Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and members of the Oceanside Police Department. Officer Dan Bessant will live in the hearts and minds of all that had the pleasure to know, love, and work with him.

Sergeant David A. Gomez
Los Angeles Police Department

December 22, 2006

Such a tragedy for an officer so early in his career, with a new family and only days away from Christmas. I can't begin to express the sorrow felt by all your brothers in blue across the country. Rest peacefully and watch over us from above.

Police Officer
Omaha PD

December 22, 2006

God bless you and your family, you died a hero. RIP brother!!!

E. Mischel #243 Police Officer
Fairburn Police Deaprtment, Ga.

December 22, 2006

Thank you for your service and dedication. May you rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

December 22, 2006

"My Brother"

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was idealistic and believed he could make a difference.
He was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and what they represent.
He felt privileged to be of service to his department, his community and to his country.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm.
He laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary.
He was competent, trained, and professional.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong and became
frustrated when true justice became sidetracked.
He felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but he
never wavered.
He stood by and for his fellow officers.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He longed for his family during the long hours.
He worried about them during his shifts and the lonely
weekends, holidays and midnights when they were apart.
He felt guilty about the lost time, but knew his calling
and prayed they would understand.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was a good son, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
He was dedicated to the profession and cared about the
people he served.
He wanted to do the best job that he could and strived to
be the best he could be.
He was a good citizen and a good neighbor.

He was a cop.

Yes, I did know him.
He was a cop, he was my Brother.

Rest In Peace Brother......

Anonymous
Miami-Dade Police Dept.

December 22, 2006

May god watch over and give strength to your family, friends and fellow officers. If god willing, may you get the justice you deserve for the sacrfice you've made. Rest easy, we've got the watch now.

Officer C. Casiano
Miami-Dade Police Dept.

December 22, 2006

May God be with your family during this very difficult time. Rest easy knowing that your young child will know what a real HERO looks like when your pictures are shown.

We will take it from here, watch over all of us.

Deputy Duarte
Pima County Sheriffs Department (AZ)

December 22, 2006

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the
children of God.

Dispatcher Ted Smith
Martin, TN Police Dept.

December 22, 2006

What a horrible century this has been already for the Oceanside Police Department. Two young officers killed in the line of duty three years apart. The citizens of Oceanside, CA are fortunate to have such brave officers protecting them.
Rest in Peace brothers.

Officer John Dimitres
Yarmouth, MA Police Dept.

December 22, 2006

May God be with you Officer Bessant. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and sibling officers of Officer Bessant. Rest in peace our brother.

Detective Mark Techmanski
City of Syracuse, NY Police Department

December 22, 2006

Rest in peace brother, we have the watch now.

Deputy Sheriff
San Bernardino Sheriff's Dept., CA

December 22, 2006

Another HERO BROTHER called back to God's Heaven. Goodbye brother Bessant, may you find your peace and glory in Heaven. Your slayer will find his judgement in time, and it wont be here.. You did well and your community says "Thank You"

Prayers and condolences to the Bessant family, friends and Oceanside Police Department.

Officer Scott Parker
Covington Texas Police Department

December 22, 2006

Rest in peace brother ..

Corp. Johns
Flowood PD

December 21, 2006

Fallen Officers are always in our thoughts. Rest in peace.

Captain J. Karge
United States Penitentiary Atwater, Ca

December 21, 2006

Words will never comfort the family of officer Bessant. Those of us left behind when one of these heros leaves the world have to find a way to keep going. Officer Bessant has earned his place in the Hal of Fame of Heros. May God be with his family.

Joe Williams
Brother of D/S Matt Williams and DiOGI E.O.W. 9/28/06

December 21, 2006

God Speed Officer Bessant... your duty is done here... God Bless the Loved Ones left behind! Your heroic service will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Cliff Saylor
Albuquerque Police Dept.

December 21, 2006

Dan, (4C)
Where do I start, it was just last week Sgt. Anderson told me to douse you with the cologne on the search warrant at Fairway Ct. and the message you left me an hour before you were taken from us is unforgetable Your a true home grown Oceanside hero brother......There is not a person you did not touch with your humor. The recording you and Lindsay made regarding Gary Alexis' 20002 incident, hilarious. I wish I could think of sentimental things to write as others have but I can't. This is to soon after Tony's incident for all of us. Thursday afternoon brief's in S.E.S. will not be the same. After shift choir practice at O.M.T.I., what a hoot man. From all of us at OPD you will be marked as a legend, a faithful husband, a great partner, a caring and nurturing father and a beloved son. Carry on my man, Tony will be waiting for you Bro !!!!!!!!!!

Det. Brian Bruce
Oceanside Police Dept.

December 21, 2006

Rest in peace brother, we'll take the watch from here. Thank you for serving.

Tpr.
PA State Police

December 21, 2006

Peace be with you always...

Natalie Jensen
widow of Detective Jared Jensen, EOW 2/22/06

December 21, 2006

My heart and prayers go out to this fine Officer and his family. He was a shining example of what we think an Officer should reflect. He was extremely pleasant, which allowed us to feel comfortable with him. No words can express my feelings for this sad situation. We are still mourning the loss of our other Officer of 3 years ago. I will always remember to keep Oceanside Police Dept. in my daily prayers. We are proud of a great team. God speed!

Jackie Camp
Citizen of Oceanside

December 21, 2006

I'm guessing Dan was born in 1981 which seems young but then I look at his photo and I see an officer of the law who has sworn to protect his fellow citizens at the risk of his life. An incredible courage and honor was his calling. How many twenty-somethings could even think of experiencing the dangers he endured except other officers?
Now he is at rest in hallowed remembrance by those he protected.

Canadian Citizen

December 21, 2006

Officer Bessant. Thank you for your service. May the hands of the Lord comfort your family.

Trooper Jeremy Lee
Kentucky State Police

December 21, 2006

Oh I am so sorry for what happened to this officer and family man. I never knew nor met him, but he was a protector of society, and he will always be thus honored.

My heart goes out to his family, friends, and fellow officers.

My blessings are with you at this time

Sandy Yurmonovich

December 21, 2006

On behalf of VDF, our deepest condolences. Rest in Peace Officer Bessant, and know our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

T. A. Reed, Sgt.
San Diego Sheriff's Department

December 21, 2006

"Another One Fell"

Dark glasses can't hide
the tear stained eyes
of the warriors,
these men and women who aren't supposed to cry.

The silver covered
by that thin black line
an all to familiar sight this day
along with the pain that no one can hide.

Taps sounds, the guns go off
it only serves as a reminder
of what we all have lost.
one more deputy gone

But the hurt felt will last so long
for no longer in the streets of hell
a final call is given in honor
to another one that fell.

ATSAC Steve Haw
Federal Air Marshal Service

December 21, 2006