Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Piquette Family,
I am only now hearing of Dave's death. I served with Dave aboard the Theodore Roosevelt. He was one of my work out partners while on deployment. He was one of the nicest people I have ever met. He was a true professional. Words can not express how sorry I am that he is no longer with you. I have a few pictures of Dave from our days on the ship. If your interested I will send them to you. My e-mail is kupcrzy@msn.com. I wish you all well, and I will pray for you. Dave, SEMPER FI BROTHER, AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. YOU ARE A TRUE WARRIOR, A SOLDIER OF THE SEA, A SOLDIER OF THE STREETS, AND NOW OF SOLDIER OF THE SKY.

Chris Smith
USMC MARDET/ Retired VBPD

February 12, 2009

Dear Piquette Family,
I recently heard of the passing of David and I am so sorry for your loss. I had the honor of serving with Cpl Piquette aboard the Roosevelt. The Marine Detachment was a very tight group of Marines and all of us had great times together. When I heard what happened lots of the memories came back to me some fun some crazy and some sad. But the best thing is that I will never forget them because I got to share them with Cpl Piquette. Semper Fi

Sgt Chris Lindsay
USMC 1992-2000

February 12, 2009

Life is just not the same without you. Miss u so much.

d.g
friend

January 19, 2009

Shawna, Jordan, Justin, Mr and Mrs Piquette -
I have come to this site often and read the reflections left by family, friends, fellow law enforcement and strangers. I have left several of my own over the past two years. I am heart-broken for your pain and can only offer my thank yous for Deputy Piquette's training of me and so many others. I STILL hear his voice when I'm dealing with a suspect "Watch the hands - hands kill". I think of the LAPD officer Christina Ripatti who was shot by a suspect, and admittedly did not watch his hands. I think of what I need to do if things go sideways and I need to take someone down or use a control hold. Force Training was by far the most important part of my training, as the skills learned will keep me and my partners alive. I do not take this lightly, as I am 10-8 often as a reserve deputy. I just wanted you all to know how much your husband, daddy, son's training has meant to so many, many you will never hear from. But I speak for all of us in saying "Thank You" for having Deputy Piquette in our lives. May we always live up to his expectations of us - he would expect no less.
I see that Ritchie is at TT - I'm sure his bro is watching over him (and hopefully not teaching him any bad habits!)
Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Reserve Deputy
LASD

January 12, 2009

You and your family were in my thoughts and prayers on your B-day. You will always be missed David!

Cindy

January 2, 2009

dear daddy,

i want to give you a birthday crd. i love yuo. i want to gve yuo a army hat.im going to loose my tooth.

lovejordan
5 years old

Jordan Piquette
daughter of David

January 1, 2009

dadjustinpiquetteddv.momjordanpapagrandmataffysandywe r going to sea world. we wish you a happy birthday.

Justin Piquette
son of David Piquette

January 1, 2009

David,
The New Year is coming upon us, and as the new year approaches, I think of you more and more. You were missed this holiday season as always. But I truely miss you more when I think of you on your birthday and how you always loved it because it was the only day that would be about you. The New year is truely a bitter sweet day for us because we cannot celebrate with you, but only with Leah who will be turning 14 this yr. She always make sure we have your favorite cake to eat,and always lite a candle for you. Please know that there isn't a day that goes by that we're not thinking of you and missing you. Love you always........

Lisa Walsh
sister

December 31, 2008

David, In couple of hours thewhole world and country will be celebrating the New Year. Our family will also be celbrating your special day. Your birthday. We dropped off baloons and flowers to your star center memorial today, so know that we are thinking of you and missing you and will never forget you. Remember the mom loves you very much and misses you alot.

Lan Piquette
mom

December 31, 2008

Dave,
Well this is my second Christmas back and once again your mom out did her self making breakfast, lunch and dinner. Even with all the food, presents and fun I can see that something is missing in all their hearts. I just wanted to let you know that your are deeply loved and missed.

God Bless,
Ryan

Ryan
LASD

December 25, 2008

Piquette, just want you to know that you are thought of and missed everyday. Know that I will be praying for your parents, wife, and kids as the Holidays approach. Be with them and watch over them. AND let me be the first to wish you a upcoming HAPPY BIRTHDAY on this NEW YEAR....God Bless!!!!

Class 294
LASD

December 12, 2008

Just wanted to let you know that you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers as the holidays approach. You are deeply missed!

Missing you tons,
your friend

Cindy

December 10, 2008

Dave, the holidays are fast approaching and with every day closer I think of you more and more. This time of year is hard but I want you to know I love you and miss you so much. I plan on seeing all the kids during the holidays and I will give them hugs and kisses for you.

Love Mom

Lan
Mother

December 7, 2008

DAVE THANKSGIVING IS ALWAYS THE HARDEST HOLIDAY FOR ME. BECAUSE IT WAS OUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY. YOU KNOW MOM COOKED A TON OF FOOD LIKE SHE ALWAYS DOES. WE USE TO EAT THEN TAKE A NAP AND THEN WAKE AND EAT SOME MORE LOL. I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I MISS YOU AND THINK ABOUT YOU 24/7. I KNOW YOU ARE STILL HERE WITH ME DAVE. LOVE YOUR LIL BRO

RICH PIQUETTE
BROTHER

November 27, 2008

David I just been thinking of you. Hard to believe you been gone over 2 years. David, I just had a birthday and turned 39 again. Like you said,"My mom is only 39." I never forget your voice, the way you called me mom always sounded like music. But now I don't hear that anymore. David you are always in my heart but my birthday without you was not the same. Please watch over us ok?

Lan Piquette
Mother

October 14, 2008

Hi David,
It's mom again. I forgot to tell you that last week I visited your grave site, just to know that you are there. I just wanted to stop by to visit you and i hope you know that you are being loved by your mom, dad, and family. David, you know I carry pain of not having you here with us daily. Work has been so hard for me without your help, but I am trying my best to get by. Every time I try no to make a mistake but every time I do and I start crying and I know how much your help made a difference. Please keep an eye on all of us.
R.I.P.
Love you,
Mom

Lan Piquette
Mom

September 22, 2008

David, my son,
Today is September 21st. I am not feeling good. I've been thinking about you a lot lately. Your brother, Rich, has been working hard at Twin Towers. All of your friends have gotten to know Rich and they are really proud of you. Yesterday, Shawna forwarded a picture of Justin and Jordan. They are so BIG! Justin is a blue belt in karate and he makes me think about you and rich when you were young and did karate. Dad is doing okay at work but he doesn't have an assistant like you because he hasn't hired anyone. It's been hard on him. Today I went to San Diego to play with Lisa's family. Every time I go there I don't see you and I am very sad. Its been over two years but it really feels like it happened yesterday. I've been talking with a lot of your friends and force instructors, especially with Corey and his family. They all talk highly about you. In two weeks, it will be my birthday and it will be hard without you but please look down and keep your eyes on our family and friends, especially Rich and Ryan.
Love you forever,
Mom

Lan Piquette
Mom

September 21, 2008

Dave, today I was wearing,(proudly), the shirt your mom gave me that has your name, force instructor, and E.O.W. on the front and the insignia QUI DESIDERAT PACEM, PRAEPARET BELLUM on the back. I was asked by a friend from work about it and I told her about you.

Later, I started to think of the little boy I knew when you first came to Forest Heights, MD from Viet Nam before moving to California. I can't believe it has been over 2 years since you were taken away from us.

While I was out there this spring I had the chance to see your mom & dad and they showed me around where you worked. (Richie was still in training). It was very nice to see the memorial and meet the people you worked with. It was very obvious you touched many lives there.

Richie was very young when you guys moved west so he didn't remember me, but I did get a chance to see your sister Lisa and meet her family. Being 3000 miles apart and only seeing you a few times after you all moved west, I never got the chance to see you grow into the man you became. I am saddened I will never get that chance now.

Your mom and dad always meant alot to me and I wanted you to know I thought of you guys often. You are missed by all who knew and loved you and may you rest in peace.

Michael San Agustin
Friend from long ago back east

August 26, 2008

Hey Dave,it's me again.What I really wanted to say the first time was that I miss you brother and I think about you all the time.I wanted to give my condolences/respect to your family at your funeral but I couldn't bring myself to go.I still haven't visited your gravesite but I will be going soon.

Remember to watch over the "Old IRC" boys and your brother who are still 10-8.

Ruv
LAPD Newton

August 25, 2008

Hey Dave,It's been a little bit since you passed away and I still can't believe it. I remember the last time I talked to you was at STARS Ctr in December 2005. We talked about getting together and training like we used to at IRC (you, me, DT, Sean, and Mashiko). I remember how you used to take us to school with your wrestling take-downs. I also remember the hard runs you'd take Casillas, DT, Escobar,and I on. We always struggled to keep up with you but you made us better runners.I remember the trips we took to Vegas and Laughlin with the boys (Risiglione, Yamasaki,and Gutierrez). It seems just like yesterday. Watch over us bro and keep us safe.

Officer Ruvalcaba LAPD Newton Div
Former LASD Deputy

August 24, 2008

Dave, we still think about you.

Compton School Police

August 21, 2008

Hey Piquette, been thinkin about you a whole bunch. Miss you tons and hope your wife and kids are doing well. Watch over us!!!!

Friend
Class 294

August 20, 2008

Hi David,Lately I can't sleep. All night long I've been thinking of you, too much. Miss you a bunch. Just let you know mom and whole family loves you always.
- Mom

Lan Piquette
Mom

August 19, 2008

David;
I never had the honor and privilege of meeting you in person. Unfortunately for me, our lives touched by coincidence after the accident that took your life. However, from my time spent with your loving family, friends, and co-officers, I not only feel I know you, but that you are a man I would have liked and admired greatly.
My heart is heavy for your heartbroken wife Shawna and your children Jordan and Justin. Just looking at the great loss echoed in the eyes of your loved ones is painful to witness.
Your parents and Shawna’s parents are the soul of this country, the country you willingly defended in the Corps and gave your life for in the L.A. Sheriff’s Department.
If my part in this criminal process helped in any way to bring about some closure and peace at any level to your family and your many friends, then it was my honor to do so.
Due to a conflict in scheduling, I was unable to attend the sentencing of the animal that caused this horrible incident. I hope with all my heart he dies in prison. That he will never be given the chance to hurt or destroy the lives of another family. The irony in all of this is he is one of the animals we both served to protect during our time in the Corps. and you and your fellow officers in the sheriff department protect every day.
My wife and I told your family that we are connected forever because of this tragedy.
It was not a statement made in a moment of grief, but more of a pledge.
Your mother, Shawna, her parents, Jordan, Justin, and the rest of the family will be in our thoughts and prayers always.
David, you know the saying in the Corps, “When a Marine dies he will go to heaven because he has served his time in hell”. I have no doubt that I will meet you in that place someday.
Semper Fi

Dan Lay
7-18-2008

Dan Lay
Concerned citizen

July 18, 2008

David,

July 11, 2008 was a bitter sweet day. It was the day of the sentencing of your killer. It was to be the last time my eyes would wonder over to Cole Wilkins in court. I ask myself, how can a man be so evil? How can a man have no remorse in so many things he has done? How could a boy hold a knife to his own mothers throat at such a young age? How could a man rap and stab a women who was left to die? How could a man rob an innocent man and put him in the trunk of his own car at gunpoint? The list goes on and on. His selfish act of commiting a felony would end up with first degree murder, putting him in prison for the next 25 years to life. The jury never knew any of his previous charges. They convicted him only on dropping his stolen goods on the freeway during the act of a felony. Because of Cole Wilkins greed, stealing a house full of appliances on that early morning of July 7, 2006 he caused your accident and ended your life. My son David, I do believe God's plan was to end Cole Wilkins crimes by this horrific accident and put him in prison for the rest of his miserable life. May he pray for forgiveness because he will now be living hell on earth in jail. May he never forget why his life of freedom came to an end. It wasn't even a gun that ended your life, it was much bigger than that. It was a "smok'n stove".

You would have been so proud of your mother, father and Shawna pleading to the judge for the fullest sentencing allowed by the law. Your mom spoke in her soft voice while crying as she told the judge there is not a minute that goes by without here thinking of you and how you would call her everyday on your way to work. Your dad then spoke. He spoke very highly of his son. It was brief and to the point. Shawna spoke next. Greg and I stood by her side with pride. It was then I felt your presence. Words poured out of her mouth as tears fell down her face. There wasn't a dry eye in the court room. She once again told the world how much she loved you and how could she possibly go on to a future without you. She asked Judge Toohey, "How does a mom tell her 5 year old twins that your daddy is in heaven and he's not coming back." Every night Justin and Jordan cry for you in their prayers. They also want the "bad" guy to not be a "bad" guy anymore. Day after day, Greg and I are with them. Two years later, the pain has not left anyone. I feel Shawna's pain more at the end of the day when night falls. Your bed is often filled with the three of them as the twins clutch onto mommy so she won't leave them too. The nights are still filled of dreams, nightmares and screams of you. You are so missed by them. After two years, you can rest in peace. Justice has been served at the fullest. Thank you to Dan Lai for tracking down your killer, to Mike Murray for putting his heart into this case, to the jury that made the right decision in only 90 minutes time and to Judge Toohey that made this world a safer place.

We love you David

Love, Mom (mother-in-law)

Rest In Peace

Betty Butler
Mother-in-law of David

July 16, 2008