Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the family and loved ones of Deputy David Piquette and to his fellow officers with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department.

On behalf of our family, we wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when David was killed in the line of duty. May you be comforted by the warm embrace and support of your law enforcement family and other police survivors. There are many who have have shared the same anquish and they will be there to support you on the difficult journey ahead.

Heaven now has another hero, but I am so saddened that it is your beloved David. In reading the reflections about him, it is obvious he was an amazing man. His valor and courage will be forever remembered. I also salute his commitment and patriotism to our country through his Marine service.

My son, Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg Police Department, was fatally shot in April of 2005. He was David's brother in green as well as being his law enforcment brother. I had to laugh when I read the reflection about how David marked his socks. When Larry was killed, my daughter-in-law was seven months pregant with their son Cody. One of the last things Larry had done at home when he completed Cody's nursery was to mark all the baby clothes hangers with a color coded star representing different sizes of baby clothes. I don't think anymore is more organized than a Marine. If Heaven needs squaring away at all, I know those Marine blue guardian angels are busy. Semper Fi.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service David gave to his community and the citizens of California, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on July 7, 2006.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater of Pittsburg Police Department, eow 4/24/05

July 31, 2006

Three weeks, two days, 17 hours....and yet it seems like just yesterday that time stood still for Shawna, Justin and Jordan.

Shawna has read one beautiful tribute after another on this site. Day after day, love and respect flows like living water through your words. Your words of love, support & kindness have continued to lift Shawna up. Your prayers have spoken life into her and have continued to give her the strength that she will need to go on. Please realize that regardless if you choose to write ten words or three, they are heartfelt from you, and truly appreciated. I personally have learned more about David from each heartwarming story. They fill me with joy.

From the moment Dave took his last breath, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that he took his next one in the arms of Jesus. David is home. He is happy, joyous and free. No more tears, no more pain, no more sorrow. He doesn't know the depth of pain that has been felt by his beloved wife, his beautiful children, family and friends. He doesn't know the loss all who knew him feels. He fought the good fight and now feels only the glory of God. He will be united with his wife and children someday. I feel great peace & joy knowing this is true.

On July 12th, 2006 I was humbled, along with Shawna and her family, by the overwhelming tribute given to David by over 3,000 men and women of the Sheriff's dept, Police dept, FBI, Marines, family and friends. All came together in compelling unity to honor the life of Sheriff David Stan Piquette. I stood in awe with pride and a lump in my throat as "Dave & Shawna's" songs were played along with one memorable picture after another of Dave, Shawna and their twins, Justin and Jordan. At the same time, two sets of fellow officers, dressed in their once worn full Marine uniforms, continually marched forward for the change off which guarded David's flag drapped coffin. It was a phenomenal site. Following this tribute, Pastor Bill spoke words of life over David, and then one heartwarming euology after another was given. So much love spoken, so much pain, so much to share and so much from the heart. I appreciated the kind words of Sheriff Bacca and the Attorney General. I appreciated their wisdom. I admired the kind words from David's boss, Captain Sue. I appreciated the Govenor's comforting words to Shawna before the funeral and his kind gesture of two teddy bears for both Justin and Jordan. But what touched me most were the words of Shawna's brother Michael. Michael has deep love and devotion for his sister and he both loved and honored Dave and that was clearly the message he gave in his tribute. And then there were David's comrades and some of his closest friends. As I watched Rob Risiglione, Jim North and Ben Torres as they stood together and then payed tribute to Dave, as I listened to their love, devotion, admiration and humor, I felt both joy for the gift of friendship that they had with Dave, and sadness for the mutual loss they would now share.

Shortly after all the tributes were given, a proud Marine stood forward and played Taps. Soon this was followed by the bag pipes as Dave was solemly, but proudly, taken from the church.

David's funeral was indeed an overwhelming tribute. I have never been more proud of being a family member to one that had devoted his life to unselfishly serving others. I have never been so proud of all the fine, honorable men and women of the Sheriff Dept, Police Dept, our United States Marines and all of the people who give their unselfish service to help others. As I watched in utmost astonishment the hundreds of Sheriff, Police cars and motorcycles following David in procession on the closed 91 freeway, with their lights flashing as they honored their fallen hero, I was so humbled. From that day to the next, I watched as Dave was given the full military burial at Riverside National Cemetary. He was a proud Marine.

God bless all our fallen hero's and especially their families.

God bless all Shawna and Dave's friends and neighbors, and you Lisa, I send my love and gratitude. You have surrounded Shawna and the twins with love and devotion.

God bless my sister and friend Betty, and her devoted husband and my brother-in-law Greg. I know how great your loss is too. I know how much you loved are respected Dave. I know how much you will miss him. I know how you want to take Shawna's pain away. I know you haven't left her or Justin & Jordan's side. God bless you and keep you strong.

God bless you Shawna, Justin and Jordan. I love you my darlings. You will forever be lifted up in my prayers.

And last....you are already blessed David. You are in His presence. You are truly loved. I will miss you, but we will meet again soon my dear one. Love you.


Aunt Janel

Aunt Janel
Shawna's Aunt

July 31, 2006

It's been three weeks now that we received the shocking news of Dave's passing. Finding the right words to express our sorrow to his family is difficult and heartbreaking. It's next to impossible to imagine the pain they feel in this tragic loss.

Dave was such a pleasure to be with. We talked about the things that all cops talk about, family, friends and police work. Dave was a loving husband and father totally dedicated to his family and his friends. He was always willing to lend a hand and help out in any way he could. He was a good street cop that enjoyed the challenge of working one of the fastest and difficult area's in the Sheriffs jurisdiction. Is short, he was a great guy and he will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Shawna, the twins and Dave's family are all in our thoughts and prayers. May we all take comfort and srength in the knowledge that he is now in the presence of almighty God.

Harry and Ruth Wiersema

Sergeant Harry Wiersema, Retired
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

July 28, 2006

May God put his loving arms around the Piquette family and the LA County Sheriff's Office.

Detective Rutilo Quezada
Smith Co Sheriff's Office, Tyler, TX

July 28, 2006

David, my God give peace to your soul, and punish those who caused harm to you.

Lt. Ray Scheu
Culver City Police Department

July 28, 2006

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

A sad citizen
none

July 27, 2006

My brother.... My thoughts and prayers are with your family and fellow officers. Watch over the streets of heaven. We will take it from here.

Patrolman William A Mays Jr
Youngstown (OH) State University PD

July 27, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Piquette family during this tragic time. Richard, I unfortunately know the pain you are going through with the loss of a brother. Although I do not know you or have the honor to know your brother, it is easy to see he was an amazing man whose legacy you will be able to honor. I wish there were easy words to comfort you and the family during this time but know that although the pain will never fully subside, soon the pain will give way to happy memories of your times together and the ability to be thankful to have truly known him. "Fallen but never forgotten". God bless.

Sgt. Jeff Jensen, Colorado Springs
Brother of Det. Jared Jensen EOW 2-22-06

July 26, 2006

My deepest sympathys go out to Ofc Piquette's family and the LA County Sheriffs Dept. Nothing can take away the pain of your loss but know that he was a true hero and his sacrifice will never be forgotten..

Patrolman Rob Rider
Indianapolis Police Dept

July 26, 2006

Thank you for your dedicated service. You will be missed by your family, friends, and all members of the police department family. No words I can say can easy your family's pain as I have found. We are praying for you and your family.

Brother of Jeremy Chambers 101
E.O.W. 04-24-2006

PO Chris Chambers
St. Louis Co P.D. Mo

July 26, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and the LA County S.O.

Fallen but never forgotten

Officer Bryan Laurie
Haltom City Police, Tx

July 26, 2006

Memories of David and Shawna's budding love as teenagers years ago come flooding back as I sit and reflect on David's life. My husband and I have been close family friends since Shawna was three years old. We met David when he came to our beach campsites to visit his friend Mike, Shawna's brother. All the "grown-ups" could see the sparks flying and it wasn't from the campfire, it was from the young love blossoming.

We listended to David's aspiration and goals to become a Marine and then a sheriff. He always knew what he wanted and worded hard to get it. Once a year at the campsite we would see him developing from a nice young man into the caring, loyal and dedicated man anyone would be proud to call a relative, friend, co-worker, husband or father. My husband and I were there to see his dreams fulfilled by becoming a loving husband to Shawna and proud father to Justin and Jordan.

During the last several years one of the debates around the campfire was who was the most organized, David or my husband. At David's funeral a story was told about David buying a three-pack of white socks and labeling each pair 1-1, 2-2 and 3-3. He would not wear a 1 with a 3 or any combo and in fact would throw away a matching number if its mate was lost or worn out. On the way home from the service and after a long silence my husband said, "I would wear a 1 with a 2 or 3". I just laughed because in my heart I know the debate will continue through the years and keep David's memory alive.

God Bless all David's family, friends and co-workers.

Dave and Becky DeVries, Family Friends

July 26, 2006

Im so sorry that there are bad people out there. Cant help my speling im from Sweden. This man and all outher policemen are the best protection the people can get they are heoros.

Maria
non

July 26, 2006

"Heroes live forever"

Det. Josh Lovan
Fort Smith PD

July 26, 2006

My sympathies to Deputy Piquette's family. May he rest in pewace.

SFC William L. Farrell
US Army Military Police, Ret

July 26, 2006

Shawna: We have probably known Dave for about 15 years and have always admired him for many reasons. We're both heart broken at your terrible loss. You have a wonderful family and many very close friends who will help you get through this very difficult time of your life. Justin and Jorden are there for you also. They need you to be strong and to show them how to grow into the fine young people Dave would want them to be.
Pat and I will be there for you also, as well as your extended LASD family.

Sgt. Mike Rawlings and Pat
LASD Retired & family friend

July 25, 2006

David was a super guy and a unique person that leaves an impression with you. I am very lucky to have had him for my cousin and had been able to spend some time with him. My heart goes out to his immediate family and his close friends. I am proud of what David had accomplished in his lifetime and I know that so many others are also. David, you are missed very much. Peace be with you.

Melinda Foster (Piquette)
Cousin

July 25, 2006

Rest In Peace Brother

Officer Thomas Wiederhold #1890
Fort Worth Police,Tx

July 25, 2006

I have no relation to David Piquette or his family, but I have been really affected by this tragedy. Maybe it’s because I am a wife and a mother of a 17 month old little girl and this has just truly made me realize how fragile life is. It’s amazing to think how if one thing was done different on that Friday, just to change fate my a millisecond, this tragedy may of not happened. For everything to happen at that moment, you know that God has to have some kind of predetermined plan for us. My heart goes out to David’s wife and twins and to his family. I pray for strength for them to get through this tough time. We must realize that EACH DAY IS A GIFT.

Shelly
No relation

July 24, 2006

God Bless - you are in our prayers

LEO Wife
Howell, NJ

July 24, 2006

Deputy Piquette,
I wish we could of train more than we had. The two days of Defensive Tactics training that you gave us will be remembered by every one of us 111 Recruits.I along with class 350, want to thank you for all the training and support. May god look over your family at all times. Rest in peace brother.

Deputy Sheriff Trainee class# 350
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

July 24, 2006

Thank You Deputy Piquette for the service you provided to your country. Reading the reflections has become regular for me since we lost one our young motor officers Terry Michael Byrd on March 27. I read alot of them but write on few. Deputy Piquette you must have been quite a man not only from your friends' reflections but from your families. Your brother Richard will surely honor your life and love of life itself. I pray today that your wife,children,and family know and realize that you are always closer then they know. I know that many friends/coworkers of yours are viewing your reflections through tears, but hesitate to post their thoughts. Many things in our occupation can be soo funny, but seem wrong for the occassion. I see a smile that tells me David was fun to be around. I also pray today that you let Shawna and David's twins know how he impacted your life. Mrs. Piquette, Thank you for supporting David as a law enforcement wife. Your the Champion. Many prayers and comfort to you during this time. God Bless the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department.

Capt. George Tillman
Pascagoula Police Department, Mississippi

July 23, 2006

David and his wife Shawna were high school sweethearts. She a freshman, He a senior. They went their seperate ways then fell in love again, married and had twins. One boy Justin and one girl Jordan,three years old. David was a dedicated husband and father. We called him one of our own and he was every bit our son. He treated us like his parents way back in the early years when he and our son Mike played football at Irvine High. I am retired from L.A. County Sheriff and recruited David to the job. We studied together and I was able to quiz him on occassion when he was in the academy. We were very proud to attend his graduation with his future wife and our daughter Shawna. We enjoyed swaping stories "old guys" vs "new breed". David and his family were with us on numerous vacations and we did the Laughlin Run on our Harleys. A few weeks ago we went fishing on our boat and David caught his biggest bass ever. He was so excited. We will miss "our son" but will always have the memories.

Greg & Betty Butler
Father & Mother in-law

July 23, 2006

I have looked at the pictures elsewhere and read all the
reflections here, I see you were loved by everyone and
didn't have an enemy. I see so many who would have
gladly taken your place, but it was not meant to be. Life
is not fair and it is too difficult to understand. You had
such a pure love for your job and your family. But I know
that Jesus has a plan for your wife and kids and I hope
that they will seek after Him to discover it. I'm sure the
secret is written in the Good Book. God only wants the
best for us. He didn't cause this to happen. I am broken hearted and my thoughts go out to all who are
deeply broken by what happened on July 7th.
Thank you, D.S. Piquette for being the special person
that you are. There will never be another you and you can't be replaced!
Lynn Kole
Washington State

July 22, 2006

My heart goes out to the Piquette family and god bless.

Deputy Mark Gutierrez
Inyo County, Ca

July 22, 2006