Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 9, 2024

My deepest condolences to the family of Sergeant Daniel Takashi Sakai, and to his wife, Officer Sakai, and their daughter. Sergeant Sakai will be missed by many, and he will never ever be forgotten. May his soul forever be in a state of peaceful rest.

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

December 29, 2023

I remember reading about your sacrifice in the TBTM book when I was a pledge and learning about great brothers who had gone before me. I few short years later I would be able to call you a brother in blue as I became a police officer. May your example shine for all brothers in blue and those in the Mystic Circle. My grandfather's badge number was also 186.

Charles McNeill, Zeta Pi '11
Patrol Officer, Cambridge Police Department
EOD/K9 Unit

Patrol Officer Charles J. McNeill Jr. #615
Cambridge Police Department

May 16, 2022

In 2008 I was living a very rough life on Hayes and Seminary. Unfortunately we had several visits to our house by OPD and fortunately officer Daniel Sakai was there to help us calm situations down. What a charming, handsome, rational peace keeper he was. I felt much safer in an unsafe area knowing he was around. God bless him and his family. His last duty of service is tragic and I was very saddened to hear about this years ago. I just passed the sign on the freeway and felt compelled to let you all know that I am grateful for his service, he was an outstanding member of the OPD and I will never forget him. We called him officer cutie patutie

Traci K Preston
Resident of Oakland

December 7, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

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

March 21, 2021

Everyday I feel blessed to have known Dan. He wasn't only a great friend, but also a great leader, and awesome Sergeant who worked by the motto of leading by example, I just got done explaining to my son, with all this disrespecting the Police going on in our country. I told my son about the great man, Dan was and that I strive to be at least half the man Dan was. Dan was that great of a man!!! Dan is missed and will never be forgotten.

Ret. Sgt. Steven Szopinski
Co-worker

August 2, 2020

I'm running today to honor your memory. God bless your family. Thank you for your heroism as a fearless SWAT Sgt.

Ret Sgt C Perea

May 9, 2020

I don't remember a whole lot from my high school days, but this day is one memory that will stay with me forever, clear as water. I was driving by Seminary Av. when I saw all the units rolling code and had a gut feeling something bad had happened, and that feeling was confirmed by the news later that evening. As a new LEO, this memory has always subconsciously influenced my drive to be an officer. May you and the other three officers rest easy, and we'll hold the watch from here.

J. Duong
Alameda Police

May 2, 2020

Thank you for protecting us

Heidi Davis

April 23, 2020

I was looking at the Wall of Honor today at OPD HQ. Seeing your name and the names of your three other fallen brothers from that horrible incident ten years ago was difficult. I hope you and your family know that you are not forgotten.

Police Officer K Shum
Stockton School Police

January 30, 2020

Scripture assures us that, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called [children] of God.” Matthew 5:9 ESV and “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 ESV.

Rev. Dr. Steven Robert Closs, DD, MSBS
Licensed & Ordained Independent Christian Minister
The Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
“An Intercessory Prayer Ministry for Law Enforcement”
Chartered by the National Association of Christian Ministers
Merrimack, NH 03054

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DD, MSBS
Merrimack NH Police Department

July 29, 2018

Dan, my friend... 25 years ago we worked together as CSOs at UC Berkeley. I had been your training officer in 1992, taught you the difference between a 10-59 and an 11-51. You were probably the easiest trainee I had over the years. I knew then that you would become a police officer, and a good one.

Last time I spoke with you, you were doing traffic control after a football game, I believe it was Sept 1996 after we beat OSU in triple overtime. You recognized me as I walked by even though it had been a few years, and we spent about 5min catching up. I still remember that day.

The day I learned of your passing, my heart sank and my three year old daughter asked me why I was so sad and I cried telling her why. I still remember that day. Rest in peace brother.

Scott Redman, former CSO (1990-1993)
UC Berkeley Police Dept #153

March 23, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

March 21, 2018

Almost 9 years and you, Sgt. Sakai, Sgt. Romans, Sgt. Dunakin, and Officer Hege are still remembered for your humanity, your hearts for the public, your dignity, your service, and your sacrifice.

We the public need to stand behind our police officers who have a calling for such a difficult job before those who follow in your footsteps finally give up because of lack of support. We need to push for stricter penalties and greater enforcement of penalties for felons with weapons and for those who procure or enable them to have weapons. We need very stiff penalties for illegal possession of weapons. We need to do our part so that your sacrifices and those of your families will not have been in vain. The law needs to protect victims and potential victims at least as much as it protects criminals. May you all rest in the peace until the day our Lord returns.

Citizen of Los Angeles
Citizen of California

March 17, 2018

7 years later....Still not forgotten....your care for your community and your courage and integrity stand as a beacon of hope for all citizens. My heart is still heavy with sadness at your passing, but know that you will have eternal life.

Citizen of Los Angeles
Citizen of California

November 3, 2016

7 year later..... Still not forgotten. RIP

Police Explorer Matthew Badie
San Leandro Police Department Explorer post #540

March 21, 2016

Seven years have passed since that horrific day. The filth who murdered you is a smear on the history of the Oakland Police Department, you Sir, are an honored hero. It would have been better if you were still here and simply a good guy doing his job.

God Bless you Sgt. Sakai and may your eternal rest continue to be Peaceful.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

March 21, 2016

Rest in peace, and blessings to all your brothers in the OPD and your family.
Thank you for your service

Susan
Citizen

May 4, 2015

Sakai,I miss that smile! and Sgt Dunakin when you would come into the jail and say that I was the hardest working Officer! That always made my day!! I will always remember where I was when I received the news and how sad I felt you are all very much missed. Jenn my thoughts and prayers are with you on this difficult day xo

Kathy Ceballo
Correctional Officer

March 21, 2015

Today marks the 6yr anniversary of that tragic day. I will never forget where my husband and I were upon hearing the news. I feel like it just happened yesterday and it leaves a knot in my stomach.
For the family's of their beloved, you are always in my thoughts. I understand your grief.
For all Police Officers, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you do.
K. Hoyle

Civilian
Widow of deceased officer

March 21, 2015

Sgts Sakai, Romans, Dunakin, and Officer Hege: we know that you had many choices in what to do with your lives, but you chose a life of service. It has been almost six years since your end of watch, but we remember your sacrifice, honor your memory, and are inspired by your courage, humanity, and compassion.

Lin Norton

February 21, 2015

I was honored to be driving by when his memorial was reinstalled today.

Laura K

December 23, 2014

Ervin grew up in Ironwood, Michigan, and lived on Sunset Road -- I did too but was a little older -- my thoughts and prayers are with his family now and always. He was a courageous and honorable man. I am humbled by his service and sacrifice.

Neighbor

September 28, 2014

I dedicate my Capstone class for, Criminal Justice, to Daniel Takashi Sakai. I hope to one day be a brave and honorable police officer just as he was. His story is one i will carry with me through my life. Thank you for all you have done and may you rest in peace.

Student Amanda Fantazia
Heald Capstone Class Modesto, CA 2013

September 19, 2013

Hey Dan, I think about you often. You were a great brother and friend.

Steve S
Friend

June 5, 2013