Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Capt. Gray,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Orange. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

June 28, 2024

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

June 28, 2020

I have the fondest of memories of Danny. He was my best friend throughout our childhood and teen years. From the earliest days, Danny always wanted to be a policeman. I left Orange after high school so I never saw Danny again but his cheerfulness and kindness has always been in my heart.

Hubert W. Landry (Winfield)
Old friend of Danny's

July 9, 2016

Rest in Peace Captain Danny Gray. Thank You for your Service and Selfless Sacrifice protecting the citizens of Orange, Texas. It is because of Brave Men like yourself that we are protected from evil.

I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends and Co-Workers. I Pray that your light shine down upon your children and grand children guiding them throughout life's obstacles. I also Pray that the hounds of hell forever pursue your murderers. May they burn forever in the lake of fire.

Amen.

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

June 28, 2016

I was seven years old when my father was taken from our family. I have lived everyday since proud that he was my father. He was always my hero because he was my dad. But June 1974 he became a hero for many others. I am thankful for the short time I had with him and grateful that I am part of him. I now am married with five sons of my own. My dad would have been so proud of the men they are becoming. I wish they could have known him. One of my sons favors him and he loves that about himself. I love you dad. I will always be your little girl. I miss you with all of my heart.

Stephanie Gray Haley
Daughter of Danny Gray

February 25, 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

July 4, 2015

Capt. Danny Lee Gray, you left a fine legacy: your past honorable service to the Orange,Tx community, your inspiration to those that worked with you, those that knew or heard of you, and your loving family. I didn't personally know you, however I knew of you and I still remember the sad and painful day you left us.

Torivio Almaguer Jr
Orange,TX resident

September 21, 2014

Heroes live forever, Captain Gray, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of Orange and the great State of Texas.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

June 28, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 34th anniversary year 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

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

December 5, 2012

Rest in peace, Captain Gray. Your service and sacrifice to the citizens of Orange and the great State of Texas are not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

June 28, 2012

Danny turned 31 on June 5, 1974, we celebrated 9 years together on June 8th, and his life was given in service on June 28th of that same year. Danny had such wonderful plans for our lives. He loved being a police officer. He worked his way from a patrol officer with such commitment and dedication to be a captain ofter only 10 years on the force.

I am proud that I was Danny's wife, he was such an honorable man. He was honest, hard working, kind and gentle and had the most wonderful sense of humor. It was hard to be mad at him. He made everyone laugh and feel comfortable to be around him.

I miss Danny. We had two beautiful children together that made life complete. Our daughter Stephanie lives in Florida and has five wonderful boys. She and her husband, John, live very busy lives.

Steve and Norma live in San Antonio. Steve is a federal officer and has three great children, two daughters and a son. I married Randy Powell in Richardson, TX. Randy has been a wonderful step dad to our children. They have much love and respect for him. He always allowed them to talk about their dad and how they felt. Randy and I have a daughter, Jennifer, who lives in Dallas with her husband Jeremy and their two precious daughters.

Danny left a great legacy for his children by leading the life he did. Thank you all for the kind words about Danny and for sharing with his family.

Gail Powell
Captain Gray's widow

June 30, 2011

I went to interview with the Orange County Probation Department on June 27, 1974. I met Gail Gray, an employee there, before going in to interview with the chief. My brother waited in the office and while waiting, Captain Danny Gray came in to get Gail to take him home. The next morning, we were shocked and dismayed as the report of the shooting was broadcast early on the morning of June 28, 1974. I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you and out of respect for Captain Gray and his family, want to express my appreciation for all the support and kind words you have provided to his children through the years. I witnessed his eight year old daughter grow into an incredible Christian, wife and mother of five boys and his six year old son grow into an incredible Christian, husband and father of two daughters and a son. We all came to the dedication of the training room in the new Criminal Justice building and know he is always remembered for the great officer and man that he was. I know Captain Gray would be unbelievably proud of his children and the lives they have lived, as I, too, am. Thanks to all the officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and to all who continue to serve. Thanks to you Captain Gray, for starting the amazing family I have been blessed to be a part of.

Randy Powell
Spouse of Gail Powell & stepfather of Stephanie and Steve Gray

June 30, 2011

My name is Sam Gray. I am 7 years old now. My Dad Steve Gray told me about what happend to my Grandpa Gray. I am very upset with the people who caused my grandpa's death. I know that they are still in jail today. I miss him very, very much because he sounded like the best grandpa any boy could ever have! Thank you to all who said nice things about him.
Love,
Sam Gray

Sam Gray
Captain Danny Gray's fifth grandson

June 30, 2009

My grandpa died many years before I was born. I have heard many great stories about him and I miss him tremendously. Almost everyday I pass by an artical in my hallway about my grandpa called "An Officer's Down". Now that I am ten almost eleven I understand a lot more now about what happend. I love my grandpa very, very much and I thank you all that said the great and wonderful things about him.

Danny's grandaughter,
Savannah Gray

Savannah Gray
Danny's "first" grandaughter

June 28, 2009

You definitely had the love and respect of those who knew you best! Thank
you for your service and sacrifice. You were highlighted on this website today.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

January 10, 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 many years 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 Captain Gray.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 17, 2008

DANNY WAS A VERY SPECIAL PERSON TO US AS WELL AS HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN. DANNY WAS MIKE'S BEST FRIEND AND GAIL WAS MY BEST FRIEND. THEIR DAUGHTER STEPHANIE AND OUR SON JEFF GREW UP TOGETHER. WE REMEMBER THAT MORNING SO WELL. GAIL CALLED ABOUT AN HOUR OR SO AFTER DANNY WAS KILLED AND THAT IS ONE PHONE CALL THAT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

DANNY WAS SUCH AN UNSELFISH MAN; A WONDERFUL HUSBAND AND FATHER TO HIS TWO CHILDREN AND WAS A GOOD CHRISTIAN MAN. WE LOVED HIM THEN AND WE LOVE HIM TODAY AND WE KNOW THAT ONE DAY WE WILL SEE HIM AGAIN.

IT IS HARD TO SEE A FRIEND GO BUT SUCH A JOYOUS DAY WHEN YOU MEET AGAIN.

WE LOVE YOU DEAR FRIEND,

MIKE AND CONNIE JACKSON

CONNIE AND MIKE JACKSON
FRIENDS

July 20, 2008

I never knew Capt. Gray but as a fellow law enforcement officer and a close friend of his family, I know the impact left by his death. My eternal best wishes and thoughts to his fine wife, son and daughter, who are examples to others in their lives. May his life and sacrifice never be forgotten.

Chief of Police

March 7, 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 20, 2008

I was a reporter for the Beaumont Enterprise when I first met Capt. Danny in 1973. We became good friends and spent many an hour swapping stories and jokes, especially when he was on the graveyard shift. I was in my office near the Orange police station that night in June when Danny called me about 10 p.m. all excited because he and his men had just nabbed an armed robber coming out of the 7-Eleven. We went to an all-night coffee shop where he recounted the events surrounding the capture. Man, was he pumped! He had just been accpted to go to an FBI school and suggested he might try to get a college degree in some field of law enforcement. We went back to the station and talked til about midnight when I told him I had to get some sleep before work the next day. I drove the three miles to my house, walked inside and immediately got a phone call from one of Danny's officers. "Danny's dead," he said.
I tried to capture the essence of Danny Gray in an article for the paper the morning after, but never felt that I did him justice. Sorry, Danny. I still think of you often and miss you very much.

Dennis Black
Former newspaper reporter

July 11, 2007

Today is the 33rd anniversary of your tragic and untimely death. Thank you for paying the supreme sacrifice. You will ALWAYS be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten!

Sergeant, Retired
AR

June 28, 2007

I was just told of this site by Lt. Jim Clay of the Beaumont Police Department and am happy to get to add a reflection.

I was on duty the morning Danny was killed. Danny and I had eaten dinner the night before while on the midnight shift and I remember that he loved to play John Denver songs on the juke box at Gary's Coffee Shop. He like Annie's Song. It was over a year after Danny was killed that I finally spent a full night without thinking about him and the events that night. It was the worst experience of my life, even to this day. Danny was a jokster, a bright guy with a ready smile and easy going manner. He was a good teacher and a better friend. Every time I am in Jasper County heading to the lake, I stop at the Ebenezer Cemetary to visit my friend. It is amazing that it has been 33 years since he was killed. I was glad to read a remembrance from his son and my friends Sam Kittrell and Don Sullivan. Don was my training officer when I joined the department and he fought to keep the men responsible for Danny's death in prison. I wonder what happened to them.

Peace be with Danny, his family, and friends.

Jeff Purcell
Former Orange Police Officer

May 10, 2007

I went to work for the Orange Police Department in 1970 and was a patrol officer when Danny died. I have many fond memories of Danny, and have had the opportunity to talk with others who have discussed his charater over the years. He had a zest for life that you don't find in a lot of people. My last memories are of Danny and other officers on the night my daughter was born, June 20, 1974, eight days before Danny's death. They made a special trip to the hospital to see my new child. Later that night Danny and I shared a patrol car with other officers during a civil disturbance and Danny maintained his humor and wit through it all. My own life hasn't been the same since his death, for we all lost a friend, a comrade and our innocence. Danny gave his life doing a job he loved, and he did so in defense of the other two men who were in the station that night. Danny was a very special person and he is sorely missed.

Don Sullivan
Orange Police Department - Retired

January 2, 2007

I was new to law enforcement when Captain Danny Gray died in the line of duty. I was a dispatcher for the Orange County Sheriff's Department two blocks away the night that he died. I had been lucky enough to get to know Danny as we both took classes at a local college. He was a role model and an inspiration to me. I can still recall the adrenalin rush and happiness when the armed robbers had been captured. I can also remember how quickly that all changed just a short time later when the gunfire erupted. The events of that night and then entire investigative, trial, and endless parole hearings has changed our lives for ever. While many of those changes involve heartache there are also many positive things we learned from and gained from Captain Danny L. Gray.

When the Orange police department moved into a new facility in February of 2001 we took that opportunity to formally recognize and remember the ultimate sacrifice of Captain Danny L. Gray by naming the largest community and training room in his honor. In addition to his picture and plaque prominently displayed in that room a photographic memorial of Danny and other officers are prominently displayed in our main lobby. It was important to us that officers and citizens today and in generations to come have the opportunity to understand Danny's dedication to law enforcement and his ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

For me every time I enter the "Danny Gray" room I feel as though I am entering a very special place and I feel an even closer connection to a wonderful man, a wonderful husband, and most certainly the consummate professional police officer.

Chief Sam Kittrell
Orange Police Department

December 27, 2006

I've been an officer for eleven years at Orange PD. I was four years old when he was killed. My parents knew and loved him, and tell stories of him often. He is fondly remembered in the community and Department, and the conference room in our new building was dedicated to him.

I think of his service and sacrifice often. Bless us one and all.

Ofc. Lannie L. Claybar
Orange, Tx PD

August 7, 2006