Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To Joel, family & friends.

In 1989, I was a newly hired Reserve Officer with the E. Palo Alto PD when, during my first week in training, my FTO (Matt Spray) took me on the route of Joel's last call for service. While driving and with tears in his eyes, Matt told me the circumstances of the call how that night ended with Joel's untimely and senseless death.

Even though I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Joel, I knew by the tears flowing from Matt's eyes Joel must have been someone really special. Not just special to Matt but, his family, friends and the community at large.

I will never forget Joel or his story and I know, by looking at the post on this blog that I'm not alone.

Godspeed Joel.

Deputy Sheriff Tony Adams Sr.
San Mateo County Sheriff's Office

January 9, 2013

Though it's been over 24 years, I still remember that night like it was yesterday. Waking your parents at 2:00 am and taking them to the hospital that night was definately the hardest thing I have ever had to do.

You were a fellow officer, a friend, and a next door neighbor that will always remain in our hearts and prayers. One day, God willing, we will meet again.

Tom Burns
Former EPA PD Reserve Officer

December 1, 2012

Joel, I was the last person to talk to you on the phone that night. I was working the EPA radio when the call of a man with gun came in at Nairobi center. We hung up as you dashed out the door in your civies to assist Sgt Eatmon on the call. Worst night of my life working that radio, I held on for 8 hrs still working and coordinating the units on scene..Joel and I go back a long way working as reserves for San Mateo County Sheriff's Office. We both shared a dog bite from a K-9 from the S/O chasing a burglar in downtown Redwood City 0300 in the morning. Crazy days then.. You'll be missed.

Dispatcher - Don Soher
San Mateo Co Comm (retired)

November 12, 2012

Joel,
I met you at an ARPOC reserve training conference in 1986.
You had such energy and love for your chosen profession. Rest in peace my Friend.

Reserve Sgt (Ret) Mary Ellen (Meme) Jens
Menlo Park Police

September 7, 2012

Joel, thinking of you this day. I wear a bracelet every day in remembrance of you. I will never forget our friendship.

Sgt. Kathy Eshoo
Post Falls Police

June 22, 2012

Rest in peace and Olav Hashalom Officer Davis.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 19, 2012

Joel-

Today I attended our local police officer memorial service. During all the speechs, and rememberances for those we have lost in the past year. My thougths kept returning to that night 23 yrs ago when two Union City PD officers came to my door and said "Sarge, you need to call the PD one of your officers has been shot". I can recall almost every minute of what that drive to work was like and what I saw as I got into EPA. I remember how much it hurt to learn you were the officer who was shot. It still hurts to this very moment to think about it. I remember your mom and dad and speaking with them at the hospital and knowing how much you meant to them. It was an honor to know you for that very short time. You are a hero who will never be forgotton

Sergeant David Bouffard
Paso Robles PD (Former Sgt. EPAPD)

May 16, 2012

So long ago we worked together ... brothers in blue! We changed colors of our uniforms but not our dedication to service. You have not been forgotten ~~ remembered by many. As Vallejo PD Officer Jim Capoot was laid to rest today ... I couldn't help but recall the similarity in your tragedies. I know he joins you patrolling the highways of heaven and his sense of humor matches yours :-) May GOD continue to Bless you and your many, my friend!

M. Mueller, Captain
California Highway Patrol

November 30, 2011

Well, today is the day you would have turned 50...It has been so long but still, at times, feels like yesterday you were here with us.

I miss you. I miss hearing you laugh. I miss seeing you smile.

Happy Birthday. I love you.

Akiko Koda
Fiancee

October 3, 2011

Still missing you every day. Life has just never been the same. There was and is no one like you, the love of this Mother's heart.

Mom
Aug. 23, 2011

Beth A Davis
Mother

August 24, 2011

It has been 23 years. Hard to imagine where all the time has gone. Last month Alonzo Reese passed, please take good care of him.

I still love and miss you.

Akiko Koda
fiance

June 22, 2011

The other day I came across some old tools I still have from my HP days and guess who's name was on them to send out for Cal. , yours bud , I remember working with you and how your one goal in life was to become a Police Officer , we all ( The tool room guys ) felt pride for you when you made it to full time and pain when we got the news on your death, I can still see your face and hear you voice ....

Rest easy


Lloyd Haugen
4/25/2011

Lloyd Haugen
Coworker / HP

April 25, 2011

Most of the guys won't put anything here. Not out of disrespect. It's still black in their hearts. I wanted your family to know that. We all became cops. A lot came from PALY. I remember your pop dropping us off at Los Altos PD for explorers. You're still Mike-e to me. EOW - day before my birthday - every year. I was @ MJ Max after. I thought about it. I did one decade as an explorer adviser and I figure that was payback. Every yellow newspaper clipping is saved for my kids to see. I just wanted to remind your family that love never dies.

Deputy O. Yoch
San Mateo County S/O

January 28, 2011

They say that time heals all wounds but I know that for your family, friends, and law enforcement family that they all still feel your loss as if it were yesterday. What a great person you must have been...dedicated to your profession and you knew what you wanted to do at an early age. Thank you for your willingness to help others and the selflessness you displayed. My heart goes out to your family. You are FOREVER in our hearts.

Anonymous

July 15, 2010

Happy New Year!

Officer Tai NGuyen
San Leandro PD

January 8, 2010

Rest in Peace, Officer Davis. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

Joel,

Thank you for coming when I called for code 3 cover that night. You had already gotten of duty. You could have just gone home, instead when you heard that I was being shot at you came and gave your life to save mine. How can I ever repay you for that. You will always be mine and my daughters Hero. I promise you I will always live my life in a way that repects your amazing selfless gift to me

18R55

Anonymous

August 16, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 21rst anniversary of your death. 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.

In reading the loving reflections, I see that you are missed and loved by many and that you had a profound impact on the lives of others. I hold your family and friends in my heart's embrace today. I hope to meet your Mom at a NorCal Cops meeting.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

June 22, 2009

Joel,
I am thinking of you right now and remember our times together in EPA. Merry Christmas and God bless you and your family.

San Leandro Police Detective Tai Nguyen
Former EPAPD Officer

December 24, 2008

Dear Michael,
Life has gone on. I have met a very special man, Don, and feel extremely lucky
that God has sent him to me. Once again I feel I have a life to look forward to.
I miss you everyday of my life, think of you often and talk about you any time
I can get someone to listen. You will always be the love of my life. Wish I
could share this election time with you, we would have some good discussions.
I love you dearly.

If any of my COPS friends read this you can email me at badtaz37@earthlink.net.

Love,

Mom

Anonymous

September 6, 2008

Joel,
It has now been 20 years since you were killed in East Palo Alto. My daughter turned 20 years old on June 21. It has been 2 years and 6 months since my husband Rich was killed in the same city. I hope you two have met up there and have gotten to know each other. You both are heros and always will be. Take care of him up there.

Diana May
Surviving wife of
Officer Rich May EOW 1/07/06
East Palo Alto

June 24, 2008

Joel, You are NEVER FORGOTTEN.

Benny Pugh, Jr.
Former East Palo Alto Police Officer

June 22, 2008

Having just read all of your reflections I can still feel the pain and loss of your dear mother, fiance and friends. May God continue to bless them all and provide the needed comfort as you still struggle after almost 20 years. Officer Davis-thank you for the life you led and the service you gave.

Captain
Charlotte North Carolina

February 15, 2008

Six more months and it will be 20 years I've lived without you. I didn't think I
could make even one. Now your father has been with you for almost a year.
I miss both of you so much and envy you being together again. i am so
lonesome. I love you both so very much.

Love, Mom

Beth Ann Davis
Mother

January 22, 2008

I still remember the parties at our condo in Foster City and the entertainment you provided. :-)

I think about you frequently and the night I got the call. So sorry to hear about your father and I will keep your mother in my prayers.

David Bailey (Ret.)
Menlo Park PD

December 22, 2007