Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

When I first walked into Missouri Western Regional Law Enforcement Academy Class 22 as an instructor several years ago I first meet Dan Dekraai. He immediately stood out as a confidant young man. We quickly became friends and he was always seeking ways to become better. I am a sniper on our SRT Team. That was Dans goals and we spent hours on the range. He graudauted and accepted a position with the Cameron PD. We remained in touch watching UFC in his basement and football in the living room. I became "Uncle" B P to Lexi, his beauitful little girl. When Dan came to the St. Joseph Police Department he still had the same confidence and desire. He quickly became an example to follow and was soon his way to achieve his goals. I have never met a man with such untouchable integrity, overwhelming desire to better himself, and unending devotion to his family and faith. Laura, Dan's wife told me in the emergency room that Dan looked up to me. If only I could show her how much I looked up to him. I am proud to have been his instructor, supervisor, Special Response Teammate and most of all family friend. Dan will be missed.

Retired Sergeant, Investigator
SJPD, BCDSF

September 18, 2010

Thank you Officer De Kraai for your service. May God bless your family and friends at this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with your department, and those who knew and loved you.

Michelle Rogers
Sister of Sgt. J. Dragus EOW 10/20/05

September 18, 2010

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Officer Dan De Kraai as well as to the St Joseph Police Department. R.I.P Sir!

Wm Jean Paul Rochat
Swiss Army, MP-Service, Traffic Unit

September 18, 2010

The one thing I thought would never happen did. 09/15/2010 has forever changed my life and everyone around me. Dan De Kraai you will forever be missed but never forgotten. Watch over us while you are up there, you taught us so much while you were down here. It was a pleasure to serve next to you.

Deputy Dustin Grace
Buchanan County Sheriff's Department

September 18, 2010

Rest in Peace, Brother.

OFC B. Grajek

September 17, 2010

May he rest in eternal peace and may the Good Lord watch over and protect the brothers, sisters and loved ones that he left behind.

Condolences to the De Kraai family and the brothers and sisters of the St Joseph Missouri Police Department

Tom Sontheimer

Tom Sontheimer FF/PARAMEDIC
Savannah MO Fire Department

September 17, 2010

Thank you for your service. May God Bless you and your family. May he grant you eternal peace. May he also grant your family, friends, and co-workers the strength they need to get through the rough times ahead.

PO James McPartland Jr
Mount Vernon PD NY

September 17, 2010

Rest in peace brother

Cpl. D. Lambeth
Lake Winnebago MO Police Dept.

September 17, 2010

My son was trained by Officer Dan and graduated in June. I was so sad when I heard of his passing. A great policeman, husband, and father who will be missed by all. May God Bless.

Brenda
citizen

September 17, 2010

Officer De Kraai,

Rest in peace brother.

Detective Dave Howell
Plano,Texas Police Dept-Auto Theft

September 17, 2010

Rest easy now my Brother In Law, your watch on earth is over. I pray God's love, and mercy will be with your loved ones that are left behind.......

Sgt. John L. Gulledge (Ret.)
Escambia CO Sheriff's Office Pensacola FL.

September 17, 2010

I was one of Dan's Field Training Officers. Dan was the most professional trainee I ever had the pleasure of training. Dan's work ethic was above all others. In the short time he was with our department, he accomplished many things that it took other officers more years to accomplish. He was well respected in the department and was expected to one day be a leader in our department. Dan was also a great "family man". He loved his wife and daughter very much, and made sure they knew it every day. Dan had 1 day scheduled each week just for him and his daughter. What ever she wanted to do, they did. It was her day to have him all to herself. Dan never let anything get in the way of their day. Dan will truly be missed and our Department is better today due to him being an officer here.

Detective Brett Kelley
St. Joseph MO Police Dept/coworker

September 17, 2010

I've known Dan for just a few years but he was a great officer. If I was needing something I could call him and it would get done. All of us have one more angel to watch over us while we serve and protect. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, and all fellow brothers and sisters of the St. Joseph Police Department.

Investigator Grant Gillett
Andrew County Sheriff's Department

September 17, 2010

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service. Matthew 5:9

Gordon Hobbs
NC Game Warden

September 17, 2010

REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF E.J. MORRIS
RANDOLPH MO P.D.

September 17, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Officer De Kraai as well as the brotherhood at St.Joseph Police Department. May you rest in God's eternal peace our brother!

Detective Mark Techmanski
City of Syracuse (NY) Police Department

September 17, 2010

I have no words to describe the feelings Im having right now. I can only reflect back on the times that you taught us in the academy and let them give me guidance right now.
I remember you preaching to us to have command and control at all times in all situations and to never show weakness or fear. You are a true warrior and I will miss you dearly. I will never forget anything you ever taught me, as it will give me the courage and strength to get past any situation I could face while on duty.
I cant wait to see you again at the gates of heaven brother!

Anonymous

September 17, 2010

God Speed Warrior.

We've got it from here.

Sgt. David Bonenberger
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department

September 17, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families and friends involved in this tragic incident.

“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief...and unspeakable love.” ~Washington Erving~

PO Jeri Cain
Perryville Police Department

September 17, 2010

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO.

Deputy J.D.Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office

September 17, 2010

What a tragic loss. Prayers for the family , the officers and for the now tormented soul who feels horrible for what happened.

Sgt Andrew Blair
York Area Regional PD , York, PA

September 16, 2010

Godspeed brother. Please keep watch over us down here.

P.O. St. Louis, MO

September 16, 2010

Rest in peace officer DeKraai, I was an instructor and I know you followed the rules. My sincere condolences to your family and to the Officer that is feeling so terrible about this terrible situation. God speed as you now patrol the streets of gold. Terry Zech

OFC TERRY F. ZECH(RET)
VETERAN AFFAIRS POLICE DEPT, DETROIT, MICHIGAN

September 16, 2010

Our deepest sympathy to the dear family and friends of Officer Dan De Kraal. I will also be praying for the officer that had was involved in this incident. Rest in Peace Dan, you will not be forgotten.

Sgt. Jim May (ret)
CMPD Charlotte, NC

September 16, 2010

RIP brother Dan.

May God bless and be with your family, co-workers and friends at this very difficult time.

Det D. Bevenour
Gettysburg PD

September 16, 2010