Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

HI DAVE ITS BEEN TWO YEARS SINCE YOU LEFT US. FRIDAY JULY 11 THEY GAVE YOUR KILLER 26 YEARS TO LIFE. I KNOW U ARE HAPPY THAT JUSTICE HAS BEEN SERVED. IT WAS VERY HARD FOR ME TO SPEAK IN FRONT OF THE JUDGE, I WAS VERY NERVOUS AND EMOTIONAL. EVEN KNOW YOU ARE IN HEAVEN YOU ARE STILL TAKING BAD GUYS TO JAIL. OUR WHOLE FAMILY MISSES YOU SO MUCH DAVID. PLEASE WATCH OVER OUR FAMILY AND KEEP US SAFE.

LOVE MOM :)

LAN PIQUETTE
MOM

July 13, 2008

Just thinking of you David. We miss you so much. Hard to believe it has been 2 years already. Continue to watch over us.

Lisa McMahon
Friend

July 7, 2008

Today I read the reflections left for your precious David and know that even as time moves on the pain and disbelief never leaves. Tears came as I read the writing from his son and daughter.....I can see the love that just shines from his picture. To his wife and mother, I'm so sorry for your trememdous loss of living this life without David. I'm proud my son was a part of this great thin blue line.

Linda Rittenhouse,Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/2004

July 7, 2008

I cannot believe it has been TWO YEARS now since I rec'd that horrific phone call that changed all of our lives. Like so many times since you left us, I am at a loss for words. There is an emptiness that cannot be filled... An ache that cannot be soothed... It can be so overwhelming at times, but nobody has it as difficult as your family does. It is day by day, hour by hour, and esp for Justin and Jordie, minute by minute. They are strong and tender just like you Dave, they are doing their best-just like you taught them to. Shawna is keeping your amazing legacy alive! I marvel at her love and dedication.

Friday is the sentencing and I am hopeful that Cole Wilkins will be sent away for life. I pray and pray that he will not ever be up for parole!!!! I know it is a long shot, but I am an optomist. Your family needs to know that he can never hurt them again, or anyone else for that matter.
Your presence is felt in so many different ways and on many different levels. Please continue to protect your family from Heaven as we comfort them here on earth. You are deeply missed my friend!

Kellie
Friend

July 7, 2008

I have been thinking about you alot. I remember all the good times we had together and all the things we used to talk about. I remember our rides home from work we would be so tired. You used to tell me when we would finally get home "seeing where our families live makes it all worth it." God Bless you Dave..I miss you everyday.

pat

June 23, 2008

A LETTER FROM DAVID'S 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER...

Dear Daddy,
Happy Fathers Day Daddy. You are in my heart. I'll give you alot of presents on Fathers Day when I die but it will be a long time. I see lots and lots of pretty clouds and Jesus heart for Fathers Day. I am 5 years old daddy. My brother is 5 also. Jesus I wish I had a alien watch and I wish I can ride with Santa and the reindeers.

Love Jordan

Jordan Piquette
daughter of David

June 15, 2008

A LETTER FROM DAVID'S 5 YEAR OLD SON...

Dear Dad,
I love you so much. I miss you, I scream in my pillow. I always go outside and watch the stars so I can see you. He always goes swimming and does a cannonball for me. Happy Fathers Day daddy.

Love Justin

Justin Piquette
son of David Piquette

June 15, 2008

I was so glad to have read that the SOB was convicted. Justice has been served and hopefully this brings some closure to those who loved you. I know you're watching over us, especially your mom. She invited me to visit your memorial at the academy-WOW!! She has landscaped your memorial site with an incredible amount of flowers and plants. It's the only area with color in the entire academy. She misses you so much and it's was nice to see that she finds comfort in visiting the academy every Monday. Your co-workers and friends give her a lot of comfort. She was proud to show off your office, your pictures, the banner that is hung behind the stage where you used to teach, the photo album she put together for everyone to view, and the post right outside your office where you used to wait for her when she visited you.

Rich is following in your footsteps. Your parents are so proud of the man he has become and the responsibilities he has accepted. You taught him well. He loves you and misses so much and is paying tribute to you by continuing your dreams. I know you're by his side each day, walking him through his daily grinds.

Thank you for being a friend, a soldier, a protector, and our hero. You are missed.

SOS
Friend

June 4, 2008

Your mom, dad, and I were talking this evening and you have to know how much you are missed and loved Dave. They are so proud of you and speak so highly of you. I know you can see your brother Richie and how far he has come with his own police enforcement career - and how proud you must be of him, and with Lisa and her family. Keep an eye out over your kids and family - your tour of duty hasn't quite ended yet - they still need you watching over them!!!

Andrew J. SanAgustin

June 3, 2008

I miss you friend so much!!! I miss you telling stories and you making everything difficult seem so easy..I remember us always calling each other on our birthday's each year, to find each of us complaing because we were working on our birthdays....my birthday being on Christmas and yours on New Yeards Eve!!!

I never thought you would disappear the way you did...I feel guilty for not answering your call to wish me a happy 4th of July...You left a message and sounded so happy to be with your family... Me I was too busy getting ready to go on a trip and didn't call you back... and then I returned to hear the devastating news.

Sorry friend....keep watching over all of us!!!

You presence is really missed!!!!

May 24, 2008

DAVE MY CLASS 371 JUST DID OUR COLORS RUN.I WISH YOU WERE HERE MISS YOU ALOT.YOU ARE ALWAYS ON MY MIND BRO.

RICH PIQUETTE
BROTHER

May 23, 2008

An old family friend who was taken away far too soon. Your memory lives on with your family and friends, especialy in your parents Bill and Lan, and your siblings Lisa and Richie.

Andrew J. SanAgustin

May 23, 2008

FOR READERS INFORMATION:

The following is a press release from the Orange County District Attorney's Office:

MAN CONVICTED OF MURDERING SHERIFF'S DEPUTY ON 91 FREEWAY WHILE TRANSPORTING STOLEN STOVE

SANTA ANA- A Long Beach man was convicted today of murdering an on-duty Los Angeles Sheriff's Deputy by causing a car crash while transporting a stolen stove on the 91 Freeway. Cole Allen Wilkins, 32, was found guilty by a jury of one felony count of murder with a 2002 prior prison conviction for failing to register as a sex offender. He faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison at his sentencing on July 11, 2008 at 9:00am. in the Department C-30, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

Early in the morning on July 7,2006, Wilkins stole a shipment of appliances that had been delivered to a home that was under construction in Riverside County. In his haste to flee the scene, the defendant failed to secure the stolen appliances and left the tailgate of his pick-up truck down. While in the commission of stealing the appliance, Wilkins was driving on the 91 Freeway in Anaheim and allowed a full sized stove to fall from his truck onto the freeway. He refused to stop after knowing that the stolen stove had blocked the freeway lanes, sped away, and failed to return to the crash scene.

At about 5a.m., several people driving just West of Tustin Avenue on the 91 Freeway called 9-1-1 about a stove obstructing the Westbound #1 lane. A few minutes later, Deputy David Piquette was forced to suddenly swerve in his unmarked County vehicle to avoid hitting the stove. As, a result, the victim collided with a Mac cement truck, killing Deputy Piquette. The victim was a 10-year veteran of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and is survived by his wife and 5-year-old twins.

Wilkins was identified following an investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Wilkins lied about his true name to avoid being identified as the owner of the truck.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Mike Murray of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

May 23, 2008

David, Just A little note to let you know I'm thinking of you. I have been at your sister Lisa's house for three days to watch Leah, Liam, and Kaitlyn while her and Bill our in Hawaii for work. I look at picture of you with your two nieces and your nephew. It is beautiful. I ran into Debbie at Star Center and she said that we are having a memorial run for you on May 28th. Our family so proud that your legend keep carries on today. I miss and love you.

Lan Piquette
Mom

May 20, 2008

I was at STARS Center yesterday for the Bench Press Contest. When it was over, we wanted to take our photos by the Memorial Wall. This is the first time I've seen your beautiful memorial, and now I know where your mom tends the flowers. It is a beautiful tribute to you, and many people pass by it every day. May it remind everyone of the goodness of you, and what you stood for. You are a hero, now and forever.
God Bless you Deputy David Stan Piquette, we will never forget you! We will honor you next weekend for the Annual Memorial Run!

Debbie
LASD Deputy

May 18, 2008

As you know there is not a second that goes by that you are not in my thoughts David.
Yes justice has been served but you not here with the family to be loved by mom or dad and your family seems all i can do is to think of you and cry my heart out. Richard, your brother is almost done with training, so please look down on him while he finishes the training and becomes a deputy.

Lan Piquette
Mom

Lan Piquette
Mom

May 18, 2008

David, You would have been proud of Shawna the last two and a half weeks. Greg and I have not been far from her side. We drove every day to the court together and we all felt your presence. Shawna sat so proudly as the D.A. Mike Murray started your case. Tears came down her face when your name was read out loud. "Mr.David Piquette". I cried, knowing her pain as only a Mother could. It was the start of the long hard days to come. You would have liked this D.A. He was soft spoken but yet stearn. He went over the facts of the case concisely. He discussed the law in understandable terms. In the end, the Jury came in with the Guilty verdict in less than an hour and a half. There were many heros, Dan Lay the good semeritian who chased Wilkens down. Without him, there would be no case. We would never have met Mike Murray the best in the world in our eyes. We also will never forget the woman that put her heart out for Shawna and the family and friends, Minerva, how can we ever thank her enough for the comfort she provided as the victim's advocate. Bob Sayne, the investigator whose smile was ever present and his efforts in the investigation that lasted nearly two years. When "Guilty" of first degree murder was read, we all shed bitter-sweet tears. Thanks also to Judge Bob Toohey for his guidence in the procedings. Its now over, time for healing and some happy tears for the family. Shawna, Justin, and Jordan have such sweet memories of you. They always end the day by talking to you and praying to you and Jesus..It is a very special time, they hold your picture and kiss you good nite every nite. When Shawna walked out of the courtroom, all of the jurors were waiting for her. Some shed tears, some just looked, and some asked about the twins. Mike Murray said he had never seen this in all his time as a prosecuter. It was a very touching moment. I even heard some say they would return for support at the sentenceing July 11. That will be two years to the day Wilkens was arrested. May You Rest in Peace David; Love Mom and Dad

Betty andGreg Butler
Mother/Father in-law

May 8, 2008

David,
After meeting your family and seeing a picture of you and your dear wife and children, I was able to read your life story. Thank you for serving our country as a marine and officer. I too served on the jury trial. Your family has my life commintment to help in any way make sure that Cole serves every day in jail that the judge sentences him.

God bless,
Juror 104

Juror 104
Juror on trial

May 7, 2008

I WAS JUROR #9 AT THE TRIAL FOR DAVID PIQUETTE, AND I UNDERSTAND HOW HARD IT IS TO LOSE SOMEONE YOU LOVE SO VERY MUCH, SO UNEXPLECTED. I WANTED TO WRITE AND LET YOU KNOW THAT IT IS SO VERY HARD TO GET CLOSURE, BUT I HOPE THAT I AS WELL AS THE OTHER JUROR'S HAVE GIVEN YOUR FAMILY A LITTLE PEACE AND COMFORT TO MOVE ON FOR A BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL FUTURE.

SINCERELY,
DANIELLA J. PROVERA

DANIELLA J. PROVERA
JUROR #9

May 6, 2008

How ashamed I am that I initially felt inconvenienced and put out to have been picked for a jury trial that took so much of my personal time. I am now honored to have been a small part of something that David Piquette stood for...his family and justice. Although I doubt that this event will provide much closure to Shawna, Justin, Jordan, and David's parents and loved ones, it is apparent to me that David was a great man with a calling and his legacy and happy memories will hopefully provide comfort to those that miss him dearly. Maybe someday Justin & Jordan can read some of these reflections and know that their dad won't be forgotten. My family will continue to pray for God's blessings to the Piquette family.
Sincerely,
Juror 197

May 6, 2008

Wow, what an emotional day!! Even after your death Dave you continue to protect others. Your amazing strength and courage helped Shawna to make it through an exausting trial. Wilkins is such a bad guy, even more horrible than I ever imagined. First Degree Murder never meant so much to me and never sounded as good as it did when it was read today! He is just the kind of criminal that you served to protect others from. Not only your family and fellow officers, but the community also. He is the source of so much suffering for so many and today justice has been served!
I felt your presence today; it was comforting and sweet. I can see you smiling down on us with a winners smile full of pride. It was a long time coming, but we were all ready Dave! Thank you for that!!
Rest in Peace My Friend!

Kellie Goldman
Friend

May 6, 2008

IT'S OVER MY LOVE.. ON MAY 5TH, 2008 IN ONLY 90 MINUTES TIME, THE JURY FOUND THE DEFENDANT GUILTY OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER. INDEED, IT IS A GLORIOUS DAY!

YOU WOULD BE SO PROUD OF THE LOVE AND SUPPORT OUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND EVEN STRANGERS HAVE GIVEN. YOU ARE SO LOVED MY SWEETS. I WAS SO SURPRISED TO SEE THE JURY WAITING FOR ME OUT IN THE HALLWAY AFTER THE VERDICT WAS READ. THEY WERE THERE WITH OPEN ARMS AND SMILES. OFFERING ME CLOSURE AND PEACE WITH OUR CHILDREN. I FEEL SO BLESSED TO HAVE MET THESE WONDERFUL MEN AND WOMEN.

THE DDA DID AN OUTSTANDING JOB RESULTING IN THE JURY'S UNANIMOUS DECISION. I WAS HELPED ALONG THE WAY BY THE DA'S VICTIM ADVOCATE PERSONNEL WHO WAS BY OUR SIDE EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

AS I CLOSE THIS CHAPTER IN MY LIFE, IT FEELS BITTER SWEET. I FEEL SO SAD OF YOUR ABSENCE, YET SO RELIEVED THAT JUSTICE HAS BEEN SERVED. YOU ARE A HERO MY DARLING. I WILL FOREVER CHERISH THE YEARS WE SHARED AND LOVED..

I LOVE YOU,

SHAWNA

Shawna Piquette
Wife

May 6, 2008

Hi Dave,

I just got back from Baker to Vegas today. This year Lisa and the girls went to help too. We worked the 3 to 11pm shifts. It was a lot of work, but fun at the same time. Everyone was very nice. Cory ran and had your flag with him to honor you. Your memory not only lives in the family but still with all those that hold you close in their hearts. We really miss you and wished that we had the opportunity to experience this race with you. As always we love and miss you. MOM

Lan Piquette
mother

April 21, 2008

Today I went to see Shawna and the kids and pick up a few of your things to hang up in the house. I have been thinking a lot about you lately because B2V is coming up and we all are going to go to be on the support team. We miss you so much and will love you always.

Mom

Mom

April 7, 2008

To David and his Mom Lan:

Today I read so many loving reflections from so many people who truly loved David and whose lives he touched in so many ways. I know that David is eternally on watch for everyone he called beloved. Each memory is so precious...like a pearl you can pick from your pocket and reflect on how beautiful it is and how it can lift your spirits by the glory of that moment of remembering.

As a Mom who also lost their beloved child, I can identify so much with the anquish and pain that Lan feels as she copes with her daily life without her precious child physically by her side. I know that their hearts are forever intertwined and nothing can break that bond, but I know the agony of not having them physically with us. It seems so unfair when my birthday approaches as it is a bitter reminder that my son's life ended too soon and I wish he were here for his birthday. I have suffered the loss of two husbands, parents, grandparents but when you lose a child, you wish you had died instead and that feeling does not go away. Parents aren't supposed to outlive their children or at least that thought has been a consistent one for me. I also relate to your health problems as the stess definitly has an impact on your physical well-being. Although we are many miles away and have never actualy met, please know from one mother to another that you are in my heart's embrace today.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg Police Dept., eow 4/24/05

April 6, 2008