Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hi Buddy,

Thinking of you...always. I keep your wife, children, parents and all who's lives you touched in my prayers. I still can't believe your gone. I miss you dearly and will see you in heaven.

Rest in peace.

October 23, 2006

Dave,

I heard about your accident only 3 days ago. I am still not sure I can write this without stopping to wipe away tears. For the two years we served together in the Marine Detachment you became a true friend. The friendship you gave me in two years could last 2 lifetimes. We laughed, fought, bled, and even cried together. It's been said one of the few things we can choose in life are our friends, I am blessed you chose me! My wife and children are touched everyday from the influences of our friendship. I will see you again someday, until then, rest in peace brother...Semper Fi

My best wishes and deepest sympathy go out to all of Dave's family and friends. He had an immeasurable impact on us all. Keep faith that his spirit lives on. God Bless

Robert S. Gaskin Cpl USMC 1990-1994
Friend

October 11, 2006

DAVE TODAY WAS MOMS BIRTHDAY.IT WASN'T THE SAME WITHOUT YOU THERE.I CALLED MOM THIS MORNING TO WISH HER A HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND SHE WAS JUST CRYING.DAVE I MISS YOU BROTHER.I WOULD DO ANYTHING TO BRING YOU BACK.THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING UP DAVE.ITS GOING TO BE TOUGH BRO.YOU ARE DEEPLY MISSED.THERE IS NOT ONE DAY THAT GOES BY WHEN I DON'T TALK ABOUT HOW GREAT YOU WERE.LOVE ALWAYS YOUR LITTLE BRO!

RICH PIQUETTE
BROTHER

October 11, 2006

To the entire Piquette family, my heart and prayers go out to all of you. I knew David in high school and I considered him one of my best buddies. I will always remember hanging out at his house in Lake Forest and him educating me on his love for his reptiles as well as the USMC. David , Brian & Gene..the inseperatable trio! Always together. Can't forget that! I do miss our high school years, what a blast we all had. I will never forget your amazing smile and attitude. May your wife and children always know what an unbelieveable friend you were. You will always be remembered. I'm leaving you this poem:
Don't grieve for me now, for now I'm Free,
I'm following the path God Laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard him call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, To love , To work, Or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found that place at the end of the day.
It's only for a while that we must part,
so bless the memories within your heart.
A friendship shared, A laugh, A kiss,
Ah yes, these things we will miss,
Be not burdened with times of sarrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full , I savored much,
Good Friends, Good Times,
A loved one's touch
Perhaps my life seemed all too brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me,
God wanted me now, he set me free,
and when you must come
this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile, and say-
"WELCOME HOME"

Rachel Kreza
High School Friend

September 26, 2006

Rich,
May your pain be eased knowing that your brother will have a tremendous life-long influence on many people, especially all of the recruits he taught at the academy. You will never know how many deputies'lives will be saved over our careers due to his passion for teaching us proper defensive tactics. His legacy will live on in our careers.

Deputy
LASD

September 25, 2006

DAVE ITS FRIDAY NIGHT AND I CANT STOP THINKING ABOUT YOU.I MISS YOU SO MUCH.I LOVE YOU FOR ALWAYS BRO:)

RICH PIQUETTE
BROTHER

September 22, 2006

Piquette, you are truly missed. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of you. I only wish I could have seen you one more time and talked to you. I miss you and pray for your family everyday.

Academy Classmate #294
LASD

September 22, 2006

Hi Uncle Dave! It's me again. School has started and well its hard. Mom and Ba Ngaoi are doing ok. We all miss you. Oh Uncle Dave, if only you were still here. yesterday we went to the dodger game in honor of you. Aunt Shawna is being strong and so is justin and jordan. Some of my friends said that death isn't the end and i know that it's not. You are now in Heaven with the Lord and are in a safer place. You are up there waiting for your knew asignment from the Lord. Uncle Dave there is just one favor I ask of you in Heaven; Protect us. Keep us safe. I love you uncle dave.
love and miss you,
Leah

Leah
Neice

September 20, 2006

dave i can remember you coming over to our apartment to help us shine our shoes. we were all busy trying to get through the academy, but you still found time to help people with something as simple as shining shoes. your family and friends should be very proud. you worked at the roughest jail and worked at the roughest station,not to mention your great military service. to become an academy instructor after just ten years of service is remarkable. you had everything in the world to brag about but you never did. your parents and wife should be very proud of you. i recently saw an espn story on pat tillman. one of his friends said when he heard the news of his death he said no way that could have happend that guy is superman. that guy stoled my line. you were the best of the best.

lasd class 294 classmate
lasd

September 16, 2006

Hi Dave,

Last Saturday on our way to pick up our new puppy, we drove by the accident site. It happened quiet by accident. As I noticed we were getting closer, I let Jason know we were near and then he saw the Fry's…we grabbed each other's hand and in silence said a special prayer. We were driving and came upon it very quickly, but our hearts stopped for a second... as we marveled in the flowers people leave to your memory. I hope you heard our prayers…

As far as the puppy, she is so cute! You would love her, she looks like a mini-version of Sandy!

We love you and think of you all the time.

Maria and Jason

Maria
Sister-in-law

September 15, 2006

Dear Shawna, Jordan & Justin. I only met you a week ago, but after reading everything about your daddy and meeting the three of you I feel like I have known you a lot longer! What a wonderful husband and father you had! I wish I could have met him. I feel so privileged to have gotten to know you Shawna, you are an amazingly strong woman. Your faith in God is amazing & what a wonderful support team you have. I am so happy we go to the same church and I really hope to keep our new found friendship going. Jordan & Justin.. you are two very special and precious little ones. Justin, I think you look just like your daddy & Jordan, you have the most beautiful eyes!! My girls love you both and enjoy playing with you! Shawna, if you ever need anything I want you to know we are always here for you... if I can help with ANYTHING.. please let me know! I cant even imagine what you must be going through.. so I pray this fundraiser is a HUGE success and the monetary part of it will help you with the financial difficulties that come your way!! May God continue to watch over you and your family during these so very difficult times! Tammy Horsley

Tammy Horsley
Wife of Mike Horsley-LASD

September 8, 2006

Howdy Neighbor,
One of the hardest decisions in leaving Corona was loosing our wonderful neighbors & the beauty of the hills. Since we don't have children it was a tough decision between Justin & Jordan or collecting horses. Unfortunately I already had a couple of horses & really wanted them at home. The fortunate part is we remained friends & didn't loose our neighbors, we just didn't get to see them as often.
This last weekend I was honored to be at Justin & Jordan's dedication. Through all Shawna's heartache, the amazement at her strength is unbelievable. After loosing her husband & best friend, her belief in God is still so strong that she made a promise to the Lord to raise your darlings in his name. What a wonderful morning. After, we went to Grazianos which was a perfect get together to celebrate the event. The restaurant was empty & we sat where we celebrated the twins 3rd Birthday. It wasn't as hectic and was definitely extra special. This is where Betty told me about this internet site & that I should write in. I couldn't wait to get started on stories, so here we go with two special events.
At Graziano's the memory that came back to me was our last visit there. The day before Easter celebrating the twins birthday my husband decides to tempt you with fishing on Easter Sunday. Now anyone knows this is a family day and it shouldn't have gone any further except your father-in-law joined in. I figured Shawna would never talk to us again. I even called her Easter morning to make sure I was forgiven for the boys need to be outdoors. I was only off the hook if two of you made it home ON TIME!!! Thanks for being punctual boys. I am so glad all of you had that special morning bonding with God & his beauty.
Another special day was the day the twins came home from the hospital. You see I volunteered to suppply a dinner. We were the 1st meal since we were right next door. For some reason it didn't stop that night. I made a very average Lasagne but with Dave's great passion for food he seemed to think it was exceptional. (what a compliment!) From that day on all request were for lasagne & any time I would cook one he would get a portion or two or possibly his very own for special occassions. Shortly before the accident we got to share a special evening together for a meal at our most recent place. Can you believe Dave almost boycotted dinner since lasagne wasn't on the menu. I'm sure we all know what the outcome was since with Dave the stomache always wins. Boy for his size he sure could eat!
Dave it's two months today and still so hard to believe you are not with us here on earth. We know you are close by but for those of us left behind it's not always easy to move on. You are with us in our thoughts and prayers and please know that your support group from your life here with family and friends are taking wonderful care of your amazing wife & beautiful children.
All our Love Mike & Judy DeBruyn (9-7-06)

Judy DeBruyn
Old neighbor & friend

September 7, 2006

"FOR WE LIVE BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT".
(PAUL'S SECOND EPISTLE) CORINTHIANS II 5:7

U.S.D.O.J.
F.BO.P.

September 4, 2006

I just heard the tragic news and was shocked. I new David all through high school. He was one of my best friends. I remember his hugh smile and he amazing kindness. We use to ditch auto shop class and drive his black camero around and talk or go to lunch. He was a great friend to me. The last time I saw him was in 2004 and he was very excited about his career as a sheriff. I couldn't be more proud to have him as my friend. My condolences to Shawna and his family. He will be greatly missed.

Briana Pinney
High School Friend

August 30, 2006

Sir, I honor your service and your sacrifice. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9.

Daniel
Citizen

August 29, 2006

Dave,

You've given so much and have touched the lives of many without asking for anything in return. You are a man of honor, a true gentleman. Thank you for your friendship. God bless you and your family and may you rest in peace good friend.

Loc Pham
Friend

August 25, 2006

Letter For Ba Nogi $5

Dear Lan,

I received your heart-breaking note and newspaper on Tuesday. I wanted to call you but every time I picked up the phone, I started crying. I have also begun many letters to you. I just couldn't complete them as my sadness for you is so strong that all I can do is cry!

I don’t know if you realize this or not, but, to know you Lan, is to love you and your family! I feel closer to you and your family than many of my life-long friends. I can’t even imagine your pain! God is good and merciful, but I wish we knew why he takes the best so young, leaving such an empty place in our hearts and home. I trust someday we will know the answer. David was such a wonderful person with such a loving family who needed and loved him so much!

Lan, without David, your life has changed forever. An adult child burying a parent is natural. Parents, burying their child is not. The sting and pain of your loss has to be overwhelming. Be patient, healing a broken heart takes time. With time the pain of your loss will be replaced with all the wonderful memories you have of 35 years with David. Thank God for those 35 wonderful years. Until that time grieve as you must, pamper and take care of you and your family. Your strong faith and religion will help you.

I was pleased to read about the wonderful tributes given by so many wonderful friends and dignitaries at his service. David was such a great human being, I am not surprised that he was honored by the attendance of over 5000 people including Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, California Secretary of State Bruce McPherson and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Please give Bill, Lisa, Richie, and Shawna my sympathy and love. Tell Shawna to hold her little ones tightly and to remind themthat Daddy's in heaven with God and although we miss him we know he is in a good, safe place. Someday you all will be together again.

I love all of youand care deeply,
Jacque


P.S. Lan, I wish I was with you. I would give you a Hug! And I would hope that you wouldn't mind too much.

Jaque
Mom's Friend

August 24, 2006

Hi Dave!

It's Maria again, your now "official" new sister-in-law. I wanted to tell you that our wedding was beautiful, and Jason and I knew and felt you standing right there next to him. We remembered you in our prayers during Mass that day and saw your great smile in our slide presentation. We were blessed to have Shawna and the kids there with us that day. Jordan danced the night away, she is quiet the ballerina and Justin played all night!!!
Thank you for blessing us with a beautiful niece and a very handsome nephew! And Shawna looked beautiful, I am soo glad she could share this day with us....

Jason took you to Hawaii with him, by wearing the black bracelet all week.... he kept talking to it and telling him "see Dave..we are in Hawaii now!!".

You are in our thoughts and prayers..always...
Love,

Jason and Maria

Maria
Sister-in-law

August 23, 2006

God bless to the family, friends and co-workers of deputy Piquette. Thank you for your service.

mjw643

August 23, 2006

I do not have any connection to the Piquette family other than from the heart. I heard their story and my heart seemed to break in a million pieces. I can relate to Shawna in many ways. I have a 4 year old son and a 2 year old daughter and my husband works for LA Co Fire Dept.

I will continue to pray for the family.

Respectfully,

Andrea Berklite

Andrea Berklite
no relation

August 22, 2006

I still can't believe you are gone. Thanks for always being a friend and always giving me a helping hand (darn, MDT). We miss your bright smile or is that a dorky smile. Either way, you are missed by all you've touched. You are the definition of a leader, father and friend. We love and miss you Dave....

Deputy
294

August 19, 2006

FINAL CALL

An angel must leave his place of rest
Gently tucking his wings beneath his armored vest.
For duty has called, there is much work at hand
Little did he know this one's dressed in green and tan.
Arriving on scene he knows just what to say
Follow me, my brother, I'll show you the way.
Your duty has ended, your work is now through
Come hang your hat beside mine; I'm a cop, too.

Rest in Peace, Sir.

LASD FAMILY

August 18, 2006

I MISS YOU SO MUCH DAVE.THIS HAS FOREVER CHANGED ME.THE ONLY THING THAT WILL NOT CHANGE IS OUR BOND.DAVE REMEMBER JUSTIN AND JORDAN WILL KNOW EXACTLY WHO THEIR FATHER WAS.THEY WILL KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU.ALL YOUR STORIES AND ADVENTURES WILL LIVE ON THROUGH ME.

LOVE YOUR LITTLE BRO

RICH PIQUETTE
BROTHER

August 18, 2006

Deputy Piquette,

We miss you very much here at the academy, every recruit wishes that you were here. Its not the same anymore. Yeah, we train with several other force instructors, but you were different..
"I guess we can ask a lot, but take only what is offered".

May god bless your wife and beautiful children.
LASD Class #350

Deputy Sheriff Trainee
LASD

August 17, 2006

David,my family did not really get to know you but i can see from the outpour of support and love Shawna and Justin and Jordan are receiving you were a great police officer,husband and father.Thank you for protecting us all and serving your country.Your watch might be over but God's watch over your wife and children will never end.May you rest in peace and know your love and caring spirit will live on through your wonderful children and wife.You will truly be missed and be in everyone hearts forever.Love always Barbara,Scott,Joshua,Jacob Apperson

Barbara Apperson and Family

August 16, 2006