Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Danny,'s badge/ID number was 001. I don't recall his radio number.

I was working the phones and radio when the call came reporting Danny's accident. Ironically, I was also working over the Memorial Day holiday when the suspect called to turn himself in.

I think about Danny often, as well as Linda and the kids.

Corky Barder

July 13, 2023

Thank you Paul for everything! I’m just now reading this. Been 37 years since my dad passed. Miss him still dearly. Hope all is well with you

Todd
Mansfield police department

February 25, 2023

Not enough words to say how good Danny was even now after 26 years iam truly greatful to have met him and was so sad when I heard the news what a good man to have to loose dammit I'm glad I looked up his name tonight and seen that many loved ones and random people knew his goodness and spoke on it and feels good to know I just wish the good lord had waited but we still have to trust the infinite wisdom of God Almighty even if it don't make sense at the time anyways we were all better for knowing Dan cortis rest in peace dan

Paul flowers
Friend of family

January 3, 2022

I miss him too! I wrote this article back in 2018 and i t was published in the Dallas Morning News - Letters to the Editor:

Officer Danny made a difference

After reading about a fallen motorcycle officer, I was reminded of Officer Danny Forest Cordes, a 20-year veteran who served in Mansfield, TX. He died May 23, 1986, a Friday, and I cried along with our entire community.

Officer Danny would direct traffic at the intersection of Walnut Creek and Country Club Drive. Every morning we would see him and he would smile and wave; that's how we knew it would be a good day.

Of course there were those days he would be irritated, but mostly he would smile. I will never forget him. No, I didn't know him. I never even spoke to him, but as a little girl I found his spirit inspiring.

After he died on that dreadful Friday, our town had to get a traffic signal light and life was never the same again. So cheers to a wonderful man, Officer Danny Cordes!

Ashley Barg, Dallas

Ashley - No rank
Grew up in Mansfield

January 29, 2021

Officer Cordes, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 16, 2019

I still remember him too! He would always smile and wave when directing traffic, I never knew him, but I will never forget him! And yes every time I see a motorcycle man, I remember him, a truly wonderful man!!! XOXO

N/a
Grew up in Mansfield

July 22, 2018

Rest in Peace Police motorman Danny Forest Cordes. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice protecting the citizens of Mansfield, Texas.

I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends and the men and women who now serve the Mansfield Police Department.

Amen.

Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood (Ret)
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, TX

May 22, 2016

Danny Cordes was my godfather, and I still recall how much he loved me. I'd like to think he still watches over me. I miss you Danny and I love you.
504 410 9267

Patricia Ann Pike
God-daughter

February 7, 2016

I barely knew him as a baby, but I still remember the love my godfather had for me. Sometimes, I feel him watching over me. He would have loved my kids. Please pass this to his wife. It is his god daughter Patricia Ann Pike. I Love you Danny.
504-410-9267

Patricia Ann Pike
God-daughter

February 7, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 23, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know that both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

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

May 23, 2012

I moved to Mansfield in 1981 and fondly remember Officer Dan. He always took the time to stop and talk to us kids anytime he'd see us. He was such a great guy. RIP

Charles Blackburn

March 17, 2012

It doesn't seem like twenty five years since Danny was taken away from us so suddenly and so unnecessarily. I worked with Danny from 1981 through 1984 and stayed in touch with him after I left Mansfield PD. I met Danny when I was a teenager growing up in Mansfield. As a teenage kid, Danny always impressed me with his professionalism, respect and compassion. Danny had a lot to do with my decision to become a police officer.

I think of Danny often. I'm sorry for all that Linda, Todd and Cindy have had to go through. I hope you've all found peace and hope God has given you comfort.

Cpl/FTO J Plemmons (ret)
Euless, Tx PD

May 23, 2011

I was a little boy when that sad day happened i was out side just feet away at our apartment when we heard. i didnt know what happened until I was told i was only 8 and didnt make much sense but i understood where officer cordes went i remember he would ride through the apartment complex and stop and talk to us kids and even let me sit on his bike a time or 2 it.
it has been along time but i still remember him every time I see a motor man.
god bless you off.cordes till we meet agian

J.J North 19 fire rescue

June 25, 2009

I always remember my grandpa through my dad. Every time I look at his picture inside our house I always remember what my dad told me. I wished I would have met him because even know I never met him I always think he is a really good man and if he was alive then I would hug him so tight I might pop his back. I heard really good stories about my Grandpa and he is really special to my dad. I love you and I hope you had a good time here in the old days and I hope you have a good time in heaven!!!

Hannah Cordes
Grand Daughter

June 23, 2009

OFFICER CORDES, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. MAY GOD BLESS THOSE WHO STILL LOVE AND MISS YOU.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

March 1, 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

February 14, 2008

My father loved what he did and he was an exceptional officer. He always stopped to help people even when off duty. He was missed very much from the community. He loved sitting on his bike on a side street near a School and giving Police and football stickers out to kids. People loved to see him in action directing traffic in the mornings because he was so swift and good at it. He was an outstanding Police Officer. Every time I see a Police Officer on there motorcycle, I always think of my dad and picture him riding on his. He loved his bike and rode it in style. I can still picture all the times he took me riding on his bike. They were so much fun and I loved every minute of them. I can still vision him talking to people and the respect they all had for him. He loved playing jokes and jokes on fellow officers and even myself. I can remember his funny ways and smile very good. My memories are very vivid of him and I keep them deep in my heart. I will always be your #1 fan dad and will always be Daddy's boy. I miss you and I love you dad!

Son of Danny Cordes
Todd Cordes

December 28, 2007

ITS SOUNDS LIKE THUNDER FAR AWAY...

It sounds like thunder far away, but the skies are blue and bright...
And soon they crest the hill nearby, and ride into our sight.

They shake the ground with powerful sound, and they make some hearts beat fast...
They look so proud and noble, like Knights come from the past.

Side by side, they always ride, and seem to move as one...
From early in the morning light, to the setting of the sun.

And children point and wave to them, from cars that pass them by...
And young ones ask their parents, why the men have mirrors for eyes.

They ride the roads, and fight for good, and defend small ones like you...
They ask to ride, and do with pride, and sometimes they are few.

Like men of steel, on Silver Wings, they sparkle in the light...
then with a roar and rumble, they ride out of our sight.

Sometimes when one has fallen, never to ride again...
You can hear the others calling, like thunder on the wind.

Side by side, they slowly ride, and their thunder is a mournful sound...
And the mirrors hide their eyes from us, when teardrops fall to ground.

So if you see one riding, and you look into his face...
You see your reflection in his eyes, you know that you are safe.

For motormen are a special breed, they love to ride the wind...

And when you hear the thunder boom, the fallen ones ride again.

Until we ride the great ride above, God Speed Brother Motorman.

June 6, 2007

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

May 23, 2007

G-d Bless.

May 23, 2007

A true hearted man my father was and his motorcycle was his passion. He passed away doing what he loved most. My father always had a great sense of humor and at times I can still hear his voice and laughter. My momories are fond and great of my father and something I hold in my heart and treasure. I will always be Daddy's little girl and one day be in his arms again. I Love You Daddy!!!

Daughter of Danny Cordes
Daughter

February 18, 2007

We express our deepest sympathy to the family, friends and all the members of the Mansfield Police Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Officer Cordes deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Cordes is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Thomas Doyle
Cary Police Department, North Carolina

July 7, 2006

My brother Danny will always be missed and loved. He had a sense of humor and a caring, loving heart. I know he truly loved his job. I remember he tried another line of work and it didn't take long until he went back to his duty as a police officer. I feel and know he did his job well. I know in God's timing I will see him again.

Nancy Sigl (Cordes)
Sister of Dan Cordes

Nancy Sigl

March 18, 2006

My father was such and outstanding officer and I have so many letters from teachers, students, and friends about how good a job he has done and how much he was liked in the community. It's been 20 years now since he has passed and I still to this day miss him dearly. He was a very respected Officer and from fellow Officers as well. I will see you one day dad...Love your son, Todd

Todd Cordes
SBC

March 15, 2006