Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was just talking with your cousin Mitch (he and I work at the same agency) today about LODD’s, and he mentioned your name and that you died in the line of duty. Very courageous of you to risk and then sacrifice your life in order to save the lives of others. Thank you for your service to make your city, county, state, and country a safer place.

Commander Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff’s Office

July 23, 2024

So long ago now. But the day you passed will remain with me forever.
I had to tell your dad, and his reaction will heartbreakingly be with me forever.
I know you rest in peace Danny, and that Dave is with you, for that would be heaven for him.

Jean Trail

June 21, 2024

I so vividly remember getting the news that you were gone! A flood of emotions that are hard to put into words. We grew up together in our small Kansas town. Shared laughter, tears, friendship and love! Your heart was so good and honest. You loved helping others and when I heard about how you had passed it didn't really surprise me. You only wanted to save those kids. We have our memories and I'll always hold them dear. You my friend and classmate were simply one of a kind. As I write this the words of our 8th grade graduation song play in my head, "Come Sail Away". You've sailed on my friend and I feel you are now watching over us from the heavens and gently reminding us that life is good and love is all we need. Love you always my friend!

Dianne Hestermann Vap
Friend

June 26, 2023

I was a childhood friend, we lost Danny way to soon. His heroic actions saved others. Rest in Peace my friend

Dale Reuber
Friend

June 26, 2023

Danny was a student of mine in his most favorite class—algebra. I loved his wit and just-a little-bit-torqued thinking! We ended up calling it the “Danny Trail Comedy Hour”. His classmates loved it when he made me laugh! I remember the day of his service here in Atwood. I was very sick so couldn’t attend, but I loaded my sons up in our car, and we sat in his honor on a side road as his very, very lengthy procession passed. Tears and tears. Danny is truly remembered as a great young man and officer. ♥️

Rhonda Argabright

June 26, 2023

Twenty-five years later. I remember it like yesterday. Rest In Peace 607.

Lance McCune
Beloit Police Department

June 25, 2020

Your selfless actions are the true definition of duty before self. Please know that your memory, service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

June 25, 2020

I thought of Dan last month as my Department "over prepared" for a flood. I showed his story to someone who commented and explained why I wasn't smiling. I worked with Dan in Colby in a group of young fun loving cops that had a ball. We did smile a lot then. We miss you brother.

Chief Kevin Diercks
Chapman Ks Police

June 27, 2019

Danny,
Your contagious smile and good nature are so deeply missed. You went out of your way to ensure that everyone you met felt at ease around you. God needed you. Rest In Peace and thank you for your ultimate sacrifice.
God bless you

Amanda Blalack

June 27, 2019

Rest in peace Patrolman Trail.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 17, 2019

I just found out about your son, Jeremy, and it is like an old wound has been opened up. He looks so much like you. He is your spitting image. He has your smile and seeing pictures of him with his "uncle" Mitch just makes me cry because I miss you. You didn't have a selfish bone in your body and you were always ready to help others. That is what made you so awesome. Growing up with you was one of my best memories!

Nancy Vap
Atwood High School class of 1985

May 12, 2018

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

June 25, 2015

Rest in Peace, Officer Trail. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 3, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 17th 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 call you beloved for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I thank them for sharing their memories of you through their reflections.

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

November 14, 2012

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

June 25, 2012

Dan you were the best FTO and friend. I miss you.

Undersheriff Jim Schroeder
Worked Atwood Police Dept. together

June 24, 2012

Danny was one of the "good guys". A light to the world. Kind and caring.
May he rest in peace.

Jean Trail
Step mother

March 28, 2012

I was present at the birth of Dan Trail and so very sad at his death. I continue to be a very good friend of his family and we miss his humor and kindness

jean oren
friend

June 26, 2010

Danny we were child hood friends. I am happy and honored to say our friendship lasted through the years. I remember the phone call the day you passed. This world lost a great man. You were doing you job but along with that Danny you were being you. A caring loving man that would do anything for anyone. I carry you in my heart and memory each and every day. You are my angel watching over me I truly believe. God bless you my dear friend. You are missed and loved each and every day..

Chris Leth
Child hood friend

March 27, 2010

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

January 9, 2010

"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

January 17, 2008

You gave it all to save those who had put themselves in a dangerous situation. It never seems fair, they survive and you perish. But that sometimes is the fate of the true hero, one that don't think of himself but only of others, and you Sir are a true hero. May the Lord continue to watch over your family.

Public Safety Supervisor, Gary Mintz
Warren Wilson College, NC Public Safety

November 23, 2007

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. May your bravery and heroism be an inspiration to us all. Rest in peace sir.

July 16, 2007

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. May your bravery and heroism be an inspiration to us all. Rest in peace sir.

July 16, 2007

Hey big Bro thanks to you i now know what i want to do with my life and that is to follow in your footsteps and become a Police Officer i will always remember you and thank you for opening my eyes love you always.
Lonnie

Lonn Trail
Younger Brother

October 24, 2006