BEST FOR HIS WIFE AND CHILD. I SAW THE PRECESSION ON EL CAMINO REAL THIS MORNING, AND JUDGING BY THE TURN OUT, I KNOW DAN WAS A GREAT MAN. MAY PEACE BE WITH THE FAMILY,AND MAY DAN REST IN PEACE.

BRIAN SMITH
WELL WISHER

December 28, 2006

Officer Bessant, Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Our world isn't perfect, but is a better place because of people like yourself willing to serve bravely, take risks, and unfortunately, sometimes make the ultimate sacrifice. My heartfelt sympathy to your family, fellow officers and community. Such a tragic loss. You will be remembered.

D. Lindsey
WA resident

December 28, 2006

Dan,
Today was your funeral and I couldn't help but think back a little over two years ago when we were all there for Tony. It was the strangest feeling and yet I think everyone there could feel the two of you with us. I knew you were there with us, your spirit, your laughter, your tears, all of it. Your best friends did a great job giving those who never knew you a glimpse of the great person you were. And for those of us who knew and loved you, they reminded us of the many reasons you touched us all so deeply.

Dan, the love poured out in that church today, for you, and from you. I thank you for all you gave to us and will continue to give us in the days ahead. Knowing you has blessed our lives, we will never be the same! ... And neither will heaven unless the two of you behave yourselves... but then, why start now right? :)

We are so proud of you my friend. We will never forget you, not for a moment. ~Shirl

Shirl
Tustin Police Department - Former OPD

December 28, 2006

Rest in peace brother, you will not be forgotten.

Ofc. Aaron P. Sparks #603
Gilmanton N.H. Police Department

December 28, 2006

Dan,

Today you were laid to rest via a celebration of your life. Although your body has died the spirit of who you were will live forever. I, along with your family, friends, and fellow officers, will ensure that little Wyatt know the kind of man you were.

Officers of the department will carry the flag of your spirit and what you stood for. Rest in peace warrior.

Motor Officer Richard Schickel
Oceanside Police Department

December 28, 2006

Katelyn, Wyatt and the Bessant family- you are in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss but I hope that you get some comfort in time knowing that Dan is in a better place most likely making the world and even better place from up there! I hope Wyatt grows to know that his father gave his life in the most honorable way and we all respect him and his family for that. Everything happens for a reason and I believe God had even bigger plans for Dan & your family and throughout the rest of your days here that plan will be revealed. Until the day you meet again, keep his spirit alive. I'm sure you will always see him in Wyatt! God Bless you and your family for you are not alone...

Suzan Barba
citizen

December 28, 2006

As a wife of a Police Officer my heart goes out to Dan's wife & new baby and ext.family. It breaks my heart to see the pain you are in. My prayers are with you where-ever you go.
To you the men and woman of the Oceanside police Dept. Stay safe and Thank You for all that you do!



God Bless,
Karen

Karen A F.
Wife of a Police Officer

December 28, 2006

Dan when you worked for us for that short year, we shared some great times. We have had many student workers at this Department, but only a few really "had it". You my friend, did indeed "have it". You would be proud of your friends today, they stood tall and spoke as you would want them to. I remember talking with you about the lord, something many in this profession do not do openly. I was impressed then and am today. God bless you Dan for what you stood for, the person you were, and what you left behind.

Officer Brian Herritt
Palomar College Police

December 28, 2006

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Officer Dan Bessant. Thank you for your dedication, you will never be forgotten. Our prayers are with your wife.
Lyndell & Elizabeth Taylor
Parents of
Deputy Sheriff
Morris Lyn Taylor
Roseburg, Oregon
EOW 9-14-02

December 28, 2006

To all that are so heavily affected by the loss of Officer Dan Bessant may God be with you and know that you are in my prayers.

I know all to well what you are feeling. It never gets easier and will always keep you on your toes.

To Officer Dan Bessant, thank you for all you have sacrificed. Your loss only serves as a reminder as to the seriousness of our daily lives. What you have done will never be forgotten. Your wife and child will be well taken care of.

And while you are up in heaven keep an eye out for Officer Dennis McNamara (UDPD) and Officer Brian Gregg (NBPD). They are good men and will keep you company.

And thank you for the selflessness you gave your community and this country every day of your career.

Ptlm Jessica Bloomingdale
Warrington Police, Bucks County, PA

December 28, 2006

To the family of Officer Dan Bessant:

I write this memorial in shock and in disbelief. Although I left OPD several years ago, I still consider them part of the family. I am sorry I missed out on knowing a great officer.

I am also sorry for your loss. But please know that his death will not be forgotten and that he has touched lives throughout the world.

You are in my prayers.

Traci Witry
Former OPD Dispatcher

December 28, 2006

In His light you will always be. God will reveal His plan to your family and protect them by His love and grace.
Thank you for serving and I will thank you again when that time comes and I will be honored to meet you. God bless you.

Wendall V. Jasmer
Citizen

December 28, 2006

It is so sad that such a young person would be such a heartless monster, to display such disregard for life, that of Dan, his wife and their child for all their lives have been forever touched by the acts of one young criminal.

Father GOD we ask that you bless Dan's soul lord as he bravely fought evil everyday, Please bless his family with special care for his wife and child lord for their days ahead will be hard and long. father be with all the officers and support staff of the oceanside police department for they need your love, your support and guidance as well as your restraint. Lord we know that this was a senseless act and we ask that justice however not enough be served as the commandment has been broken. We ask these things of you Lord in your sons name.
Amen

Former PO P Stewart
OPD

December 28, 2006