Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was sent Dan’s memorial page from a mutual friend of Dan and I, and I’m grateful for this opportunity to recognize him. Dan was from Indiana, I from Ohio. We met in the summer of 1977 where we were in the same A-School, Gunner’s Mate Technician (GMT) class in San Diego (North Island). Following our graduation, we were both stationed (for the rest of our enlistment) in Norfolk, Va (NWTG Lant).

Under those circumstances it may seem as if we would be fast friends. We were always friendly, but not “tight” initially. I was married (after bootcamp), Dan was not (at that time), so Dan lived in the barracks, I and my wife lived in the civilian community. However, over the next three and a half years, Dan and I’s relationship grew. We had countless amounts of fun (and serious) adventures during and outside of work while at NWTG.
The main thing I want to express to those who may not have known Dan at all, or those who didn’t get a chance to know him well, was that Dan Eaker was an incredibly kind, giving, and gentle soul. I can’t ponder my Navy days without Dan being a part of them. Everybody who knew Dan, would say the same about this very special man.

I learned about Dan’s passing, right after it happened, from Dan and I’s former supervisor at NWTG. Obviously, it was a sad phone call all those years ago. But it doesn’t lessen in any way the impact or memory he had on me and those around him. That was who Dan was.

Regrettably, I wasn’t a part of Dan’s life after the Navy. I do know from others that he served proudly with the Chesapeake Police. I also know that he married and had a daughter. I never met them but I have no doubt that Dan was every bit a loving husband and father one would envision. I wish them well, and wish the same for Dan’s remaining family and friends from Indiana (or wherever they may be).

Dan will always be respected for the short life he led, by the way he led it. The way he came to the assistance of his friends back in my day; just like he came to the assistance to that truck driver that fateful night. We were all fortunate and better for having Dan in our lives.

Randy Walker GMT2, U.S. Navy

September 14, 2024

Remember this incident like it was yesterday. About 4 months later my Dad would be killed fighting a commercial Fire for the same City as Officer Eaker

Steven Young
Chesapeake Public Works Department

November 4, 2023

Officer Eaker,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USN. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 4, 2020

This will make 25 years since you left us and i still think of you often and miss you so. Less than 2 years after mom went to be with you she missed you dearly. 9 years later ours sister and dad just 2 years ago also came to be with you. I miss you all but i know you are all together and also grandma the year after you . You always picked on me but in a good way

Sister
Sister

April 16, 2020

Danny,
Had the pleasure of working with you on 'D' platoon, what a crew! You made me laugh more times than I can count. Never will you be forgotten.

Lori

Lori Russo Eanes - Sergeant
Chesapeake Police 1986-2000

December 5, 2012

Officer Eaker,
Sir, on today, the 17th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served in the USN. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 4, 2012

Thankyou for 12 years of dedicated service. The sacrifices your family has made, living without you. We will always remember. The Thin Blue Line stays strong because of you and your family.

Chesapeake Police Officer
Chesapeake Police Dept

November 4, 2011

You have been gone so long, but your memory lives on with your brothers and sisters here at the CPD. Hopefully you have not run out of jokes to play on our brothers who have joined you. Mike and Jarrod were the most recent to join you, I hope they are the last. Teach the the ways of the heavenly guard to your brothers and know that we miss all of you.

Anonymous

January 16, 2011

You have been gone so long, but your memory lives on with your brothers and sisters here at the CPD. Hopefully you have not run out of jokes to play on our brothers who have joined you. Mike and Jarrod were the most recent to join you, I hope they are the last. Teach the the ways of the heavenly guard to your brothers and know that we miss all of you.

Anonymous

January 16, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 14th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

In reading the Danny stories, you seemed to have a great sense of humor and were the ultimate "good ole boy". How those who love you must miss your zest for life.
Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

November 6, 2009

While the "cops" adorned in gold with scrambled eggs on their visors were safely asleep and resting up for another day of walking the halls of headquarters with their coffee cups, Danny was giving his life at 5 am

Thanks, Danny

Chesapeake Sergeant

November 5, 2009

Officer Eaker,
On today, the 13th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but also for our Country when you served in the USN. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous

November 4, 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

April 2, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 2, 2007

Danny was a guy who could dish out a joke as well as take one

I'll never forget the "Feces Identication Kit" he put together that contained a picture of the face of one of our detectives. That detective proudly accepted the gift and kept it on his desk

CPD cop
CPD Cop

February 8, 2007

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

November 8, 2006

DAN, WE DIDN'T KNOW EACH OTHER BUT I STILL REMEMBER WHEN YOU GAVE YOU LIFE FOR THE SAFETY AND CONCERN OF OTHERS IN 1995 ON ROUTE 17. ALMOST FOUR MONTHS AFTER YOU WERE TAKEN, MY FATHER, FIREFIGHTER SPECIALIST-CT FRANK YOUNG (P-236) AND HIS ENGINE COMPANY PARTNER JOHN HUDGINS (P-323)WERE ALSO KILLED GIVING THEIR LIFE FOR GOOD OF THE CITY OF CHESAPEAKE. PROTECTING PROPERTY AND LIVES ARE WHAT YOU, MY FATHER, AND JOHN DID FOR CHESAPEAKE AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO THROUGH TRAINING THAT POLICE OFFICERS AND FIREFIGHTERS WILL GET IN YOUR MEMORIES.

THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR SERVICE;

STEVEN YOUNG-FORMER FIREFIGHTER/EMT-E RECRUIT-SESSION 20

STEVEN YOUNG
FORMER RECRUIT-CHESAPEAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT

May 25, 2006

Everybody still tells Danny Eaker stories

My favorite was when a detective demanded that another officer collect feces from a crime scene. When Danny heard about it, he created something called the "Feces Identification Kit" in a felt-lined presentation kit.
One of the types a "feces" was a picture of that dectective and was identified as "s--- head". the dectective proudly displayed it on his desk

Cop
CPD

March 30, 2006

We lost another one a few days ago Danny. It seems like just yesterday when we lost you. We still think about you all the time. I went to babygirl's high school graduation . She looked beautiful. We are all so proud of her. I know you were there with us. We could all feel you. Please lookout for Saffran for us and keep an eye on him. Miss you!

Officer Faith Gollob
Chesapeake Police Department

October 13, 2005

I enjoyed our times together while teaching at the academy. You are sorely missed. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace

Sgt. Allan K. Iversen Jr.
Suffolk Police Department

April 5, 2005

rest in peace officer. job well done

aj russell

July 3, 2004

Danny you have not been forgotten and the sacrafice you made on that dark morning will never be forgotten!!!!My prayers are with your family. YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN

Police Officer D Smith
CPD

Dan,
You rode with me as your field trainer, you worked with me in the Forensic/Identification unit, we were friends and partners. I miss you buddy. You will always be remembered.

A. E. Burns Jr. 1st Sgt. (ret.)
Chesapeake Police Department

My heart goes out to your family, friends, and co-workers for the loss of their man in blue. Continue to share the memories you made with him.
I hope the state of Virginia also has the move over law as we have here in KS. I feel it has saved many officers and motorists.

Be Safe,

Marilyn Goodheart, 1995 Survivor
Kansas COPS - [email protected]

I worked with Danny from 1984 until I transfered to the Sheriff's Office in Aug. of 1990. I still saw Danny from time to time since our buildings are next door to one another. I remember him as a kind and gentle man, he is missed and not forgotten by any means. God bless you Danny and may he look after your family. He must have had better plans for you. Submitted November 1, 2001

Sgt. Bonnie Whitley
Chesapeake Sheriff's Office