Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Driving through Iowa, saw the memorial. Looked up your story. Rest in peace. Thank you for your dedication and bravery. Wish those vests would totally protect. You and my son would be alive if they did. Thoughts are with your family.

G. Anne Birkholz
Mother of Officer Craig Birkholz EOW 3/20/2011 Fond du Lac PD

March 9, 2024

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)

September 13, 2020

Driving through Iowa and drove over his memorial bridge. Looked him up to learn more about him. Gone but not forgotten.

AP

July 26, 2020

Rest in peace Officer McPherren.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 11, 2019

I remember, as a little boy, how your kindness and respect that you showed me at a bowling pin shoot with a bunch of other police friends of my dad's...has never left me. I still , all these years , remember vividly the night we lost you when I was a teenager. Would love to meet your family someday, sir, as you smile upon them from heaven. Not one Sept 13 has passed that thoughts of you have not occurred, and prayers said. Several years ago, watching a new drama about the LAPD, something struck me. A conversation between a field training officer and his new boot who had to use lethal force their first shift together, when he told the young new officer, "You're a cop because you don't know how not to be one. If you feel that way, you're a cop. If you don't, you're not. You decide."
Officer McPherren, Sr. , you epitomized that statement. You were a kid's dad. A wife's great husband. A man's man, and a cop's cop. The world can only hope to have more like you. Now your family's and Newton PD's guardian Angel. Rest well, kind and good man.

B Groos
family friend/son of ISP Trooper 154, friend of Off McPherren

September 15, 2014

Rest in Peace, Officer McPherren. 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 28th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. 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.

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

May 11, 2013

A loving officer that I new as a child. We were neighbors and he always had time for the neighborhood children. I remember that tragic day like it was yesterday. May love continue to fill the hearts and lives of those he left behind and those who remember him as a great officer and friend to all.

Traci Becker

May 3, 2012

We miss you more as time goes on, 25 years and it feels like yesterday. I know you watch over us all, but how I wish you could be with your babies. They have babies now. Two little girls and one little boy so far. Daniel Mark McPherren III. He has made me realize that even though my heart is broken over you and always will be that I can still feel love and be happy. I told you that you were the love of my life, and it is still true. Someday.

bearbear

November 1, 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

October 23, 2007

Sir, I honor your service and your sacrifice. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9.
Growing up in Polk City I remember this day very well.
We have your watch. Rest in peace.

Master Officer T.D. Morton
Chesterfield, Va.

November 5, 2006

You will always be alive in my heart forever

September 14, 2006

Sweet Sleep be yours.

September 13, 2006

Thank you for your service, rest well.

RD, Claeps, SBPA
United States Border Patrol

September 13, 2004