Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We remember this terrible day like it was yesterday that Officer Doering tragically lost his life in the line of duty. We have profound respect and honor for all those who serve to protect the public. God has a special place in Heaven for Officer Doering and all that have made the ultimate sacrifice. Growing up in North Chicago my late father Capt John Rygiel also served on the NCPD for many years.

Rygiel Family
NCPD Family Member Past Served

December 2, 2024

Dave was the best and most loyal friend you could ask for. He was supposed to stand up for us in our wedding 2 weeks after he was taken. It’s a pain that was indescribable loosing him. We felt it then and still do. Love and miss you forever.

Cathy skowron
Friend

September 18, 2024

DAVE MY DEAR DEAR FRIEND, MY BROTHER , ITS BEEN SO LONG SINCE WE WERE LAST TOGETHER. CINDY AND YOU CAME TO MY HOUSE APRIL 20th TO CELEBRATE MY SONS BITHDAY. WE LAUGHED ATE CAKE AND TOOK PICTURES. THEN A FEW WEEKS LATER I HAD THE WORST DAY OF MY LIFE, I WAS THE OFFICER WHO WAS FIRST ON THE SCENE AND THE ONE TO FIND YOU IN YOUR SQUAD CAR, YOUR END OF WATCH HAD HAPPENED MUCH TOO SOON.I STAYED WITH YOU UNTIL YOUR LAST STOP, YOUR ASCENT INTO HEAVEN. A SHORT TIME LATER THE PICTURES THAT WERE TAKEN AT THE BIRTHDAY PARTY CAME BACK. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU AND THE MEMORIES I CAN CHERISH FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. REST PEACEFULLY IN HEAVEN MY BROTHER, MY FRIEND, MY HERO.

retired police officer STEVEN KUSSMANN
lake county sherrifs dept.

May 5, 2024

Today is your “Re-birthday” and I still miss and love you. Always in my head, always in my heart ♥️

Cindy (Doering) Johnson, wife

May 4, 2024

My memories of the night, that awful, life ending night are still so vivid. I was watch the movie “Oh, God” when I got the call that there had been an accident. I was picked up by a Mundelein officer who told me he didn’t have any details. I wanted so badly to believe him! We met up with a NC officer who drove me to the hospital. Again I asked and again I was told he didn’t have any details. So I sat in silence praying, tears rolling down my cheeks. When I got out of the squad I saw Randy. I asked how you were doing and he just looked at me with eyes filled with tears and sorrow. I said, “He’s okay, right?” Silence….”He’s not dead, right?” …….
“Cindy, I’m so sorry” was all he said, or maybe it was all I heard.
Nearly 44 years have passed and my mind and heart still wonder how our life would have been. What would our kids and grandkids look like? Would they have followed in their dad’s footsteps to become heroes? I think so. I am still so proud to have had the honor of being your wife and I will NEVER FORGET! You will be in my heart until we see each other again ❤️

Cindy (Doering) Johnson

April 14, 2024

Uncle Dave. I know we never got to meet each other but I believe you’d be proud of my brother and I. We’ve both grown up now and help out our communities just as you did. I’m a Paramedic in Wisconsin and Matt is a Teacher in Chicago. RIP Uncle Dave and keep catching fish in Heaven! I’ll get to meet you someday on the other side. Love Jimmy Doering

Jimmy Doering Paramedic

May 4, 2022

Dave, we were best friends at Onahan Elementary School in Norwood Park, IL. I remember some great times growing up together, and hanging with you and your family. I always wished your passing was a cover and that you became an FBI undercover agent.

John Janci
Friend

September 23, 2021

We were neighbors and friends for so many years, teammates in high school. I happened to be home on leave that awful night that you were taken away. I remember sitting with your mom that terrible evening. Still think of you often my friend.

David Stapleton - Friend
Friend

August 19, 2021

More than four decades have passed.

I think of you and speak of you way more often than one might believe. While always the tough guy, your soft smile, brilliant blue eyes, and strong arms all left a mark on my heart. I treasure it and you always. ♥️

Terri
Carthage ‘77

May 2, 2021

Uncle David,

I was robbed of the chance to meet you. I try to make your brother proud each and every day, I'll look after him for you. From what I understand you and I are very similar and I am proud and always will be proud of you. I am inspired by you. I love you Uncle Dave.


Matt

Matt
Nephew

June 5, 2020

Almighty God,

We pray for all who at this time mourn and remember NCPD Patrolman David T. Doering, who was tragically killed whilst serving the public;
and we ask for your comfort
and strength to be especially
with his loved ones and colleagues.

As we pray also for those
who continue to be in danger from this violence, we give thanks for the constant courage and devotion to duty of the police, and all who take risks
to protect our communities.

May they be strengthened for the tasks they face and supported in the commitment they give, that they may further the well-being of all people
and enable our society to be loving, just and at peace.

We ask this in the name of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen

Anonymous
Friend of NCPD

May 4, 2020

Dave: As we hear of another CPD officer shot and killed I am eerily and sadly reminded of your service and your friendship.
I wish you would have been at my 25th birthday party on Karlov to share one more beer, but you were already working. Every time I hear Bob Seger sing "Night Moves" it brings me back to hanging out the window with you on 3rd flr Johnson, singing that song. I try to sing along.
I can't finish the song.
For your friendship, your laugh, and your sacrificial service. I remember.
I give thanks. Peace.

Rev. David Petersen
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

March 23, 2019

Dave,

I want to thank you and tell you I have never forgotten your sacrifice. Today is my last day on the job after 36+ years of law enforcement. I had the career and life you should have had. Thank you for being my friend and teammate at Carthage College. Thanks for taking this freshman from Wisconsin under your wing and for making sure I went to class and found the library. You were my role model both on and off the field.

By providence I served in a City where your Uncle lived and you visited often. That connection always was there and your cousins are wonderful people. Dave I tried to sere in a manner I know you would have. Your picture hung on my locker my entire career and today I take it down, but I will never forget.

Your police funeral was my first and unfortunately there have been too many since. My prayers to all who have the Courage to serve honorably.

Until we meet again old Friend,

Timothy J. Roets, Chief of Police
Watertown Police Department, Wisconsin

October 26, 2018

As one of the current members of the North Chicago Police Department for the past thirty two years, I wish to honor Officer David T Doering.
At the start of my career, I had the opportunity to speak to some of Officer Doering(s) co-workers, who stated that he always had a smile on his face and what they described as having good sense of humor.
I wanted the family members to know that Officer Doering has not been forgotten and his tribute "still lives on" the wall of the briefing room.
Officer David T. Doering is consider a true "HERO" in my eyes for ultimate sacrifice that occurred on May 4th 1980 (Sunday).

May God bless Officer David T Doreing and his family members.

Patrolman Steven F Roberts Badge#22
of the North Chicago Police Department.
11-09-2017

Patrolman
North Chicago Police Department

November 10, 2017

Officer Doering's story was read in Richton Park Police Department's roll call on 9-09-17 to honor him.

Sgt. James Galvan
Richton Park Police

September 9, 2017

You're still with me and always will be.

Steven Doering
brother

July 18, 2016

We love & miss you very day! You are always in our hearts!

You were an amazing son, brother, husband & uncle. A true hero.


Mike(Deirdre), Matt(Elyse) & Jim(Sara) Doering

Mike Doering
brother

January 29, 2016

To my good friend, you are missed so much.
God bless your soul and your family.

Danny Rains, Retired Special Agent
FEMA

May 11, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 33rd anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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 10, 2013

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Doering. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 29, 2013

Hard to believe it's been over 30 years!

Tcm. Johnette Van Dien
College of Lake County Grayslake IL-Dave & my Dad were on NCPD

May 1, 2012

Dave-

After all these years, you have always held a tender spot in my heart. I will never, ever forget you.

Love,
Terri

Terri

July 26, 2010

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 5, 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

October 18, 2007

Dave,
I happened upon this site while creating a bulletin for my Unit, which will include a section this month for Police Memorial Day. Although I'm in WI now I was drawn to IL to make certain you were appropriately listed and honored. I was in HS when you were murdered. I had spoken to you a few days before the tragedy. My Dad was a Sgt. w/ NCPD and I remember all to well that terrible day, when all available officers were called into duty. I also vividly recall the Funeral, and really realizing what a wonderful "family" I was born into. Not just the "Van Dien's" but the Law Enforcement Family. That's probably why my Brother went on Lake County and I find myself here in Racine. You have never been forgotten. Each day as I drive to work, I pass Carthage College, where you earned your BS, and I think of you. God Bless and keep you!

Comm.Supervisor Johnette Van Dien
Racine WI Emergency Services

April 27, 2005