Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I remember this often. My dad was back up and knew officer Ellis well. I remember him being interviewed for the news and it was the first time I remember seeing him cry. It broke his heart and spoke so highly of Officer Ellis. This tragedy always touched my soul. RIP and thank you for the lives you saved

Catherine Gammicchia
Daughter of Officer Sam Gammicchia

March 25, 2023

I would like to thank all the people who have left post here for my dad. 50 years has been a long time but that day will always seem like yesterday

Dennis Ellis
Som

February 3, 2021

Nearly 50years to the minute from that day. Remember that surreal scene even after a half-century. My partner, Leon Bemben and I were among the first responders . Upon arrival Danny Parrish uttering "he saved my life." My recollections of that terrible day are academic, I'll leave it there. However, as they were under fire one of Danny's last acts was to physically push his partner out of harm's way . I recall Danny Ellis as one of the natural leaders on the shift, an outstanding policeman, that border State drawl of his and his low keyed sense of humor. A good man and Officer.

Hank Anderson
DPD, Retired

February 3, 2021

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

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO; former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 3, 2021

My father, Arthur Koperski. was Danny's partner, until the day before Danny died. They went through the police academy together and carpooled. During the riots Danny, his wife and son, stayed at my parents house for a few nights. When we visited the DPD Historical Museum last year, my Dad enjoyed telling stories about their time together, including how proud they were to get invited to a 'shift change party". My Dad was a pall bearer for the funeral. In the years that followed, my parents attended Patty's marriage. My Dad, now 83, still talks so fondly of his fallen friend.

Sgt. Arthur Koperski's daughter (Ka
Partner of Danny Ellis, 7th Pct.

July 7, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Ellis.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 2, 2019

Danny was my cousin!! Dont know if we ever met since I was 1 when he was killed in the line of duty. I served 22 years in the Detroit Police Department and retired a Captain In the precinct he worked. I often would privately honor him as his picture hung in the precinct. RIP sir

Captain Shawn Gargalino
Detroit Police

December 10, 2017

In just a few weeks it will be the 45th anniversary of Danny's deaths. I was the flower girl at his wedding to my cousin Pat. He served his country well and the city of Detroit with honor. Our family lost a very loving and caring man that day. You are in my thoughts often.

Kathi Tacy Duval
cousin

January 11, 2016

Forty-four years have passed. As years pass the events of this date remain. Thank you and RIP.

Anonymous
DPD

February 3, 2015

Rest in Peace my Brother in Blue. You will never be forgotten. This year I will be riding in the Police Unity Tour in your memory. "We ride for those who died".

Sgt Adam Borkowski
Detroit Police Department

March 13, 2014

Miss you every day and wish you were here to share a laugh with.

Elizabeth Pearcy
Cousin

February 15, 2014

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 41rst 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 diminishes 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 today. Dennis, thank you for sharing a son's devotion to his beloved dad.

Rest In Peace

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

February 3, 2012

Forty-one years ago this date, you answered your last call. Thanks for your service and the sacrifice you made.

A friend
A friend

February 3, 2012

IT'S BEEN 40 YEARS AGO THAT I, A STUDENT IN YOUR CLASS AT ST. BRENDENS SCHOOL REMEMBERS THAT SADFUL DAY WHEN YOUR FATHER, OFFICER ELLIS, HAD FALLEN. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR FATHER WILL ALWAYS REMAIN A HERO IN MY HEART

mario byrge
United States of America

September 22, 2011

Truly a hero, my brother in blue. You are not forgotten.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

February 3, 2011

It's been 40 years since I hugged you and said goodby that cold morning. You told me you will see me when I got home from school. You never come home though. I tried to live my life the best I could without your guidance, I hope I made you proud of me. I am not only a dad now but I also am a grandpa. I miss you so much, you will always be with me.

Dennis
Son

February 3, 2011

It is thirty nine years and one day since you worked your last shift. Still think about you and that gray February day on Gratiot and Mt. Elliott.

Anonymous

February 4, 2010

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 29, 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

November 13, 2007

It has been a long time, I learned much from you.

Former LEO
Former partner

April 27, 2007

You are a true hero, giving your life to save the life of another. Thank you for all you did to protect the citizens of Detroit. Rest easy

michigan leo wife

January 30, 2007

Officer Ellis,
On today, the 34th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Detroit.

R.I.P.

February 3, 2005