Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service is not enough to say, but we are nevertheless thankful to Deputy Sheriff Donta Manuel. RIP sir.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

July 30, 2022

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

November 28, 2020

Donta, brother I miss you. You were an amazing mentor to me. I visit this page often but have not had the courage to write anything. You taught me so much in life. Not just about how to be a cop but how to be a man. You showed me it was ok to be a real person to the people we served in the community. To treat people fair, let them know you were there to serve. But also be the firm face of the law when they crossed that line. Respect is given, to be earned. I want you to know I continued those lessons you taught me well after this night. You have been a cornerstone of my career and my professional and personal life. I never got the chance to say it to your face. But, THANK YOU. Thank you for being who you are and taking the time to teach me the things you did. I feel your watchful eye and guidance constantly. Be safe up there brother. I miss you.

CPL. "Jack" Mayo
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

February 15, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Manuel.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 28, 2019

The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9

Executive Director, Florida Sheriffs Ass
Florida Sheriffs Association

August 7, 2016

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all, and you sir are a hero. Continue to rest in peace.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

November 28, 2012

Just saw you on COPS Deputy Manuel. Would have been really glad to see that large frame coming to help me if I was in trouble. RIP sir.

Phillip Aguet
Student

March 5, 2012

Rest in Peace, Deputy Manuel. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 16, 2012

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all for us, and you sir are a hero. Continue to rest in peace Deputy Manuel.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Deb

November 28, 2011

Donta, Not a day goes by that Brandon and your friend dosen't call your name. It's hard for me to prepare a sheperd's pie now, Boy it's really "Dry County" in our home. Football get together's are not the same without you. Nothing is the same. Your passing have left so many emotional scar's in our lives. It's said that: Love is, what Love does. Thank you for loving us so much. 5 years later we are still together and we are still the one's missing you daily.

Brandon's Mom and Delta 11
Friend's for Life

January 24, 2011

To the Manuel family on yet another EOW, may you know the we will never forget your hero.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

November 28, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the second anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you. Both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 28, 2009

To Deputy Donta J. Manuel, his family and his fellow officers with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office:

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

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

November 28, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends at the end of the first year of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

December 1, 2008

D/S Manuel served proudly and was deeply loved and respected by those who
knew him. It is a tragedy to lose him. We never know when our lives on this
earth will end, but we can make a reservation in Heaven now and assure us a
place when God calls us to Himself. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life
(John 14:6) and He PAID the price for our sins on the Cross so we don't have to pay the penalty for our sins. Yipee! If we accept His payment by faith we can have salvation and spend eternity with Him in Heaven. It is not something we must earn, it is a gift. The most precious one we can ever receive. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith_and this not from yourselves, it is the GIFT of God_not by good deeds, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2: 8,9. For without faith, it is impossible to please God. And our faith must be in God's only Son, Jesus Christ.
You were a credit to the uniform, D.S. Manuel. My heart goes out to your
loved ones left behind and may the Lord comfort them as only He can.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

September 26, 2008

We had a small pursuit in District 1 last night...I threw sticks at LW and Jog. The whole time I kept thinking about that tragic night and couldn't help but think about you and Jonathan. Maybe in some way you kept me safe as you were watching from above. I read this site weekly, to learn, to become better, and to remember. I don't think we'll ever forget, but hopefully one day become stronger! Rest in Peace Brother and continue to watch over us!

Deputy Sheriff Stuart Sussman
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

May 8, 2008

Donta we were in the Explorer program and we worked together at P.B.I.A. as Traffic Aides and we came to Road Patrol about the same time. I will miss your jokes and your stories. I know how much you loved your family. I find it so hard to belive that your gone. I know I will always treasure the time GOD gave us for our friendship. My prayers are with your family and friends and your co-workers. I wanted to write something a while ago but I was not sure how to express my feelings towards you. I will always remember you and and how much our freindship meant to me.

Deputy Sheriff
Palm Beach County S.O.

January 12, 2008

We will keep you and your in our prayers. You are a hero. Job well done. Go with God.

Corporal Timothy J. Zuniga
UC Berkeley Police Department

January 3, 2008

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Deputy Manuel. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Donata, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Donata's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Donata's life was about so much more than the way he died. Donata will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Deputy Manuel, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been almost five years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

January 1, 2008

The highest of distinctions is service to others. -King George VI

Deputy Manuel -- Your dedication to the good of your community will not be forgotten.

To all those touched by the loss of Deputy Manuel -- To lose two heroes at once has got to be devastating. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Association

December 24, 2007

A couple of nights ago, as I deployed Stop Sticks, I thought of you and your sacrifice. Thank you for being a dedicated and courageous officer.

PSO CW Edwards
North Augusta Dept. of Public Safety (SC)

December 19, 2007

Donta, so many times I have tried to leave this for you but have been unable to do so. I remember many times seeing you come into Cummunications, you would have to duck just to get in the door. I miss seeing that. Suzette, my heart goes out to you and the children. I have thought so much about you in the last couple of weeks. You will always be in our hearts.

C/O Preece
District 5 Communications

December 18, 2007

Oh my heart is deeply saddened by the loss of Deputy Manuel and his fellow officer. My prayers are with his family and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

Chaplain
White County Sheriff's Department, Arkansas

December 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

December 15, 2007

THE FINAL INSPECTION





The Policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't..... I'll understand."

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

misty

December 15, 2007