Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We pause to mourn the death of Officer Bessant and honor his memory. Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies, go out to his family, friends, and all the members of his department.

May God comfort each of you and may justice be swift and sure.

Major D.W. Warren
Montgomery, AL - Police Department

December 22, 2006

Dan,

Outside of running into you a few times at court, I never had the opportunity to know you, but can tell from others how exceptional you were. I just can't believe that this has happened...again.

I wish that there was something that I could do to help the situation but I'm really at a loss. I was so deeply impacted by Tony's death and though it was senseless and tragic, it also forced me to look closer to God and see that He has a reason for everything we face in our lives and though we may not understand or even accept it at the time, there is a resounding purpose for it. I know that you would understand that, being a man of God too...but it still tears at the heart to live with.

I'm one of the training officers at the Palomar Police Academy and just last week we graduated Class 13 who memorialized Tony. Now here we are a week later and it is you that will soon be memorialized. Just knowing how bonded you were with Tony and how you both shared so many of the same characteristics, it seems so fitting that you would be placed in the same order as him, as a true hero and warrior. A few months back, when we were holding one of our fundraising events for a fallen officer a reporter asked me, "What is the most difficult part of all of this?" The question stuck for a second and I paused and then it hit me and made so much sense. I told her, "The most difficult part of all of this, is knowing that right now an officer is alive and well and loving his family and planning for their future and all the great things that come with it...and his life will be taken from him...and from them. Our next memorial officer is alive and with his family right now as we speak. So that....THAT...is the most difficult thing about this." And little did any of us know that this officer would be you, and that you are right next door to us.

It will take so much time for so many to heal from your loss, but I pray that you, God and Tony help those left behind to find some semblance of peace and understanding in the midst of this horrific tragedy.

I pray for your family and your sweet little boy and that he grow to always know and be reminded that his father was a warrior who fought with honor, commitment and valor.

God bless you, brother.

Officer Damian Jackson
Escondido PD

December 22, 2006

As a graduate of OHS (Class of '62) and a retired police officer, it is always hard to accept that another brother in blue has paid the ultimate price for protecting his community. I know the citizens of Oceanside are greatful for the service rendered by Officer Bessant. May God Bless you Officer Bessant and your family. You will never be forgotten and will always be on our mind. Rest in peace
my bother.

Lieutenant Larry Roberts
Newport News Police, Virgnia (Retired)

December 22, 2006

To the entire Bessant Family and our Brothers and Sisters on the West Coast, please accept our deepest and most sincere sympathy. Our thoughts will be with you during this unimaginably difficult time.

Sergeant W. S. Humphrey
Virginia Beach Police Department Honor Guard

December 22, 2006

God Bless the Bessant family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Such a tragic loss of a young life, who had the courage to serve his commuinty and making the ultimate sacrific while serving.

Service and Sacrifice is what we do. Officer Dan Bessant is a hero.

Investigator Steve Torres
Orange County Sheriff's Dept (Ca.)

December 22, 2006

thank you for everything, officer. <3

anonymous

December 22, 2006

Officer Bessant,
It is unconscionable that a coward could shoot you from behind. It is unbearable that your small child will never know you except through the stories and memories of others. Keep watch over your loved ones as they mourn you and form a new life. You will not be forgotten. God bless you and may you rest in peace, Officer Bessant.

Brenda Donner, daughter of Cliff Miller
Rossford Ohio, P.D., EOW 05/14/1966

December 22, 2006

Ephesians 6: 10-13; Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore, take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Special Agent J. White
ATF -

December 22, 2006

To Dan's Wife and Child,
Please know that I am keeping you and your family close and dear to my heart. I know that nothing that anyone says will ever be the "right" words to bring you comfort. My heart is truly breaking for you, as I lost my husband right before Christmas in 2003. I pray that God will bring you and all of your family through this tumultous time.

Juli Verkler
Widow of Ptlm. Bryan S. Verkler EOW 12/13/03

December 22, 2006

May you always rest in eternal peace. It is rather tragic that your child will never know their father.

Ofc. S.D. Hall Jr.
Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police

December 22, 2006

My heartfelt condolences go out to Off. Bessant's family and the men and women of the Oceanside Pd.
God Bless, and rest in Peace Brother Bessant

Off. V F Agosto
Chesterfield County PD, Virginia

December 22, 2006

Rest in peace. You will never be forgotten.

SGM JOHNNY ACEVEDO
US ARMY 5TH SPECIAL FORCES/SPECIAL COMMAND OPERATIONS

December 22, 2006

One Who Never Hesitates To Tackle The Most Difficult Problems..

One Who Is Always By Your Side..

One Who Knows Right From Wrong..

One Who Acts With Pride..

A Hero Touches Every One Of Us,

Whether It Be Word Or Deed..

Always Tending To Those Who Find Themselves In Need..

When A Hero Leaves This Earth, Yes, It's Sad, But True..

All Too Many Times, The Hero Is Dressed In Blue.

Poem written by Eric DeRenzis

December 22, 2006

To the family and loved ones of Officer Dan Bessant and his fellow officers with the Oceanside Police Department:

On behalf of our family, I want to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Officer Bessant died in the line of duty. His valor and courage will never be forgotten.

In reading the loving reflections left by family and friends, it is obvious that Dan was an amazing young man who touched many lives in a positive way. I can see that he is so loved and will be missed by so many.

The circumstances of his death were heart breaking and I know caused much anquish for all those affected.

May Dan's spirit continue to soar and his memory continue to inspire. May God hold Dan, his wife and baby, and his other family members in the warmest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Dan gave to his community and the citizens of California, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on December 20, 2006.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg, Ca PD eow 4/24/05

December 22, 2006

You have a great Christmas with the Father in Heaven...

Chris

December 22, 2006

Thank you Dan, now go to the Lord's House.

Blessed are the peacemakers...

An Ohio brother

December 22, 2006

Officer D. Bessant,
May you rest in peace! May your family, friends and fellow department members take comfort in knowing that you and your sacrafice will never be forgotten. You have been and will be loved and missed by many...many of whom you have never met.

Take care, Brother!!
Rest in Peace....

Officer Shane Thomas
Oxford Police Department (Maine)

December 22, 2006

May GOD be with your wife and newborn child. Rest Easy Bro

TROOPER
ARKANSAS STATEE POLICE

December 22, 2006

I am so sorry for your loss. There are not words to express my sympathy for your family. I pray that you will find peace and support and love from those around you.

Lt. Alyssa LeClair
Saline Couny KS S.O.

December 22, 2006

God Bless us , everyone! Rest in peace, Sir!

December 22, 2006

The City of Oceanside and the rest of the world for that matter has lost another outstanding young cop. Dan I remember shortly after you got off of FTO the excitement and tenacity that you showed. Although you were no rookie at OPD, you were humble and eager to learn. You were truly a great asset to OPD both as an FET and an officer. I have to say Dan that the thing I remember most about you though was your sense of humor. You were always looking for a laugh or a way to razz one of your teammates. You brightened my day on more than one occasion and I there is no doubt in my mind you did the same for not only every person at OPD, but for your family and friends. Tony will take good care of you and none of us will ever forget you Dan. To my brothers and sisters at OPD, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. It's been a tough three years but you are the finest people I have ever known and you will persevere. God bless you Dan.

Officer Jay O'Neill
Glendale AZ Police Department

December 22, 2006

Just said a prayer for you and your family. God bless, we will take it from here.

Deputy Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

December 22, 2006

Dan,
We are all going to miss you so much. I think back when we were kids playing pick-up football games at South 'O' elementary school. Those were such good times. I remember when I was in high school watching your progression at the PD from Cadet, to CSO, and eventually police officer. I wanted so bad to follow in your law enforcment footsteps starting as a cadet and eventually becoming a police officer, which thanks to your lead I eventually accomplished. I think back on the ride-a-longs I did with you, and how I thought to myself I wanted to be just like you. Dan, you and your family will always be in my prayers, and may you and Tony look down on us from heaven. Thank you Dan for everything you have ever done for me. GOD BLESS

Police Officer Ryan P. Davis
Oceanside Police Department

December 22, 2006

I pray your family will find comfort knowing you are with our Lord Jesus Christ now. I am so grateful that you served for your community. The word "HERO" can't describe your sacrafice or your family's sacrafice as they mourn for your loss. The good news is this is not the end. We will soon see each other again on the streets of heaven as long as we believe in our God and Saviour. We will see you soon. God Bless,

Motor Officer Douglas
Washington Missouri Police Dept.

December 22, 2006

God bless my brother, may god give your family strength through this terrible time. Its unfortunate that some men on this planet don't value life. Your death is not in vain and your fellow brothers will make sure your family is kept near our hearts. Rest in peace

Detective H. Martinez
Albuquerque Police Department (Narcotics)

December 22, 2006