Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My husband and I were traveling on RT33 when we saw your memorial. Trooper Harris, you were remembered today. I hope your family has found peace.

Tina L Holtz
Chautauqua Co SO (Ret.)

William A Makuch
NYSDOCCS (Ret.)

Tina L Holtz
Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office

September 24, 2022

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

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

July 11, 2020

I miss Dave so much. I miss his giggly laugh and having a big brother I can go to when I need a some advice even though some it I would not want to hear. Dave and I fought just like brothers and sisters did best but when it came down to it he was the only one I could count on to truly be there when I needed him. 30 years is a long time.... I thank God that I had that big brother as long as I did to drive me nuts; he taught me a whole lot and just didn't know how much because he left us way too soon....

Janie Harris McDaniel
(Dave's sister)

October 21, 2015

Davie wanted to be a stat policeman as long from the day I met him. Went to Glenville State College with him his wife and daughter were patients. He has been greatly missed.

James P. Brown DDS
friend

May 17, 2015

Many times over the years I have thought of you, proud to have worked with you and knew you, God may have taken you on that day, but you will never be forgotten, Rest in Peace .

Retired, Larry G Marsh
Upshur Co., WV

September 3, 2014

It takes a special individual to be a police officer. You displayed courage discipline and professionalism. All police officers here at home and across the country thank you for your service to the citizens of West Virginia, and America..

Dale Pauley
Fraternal Order Of Police Charleston WV

July 12, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th 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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 11, 2010

There are so many reflections I have about Dave. When Dad and Mom divorced Dave took upon himself to be my dad instead of my brother. There was a time I could have hated him for trying to be something he was not.
When I became an adult Dave wasn't the bad guy I thought he had been. He only wanted what was best for me and it took me 7 years to find that one out. I believe the last few years he was alive was the best times we had. He finally approved of my boyfriend which is now my husband. I think he didn't approve of anyone but Terry.
My heart still grieves for his help in difficult moments. It has been a really long 24 years and my kids have more than once have thought about what it would have been like to have their Uncle Dave in their lives.
One thing that I can remember is his laugh because Ty has the same laugh. My mom misses Dave most of all because he was the apple of her eye and the center of her heart.
Lastly,I believe if I had a hero it would be Dave because he was there for the troubled and his life was devoted to helping others.

Janie "Harris" McDaniel
sister

August 22, 2009

Uncle David theres not a day that goes by that at some point i think of you and the fun we had that I miss. You will always hold a place in my heart and i hope to see you again some day. I so wanted to follow in your foot steps ad be someone others could look up to. I may not be a trooper of high quality like you but I think you would be proud of me none the less. I will soon be getting married and I know you will be watching. I love you Uncle David i hope you know that.

Jason A. McDaniel
Nephew

April 22, 2009

Remembering you, My Love, during the holidays and always. I can't believe it has been 23 years since you were taken from us. How I wish you could play with your grandsons. I keep a blue light in the window all year round (not just at Christmas) and Trey and Gavin call it Grandpa David's light. Natalie and I will teach them to remember you always. I wrote a poem I want to share as we celebrate the birth of Our Savior. David, I will love you forever. Your loving wife, Joyce.
THE GIFT

Got a card from our daughter today
This yuletide my spirits did lift.
She was thankful for Mom her words did say
But I was the one who received a gift.

I stopped and to the Lord did pray
For the gift of one so sweet.
With children of her own today
The woman you never got to meet.

We sure did do something good back then
So many years have gone by.
Many times she wondered where you’d been
Very few times I’ve seen her cry.

I know you would be so very proud
Of all that she’s become.
Lucky were we to be allowed
To be parents of such one.

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior
The gift that was the greatest,
We must pause to thank Him who gave her
Our joy, life fulfilled for us.

--Joyce Harris-Thacker

Joyce Harris-Thacker
Widow of Trooper Jonathan David Harris

December 3, 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

March 2, 2008

I didn't know Trooper Harris but I honor him on this day. I am grateful for his service and grieved by his sacrifice.

He is gone but not forgotten.

A Grateful Citizen

January 1, 2008

Brother Dave you are not forgotten, a hero's job is never done,I am sure that you are doing the Lords work and are happy in heaven,I still remember the days we spent at the academy together,you are not forgotten my brother...

F/Sgt Bob McComas (retired)
West Virginia State Police

October 16, 2006

Rest in Peace Sir.

July 11, 2006

My friend and fellow class mate you are missed,but you will always be remembered for the man you were and the friend you were to me.

Retired F/Sgt.Bob McComas
West Virginia State Police

February 3, 2005

Trooper Harris,

Rest in Peace Brother...We will never forget...

Officer
NC

August 12, 2004