Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace always and know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 14, 2020

Temple: Son of fallen Temple Texas Police Officer follows in father’s footsteps

Posted on KWTX Dec 06, 2019

TEMPLE, Texas (KWTX) A Central Texas man who was 12 when his father, a Temple police officer, was killed in an accident while providing a motorcycle escort to a funeral procession, was among a group of new law enforcement officers sworn in Friday after graduating from the Central Texas College Police Academy in Killeen.

Christopher Camden is now a Bell County sheriff’s deputy.

He won the award for the top gun in his class.

“It’s just a career field that’s in the line of my family and I figured I’d carry on the legacy,” he said Friday.

Both his uncle and his father were law enforcement officers and he says he has special memories of his father’s line of work, including “The long motorcycle rides we would take.”

“I have one of his motorcycles and it’s still in my garage. It’s one of my most prized possessions,” he said.

Temple Police Officer David Camden died in September 2007 of injuries received while providing off-duty funeral escort after his motorcycle crashed into a car that had turned out of the motorcade and into his path.

Camden joined the Temple Police Department in 1996 after serving as a reserve officer in Belton from 1991 to 1994 and serving in the Texas National Guard from 1989 to 1993.

He was commissioned as a Temple officer in 1997.

Christopher says he was inspired by “How he carried himself and how so many people loved him.”

“I kind of wanted that same feeling whenever I grew up.”

He said he hopes to set the same example for his children that his father and uncle set for him.

“They always kept everybody laughing and everybody knew them by the smiles,” he said.

“That’s the same characteristic I plan on carrying so my kids can look on it and see how positive I was.”

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

December 6, 2019

Officer Camden,

It has been 12 years since your end of watch. You will always be remembered in the C.O.P.S. unit room by your uniform and safety vest. 11 years of your life was dedicated service with Temple PD, and thank you for putting that badge on for those years.

Rest easy officer, you are at peace.

Explorer Chavez
Temple Police Department

September 28, 2019

Always in our hearts. We love you.

Robin WALDEN
Friend

November 22, 2018

In late 1999 after I got out of field training I was assigned to the night shift which included Dave and his running buddy Chad. One thing that I can remember like it was yesterday is those 2 jokers were fascinated with sport bikes. They were also into making those old style lights go super fast. I remember Dave had bought something to make them spin like crazy. I was waiting to the whole light bar to fly off Dave's 1995 ish Crown Vic. I remember he loved Motorcycles. Took a special person to put up with Chad also LOL. Rest in peace brother and I'll see you on the other side.......

Officer Michael Keating
Temple PD

September 14, 2017

David- I can't believe it has been 10 years. You are gone but never forgotten!

Spouse Kelly (Camden) Beals
Former wife

September 14, 2017

It has been 9 years 10 months and 22 days since your EOW and just wanted to let you know thats some hasn't forgotten you

Son of Follower Officer

August 5, 2017

Hey, Dad Happy Birthday! Just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you today. I love and miss you very much.

David Camden's Son
Temple Police Dept.
- Coleton Camden

February 9, 2014

Thank you for your dedicated service to others. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

September 14, 2013

I love you Dad! I miss you very much, I think about you all the time. I strive to make you proud and to keep your memory alive. You have touched a lot of lives. Thanks for being such a great dad!

David Camden's Son
Temple Police Dept.

July 18, 2013

KELLY: I've been trying to get in-touch with you. I tried to send my condolences when it occurred, but I haven't been able to find a way to find you, my card came back. I just want you to know how sorry I was to hear of the news and I want you to know you're in my thoughts and prayers.. If there is anything you need, please let me know.

Rebecca Overby (formerly Ferrari)
friend/co-worker of wife, Kelly, from KDC

May 4, 2012

Dave,

I thought about you today and the times we had together as true friends. Rest in peace and know you have not been forgotten, you were like a brother to me. Being friends, neighbors and getting hired at the same time, going to the academy together and working together for years with Temple PD is something I will never forget and i will always remember your happy go lucky attitude you always had everyday and the pride you carried as a police officer. Rest in peace my brother, and trust you will never be forgotten.
Mike

Mike Carlile, Patrol Deputy II, HCSO
Harris County Sheriffs Office, Former Temple PD Police Officer

April 29, 2012

Hard to believe it's allready been three years. Still thinkin of you bro and tryin to be half the cop you were.

Officer Carl Snellings Jr
Belton Police Department-friend

September 15, 2010

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. Continue to watch over all of them and those still out on patrol. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

September 14, 2010

I could not believe, when the message got to Germany about you leaving. It makes me very sad for those you left behind. I know you´re doing good. Thanks for all the time we spent, laughing, having fun and thanks for all the care. You where very speciall to me. See you in the future.
Love Gabriele

Camden Gabriele
former sister in law

April 7, 2010

Hi, Sweetie:

Please give "Grandma" a big hug for us when she gets there. Now you can still celebrate your February birthdays together forever.

Judy Young
Mother-In-Law

March 21, 2010

Sir you died a true hero, you will always be in my preayers


Things happen quickly in Texas

Anonymous

September 15, 2009

Two years have now passed and we still miss you. You had a contagious laughter that filled the room. I hope you are entertaining God's angels in Heaven. Coleton and I are doing good. We are now living happily in Amarillo. Thank you for giving me such a wonderful son!

Kelly Camden Beals
former spouse

September 14, 2009

its been 2 yrs since your EOW, not a momement goes by that you are not remembered! You were an amazing officer.

Anonymous

September 14, 2009

2 years today since you were taken away. Not a day goes by that I don't long to hear your voice your laughter. You are missed so much and I am so looking forward to seeing you again. Till then keep em all in check for me and give Trina a giant hug too - Love You Bro

Deputy
Brother

September 14, 2009

To Officer Daivd Camden, his family and his fellow officers with the Temple Police Department:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Officer Camden‘s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Officer Camden and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

September 14, 2009

Praying for your wife & kids, family and the Temple PD on your 2 year EOW. Rest easy Brother, Heros are never forgotten

Deputy and Firefighter
Southwest Florida

September 14, 2009

It'll soon be 2 years since we laid you to rest my friend. You have given me some memories that still make me laugh but losing you still makes me cry. I hope that when we meet again you will have your old blue Dodge pick-up ready for a spin. I wish we could have ran around together more after high school...but life got busy. See ya on the other side.

Phil Jackson
Old buddies

September 5, 2009

I cant believe it's been almost two years since you have passed. I just wanted to let you know you are not forgotten, and I try everyday to be half the cop you were. Rest In Peace brother.

Corporal Carl M. Snellings Jr
Belton Police Department\Friend

June 4, 2009

I know you were standing with arms open to welcome another fallen brother. KPD officer Wright.

Anonymous

December 12, 2008