Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper Higdon,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Texas. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 13, 2023

I think about Dan every year at Christmas. He was my Daddy's partner many many moons ago!!! I absolutely adored him!! When I was about 6, my Daddy (Glynn Harris) had Dan dress up as Santa and surprise me during dinner one night in Canton! I went to the door and was so beside myself with excitement at seeing Santa! He came in and we went over to the fireplace and I sat on his knee. Upon closer inspection, I recognized my Dad's partner, and said "you're not Santa, you're Dan Higdon"!. He proceeded to tell me he was the real Santa, at which time, I was overcome with fear that I had just insulted The Santa Clause, and went to bed the new week, wondering if I was even going to get anything now!! I mean, what kid insults Santa, in your very own house, just before Christmas!!!! I will never forget that evening!!!! I'm pretty sure he had no clue what an impression he left on my life! All these years later, I still miss him but anytime I am at the DPS office, I stop and touch his picture framed in the lobby. He was an amazing man!!

Krista Harris
Family Friend

December 20, 2021

I am Dan Higdon's brother. I write today with a keen sense of appreciation for all of you who have posted on this site over the years . I am embarrassed that I was not aware of this wonderful platform to honor our fallen heroes until this week. Dan was certainly my hero and it somehow does not surprise me that so many of you saw that in his character and his actions.

At this particular time when our police are under tremendous assault I am drawn to thinking of my big brother. Those who want to paint our protectors with a very broad brush of cruelty and racism did not know Dan Higdon. When I was a young salesman working in Dan's area, he'd come by my hotel and take me on patrol with him. What I saw on those ride-alongs was a man who respected himself, his uniform and the people he interacted with at the worst times of their lives. I saw a man who pulled over his patrol car and picked up a black man who was walking along the freeway in a freezing rain to take him home and get him a hot shower, a warm meal and a bus ticket to where he was heading. He did countless daily acts of generosity like that , not because he was seeking attention , but because as he told me , "it's just what you do."

Reading your testimonials at this time about this man, strengthens my faith that the hand of God still touches our land because we produce men such as Dan Higdon.

David E Higdon
Brother

June 12, 2020

I was a kid in the 1970s and I guess it was Dan's first highway patrol assignment to Morris County. He lived down the road from our family in Omaha Texas and he was super nice. He let us play in the patrol car, turn the lights on and probably the siren a couple of times as well. He was transferred to Tyler I guess then we were all saddened by the news of his death. I went into law enforcement about that time and stayed for over two decades. I think of him often and always look at his photo in the Tyler DPS office. Was at the peace officer memorial yesterday in downtown Tyler and got to meet his widow and other family members. God Bless.

Chet Thomas, Retired
Morris County, UT Police, State OIG TDCJ

May 15, 2019

Rest in peace Trooper Higdon.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 13, 2019

I was a very young RN working at (what was then) Medical Center Hospital in the emergency room the night of Trooper Higdon’s accident. It left a lasting impression on me. I remember it like it was yesterday, and have often wondered how his family is. While I didn’t know him personally, what I remember most were all his fellow law enforcement comrades who spoke so highly of him and came to the ER to show their support and love.
I’ve never forgotten that night. To his family, our hearts and prayers are still with you. No words can describe how sorry we are for the loss of such an obviously great DPS Trooper and friend. His was a life taken way too soon.

Connie Harrison
Retired RN

May 16, 2018

ITS HARD TO BELIEVE IT HAS BEEN THAT LONG AGO. DAN WAS A GREAT TROOPER AND PERSON

HENRY D WHATLEY
EMT/P RETIRED

March 14, 2016

Trooper Higdon came to Winona High School just months before his death to speak to our Senior class about careers in law enforcement. I remember his professional demeanor and I remember the positive impression he left on me. Up until then I had considered a career in the military. After his presentation I began to consider law enforcement as another honorable profession where I could serve. Thank you Trooper Higdon, you opened my eyes to law enforcement and after 29 years of service I still think of you and your sacrifice. May God keep you surrounded by his peace!

Captain Stephan Granberry
Irving Police Department

January 3, 2015

Dan and my dad were Troopers together. He was beyond a family friend. He even dressed up as Santa Claus and came by the house for me one year when I was a little girl. Of course I recognized him, called him out on it and then immediately felt fear for insulting Santa and never getting a present again :) He was a great man and to this day, I still think of him often.
Gone but never forgotten!

Krista Harris
Family Friend

May 5, 2014

He was my cousin. I think of him often. I was very young at the time of his death. But I will always remember how he stepped up after his fathers death and supported his familiy. He brought a dog to his grandmothers house after a alarm system failed to protect her and my aunt from house theives. He was a great human being and is never forgotten.

Martha O'Brien

March 22, 2013

I knew Trooper Higdon in two capacities. First, I was a violator and he gave me my first ever citation. I recall how I was drawn to him for his professionalism and compassion all at the same time. Trooper Higdon, is largely responsible for me having gone into law enforcement. I had just went to work for the Canton Police Department just a few months before his accident. I never got to meet him again in a professional capacity, but the way he conducted business and showed compassions is something I will never forget. God Bless you Dan, you will forever be missed.

Mike McConnell

September 30, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

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

March 13, 2010

To Trooper Daniel Higdon and his loved ones:

It has been 26 years since your tragic death. Please know that your memory is honored and revered today.
My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.

From reading the reflections about you, it is obvious you were well-loved and well-respected. 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, Trooper Higdon. I am humbled by your valor and your dedication.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of distinquished service Daniel gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 13, 1983.

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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 17, 2009

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

June 19, 2008

Trooper Higdon your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 26, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

April 8, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 3, 2008

G-d Bless.

March 13, 2007

As a second generation law enforcement employee, I give my sympathy to the family of Daniel Morrison Higdon Jr. After reading the other reflections I am proud to share the last name of such a caring protector, whether I am related to Daniel or not. Godspeed, brother.

Communications Corporal Jason Higdon
Floyd County Police Department, IN

August 3, 2004

I knew Dan briefly while he was a recruit trainee. I was a Patrolman stationed in El Paso and Dan and I became friends. Of all the recruits I met through the years, Dan impressed me most. His family should continue to be proud of this big-hearted man and to keep his memory alive. He became a patrolman for all the right reasons. I am greatful to have known him. May God bless his family.

Lt. David L. Boswell, Retired
Texas Department of Public Safety

June 28, 2004

I KNEW DAN AFTER HE PULLED ME OVER ABOUT THREE MONTHS PRIOR TO HIS DEATH. DAN BECAME A FRIEND THAT I NEVER HAVE KNOWN SINCE HE LEFT US. MY WIFE WAS PREGNANT AND TIMES WAS NOT ALL THAT GOOD. DAN PICKED ME UP IN HIS UNIT THE NEXT MORNING AND TOOK ME TO A MANS FARM WHERE I SOON MOVED TO.
I PURCHASED A CAR FROM DAN OR WAS TO PURCHASE THIS CAR. EVERYTIME I WAS DUE TO MAKE A PAYMENT TO HIM HE WOULD TELL ME TO USE IT FOR SOMETHING ELSE.
AFTER HIS DEATH HIS WIFE TOLD ME THAT DAN WANTED TO GIVE THE CAR TO ME BUT DIDN'T WANT ME TO THINK IT WAS CARITY.
DANS WIFE GAVE THE CAR TO ME.
MY SECOND SON WAS BORN IN JUNE FOLLOWING HIS DEATH. HIS NAME IS CODY DAN . I HAVE BEEN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT KNOW FOR 11 YEARS.EVERYTIME I SEE A TROOPER I THINK OF MY FRIEND DAN.
DAN WAS A MAN AMONG MEN.

DEPUTY BO JENKINS
HARRIS CO SHERIFFS DEPT