Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Crowder,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the National Guard. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

May 3, 2024

This man was a brother to me and my husband Hyman.We spent so many hours with him, Macy and their kids.We became a part if the whole Crowder family.Our oldest daughter was named after him and sadly he never lived to meet her.He was murdered on May 3,1974 and she was born August 3,1974.I know he would have loved her and she him.Her name is Dana Diane Hart Sciarrino and yes she is a deer hunter Dan.We speak of him often and miss him and Macy.So happy they are finally together forever.Dan,keep a watch out we will be there one day soon and can't wait to catch up.Love and miss you every day.

Wanda and Hyman Hart
Best friends (family)

May 25, 2020

Danese "Dan" Crowder, EOW 05/03/1974

On Wednesday, May 8, 2019, FWC Academy Instructors and Recruit class 38 completed a memorial workout in your honor. Your passion for protecting the resources of the Great State of Florida has allowed our generation to experience what Florida has to offer for her citizens and those that visit. We strive to live up to everything you stood for so that future generations can continue to enjoy all the outdoor experiences that Florida has to offer. We thank you, Officer Crowder, for your dedication and sacrifice. As your brothers and sisters in green, we push ourselves to give the same fierce protection to the public and agency. We work to keep your memory alive among us.

FWC Recruit Class 38
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

May 9, 2019

Rest in peace Wildlife Officer Crowder.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 2, 2019

I remember this day soooooo very well. My parents were the last people to see Dan alive. He had dinner with them that evening and they all left together after dinner, my parents going into town and Dan turning off just ahead of them onto that fateful road. He was my brother-in-law's partner with FWC also (Barry Cook). Later that evening my baby sister and a friend were riding his motorcycle and headed down that road but just before they rounded the curve where Dan was found it started raining so they turned around and headed home. The next day Macy called my mom to see if she had seen or heard from Dan and was told that he had, had dinner with them the evening before and where he had turned off ahead of them after dinner. Dan was like their son and Macy like a daughter. I remember my parent's house becoming a huge gathering place for so many law enforcement agencies. Once it was revealed that Sunday afternoon who had killed Dan it became a two-fold shock, not only for the Sheriff who was my uncle and lived across the road from us but also my parents and siblings, as Colon was raised next to us and we worked in tobacco for his father and we all road the bus together. This was a senseless, cowardly act, premeditated, and not only did we lose a mountain of a man, so many people lost in other respects. My brother-in-law has retired now and we all still advocate to never give him parole. We continue to be close friends with Colon's family. They were not to blame, are wonderful people, and they too lost that day. We miss you brother. Tell mother and daddy hello for the Pearson family and you, Macy, and them rejoice in your reunification. We got your six down here and as long as we are here he will never see the outside world again.

Leta Pearson Hawkins
Friend

July 11, 2018

As I think of you every day I just wish I could have seen and met you but you died when my mother( Maureen your daughter) was six, I have your first name( danese) as my middle name and so does your great granddaughter now. As I see her growing up with your name it makes me so happy and I know your watching over her. She is always laughing out of no where and I know that your up there just talking to her. I miss you so much Poppa Dan. I know that if you were here me and Lilly would have loved to be around you. I know Mammy misses you very much. We all love you Poppa dan. May you forever rest in peace.

Madison Bishop
Granddaughter

August 12, 2016

Today, FWC Recruit Class 30 participated in a memorial workout to honor and remember your courage and sacrifice, Officer Crowder. The FWC Family will never forget your legacy because where there is valor, there is hope.

FWC Recruit Class 30
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

May 3, 2016

Thinking of you today as I look at your service picture hanging there on my wall. I never knew you personally as you were killed the year I was born but I feel as though we would have been great pals. I bare your middle name as does my son, hopefully we can live up to it. Rest in peace Uncle Danny.

Casey Crowder
Nephew

July 20, 2015

Thinking of you today as I look at your service picture hanging there on my wall. I never knew you personally as you were killed the year I was born but I feel as though we would have been great pals. I bare your middle name as does my son, hopefully we can live up to it. Rest in peace Uncle Danny.

Casey Crowder
Nephew

July 19, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th 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.

Rest In Peace.

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

May 9, 2013

We will never forget... Continue to rest in peace Officer Crowder.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

May 3, 2013

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission supports the Florida Parole Commission’s decision to deny parole for Colon Russell. The support letters sent were appreciated and heard. The tragic shooting of Officer Dan Crowder in 1974 is remembered and mourned by FWC staff. This occasion serves as a reminder of the perils of conservation law enforcement. These officers earn the nation’s respect facing danger on a daily basis. Unfortunately, some have paid the ultimate sacrifice, losing their lives protecting both people and natural resources. The officers and their families are not forgotten.

FWC Division of Law Enforcement

November 1, 2012

A "No parole" letter has been sent, so your cowardly killer remains locked up - and denied the pleasure of living in a world that you made safe for all of us.

Det. (Ret) Billy Russo
Nassau County Police Department, NY

October 23, 2012

RIP Brother. Know that you are not forgotten and your death was not in vein. People in this County where you made the ultimate sacrifice still remember and will never forget. Just want to say thank you for your sacrifice. My “no parole” letter was just sent, may your killer live the rest of his life behind bars.
Rest easy Warrior, we have the watch from here!

Deputy Sheriff Chad Keen
Lafayette Couunty Sheriff's Office, Mayo, FL

October 21, 2012

MY "No Parole" letter went out today, Thank you so much for your service and sacrfice, Brother of the badge.
Peace for your Family and Friends.

Bob Reed, Retired Policed Officer
South Lake Tahoe Police Department

October 19, 2012

RIP my Brother. We, your Brothers, will do everything possible to keep this murdering trash behind bars till he dies.

Lt. (ret.), Don Davenport
Pasco County Sheriffs Office

October 19, 2012

I was honored to send off my 'No Parole' letter today for you, my brother in blue. Thank you for your sacrifice and may you forever, rest in peace. You are a true AMERICAN HERO !!!

My prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers.

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sgt. Mitch Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

October 19, 2012

GOD BLESS YOU OFFICER CROWDER.
BLESS YOUR FAMILY.

TOM FAIRLEY
FORMER POLICE OFFICER BAY ST LOUIS POLICE DEPT BAY ST LOUIS MS

October 19, 2012

Continue to rest in peace Officer Crowder, you sir are a hero we will never forget. My prayers are with the family left behind to pick up the pieces and move forward.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

May 3, 2012

Danny left a wife and four children, when they were so young. I have only heard stories about this larger than life man. But I think of him often, as he touched their lives so deeply. I have been married 26 years now, and I don't know what made me google him, but I am in tears reading comments from you all. What an amazing man he must have been, and how sad i am that I never got to meet him. Thank you all, Love to you all.

Annette Smith
daughter in law, wife of one of his stepson's

March 31, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Crowder. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all for us, and you sir are one of them.. Continue to rest in peace.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

May 3, 2011

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

May 3, 2010

For Wildlife Officer Danese Byron Crowder:

The responsibilities of game law enforcement officers or are particularly hazardous for everyone he or she meets usually is in possession of a gun. That Danese would pursue a suspect and attempt to apprehend him for a violation easily asserts he was just doing his job. That he would be gunned down in the process by an individual who would kill to avoid what might have only been a fine tells us a lot about the culprit's character. A coward and sneak. Had he gotten away without being identified he would hunt this day only to possibly kill again.

Danese Crowder was a hero because he was willing to face anyone under these circumstances and not only to bring violators to justice...but bring lawful protection to the game of the wilds. A noble and honorable endeavor. A noble and honorable law man.

To him I render a final salute.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennsylvania State Police

March 8, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been a long time since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Crowder.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 16, 2008