Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragic loss. My husband was shot in the same area. His EOW 11-27-00. Officer Bessant was a HERO and will be forever. You were too young to go. My heart is breaking because I know the pain. May God comfort each one in pain.

Shelly Ragsdale
widow of Officer Alan Ragsdale EOW 11-27-00

December 23, 2006

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Oceanside Police Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Officer Bessant deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. No greater love has a man than the will to give his life for another. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Bessant is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

SA Thomas Doyle
FBI

December 23, 2006

God bless to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Bessant. Thank you for your service, RIP.

MJW #643

December 23, 2006

I am so deeply sorry for what happened to Officer Bessant. I live in Oceanside and didn't know him but my heart and prayers go out to his family. May God bless you and walk with you always.

Oceanside Citizen
None

December 23, 2006

We are saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of yet another brother. We mourn for you and pray that your brothers and sisters will be comforted by the memory of your friendship and service to others.

HEMET POLICE HONOR GUARD
HEMET POLICE DEPARTMENT

December 23, 2006

Forever a hero! It's hard to defend against the actions of a true coward. Rest in peace brother.

Patrick K. Davis
Omaha Police Department

December 23, 2006

Dan,
Although I never met or knew you, my husband did. This story has hit so very close to home. I have a young baby as do you and your wife, I can not imagine what your wife is feeling right now and expecially during this time of year. This is something all of us Law Enforcement Wives fear. I hurt for your wife and baby boy. I wish their was something I could do or say to make things better for her, I know I can't tho. I pray that your wife and young son are able to get through this very difficult time in their lives. I know they know you are truly a hero, but that will not bring you back to them. So please watch over them above, they know you are in a better place and someday you will all be re-united. May God Bless you and continue watching over your family.

Love from,
Jennifer
Wife to a California Highway Patrol Officer- Oceanside

Jennifer

December 23, 2006

I SEND MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND OCEANSIDE POLICE DEPARTMENT REGARDING THE DEMISE OF OFFICER DAN BESSANT. I HOPE EVERYONE THAT KNEW THIS HONORABLE MAN WILL CONTINUE TO REMEMBER HIS BRAVERY, COURAGE, AND THE LEGACY IN WHICH HE LEFT.

OFFICER DAN BESSANT YOUR SHIFT IS OVER NOW, WE WILL TAKE IT FROM HERE. REST IN PEACE, BROTHER...

DEPUTY JAMES E. BRADFORD JR.
BRADLEY COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

December 23, 2006

R.I.P. Officer Bessant, you will never be forgotten.

Deputy
EPSO

December 23, 2006

Dan,
We just concluded briefing today. I introduced your partners to this web site. We discussed the court restrictions on officers related to your case. I showed them a photo of you and Rich when you were both Cadets here. And then we shared some of your more interpersonal moments of imitating your brother officers. Laughter is great medicine. It is too bad it comes at such a price.
Dan,
I want to stay in touch this way. I know I will miss you - I already do. I just talked to you last week about friends and gave you your padfolio.
At the moment I envision you and Tony - walking the streets in heaven and keeping order. I understand there are some fantastic parties there, but they never seem to get out of hand. You both are probably high-fiving and getting ready for some serious off-roading. I wonder what your briefings are like.
Considering your dietary preferences and Tony's, I wonder who wins when there's a discussion of where to go and what to eat. Any how, need to start my shift. The teams are out there already - honoring your memory. Will talk later.
Leonard

Sergeant Leonard Cosby
Oceanside Police Department

December 23, 2006

Dan, though I did not have the opportunity to meet you, I have heard about you through my husband and he talks of what a great guy you were. I am so saddened by your loss- especially as you and your wife just welcomed your son into the world, just as we had only two weeks before. Please know that you can be proud that your brothers and sisters at the OPD are honoring your memory and will remember you forever in their hearts.

My prayers go out to your family and I hope that your wife knows she and your son will always be members of the OPD family; you can rest easy knowing that she will be well taken care of.

God bless you and thank you for serving with my husband to make Oceanside safer for its citizens. You and Tony should both be proud knowing that you have served the department well.

Proud OPD Wife

December 23, 2006

Dan, there are no words to say, only feelings of deep pain, yet I have so much I wish I could say to you. I've been thinking a lot about the beginning of your OPD career. The day the Chief and I interviewed you we both knew you were going to fit into our family. You were our first cadet and I was your first supervisor. You've reminded me of that many times! What a difference you made at the front desk with all your funny stories and your unique way of making everything something great! You wanted to be an officer so bad you couldn't stand the wait! I remember threatening to tie you to a chair just to hold you down when you wanted to go out there so bad! You were a character, one who always made us laugh.

I was fortunate enough to be your friend as well and I watched as you and Rich shared a friendship you started long ago. You were such great friends and the stories you told about each other were hilarious! I've missed that many times since we all moved on.

When Tony died you told me you would never get over his loss and that you were going to go out there and finish what he started. You also told me that you knew he would always be out there with us... well now it's time the rest of us finish what you started my friend... we will never get over your loss and I know you will always be out there with us too.

When I first heard I was completely devastated and I immediately thought of Tony. Then, strangely, a wonderful thought crossed my mind and gave me a vision I will never forget.... I pictured you giving Tony the biggest hug he'd ever gotten and the two of you holding on to each other as you realized you were together again... this time forever...

I left the department 6 weeks ago and just last week you sent a message to me through Sgt. Cosby... those words will stay with me forever, thank you for sending them to me. We love you Dan, every one you ever touched will always love you and miss you... although I am not at OPD any longer, I spent almost 20 years there and it will always be my family. My heart goes out to each and every one of them today...we will always be bonded by this job we do, regardless of where we are located, we're all family to each other. This is proven by all the wonderful reflections across America from those who only know you through this bond.

Say hi to Tony for us Dan, we miss him terribly, we miss you terribly, and one day we'll all have one big hug together again!

Shirl
Tustin Police Department - Former OPD

December 23, 2006

Thank you for your sacrifice. My thoughts and prayers for your loved ones.

John Cracker-Private Citizen

December 23, 2006

Dan- I dont know where to begin. We were best buds our whole lives. From hanging out on the pier to working at Palomar together to becoming Cadets together at OPD. We always had a great time doing whatever we did. All of our fishing trips, going to catalina and almost being hit by a whale, bbq's, road trips, breaking your jeep in ocotillo or anywhere else for that matter, building a pond at stevens, surfing, friday morning breakfasts, looking for ranches to build houses on, laughing over the word malamute for hours, doodling in college classes, your speedometer shutting off in the middle of the desert while on our way to Laughlin... oh man the list goes on and on along with all our stories. You were a great person and even better friend. You can never be replaced. You know you can count on me to be there for your family. R.I.P. BUDDY!

Sorry Dan I forgot to put my name on the initial reflection- hey you know it happens.

As you know Hoover, Garrett, and I are doing as much as possible to keep everyone strong including ourselves!

I love you man! and have a giant fishing boat waiting for us when i get there so we can fish God's huge ocean of giant fish and whales that dont try and attack you! Oh ya how are your new Kaitin boardshorts and ironman lure shirt feeling?

Richie Scaggs
Oceanside PD

December 23, 2006

I know it is of no consolation in this tragic and emotional time, but Officer Bessant now feels no pain as he is with his Heavenly Father. Our Brother in Blue will always be with each of us, in our hearts and minds as he watches over all of us to keep us safe.

Alma 40:12 - And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.

Oceanside PD and the Bessant family is in our thoughts and prayers this holiday season.

December 23, 2006

It is with deep saddness when to hear of the passing of another brother in blue, my deepest sympathies go out the the family, friends, and Oceanside Police Dept. Rest in peace Officer Bessant you are gone but never forgotten. Heroes live forever and that extactly what Officer Bessant was truly a hero.

R.I.P Officer Dan Bessant
God Speed

OFC L. MAYNARD
WV CORRECTIONS

December 23, 2006

May God watch over your wife and child during this tragic time. May He also guide your spirit in the right direction. You are in our thoughts and prayers, rest in peace my friend.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

December 23, 2006

I'm truly sorry to hear about the loss of such a young officer. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and coworkers during these trying times. May God watch over your family and your coworkers and keep them safe. Thank you for your service and for assisting an officer in need the night you were so cowardly taken from us. Godspeed to you Officer Bessant. Thank you for your service.

TFC Prince
Maryland State Police Trooper 4

December 23, 2006

We are saddened to hear of another loss to a family and to the family of Oceanside P.D. It is especially difficult during this time of year.

Rest In Peace Officer Bessant.

Corona Police Honor Guard
California

December 23, 2006

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO OFFICER BESSANT'S FAMILY AND THE OCEANSIDE PD DURING THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME. MAY THE LORD BE WITH ALL CONCERNED. OFFICER BESSANT IS A HERO, COMING TO THE AID OF ANOTHER OFFICER. HIS DEDICATION TO HELPING THE CITIZENS OF OCEANSIDE AND HIS FELLOW OFFICERS. GOD BLESS YOU, OFFICER BESSANT AND YOUR FAMILY. HERO ARE ALWAYS MISSED BUT NEVER FOR FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE, BROTHER IN BLUE.

DETECTIVE RUTILO QUEZADA
SMITH COUNTY SHERIFF TYLER, TX

December 23, 2006

To the wife and little warrior left behind always remember your Husband and Daddy was at war. He did a job most don't want and the rest could never handle. He was the bravest of what America has to offer and I weap for his passing. He will reunite with both of you one day for now he is in a place where no one can ever again hurt him. My prayers for you both always. Truly God awaits with open arms for such a Valiant warrior.

State Trooper d Osborne/K-9 Coco
Tennessee Highway Patrol

December 23, 2006

May you rest in peace. You will forever be honored as a hero. Your brothers and sisters will never let your memory die. God speed.

Police Officer M. LaFramboise #1270
Independence Mo. Police Department

December 23, 2006

Another senseless tragedy that has taken another brother from us. While words cannot truly express our sorrow and regret for your untimely passing, this site allows us to show unity and support for our fellow brothers and sisters, and allows us to memorialize you.

Mrs. Bessant, your husband was a hero, a hero who died backing up his fellow Officer to ensure she was safe. Though this likely means little now because of the sorrow you are feeling, it shows the kind of man your husband was, and it is something all of us will remember forever. God Bless you in your time of sorrow, and God Bless Dan.

Semper Fidelis,

Lt. Rich Forbus
Las Vegas Metro Poilce

December 23, 2006

REST IN PEACE BROTHER.

OFC B. GRAJEK

December 23, 2006

Rest in peace, brother.

Officer R. Law

December 23, 2006