Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper Nelson,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Oregon. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 28, 2022

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

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

July 28, 2020

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 41rst anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged 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.

I pray for the solace of all those that love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

January 21, 2013

I recently took a trip to D.C. with the family. I went to the Police memorial with my wife. It was very powerful! I felt a connection that was stronger than I anticipated. There is so much about the job only Officers understand. It was great and sobering to see my uncles name on the wall. I spend a lot of time praying for my department and fellow officers. Safety is always a focus. Uncle Dan's sacrifices will not be forgotten. After 6 years of service I am still finding out how much sacrifice this job requires; and that makes me respect those who choose this profession even more. I look forward to visiting the site dedicated to Uncle Dan in the near future.

Officer Michael Petri
Nephew, Covington Police

June 23, 2012

I never got to meet or know my Uncle Dan. I've been told I look like him and from what I've heard may have his humor. I was told young he was killed by a drunk driver and it's kept this driver from EVER driving while intoxicated. It may be small, but he continues to serve in me. I will never be the next one to kill someone's "Uncle Dan" and nor will my kids. His legacy lives in us all in a simple but true way.

I, like everyone in our family, and in his life, wish I could know Uncle Dan today. One day I will meet him and see for myself I look nothing like him and that Nelson humor grows each generation.

Thankyou Mary Ann for finding this site. Even though I never knew him, I fell like I have through family. He's touched my life and will touch my kids life. I wish every time I hear his name that I knew who he was.

Love You Auntie
Aaron Birkemeier

Aaron Birkemeier
Nephew

May 29, 2011

I love this label, "Reflections". Gone for so many years but still so many dear memories.

Thank you for our beautiful girls...Our youngest turned 40 this past week! Your parents and Dave have been precious to them both.

Always grateful for your fine character, your hilarious sense of humor (which is still found in BOTH our girls!) and devotion to your family and job.

Your little brother Ron has served with excellence and has retired. Our nephew, Michael, now serves faithfully in Kentucky.

We appreciate the kindnesses expressed here and I am SO pleased that I have recently been made aware of this site.

Thank you all for working on the memorials and recent bills in the legislature.

Thank you Dan, for who you were and for who you are in heaven! God Bless.

Mary Ann Nelson Schultz
Widow

May 27, 2011

Today I will tesitify at the Oregon State Legislature in support of a bill that will honor our fallen Troopers with roadside signs.

Sr Trooper Jeff Leighty

March 4, 2011

I was a High School senior in Woodburn, OR and drove past the scene of this tragedy not long after it happened. Know that you are missed and that we hope to have a section of Interstate 5 named in your honor in the near future.

Sr Trooper Jeff Leighty
Oregon State Police Officers' Association

August 19, 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 14, 2008

I have always been proud to have an uncle who wore a badge. Now I am proud to follow in those footsteps.
Godspeed Uncle Dan.

Patrolman Michael Petri
Elsmere Police / Nephew

February 7, 2007

Dan I went to high school with you in Pendleton, Oregon and worked with your dad at the college. I later became an officer and since have retired. I would of liked to have seen you again before your passing away so we could talk about things. We might not had always agreed in high school, but I have always respected you for your profession. When Oregon lost you they lost a good trooper.

E. Wells
Tempe PD retired

December 9, 2005

The date of your death marked the date of my birth. One Officer exits and One enters...RIP brother

Officer Scott Plourde
Manchester, CT PD

May 2, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

April 13, 2005

Every fallen officer deserves a reflection . God speed Trooper Nelson, may you rest in peace.

G. Vickers

September 28, 2004