Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You would be so proud of your son and what he is doing to help the LEO community in Onondaga County!

JAR
LEO

May 23, 2024

I last posted a reflection in 2018, and I remain steadfast in my belief that Deputy Sheriff David R. Clark will never ever be forgotten, RIP sir.

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

April 16, 2024

Sorry I'm late with my reflection. I will never forget the tragic evening we lost Dave . Being on scene remained with me throughout my career and even to this date.

God bless Dave and Bernie.

Sgt. Vince Tripoli (Ret.)
Town of Manlius Police Dept.

Sgt. Vince Tripoli (Ret.)
Town of Manlius Police Dept.

February 18, 2023

Tomorrow February 11 marks a tragic day with the Onondaga County Sheriff's office. On that day in 1987 we lost one of our own Deputy David R. Clark. There are people like myself who were involved with that tragic day and weeks and years to follow. Some were not have been there, but have heard the events and stories not only about the incident its self but about the man we lost way too soon. May we always honor those who we have lost, carry on, and never forget them or their sacrifice to the community and public safety. Please try to think of the Clark family, Deputy David Clark and those we have lost as well for at least a moment. " Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God".

Chief John S. Drapikowski
Onondaga County Sheriff's Office

February 10, 2023

35 years ago today we were shocked to hear that you and Bernie Meleski had been shot. We all felt an incredible loss when you died later that night, in the wee hours of February 11, 1987. You we a hero well before this incident, as a soldier, as a sheriff’s deputy, as a husband and father, you exhibited what was good an right. Your death sparked significant changes that remain today. Your senseless death was not in vain. May you continue to Rest In Peace in the warm presence of a loving God.

Tony Callisto, Chief Deputy (ret)
Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office

February 10, 2022

Dave, 34 years have passed, and I think of that horrible night once again. May you continue to rest in the warm presence of a loving God. I’ll see you when it’s my time.

Chief Tony Callisto (ret.)
Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office

February 10, 2021

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Clark.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 2, 2019

To the Clark family: David's life and service will never be forgotten. Time may never erase the sorrow you have had to endure. May his fond memory always guide your path to peace.

Thomas S. Tubbert(Police Chief-ret)
Onondaga County Sheriff's

April 14, 2018

My condolences to the ENTIRE Clark family, and to his retired brothers and sisters who worked with Deputy Clark or along side of him. I know your soul is in Heaven with our lord God.

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

January 30, 2018

30 years have now passed Dave. Your sacrifice is not forgotten. Those of us who worked with you will never forget your sense of humor, your professionalism, your big heart. We'll never forget that tragic night and the days that follow. Valentine Day 30 years ago you were payed to rest. We'll all see you on the other side. May you Rest In Peace in the warm presence of a loving God.

Tony Callisto, OCSO Chief Deputy (Ret)

Chief Deputy Sheriff (Ret)
Onondaga County Sheriff's Office

February 12, 2017

Rest In Peace Deputy Clark. You didn't die in vain.

ECO Keith R. Levanway
New York State Environmental Conservation Police

February 11, 2017

A deputy was fired upon in DeWitt this evening (1.23.17). That incident brought back tragic, haunting memories of David Clark and Bernie Meleski. (Bernie broke me in at the PSB in 1974) .

I was 10/23 within two minutes of this Tragedy as I was on a 10/98 across the street at Perkins Restaurant.. Terry Baise, Dick Drum and Rick Gifford were with me.


Although I am retired, I will NEVER forget this................We all should remember and pray for our brothers and sisters who still work the streets

God bless them both as the anniversary of this loss approaches..............

Sgt, Vince Tripoli (Retired)
T/ Manlius Police

January 24, 2017

Deputy Sheriff Clark,
On today, the 27th anniversary of your death I would justl like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Onondaga County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 11, 2014

Thank you for your dedicated and loyal service to others. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

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

February 11, 2013

Dave, you left us 25 years ago today. Your tragic loss lead to lasting change in prisoner transportation practice. You are missed but please know that you did not die in vain.

Chief Tony Callisto
Onondaga County Sheriff's Office (ret)

February 11, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th 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.

Time never dimishes respect.and your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 11, 2012

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today and every day. May God continue to watch over you. I know the daily struggles you face without you and the terrible pain within their hearts. God, wrap your loving arms around them and help them with their grief and let them feel your presence .
Your sacrifice has not been forgotten.
Brenda Lucas
Mother of Chief Anthony D. Lucas, EOW 2-4-2005

Anonymous

February 11, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Deputy Clark and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

February 3, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 8, 2008

"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 20, 2007

Twenty years have passed. You were always smiling, always willing to help out, always a professional. I remember February 10th 1987 like it was yesterday. JC called me at home and told me you'd been shot. By early the 11th we all knew, you had lost the fight for life. We never really recovered, we never will. We only have a "new normal". You'd only have about a year and a half until retirement today. Your friends are getting old and grey and bald and fat(ter)! I've retired brother. Others are moving on each month. We all wish you were moving on to the next phase just like we are.

Please know that your death was not in vain. Everthing is done differently because of you. Your brothers have much better equipment, much better training and a much safer process to use because of you. The new court house was designed with you in mind for ever step of the prisoner transportation and holding process. Your loss showed the way.

My prayers are with you. May you continue to rest in the peace that you so richly deserve. Tweny years later...

Retired
Onondaga County Sheriff's Ofc - Ret.

May 20, 2007

Deputy Clark,
I drive by the place you were shot almost daily. I have heard the stories of your murder. I know the paramedic that tried to save you. That paramedic's life was changed by the events of that day and you should know he is the best in the business and did all he could. May god look over your loved ones.

Jeremy

October 10, 2006

Dave, although I never knew you personally, what you and Bernie went through that night will never be forgotten. You are true heroes. Jail deputies or not you are a brother in blue. I hope Wendy and the kids keep you in their fondest memory. GOD BLESS

February 9, 2005