Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Douglass,

We remember you; I’ll be running in your memory, along with our PSP fallen, at the National Police Week 5K in the Washington DC area this week. Thank you for your service and RIP; God bless your family.

Asst. Chief Counsel J. Herman
Pennsylvania State Police

April 30, 2024

Patrolman Douglas,

I remember skating at the convention center and that you were always kind and caring. Your sacrifice is not forgotten and every year they still hold a run in your honor. I have lost touch with your family and I hope they know we still remember. Rest In Peace.

Assistant Counsel J. Herman
Pennsylvania State Police

January 29, 2022

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

February 18, 2021

Patrolman Douglass, rest in peace. This says a lot when you joined your department at age sixteen unless it's a mistake and you joined later.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 24, 2019

I remember David as a child. When I was a patrolman in Cape May Point. David used to come out to the patrol car when I drove by their house. He always talked about wanting to be a police officer. I remember telling him to keep out of trouble, and he did. I was working in Cape May Pd, Dave.boughr a black Corvette. I was the first person he came to see and show his jewel. Dave went on the join the Cape May County Sheriffs office. Later he was appointed to LTPD, again someone knocked on my door to tell me all about getting appointed. I believe I loved Dave as much as I did my own children. I now live in Texas, but on the day he was killed, I hold a memorial at my flag poll, flag half masked, and a candle burning. This is done at the approximate time of his death. May David Douglass Sr. Rest In Peace. I hope to see him in Heaven, so we can rehash our lives. I also went to high school with Davids older brother. He was also an ace of a person. I worked with their brother Russel in Cape May. Their parents raised good children.

Chief of Police, Bob Harpster Sr.
West Cape May Police Dept.

February 3, 2017

I'm going to reflect on part of the Dave's homicide investigation that makes police work an amazing career to enter, it's all about public service and when to step up or step aside....we, the police, are our own Band of Brothers and at times we lose that sight and and look the other way, I guess we can call it human nature...but, one day in March 1996, two NJ Lower Township Detective Sgts (Bob Martin and his partner Jack T) came to our neck of the woods , Queens, NYC, in an attempt to find someone whether a police officer or detective of Asian descent to assist them in their endeavor to solve Dave's homicide..prior to our involvement into the investigation, countless investigators from various state and city agencies have participated in the effort, but like in all investigations, there was a bump in the road that needed to be smooth over, so the investigation can contimue to move along and come to a positive conclusion..we all have our initial impression of how people work, and in police work, especially in homicide investigations, the case investigators want the best of the best, because they themselves are part of that creed, but looking for that quality is like looking for a needle in a hay stack. So instead of bringing every investigator to Cape May, NJ, they wanted to sample the goodsame first. I could understand their delemna because they didn't want to waste their time bringing more investigators to the effort. So Bob and Jack wanted to see what me and my partner, Keith Ng were made of. Bob and Jack are seasoned police officers and pulling the wool over their eyes isnt one thing they want. They never met us before, but they have met other Asian investigators and know what theyou don't want. Now let me interject a point here, everyone confuses interview with interrogation, everyone can interview but good interrogators are a rare breed. Bob and Jack wanted to see how we shaped up in that department, were we just job interviewers or bull dog interrogators, finding the scent and going after it... To test us, Bob and Jack took us to an address in Manhattan of a possible witness, taking a back seat, we were told by Bob and Jack what they were looking for... after a brief interview with the witness, with inconclusive results, Bob and Jack says OK we have nothing here, let's go, I said hold on we aren't done with our pow wow with this guy, Bob and Jack thought we did what we had to, I said, we didn't even start, we are taking this guy back to queens back to our environment to really work on him... I'm sure Bob and Jack were surprised because most people would just stop at this point. What Bob and Jack didn't know was that NYPD Detectives work better on Oscar Tango time, that's overtime in layman terms, and police homicide investigation are cart blanche. After another 2-3 hours of intensive intereogations, with the witness in tears, we were able to gain intelligence and move along the investigation, which had stalled.
Bob and Jack found their steam roller that was going to smooth out the future bumps in the road, which brought the investigation to a positive conclusion... Bob, thanks for the annual Xmas cards ...true retirement is a few years to go...

Thomas Chin, Detective First Grade, Reti
NYC Police Department, Asian Crime Investigation Team

June 8, 2016

I AM A WARRIOR — by Jon F. Hooper

I stand with God. I fight not for glory or fame, for they are momentary.
I fight for those who can’t. I fight for Justice.
I fight for the oppressed and the downtrodden.
And if I should lose my life for these just causes, then I have no regrets, for I serve to protect the innocent.
It matters not where or when, for evil knows no boundaries.
Be it fire, flood, or the threat of tyranny, I will not flee.
Justice is my weapon. Faith is my shield. Hope is my armor.
Cry not at my passing, for it was my honor to fight for you.
Shed not tears of sorrow, but tears of joy:
For now, I stand with God!

Deputy W Nelson
OCCO

November 22, 2014

Dave was a great friend and mentor to me when I was station in Cape May, a tribute I watched today brought back great memories of a great man.

CPO Sean Sanderson
U.S. Coast Guard (ret)

October 24, 2014

It been over 20 years.... I am good friends with Little David. Every times I leave for work and kiss my wife and kids i think of your sacrifice. Thank you sir

Deputy
Oxford County SO

March 17, 2014

Correction: It was Oct. 1993 at CMCPA

Lt. James Burke
Sea Isle City Police

May 23, 2012

It was Oct. 2003 and I was enrolled in the Firearms Instructor school at CMCPA and Dave was one of the instructors. He taught the rifle and I still have all my notes....one day on the line my personal S & W 5906 broke and since he was also an armorer he took it to fix. Next day he returned it but refused payment and said only that we should look out for one another....When he was killed some of us went out to man an investigative checkpoint out on Town Bank Rd..then later we combed the fields and yards looking for the weapon or other evidence. We marched in the procession. It's what we did....It's not what I did. I wasn't alone. And Dave's not alone either.

Lt. James Burke
Sea Isle City Police

May 22, 2012

This is my first time writing on a memorial for dave. I knew dave and debbie when I was working as a Class II officer in Cape May while they worked at Convention Hall together. Dave spoke to me many times about the career I was going to have and what to expect. Both Dave and Debbie encouraged my inspiration of becoming a police officer in a neigboring town. When I was hired and had to attend the academy Dave told me he was looking forward to training me at the police academy, as a firearms instuctor. Sadly, we both missed that chance with dave passing while I was in the academy. I save and treasure the times I do remember with debbie and dave and don't know why I have never shared this before but I truly miss you dave.

Sergeant S. Austin
Cape May City Police Department

February 18, 2012

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY, ITS BEEN 18 YEARS AGO! I MISS YOU DAVE, THERE IS NOT A TIME GOES BY THAT I DO NOT THINK ABOUT YOU! YOU WERE A GREAT FRIEND! DAVE YOU ARE A HERO! MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR CHILDREN! YOU SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY AND GAVE YOUR LIFE TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS , AND LOWER TOWNSHIP CITIZENS! MAY YOU REST IN PEACE... I LOVE YOU DAVE

Beth Kane
Friend

February 18, 2012

david we miss you

George Brennan
friend

February 15, 2012

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge - Proverbs 14:32.

You are not forgotten.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada1

February 18, 2011

I was reading Case Law when I came across your name and the events that resulted in your death. I always feel obliged to review an In the Line of Duty death while researching and I read the reflections left by people who you had to leave behind. It is allways nice to see recent reflections for someone who passed so long ago.

A person is never truly gone from us as long as they are remembered and the faith that the soles of loved ones will be reunited in eternity. May your family have peace in your absence.

God Speed, Brother

PO. James Rainforth
Orange, NJ. Police Department

January 5, 2010

Dave,
Just wanted to let you know Jack and I are hooking up this week on our way to Mexico. You will be remembered. The good times will be talked about.
We miss and love ya, man...

Detective Commander Bob Martin
Lower Twsp. PD. NJ Retired

August 17, 2009

To Patrolman David Douglass, his loved ones, and his fellow patrolmen:

On this the fifteenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart is with all family members and friends who call you beloved. They are all in my thoughts and prayers today. I can see from the loving reflections left by your loyal friends that you were an amazing man who is loved and missed by all those whose lives you touched.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, David. I am so humbled by your valor and service.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service David gave to his community and the citizens of New Jersey, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 18, 1994.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

February 18, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

February 18, 2009

Recall this cold February evening very well, working a drug surveillence when the message came over the radio that a Lower Twp Officer had been shot, immediately we all responded, and will never forget the sobering announcement by then Captain Kammer that Brother Douglass expired. It was a long night chasing every leed. I know how long and hard that alot of personnel worked to include Bro. Martin and Trombetta to catch the actor responsible. I cherish fine memories of Dave, having had the opportunity to know him personally and travel on PBA Convention with Dave & Debbie as Dave served PBA Local #59 as President. Rest in Peace Brother. You made the Ultimate Sacrifice!

In brotherhood,

Fondly,
Bro. Gregg Taylor
Retired MTPD

Detective First Class-Retired MTPD

February 17, 2009

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

August 17, 2008

I didnt know you as well as I know your son. We had some good times in school. Everytime I would walk into the house and see this picture on the wall it would choke me up. You inspire me. It is the month where we recongnize ultimate sacrifice. NO one could thank you enough for the sacrifice you and your family has given and continues to give until the end of time. Thank you

Deputy Nelson
Oxford County SO

May 17, 2008

Rest in peace my Brother.

Kevin T Ryan
Ex Burkington County NJ Cop And Correction Sergeant.

February 18, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND YOUR SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE.

Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

February 11, 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

December 12, 2007