Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service David

Carson loveless

February 6, 2024

Thank you for your service.

Officer Mike Krahe
New Kensington Police Dept.

August 17, 2023

We never got the chance to meet but I have no doubt I carry pieces of you with me. Pieces of my father and his father before him. You raised a good man and an even better dad.

You are remembered, even by those who never knew you.

I'll see you someday!

Isabella Gump (Distrola)
Granddaughter

April 14, 2023

Rest in peace.

J.R.

December 23, 2021

Husband, Father, Vietnam Veteran, Police Officer... gave all! Miss you Dad!

Chief David G. Distrola
Port Allegany P.D. Son.

December 23, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

December 23, 2020

Rest in peace Sergeant Distrola.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 21, 2019

I will never forget this fateful day. We were one of 3 accidents on that bridge that day. He approached our vehicle, asked if we were ok, and then asked us to get our information ready. He was heading back towards his cruiser when the other car came out of control. My husband thought Sgt. Distrola was hit by that car, but then noticed the imprint in the snow on the bridge of the Sgts jacket, my husband looked over the rail and noticed he had fallen. My heart sank that day. Thank you Sgt. Distrola for your service, may you rest in peace.

Janet Erickson
None

December 23, 2018

This Day will forever Be etched in my mind and Heart.I was on the overpass with Dave on this Fateful day.we were just feet apart.Thank You Dave For the Knowledge and encouragement you gave to Me.Rest In Peace.

Kenneth Wygant Sgt retired
Bradford City Police

December 23, 2015

I remember the date December 23 1989. You broke me in on the beat in 1974. We worked some interesting cases together later which I wish we could talk about now.But I guess that's for another time and another place. God speed old friend.

Daniel McGinnis Lt Ret.
Bradford City Police Dept

September 25, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 22nd 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 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.

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

December 23, 2011

You are still remembered. You will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten! May God comfort your family and friends.

Sergeant, Retired
Fayetteville, AR PD

May 24, 2010

"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

January 15, 2008

Here we are again sir, one year later honoring and remembering you as always.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

December 23, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
Manchester, NH

December 22, 2007

Thank you for your service.

Citizen
Grand Rapids, MI

July 28, 2007

My Cousin David:

Hardly a day passes for me without the vision of that fateful day 2 days before Christmas, 1989.

I must assure you that SO many of your Brethren came to pay their Respects and say Goodbye to you a few days later...

Farewell - and may God Bless - my Cousin David.

You are sadly missed, everyday!

~ Cousin Dominic ~

6 June 2007

Dominic Distrola
Cousin

June 6, 2007

17 years and it still hits me every time. Hope your are as proud of me as I am of you.

Love you

Vinnie

December 30, 2006

Sarge, it's 17 years ago today you departed us far too young and early, but today you're remembered just as you were then as a hero. Rest in peace sir.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

December 23, 2006

Thank you for raising the fine man I took as my husband. May you not only watch over us as we go through life but,also walk with us. Thank your for your sacrifice. I can't wait to meet you someday. Or, for my children to meet thier grandpa Dave.

denise

May 2, 2006

DAD
WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU AND WILL TRY TO REMEMBER THE LIFE LESSONS YOU TOUGHT ME EVEN THOUGHT i WAS SO YOUNG. ALTHOUGH IT HAS BEEN SO LONG I STILL TRY TO REMEMBER YOU EVERY SINGLE DAY AND THE LITTLE TIME WE HAD TOGETHER.

I LOVE YOU STILL, YOUR SON FOREVER,

VINCENT

VINNIE

October 1, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace.

December 23, 2004

I was recently honored to pay tribute to this officer by leaveing a momento at his name on the wall in Washington,D.C. while paticipating in the services for the fallen officiers of 2003 and would like to express my condolances to his family and friends as I know first hand the pain you feel,both then and now. May we all find strength in one another as we remember those who have given of themselves.

Richard Cappelletty, father

May 31, 2004

dave was a good man, i most of all remember the night we delivered a baby in the front end of a pickup truck. when i was in the bradford city firedept. he is in good hands. may he rest in peace.

jerry berkhouse
self

May 25, 2004

May God Bless you and your family that grieves. Old friends, Deb & Mary

May 25, 2004