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

Trooper DeLaittre, Dave was a family friend. Dave’s father and my father worked together as Minneapolis Police Officers.
The pain from these senseless acts never fully heal. My grandfather was also a Minneapolis Police Officer and was lost in the line of duty
God bless the peacekeepers.

R Seawell Fire Captain
Maple Grove Fire / Rescue

May 30, 2023

Montana Highway Patrol remembers trooper shot, killed near Three Forks Airport

Posted on Dec 01, 2020 By: MTN News

THREE FORKS — The Montana Highway Patrol is remembering a fallen trooper today.

Trooper David DeLaittre, 23, was killed in the line of duty 10 years ago on Dec. 1, 2010. Trooper DeLaittre served with MHP for two years. He was 23 years old.

According to a social media post:

"Trooper David DeLaittre was shot and killed while conducting a vehicle stop on Lane Road, near the Three Forks Airport, in Gallatin County at about 4:20 pm.

He had stopped the vehicle after seeing a man walking nearby with a shotgun. Before Trooper DeLaittre exited the vehicle the driver exited the truck and started walking back towards the patrol car, then suddenly turned around and reached into the pickup truck.

As Trooper DeLaittre instructed the man to come back the man emerged with a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with birdshot. The two exchanged shots at range of 35-feet and Trooper DeLaittre was struck in the abdomen. He took cover on the passenger side of his patrol car as the subject reloaded his shotgun. They exchanged shots again and Trooper DeLaittre suffered a fatal shot.

The suspect, who had been wounded once in the chest during the shootout, fled in his truck. He was found dead several hours later after having committed suicide with a .22 caliber rifle.

He is survived by his parents and three siblings."

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

December 2, 2020

Trooper DeLaittre,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state Montana. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 1, 2020

Now keeping a watch on Montana from the Heavens. Rest In Peace brother.

Zach Critchelow. Park Ranger
Kentucky State Park Rangers

August 7, 2020

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

September 30, 2018

May Jesus hold you in his arms. Such a shame this had to happen. I lived in Belgrade for years and have a deep respect for all lawmen.

Lt. R Shaffer
Los Angeles PD

September 7, 2018

I visited some friends nearby and was passing by. I felt moved to enough to find out your story and it saddened me to learn of the the senseless and cowardly act that was carried out. RIP Trooper DeLaittre.

Anthony James
Citizen, Valley Center, CA

June 14, 2017

My wife and I stopped and reflected at the memorial near Three Forks today and we want to thank you for your service. We grieve this evening at the senseless loss of your life as there is no gain for either side. We go by Three Forks several times a year and will always go by the memorial to honor and remember. Thank you again Trooper Delaittre.

James and Carol Anderson

February 17, 2017

On January 13th, 2017 the Missoula Drug Task Force conducted an operation dedicated to your memory. We say thank you to you and your family for the sacrifice you made.

Missoula Drug Task Force

January 16, 2017

May God hold David in his arms and bless him.. My family cries for these brave men Like Trooper DeLaittre.

Vietnam vet and father of two sons who serve their country, as Army veteran, Fire Department/EMT and Board Patrol.

Ray Koppal
none..Vietnam vet and father of sons who serve their country

October 17, 2016

Lord I ask for courage

Courage to face and
Conquer my own fears...

Courage to take me
Where others will not go...

I ask for strength

Strength of body to protect others
And strength of spirit to lead others...

I ask for dedication

Dedication to my job, to do it well
Dedication to my community
To keep it safe...

Give me Lord, concern
For others who trust me
And compassion for those who need me...

And please Lord

Through it all
Be at my side

Correctional Officer 84804
California Dept.Of Corrections

July 7, 2016

I remember the day that I heard of the shooting. I was in Missoula when the Missoula police put out an attempt to located for the shooting suspect, and they stated your passing. I learned of your age and learned of your life. It makes me cry thinking, you were so young. You were four years older than I am. You are a trooper i will always look up to, and will always be thankful for. Thank you for your service, you are missed.

Jacob
Citizen of Missoula MT

February 4, 2016

Rest in peace warrior.....

Deputy Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

December 1, 2015

Brother I ate lunch at your memorial a few days ago. I left you a bear claw bun by the Christmas tree. You are remembered for your sacrifice. RIP bro.. #112 TWPD (ret.)

PO La Bianca
TWPD

November 22, 2015

Trooper DeLaittre thank you for the noble and honorable service that you provided to the people of Montana. And thank you to your family for giving us the courageous and dedicated young Trooper. May all future young troopers have the same great qualities he exhibited on a daily basis.

AJ
Montana Citizen

February 2, 2015

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

December 21, 2014

Rest in Peace. Gone but never forgotten.
Saint Michael, heaven's glorious commissioner of police,
who once so neatly and successfully cleared God's premises
of all its undesirables, look with kindly and professional
eyes on your earthly force.

Give us cool heads, stout hearts, and uncanny flair for
investigation and wise judgement.

Make us the terror of burglars, the friend of children and
law-abiding citizens, kind to strangers, polite to bores,
strict with law-breakers and impervious to temptations.

You know, Saint Michael, from your own experiences
with the devil that the police officer's lot on earth is not
always a happy one; but your sense of duty that so
pleased God, your hard knocks that so surprised the
devil, and your angelic self-control give us inspiration.

And when we lay down our night sticks, enroll us in your
heavenly force, where we will be as proud to guard the
throne of God as we have been to guard the city of all
the people. Amen

Police Officer J Sweeney
New JErsey Transit Police

August 27, 2014

Dennis and Nancy and family..what a wonderful tribute to David. You and David are always in our thoughts and prayers. He was such a kind, wonderful person, and so good to his friends. We are so very proud of him! Love and peace to all of you. David and Jill Morris, Patrick's' parents

Jill L Morris
friends of David

June 20, 2014

Rest in peace.

Sgt. Jim Russo

May 18, 2014

It saddened me to hear about your falling. The Montana Highway Patrol lost a great man. You are truly an American hero.

Everett Flores, student
Mission Hills High School

May 9, 2014

Rest in peace

Nick
N.A

December 26, 2013

God bless................

Special Agent
BNSF Railway Police

September 16, 2013

Dennis and nancy
I saw your memorial this week as I drove into three forks coming from Jackson hole Wyoming. This is all new news to me seeing how I'm not from your area , but I was very touched by the thought that someone could be so missed that his love ones would honor him this way . It was nice meeting you both but I felt like I was intruding so that's why I left so soon.
I soon realized your hurt is still very fresh . Stay strong and know that many unheard voices live in freedom because of your sons sacrifice .
God bless , Larry mckenzie AKA Wyatt hurts

Citizen

July 21, 2013

Remembering David today on the first anniversary of his Ultimate Sacrifice.
Thoughts of comfort and peace are being sent to his family, friends and co-workers today.
God bless you .
Mother of Fallen Deputy

Lorraine Bond

December 1, 2012