Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Every 4th of July I reflect and think about Danny and Mike. I seved with Danny and worked for him when he promoted. I knew Mike Crowe from working patrol and meeting him on duty when we both worked in Yuma. It always strikes home when I think about the 4th of July, I was the supervisor in charge when we responded to this call, and found the horrors at the end. God keep you my friends, we will not forget. And we will not forget Gary Maas either, another friend and fine officer from Yuma, I responded to his final call also and found him in the parking lot at the Greyhound Bus Depot in April of 1986, Sgt Dan Rhodes was the only unit that beat me to the scene, and we were both too late for Gary. Many years have passed, but I still miss my friends and pray for their families.

Sergeant Andy Cmapbell
Yuma Police Dept. (Retired)

December 1, 2011

Danny,

Just taking a moment to tell you we think of you and Mike (and Gary EOW 4/1986) often. July 4th is almost upon us again, and makes us think back to 1995 and how that date changed and affected us.

You would be proud and happy to know Jared is working for the PD now, and, true to being an Elkins, is working night shift Patrol. He was recently issued your old patrol badge and he is doing fine. You and Powell, asYPD officers, have every reason to be proud of him. You instilled in him the tradition of service.

dbr

June 30, 2011

LT., just stopping by to say hi. You are never far from my thoughts. I hope your family is well. I don't see them as often as I used to. I can tell you (but you probably already know) that your Son is wearing the same blue uniform you gave your life for. We miss you but take comfort in knowing that we will see you again someday in a much better place.

AZ Narc

November 20, 2010

Lieutenant Elkins. I will never forget the night I got the call-out to SBA for the shooting. When Lou Wilber told me who was killed it struck me hard. I really did not know Mike, but I knew you as the benchmark for service as an officer of the law.

You taught us how to stay alive in a dangerous world. I often think of you and the sacrifice you made and the sacrifices your family endured. These thoughts and memories inspire me to expect the most from officers I train and supervise. You live on in those you touched and those we touch.

Sergeant Tim Bedwell
North Las Vegas Police Department

June 23, 2010

On behalf of the men and women of the Boston Police Department I say thank you Lt. Elkins for your service to your community. You, your family, and fellow officers are in our prayers. RIP

Patrolman
Boston Police

September 28, 2009

Lt., I met your daughter a month or two ago. What a pretty and intelligent young lady. We still miss you Sir.

AZ Narc

April 12, 2009

Well Uncle Danny we all miss you alot. I really wish you were here with us, Jared is at the academy and so am i. We will do our best to make you and the family proud. God bless you and the family.

Collin M. Cuming
U.S. Border Patrol (T)

March 12, 2009

Lt. Elkins, thank you for your service and dedication. You will not be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

September 12, 2008

Not a day goes by that I don't think of Lt. Elkins or reflect on the training he provided me (and many others) with. I know, without a doubt, that training has saved me many times in this job. I respected Lt. Elkins. I remember the morning I got the phone call that told me of this horrible incident. I will always remember the Lieutenant. He could not have known how many lives he touched in such a positive way. Rest in peace, Sir. I will see you again some day.

AZ Narc

August 6, 2008

July 4, 1995 brought a whole new meaning to the 4th of July for members of the Yuma Police Department. On that date, Lt. Daniel P. Elkins (Yuma PD) and Sgt. Mike Crowe (Arizona DPS) were killed in the line of duty. And, what's particularly ironic about their deaths is that they were killed by a Yuma County Deputy – Jack Ray Hudson Jr. For those of you who didn't have the opportunity to know Dan Elkins a little background is in order. Lt. Elkins was the commander of the SBA (Southwest Border Alliance) at the time of his death. This was a multi-agency task force dedicated to illegal narcotic interdiction and enforcement. The offices of the SBA were located at 3911 Pico Ave (behind the airport).

Lt. Elkins returned from vacation on that date only to have a number of phone messages waiting regarding a missing weapon at the SBA. The SBA had a detached, but nearby, evidence room. Jim Ehrhart, a retired DPS officer, was the SBA Evidence Custodian. For several days he had been investigating why a weapon was missing from the evidence room. When Lt. Elkins learned of the missing weapon, he wanted to immediately investigate and determine what had happened. There were a limited number of keys issued to the evidence room and he wanted to account for all the keys. He contacted Sgt. Crowe who also just returned to Yuma from vacation. It was decided that Elkins and Ehrhart would meet Crowe at the SBA to try and figure things out. The next day was Wednesday and Elkins wanted to have a complete and accurate report available for the Chief first thing in the morning. At about 10:53 PM, Elkins and Crowe met with Ehrhart at the SBA. They noticed a vehicle parked outside and lights on in the office, but didn't think much of it. The SBA was a 24/7 operation and agents came and went at all hours of the day and night. When they entered the building they noticed SBA Agent Jack Hudson there. As they got further into the building they began to notice that the offices had been ransacked and that several safes had been broken into. They began to realize that Jack Hudson was the one burglarizing the building. They also realized that none of them had brought a gun with them. Mike Crowe did have a gun in his vehicle and when they started back outside to retrieve it they were intercepted by Hudson. Hudson opened fire on them with a Cobray 9mm automatic. Mike Crowe was hit and then the gun jammed. Dan Elkins dived into a side office, and Jim Ehrhart ran through the building and exited out the back door. He headed for the detached evidence room (about 100 yards away) where he knew a loaded shotgun was kept. Crowe, although injured, managed to also exit the back door and hid behind some cars parked in a fence yard. It's unclear exactly what happened after that, but investigators learned that Hudson returned to his car and obtained another weapon, a Smith and Wesson model 659 semi-automatic handgun (a total of 40 weapons were later found at his residence, 25 of which were stolen from the SBA). Elkins was trapped in a side office and called Yuma PD for help. Shortly after that call, he was shot multiple times by Hudson. Hudson then tracked down Crowe and shot him multiple times while following him around the outside of the building. By this time Yuma PD officers were arriving on the scene.

Officer Rogene Small, former Officer Kerry Beecher, and Officer Ron Rodriquez were some of the first officers to arrive on the scene. As other officers arrived a perimeter was established. They could hear Mike Crowe yelling for help and finally spotted him lying on the ground near the southwest corner of the fenced compound. Meanwhile, SBA Agent Larry Wheeler (also a former officer with Yuma PD) arrived on the scene and briefed officers of what was going on. Wheller had met up with Jim Ehrhart who had returned to the scene. While the perimeter was being set up, Small, former Officer Kerry Beecher, and Rodriguez along with other officers began an effort to rescue Mike Crowe by using a patrol car as a shield. They were able to provide protection for Crowe while other officers got him out of the compound and took him to waiting paramedics. Things were happening quickly and they spotted movement near one of the cars parked near the office entrance. That movement turned out to be Hudson and they quickly took him into custody. No one knew the full extent of what was happening but they knew that Elkins was still inside. Sgt. Cindy Anderson, Ron Rodriquez, Kerry Beecher, Officer Walt Segrest, Larry Wheeler and Jim Ehrhart entered the SBA offices searching for Elkins. There may have been others but that's what I could glean from the reports. They found Elkins unconscious and began CPR as they moved him to the nearest entrance. The Fire Department was already on the scene and both injured officers were rushed to YRMC. They were both pronounced dead shortly after arrival at YRMC.

There were a host of other officers on the scene that nigh or involved in the case: Aguirre, Hamilton, Harris, Leyva, Mitchell, Price, Segura, Siegfried, Turner, Detective Nordell, Detective Brian Rodgers, Sgt. Tony Badilla, Sgt. Andy Campbell, Sgt. Tim White, Captain Shaw, Dispatch Supervisor Maria Lopez, Dispatch Supervisor Cecilia Corea (who took the call from Elkins) and Chief Robinson just to name a few.

Jack Hudson was later tried and convicted of two counts of homicide and a host of other charges. Judge Tom Cole elected not to give Hudson the death penalty. He is now serving a life sentence without possibility of parole. As it turned out, and what no one knew until it was too late, was the Hudson had become addicted to methamphetamine. As his habit grew, so did his need for money. He was stealing guns and narcotics from the SBA and on the night of July 4, 1995 he was after the informant and buy money kept in safes at the SBA.

Dan Elkins was the son of former Police Chief Powell Elkins. Chief Elkins has been credited with "professionalizing" the Yuma Police Dept. He hired a number of personnel still on or around the department: Chief Robby Robinson, retired Captain Dean Burrow, Captain Tim Shaw, Sgt. Al Thieme, Lt. Doug Lee, Capt. Dan Rhodes, PSO Greg Fell, former Lt. Rick Colwell, former Lt. Mike Erfert, former Sgt. Raul Mendoza, Evidence Custodian Reuben Young, former Communications Supervisor Debbie Nidiffer, dispatcher Debbie Thompson, Records Supervisor Aydee Conde, former officer Marshall Milliner, Court Officer Tommie Chappell, and Dispatch Supervisor Maria Lopez (sorry if I missed anyone). Chief Elkins retired in 1980 and unfortunately died way too young in 1989. Of course, Dan wanted to follow in his Dad's footsteps. His ambition was to become Chief of Police.

Dan started out his career with the Yuma County Sheriff's Office 1975. He couldn't work for the police department because his Dad was the Chief of the Yuma PD. He quickly worked his way into an assignment with the Yuma County Narcotics Task Force (sound familiar?). In 1980, shortly after his Dad retired, Dan began his career with the Yuma Police Department. Dan was known for his strong and dedicated work ethic. He was a firearms instructor and armorer, a member of the SET, and taught many of the officer safety and firearms classes at YPD and YRMC. He was patrol officer, a detective, quality assurance sergeant and lieutenant, and commander of the SBA. He was considered an expert in officer safety and excelled at every assignment. It was his leadership that transitioned the department to semi-automatic weapons and established many of the current policies involving firearms. He was an outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. He had a cabin cruiser and would take many of us deep sea fishing in the Sea of Cortez. He also played softball and loved sports. He had a bachelor's degree from NAU in Criminal Justice and later earned a Master' Degree in Public Administration also from NAU. He was a graduate of the University of Louisville, Southern Police Institute. He graduated from Kofa High School and was a running back on the football team. He really enjoyed teaching others while setting the example himself. Dan was respected by all and his death was a shock to everyone.

Dan was 42 years of age at his death. He was survived by his wife Liz (Elizabeth), his mother Milli (Mildred), son Jared (11 years of age), daughter Audra (15), and sister Kathy. Dan was always dedicated to his family and to the Yuma Police Department. And, he was a friend.

Yuma P.D.

July 5, 2008

Rest in Peace, Lieutenant Elkins. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

May 19, 2008

Lt., it is the day before Thanksgiving and I was thinking of you and your family. I was out in the Foothills tonight and a lady came up to me and thanked me for my service. I thought of you and the years of service you gave, ultimately at the cost of your life. I am thankful for having known you. The training you provided me with has saved me many times. Rest in peace, Sir.

AZ Narc

November 21, 2007

Thought about you today. Thank you for your sacrifice for the citizens of Yuma. We miss you. JH.

Surv Officer
YCAPO

November 12, 2007

"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

August 1, 2007

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

June 25, 2007

Saw your Sister a couple of times last month. She seems very happily married. We miss you and we have not forgotten...........

AZ Narc

March 7, 2007

Danny,

Dad and I were talking last night in on the phone. He is going to be traveling through on his way for the gathering of the badges. I know he enjoys the visits with old friends. I thought I would take a minute and say hello. You and your family is in our thoughts.

Lieutenant Duffy Campbell

October 25, 2006

A man remembered with love and respect never dies but continues to live on in the hearts and minds of others.

July 4, 2006

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

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 13, 2006

Danny,
We worked together on several occasions and I will always be impressed with your professionalism and your strong values. Vaya con Dios, Amigo.
Frank

Agent Frank Hawkins
U. S. Border Patrol (Ret.)

April 6, 2006

Lt. Elkins was also my firearms instructor at the academy. In fact, I was a member of the last class he taught before his life was taken. He would always have us repeat "Is all safe in the world?" before holstering our weapons. I'll never forget the night Lt. Elkins and Sgt. Crowe were killed. My wife and I were watching the fireworks at the Wal-Mart in Yuma when all the emergency vehicles responded to the SBA building. What a waste of a great man and I hope his family has been able to deal with this over the years. Even though I am no longer in law enforcement, I still find myself sometimes asking that same question: "Is all safe in the world?" Thanks LT. Elkins. You are not forgotten.

Mark Shields
US Govt. Contractor-Nevada

April 5, 2006

Danny - we go back many many years - to those times in Flagstaff - Phoenix - and Yuma. I am proud to have been a friend and confidant. I miss you - and think often of you.
Hawaii 510 to Danno - remember we all love you!

Chuck Foy, Retired
Peoria Police Department

December 20, 2005

We have not forgotten............

AZ NARC

July 5, 2005

Remembering Lt. Elkins on the Anniversary of his death. We remember you today for the sacrifice that you gave, your life.
God bless your family, friends and co-workers.

July 4, 2005

Lt., we remember you every day. We practice the lessons that you taught us every day. We miss you every day..............

A. Whitney
Yuma County SO

May 16, 2005