Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Weep Not For Me

For I have Seen

The streets of Gold

and grass so green

Here the sun shines so strong

And the clouds so few

For what I've seen

I wish you knew

I am with you

My Brothers and Sisters in Blue

So be Kind, loving and strong

And keep always true

Here I'll be forever more

Amongst the clouds

I've past through Heavens door

My friends and loved ones

Please understand

I am next to GOD

In his Promised Land...



I am sure this is right where you are Dave! Although time is passing by it still isn't any easier for most of the people in the office. Even though we all know you are in a better place...I know many of the guys can't help but wish you were still here. Take care of us all this Christmas. We all miss ya lots. I know it sure isn't the same only having one of ya to tease me and call me sunshine...lol...but don't worry he is keeping up what you guys started.

C.O. Misty Clay
G.C.S.O

December 24, 2007

Merry Christmas Dave!! You are thought of and missed everyday.

Friends
Gallipolis Post

December 24, 2007

Hey David: We had our first basketball game on Saturday. It was such an exciting time with it being the first game of the season and all but then on the other hand it was a very sad time as well. Seeing your wonderful wife over there coaching without her guy there helping her was just a bit much. You are so loved and missed David!! But on a brighter note, your kids rocked!!!!! Mikayla and Jared both won their games. They both did a great job, having many great shots, fast breaks and some sneaky steals. I know you were looking upon them and all of your "kids" made you very proud. Having coached and taught these kids the game of basketball, your legacy shall live on forever.
Forever loving and honoring David A. Poling.

a friend forever

December 10, 2007

Dave,
Well, your headstone finally arrived, and I have to say we think you would be proud. She did a good job. Sadly, it's just another reminder of what has been lost to all of us. We got to see the girls the other night for the first time in a while, it was good to see them. So many things have changed in our lives in the last year, so much loss of ones we love and hold dear to our hearts. You are still so much a part of our lives, and we miss you so much. He catches himself sometimes going over the hill to see you realizing halfway there he can't and it brings it all back again. He picks up the phone to call you, or mentions getting together for lunch. Just little things, eating mexican (Luis), pictures - though we have few, and other things, which I know you see, still at a loss for his brother. These things too shall pass, but they take with them a whole other loss - one which will never pass. Anyway, just wanted to check in - we love and miss you still, always and forever, our hero.

Deputy's Wife
GCSO

December 7, 2007

Hey David: We love and miss you so very badly. I went to look at Christmas trees today and I started thinking about how proud you were last year when you had went and bought your tree for the new house. You told me that day of all of the little trees that you had found really cheap and how you had bought them for those families that you had seen while working that didn't have trees for their children. David you were an extraordinary man and it makes me so proud to know that my family and I had you in our lives and that we had been part of yours. Not a day goes by that we don't think of you and miss you David. Such a great man you were and you will continue to be our hero.
ALWAYS LOVING AND HONORING DAVID ALLAN POLING!!!!

a friend forever

November 30, 2007

I had a priviledge of knowing Dave. We went hunting, fishing, played sports, and jokes all the time. His family is close to mine. He was not only a relative but a brother to me. He taught many of us how to be an honered man and go beyond the call of duty for his family and job. He will be missed by all and not a day goes by I dont think about him. We love you Dave!!!

James Brace
close friend

November 29, 2007

Dave,

Spent most of the day thinking about you, Dale, Josh and Brian and your families. We miss you guys. I am very thankful for the good times I had with you.

Robbie
OSHP

November 22, 2007

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, DAVE! WE THINK OF YOU TODAY, ALTHOUGH IT IS NO DIFFERENT FROM ANY OTHER DAY IN THAT ASPECT! WE LOVE YOU, OUR HERO!

Deputy's Wife
GCSO

November 21, 2007

Hey David: Basketball season is gearing up and we all miss you so very much. Just so many things that I have taken for granted in my life, I am ashamed really. With your passing I have learned that I need to live in and enjoy every moment with my family and all of my friends because none of those are guaranteed. If I had only known.........
Your little creation is doing well so far. Sadly he is not playing in town with his H.T. buddies this year but instead he is playing with Southwestern boys with Mark Haner being his coach. Mark didn't realize it at the time but he was paid the ultimate compliment the other night. J was lagging and he got his rear ripped and was made to run and he loved every moment of it. After practice he told his coach that he reminded him of you. He loves and misses you so very much.
Well David, we all love you and are living day by day down here until the moment that we can see you again. Please keep a watchful eye on my little guys and guide them with your loving hand. I know to some that just might sound impossible but I know without a doubt that you are with them in spirit and heart.
ALWAYS LOVING AND HONORING DAVID ALLAN POLING!!!!!

a friend forever

November 18, 2007

Dave,
Thanksgiving is just a few days away - I spent this weekend with my family, and even though most of them only knew you through us, they have a lasting impression of the man you were. I just wanted to say that we are thankful for you and the light and love you brought to us while you were here. She has a charm on her bracelet that she says is for your memory - it simple says "Police", and when asked about it, she tells everyone it's for you and him. She loves you still, as they all do, and remembers you and the times we spent at your house, and here. This Thanksgiving, he'll be on the road, but know that we are all thankful to know that he has someone watching over him, as always. Thanksgiving is the time to remember all of whom we are thankful, my family, my love, and you, our friend. You are not forgotten, never in our home or in our hearts. We love you, and are thankful for you, our hero.

November 18, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 12, 2007

Dave Poling served with me in Military Police Company, 2d Force Service Support Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force from 1998-2000. Sgt Poling was a strong, trustworthy and genuine Marine, husband and father. He set the example for those Marines under his charge and he helped to develop me as a young officer. Dave Poling's legacy will live on in the memories of those he served. My thoughts and prayers go out to Michelle and their children.

Major Lisa Souders
USMC

October 28, 2007

Dave, Yet another month has passed - here we are at the end of October already! Your always close to the heart and on our minds - we still talk of or to you daily. He seems to be handling things better now, almost to well. He has taken on your mentorship to others as well, thanks to all you taught and showed him, he's doing that for you to the others. Funny how he never saw himself in quite that light before, but he relishes it and thanks you for it. He's trying to take all that he learned and use it for the better of himself and others. And, that's not just on the job either, but in life. If only he would be that diligent in other aspects of his life, he'd have it down pat. I wish you were here to kick him in the butt sometimes, in only the way you could. He doesn't listen to anyone else the way he did you, and for some reason, I know you'd know what to tell him and say in only the way you could. We miss you so much, but you know that. Just wanted to check in - love you and miss you more than you know.

October 26, 2007

Dave,

Was just notified by a fellow former Marine/brother from MPCO of your passing. Although this news leaves me with a sense of sadness, it doesnt surprise me that you passed going above and beyond the call of duty. You were an outstanding Marine and I have no doubt an outstanding police officer, husband and father. My heartfelt sympathies go out to the Poling family. God Bless,

Det. Blaise T. Raville

Det. Blaise T. Raville
Fellow Marine

September 28, 2007

Dave,
We stopped over again on our weekly or so visit - your military stone has been set. We were glad to see that there, although it made another ping of the heart with the realization your truly gone, seeing it set in bronze. You know, your not forgotten. Your name is synonomous with HERO to most folks here - that's what they say. And knowing you and the things you stood for, you would probably have one of those deep laughs about that. Funny, you never saw yourself as more than a man, while so many saw you as so much more, obviously. This page is for your memory and our memories of you, friend. I would never disgrace it with this other junk and feel this is not the place to air dirty laundry, I bet, no, I KNOW you agree. I am sure you have no idea the lives you touched, but know they are far beyond Gallia County, and you live on in hearts far and wide. We told our children that too, as long as we remember who you are, what you stood for, and how you were with them and to them, you are always here. We love you, revere you, and talk to and about YOU all the time. His mission is now to be like you, to use all the things you taught him, and credit you for what YOU are - a HERO, a brother, a comrade, and most of all, a FRIEND! You know what he's been doing, and he knows you are proud of how hard he works to keep your objectives alive. When he gets one of them, it's like his partner was right there with him, and it makes him smile when he says, "Dave would be so pumped - and he'd be proud of that." He keeps you busy watching over him, doesn't he??!! WE LOVE YOU - OUR HERO!

September 25, 2007

Hey David, as you know things here are getting pretty bad with all of the gosspip and such. It is such a shame that people have to act the way that they do. I know how easy it is to fall into all of that "he said, she said" business but I have to tell ya, since your death I have been trying to stay away from all of that. It is weird that while you were here with us you gave to me and now that you are only here in spirit you are still giving. I learn little life lessons everyday that are all results of your passing. I have been taught to value friendship with all of your heart and soul because if you don't do it today you may not be given the chance tomorrow. And I have been shown the effects that ignorant gossip has on others. Things that this county is putting Michelle through is just so unthinkable!! Those of us that really knew and loved you guys know that she loved and worshiped you with all of her heart and soul while you were here with her and even now in your death she loves you no less that with everything she has. It is just sooooo sad David that people have to be doing this to her! On May 22nd you paid the ultimate sacrifice to your town and community and what I think people are forgetting is that on that particular day Michelle made that sacrifice too. She loved and honored you so much that she supported and stood behind you and your job, knowing what the price could be at any moment. You two just had that kind of relationship that no matter what happened you were always there for one another. David, all of our hearts are broken that you aren't here with us, but we have to pick those pieces up and even though we will probably never be able to put them back together again we still have to keep going everyday. Please help this community get behind Michelle and her God given choices that she is making and make them see that she is doing what she has to do. I know that you are very proud of her and that you want her to be happy and make a life for Mikayla and Faith. I know that without a doubt in my heart and I also know that you are glad that Aaron has stepped up to help your girls. He is really great with them David. No, he is not you, and we can't expect him to ever be but it is working. When Michelle or the girls, or any of us who know and love him, have tears in our eyes or need a hug or helping hand, he has been there. I have personally seen him replace tears with smiles when it comes to your girls and David that is what it is all about. It isn't about when, why, how or where they are together, it is all about picking those girls up and getting them through all of their todays and tomorrows that they have to spend here without their daddy and their soul mate.
Just help us David!!! I know in my heart that you don't want people mistreating or falsely judging Michelle . You wouldn't have put up with that while you were here and I know darn well that you don't expect people to be doing it now. I think that those who are doing this are the ones who are disrespecting and dishonoring you David and it is so time that they all realize this. Well I guess I should go on now but I just had to get all of this off of my chest and clear my mind a bit and who better to go to than you. We love and miss you terribly David and your girls will forever be in the thoughts and warm embraces of my family.
FOREVER LOVING AND HONORING YOU DAVID ALLAN POLING!!!

a friend forever

September 24, 2007

Hi Michelle, I'm so sorry to hear about david. It's hard for me to imagine he's gone since we grew up together. I do not know if you remember me we talked on the phone a couple of times but' we have never met. David came to south point to my dads funeral in 2001 that was the last time i ever saw or talked to him, will you please email me where david is put to rest the next time i come to south point i want to visit him i live in south carolina. Once again i'm so sorry david was one of my best friends we had so much fun together my thoughts go out to you god bless.

September 23, 2007

thank you for your best advice even tho your gone i promise you will not be missed....rest in peace...in the arms of jesus..

anthony edwards /firefighter Slema IN
known him...

September 9, 2007

Dave, Well, the fundraiser in your memory was today. What an awesomely sad reminder of the fact that your not here. We enjoyed the ride, the weather was beautiful, and missed you dearly every mile. Even tho things seem to be changing down here, one thing that hasn't is your memory and what you mean to us. Although we can never truly know what you would think or do of this whole situation, I hope that you remember those of us here who live each day with you in our thoughts. We haven't changed all that much, we still visit you at least once a week over there, trying to put this all in perspective. Although we may not agree with the situation that has taken shape, it will never change what YOU mean to each of us and what we carry in our hearts. Watch over him Dave, sitting by the good Lords side, I know the two of you will take care of him. He misses you more than words will describe, cries tears of anger and pain, and laughs at all those silly things you used to say every day. I'm so sorry - you know what I mean, we love you!!

Deputy's Wife
GCSO

September 8, 2007

Hey David: Days are ticking by until the fundraiser that is in your memory and for the girls to finish your home. I hope that things go well and that we have a wonderful day celebrating the loving man that you were. I know time is moving on and we all have to go with it but it just seems that things are getting harder down here. I just can't seem to get past the fact that you are no longer here. Time moves on and and I know in my head that we have to go with it but my heart just can't seem to begin healing. So many things I have taken for granted in this life and your friendship to myself and my family was one of them. My whole family has gotten back in church and we love it and it has helped some with dealing with losing you but there is just an emptiness that I feel that I just can't seem to get past. Just watch over us and help guide us down here so that we all learn how to live for you instead of feeling as if we have to live without you. You will live forever in our hearts and our memories. We love and honor you David Allan!!!!

a friend forever

September 4, 2007

TO MY FRIEND AND HIS FAMILY:
I LOOK ON THIS SITE TWO TO THREE TIMES A WEEK BUT UNTIL TODAY HAVE NEVER LEFT ANY WORDS BECAUSE WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS THE WAY I FEEL. GALLIA COUNTY HAS LOST A GREAT MAN,HUSBAND,FATHER,FRIEND,CO-WORKER,DEPUTY,MARINE..ETC AND IS LOVED AND MISSED BY MANY. MICHELLE IS AN AMAZING WOMAN AND YOU HANG IN THERE MICHELLE, FOR YOURSELF AND THOSE TWO BEAUTIFUL GIRLS, YOU HANG IN THERE !!! YOU ARE SO STRONG. THE GOOD MAN ABOVE WILL NEVER LEAD YOU IN THE WRONG DIRECTION AND HE HAS YOUR ANGEL IN HEAVEN NOW WALKING A NEW BEAT AND WATCHING OVER YOU, MAKAYLA AND FAITH. I WISH THINGS COULD BE DIFFERENT BUT GOD DOES THINGS FOR A REASON AND HE NOW HAS ONE OF THE BEST WITH HIM NOW. YOU AND DAVE WILL BE TOGETHER AGAIN SOME DAY BUT UNTIL THEN, STAY STRONG!!!!!!!

August 30, 2007

Dave...
I am lost for words. All I can say is that I miss ya buddy. I am back at 911 full time now and there is not a shift that goes by without a zillion thoughts of you. Every time Richard or Fred or Matt walk in the door, I wish with all my heart that you are close behind them. I know that you are with us ALWAYS and I feel safer knowing that "BIG DADDY POLING" is one of my guardian angels.
I miss the "biggie sweet tea delivery service"...football games...your jokes. Keep an eye on us...we all need you now more than ever! I love you and I am so proud to have known you. You are a HERO and your great example lives on.

Elisha Meadows
Gallia Co 911 Dispatcher / FRIEND

August 30, 2007

When I got the news I was on the other side of the world on another deployment. Michelle, I wish I could have been there to support however Mary & I could have. Dave, you will never be forgotten, but you will be dearly missed. Dave, you will forever be remembered as a great Family Man, Marine, and Police Officer.

For all your old MPCo brothers out there I built a memorial page on togetherweserved.com so please stop by and say hello.


Very respectfully,
Semper Fidelis,

Gunny "LUCKY" LyBrand

Gunnery Sergeant LyBrand, Jamie, M.
Military Police Company/2nd FSSG/USMC

August 27, 2007

Dear Michelle,
We just learned of your great loss. We are so very sorry. Dave was an awesome man who served his country and gave the ultimate sacrifice.
We have many great memories of you guys at Camp Lejeune especially upon first arriving in 1996 and prior at MP school in Anniston.
You are in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers. I know Dave is now your Guardian from above and will be with you always.Your relationship was so special and the love you showed each other was something we will never forget.
God Bless and Semper Fi,
Daniel & Monica McGee
and Gemma, Luke, Genevieve

Daniel McGee
Cpl. USMC MP CO 2nd FSSG (former)

August 20, 2007

Dave,
Looking back and thinking of the days of MP CO 2nd FSSG. The time we spent on deployments and at the motor pool and the armory were some of the best times of my life. You are a good leader and a teacher. you will always be in our prayers. Gods speed and semper fi Marine.
your friends
Heith and darlene Kafer

Sgt Kafer, Heith A
Former Marine, now Army

August 19, 2007