Thoughts and Remembrances
Thoughts and Remembrances In Memory of
Officer Daniel Ryan Ackerman
Click here to send us your thoughts and stories about Daniel.
07-31-2011
I have had the pleasure of knowing Dan since he first was hired at Buena Park PD as an Explorer in 1995. We have worked together for most of the past 16 years. Dan and I always got along and continued a playful banter throughout our years together. Dan loved to try to “get my goat” whenever he could. As a practical joke, Dan carried around old business cards with my name and phone number on them to occasionally hand out to the not-so-best of society that he came in contact with as a patrol officer. Dan would then encourage these upset people to call me to vent their frustrations. It took me several years to figure out the source of those phone calls! One time when I was suffering from some back pain, Dan brought in a used old-man walker (complete with cut-in-half tennis balls covering the feet of the walker), put my name on it, and had it delivered it to me in the Watch Commander’s office.
Dan was also an extraordinary firearms instructor, and he was my personal range-master. He helped me gain confidence and competence on the range. Dan was the only person I know that I would allow to scream (very loudly!) in my ear from about 2-inches away. Somehow, his encouraging screams of, “Good shot! Do it again!” or “Good shot! Don’t change anything!” were a calming factor that improved my shooting skill.
As two self-perceived ‘macho men’, Dan and I struggled to show our emotions towards each other. So, we resorted to saying “Thanks!”, “I appreciate you”, and “I love you” through a one-finger hand gesture - often thrown back-and-forth in crowded room as surreptitiously as possible. I know it was corny, but it worked for us.
I am going to miss Dan Ackerman very much! He was a good man, a good father, and a good friend. I already miss his loud screams of “WHOOOOOOO!!!” down the quiet hallways of the police department - often at the most inopportune times.
Kevin Shea
07-31-2011
I cannot begin to express how much Dan meant to me, not only as a partner and co-worker, but as a friend. It hurts so much that he has left us so early. I have known Dan for several years even before I was an officer and he was an eager new cop trying to learn all he could about gangs. When Dan and I started working together we always told each other that we would work gangs together and be a part of the gang "dream team". Dan’s response was usually, "They can't handle me bro", followed by a smile hidden under that giant mustache he had.
Despite Dan’s rough talk and occasional rough appearance, he was a gentle caring person. Dan and I would help each other with our personal and work dilemmas. I was able to see what a giant heart he had and how much his friends meant to him. I am going to miss Dan very much. His humor, wit, and his loud siren sound that he would let out which could be heard all through out the station. All of it, I'm going to miss him.
I loved Dan as a man, partner, and friend and I will miss him dearly.
David Pantoja
07-31-2011
To Daniel’s Family...I was one of the Associate Explorer Advisors when Daniel was a member of Police Explore Post 474. I will always remember Dan's deep voice saying, “Hi Ms. Reynolds" every Monday Explorer meeting. As Daniel grew to be a man, he told me he wanted to be an officer for Buena Park PD. When he applied for Reserve officer, he asked me to type his application. I was also honored to type his full-time application as well. I remember the day Daniel was to have his Chief's oral. He was not up to par as his grandmother had just passed away. I went to the Chief's office to tell him about Daniel. The Chief wanted to schedule the oral sometime later out of respect. I told the Chief that I thought it was best to leave things as they were. Sometime later that day, the Chief came into my office and gave me a thumbs up. I knew then that Daniel's dream had come true. Rest in Peace Daniel. Thank you for being a big part of my life.
Sharon Reynolds
08-01-2011
My most memorable experience with Daniel was watching him talk to a little boy.
One day a concerned father brought his young son in to the station. The child was about six years old and his father said he had been misbehaving and hoped an officer could help him out by talking to his son.
The first person I saw was Daniel. I had already talked to him earlier that day and I knew he was having a bad day, but before I could pass him up, he asked me what the man needed. The moment I finished explaining, he said “Let me talk to him”. He came around to the front of the counter and talked to the little boy. He towered over him, so he got down on one knee. He talked quietly first then a little louder using his cop voice. A moment later he walked the boy through the station and towards the jail. When he brought the child back he once again kneeled down to his level and talked to him for a good long while, this time it was like a Dad would. The boy listened, really listened. And then the boy walked over to his father and gave him a big hug. It was a moment to remember, straight out of a Hallmark card! Daniel got up and waved goodbye. What took only a few minutes may have changed that boy for life! The father said he was so grateful for what Daniel did for him and his son. I told Daniel I should tell the Chief about this and he said, “No, then people will think I’m a nice guy”.
Daniel was more than a nice guy! More than a good cop! Daniel had a heart of gold and whatever caused him to have a bad day that day he put aside to help a child because that was the kind of guy he was. He will be missed dearly.
Lulie Chavez
08-01-2011
On behalf of all Ventura County, I'd like to extend our condolences regarding the recent loss of one of your SWAT officers. Any time an officer falls we all feel the pain and loss. We extend our condolences to your department and to his family.
Sincerely Yours, Heather
08-01-2011
On behalf of the Reserve Unit at Fullerton PD, please accept our deepest sympathies as we share the loss of a Brother! If we can be of assistance to BPPD in anyway and or Dan's family, please let us know. With our condolences, N. Rosner #1144, VP FRPOA
08-01-2011
I did not know Officer Ackerman personally, but I work and have lived in Buena Park, and I am so appreciative of every member of the police force. I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with Daniel's family, his co-workers, and friends.
With my deepest and sincere sympathy, Erika Nungaray – Nutrilite 08-01-2011
I first met Officer Ackerman when he was Captain for the Buena Park Police Explorers. I joined Post 474 at 16 years old and fell in love with the program and the experience. Dan Ackerman will always remain a staple in my memories growing up.
We had a great time at our meetings, at community service events, and winning all those trophies representing BPPD at the Police Explorer Laughlin competitions. Dan eventually left the Explorers and became a Reserve Officer, and we were all very happy for him. The rest of us continued on with the program, growing up to become great men and women. We built life long friendships in this program and we will always remember Dan Ackerman and the great impression he left on all of us.
May he always be remembered for the great man he was.
With much love - Andrea Chinchilla, Malorie Zurita, Maria Gonzales, and Ebony De Los Reyes
08-02-2011
Dan, I’m happy for the time we spent talking. You definitely made me feel appreciated. I am glad that we were able to let our guards down and be real. Thank you for trusting me and for being trustworthy. It was great to see you last time with a big smile on your face and a few good stories. As you know, it only gets better from here. I cant wait to see your new uniform and to poach in your NEW beat. I wont hit the parking lot without thinking of you. I’ll see you soon. Until then “Whhhooooooo, let’s do it!” Jerry Von Gries
08-02-2011
Dan the gentle Giant!
I met Dan years ago when I would teach the department, as well as the Explorers, Arrest Control Techniques. Dan was young, skinny, and kind-of dorky. At the time, I was able to demonstrate all the street survival techniques by picking on Dan. I would grab him out of the class and practice on him. He took the abuse like a champ and never complained. He must have known that his day would eventually come. Well, Dan grew much bigger and stronger since then and scared a lot of people (even me!) My nickname eventually changed from Officer Chris to “Little Chris”. Lucky for me, Dan and I became friends and he lost his desire for “payback”. We started going to his church together and worked out regularly at the gym. It truly was hard lifting weights with Dan while he insisted I am no stronger than a little girl. Once in front of his house in Buena Park, I had the opportunity to prove my manhood. I attempted to ride a small “wheelie” on my new motorcycle in front of him. I wasn’t successful and my bike tipped over. I couldn’t lift the motorcycle up by myself and was forced to swallow my pride. I yelled for Dan to come over and help me! Dan ran over laughing and all he said was “Little Chris!” and shook his head….
I will miss you “Big Dan”!
Detective Chris Pimentel
08-02-2011
I, like others, have known Dan since he was an explorer here at the Police Department. I know that becoming a SWAT team member was his absolute dream, and I am so glad he was able to fulfill that dream. Every time I think of Dan, I see that big goofy smile, which no doubt had some sort of mischief behind it. I think we all think back to the last time we talked or saw Dan. I remember the last time I talked to him was about two weeks ago, after his PROACT team had just made an amazing arrest. As he was recounting the events to me, I could just see how happy he was. He truly loved his job. Recently he went to our Explorer Banquet and brought his daughter Avery with him. Dan always supported the Explorers in anyway he could, as he felt such a connection to them. Watching him interact with his daughter was such a joy. To know that he was happy both in his professional life and his personal life, is a comfort to all of us. Thank you for all you have done, Dan. You truly lived the dream.
Capt. Robin Sells
08-02-2011
Daniel.... or should I say Mr. Ackerman". That was my nickname for you as a payback for all the years you called me "Ms. Reynolds". That was fine when you were an Explorer, but once you became a Reserve Officer and, later a Police Officer, I told you to call me Sharon; but you told me it was hard for you to break old habits. Well... Mr. Ackerman, tonight I thought of the Explorer who was so proud of his post, I thought about the boy who became a man right before my eyes, I thought of how proud you were when you were chosen Reserve Officer of the Year, I thought about how proud I was when you became a Police Officer, I thought about how much you always looked after your sister and mother, and I thought about how proud you were to be a dad to Avery...and then I cried. I cried for the boy, the man, the son, the brother, the father and the friend. I will think of you often. When you see Tyler Pinchot, tell him I think of him often too.
Sharon Reynolds
08-02-2011
It has been an honor to have known Dan and work with him all these years. I had the pleasure of training Dan when he was a new officer - although at times it seemed he was teaching me. I don’t think there was a weapon Dan didn’t know, a gang member that he didn’t put in check, or a parolee that didn’t regret crossing Dan’s path. Dan was a huge asset to the police department that can never be replaced. Dan had a loud boisterous voice that was intimidating, but he also had a much softer side. If you can, imagine Dan talking to some 12-year-old who refused to go to school and giving the parents some parental advice. I don’t think I could say Dan was a funny guy or he even had sense of humor but some of the words that flew from his mouth certainly made me laugh. Dan was a “no bull” kind of guy. He didn’t sugar coat anything and called it like it was. You have to respect a man like that and I had a great deal of respect for the man. Dan had a passion for the SWAT team and he was the future of the team. I suppose even heaven needs leaders, and that he was. Miss ya Buddy! Pat Carney
08-02-2011
It was an honor to have been able to meet Dan and his mouth! I remember when I first started at Buena Park at the end of 2006 and I attended daily briefings with Dan and I remember (how could anyone forget) the way he so freely dropped the “F” bomb ten times per sentence. His voice was deep and intimidating, but when you got to know Dan you knew he had a soft heartfelt, calm, side to him as well and only rare occasions did you get to witness such a sight. When Dan became a father and I got to meet the new “fatherly” Dan. I knew he had changed a little bit more for the better. He became a new person and it was amazing to hear him talk about his daughter, Avery. I had just had a baby girl so we had something in common. I remember chatting about children with a group of the guys in the report writing room and all of them were talking about having boys and how boys were so much better than girls. This time I had Dan on my side and it was so awesome to hear him talk about the joys of having a baby girl and how he wouldn’t have changed it for the world. Dan’s memory grew here, lived here, and will most definitely be remembered here for a lifetime. I am so blessed and thank God he put Dan in my life because he changed it forever! Dan will be missed but we must celebrate his life and because it is his birthday today we all have more of a reason to celebrate him and all he had accomplished. Tara Alfonzo
08-02-11
I don't know where to start. I guess I can start from when I became a new officer. Dan had made a comment to me trying to be funny about being the new guy and I (New Jersey attitude) lashed back at him making a comment about his goggles he wore and how funny they looked on his face. Dan's response was "I like you"!
Dan Ackerman took me under his wing to teach me about gangs, gang members, and their territories. Dan never hesitated to stop what he was doing to help me out. We went to gang conferences together and rode two man several times. I enjoyed these moments together with him. I listened to countless stories of his work prior to becoming a police officer and learned a lot about who Dan was and where he came from.
I always knew when Dan was in the station or working because I would hear his famous "wooh" or "Yo Daddy-O".
I remember one briefing Dan was reading a magazine. The unusual part of this is Dan was not wearing his "prescription eye protection glasses". I asked Dan "aren't those goggles prescription"? Dan looked at me like he wanted to take me out back throw some punches. Fortunately, Dan had a good heart and sense of humor to take a picture with the entire shift wearing shooting range eye protection glasses.
One night Dan and I were working two man and observed a male in an alleyway that is known for drug activity. Dan went to contact the subject, however the guy took off running. Being new, I ran after the guy and lost him. I was mad because Dan never ran. I yelled at Dan in the car "why didn't you run"? Dan laughed, looked at me and said "Why did you run"? That was Dan. Honest and to the point always.
The day Dan was taken to the hospital, I called a co-worker and asked what happened. I was told Dan had been feeling sick and faint. My response was tell Dan to suck it up as he would always tell me to do the same when tired, sick, or hurt.
I was going to visit Dan at the Hospital the following day, but God took him before I could say goodbye to a good man and a good friend. I will always regret not being able to say goodbye to someone who helped shape my career. I will miss you Dan. It's not fair you are gone, but like someone said, Heaven needs some good leaders up there.
Yo Daddy-O!
Jon Shaddow
08-2-2011
The last time I saw Dan was a few weeks ago as I was driving down Beach Blvd and he pulled up behind me, like anyone that is guilty of doing something they shouldn’t and a police officer sneaks up very closely behind you, you know you got caught and are about to get pulled over, I got very, very nervous! I soon realized it was Dan when he pulled up next to me and yelled at me in that deep voice of his to get off my phone! He then laughed for scaring me! I was relieved it was Dan but scared it was Dan at the same time, the loud voice never failed! Today, as I drove down Beach Blvd I put my phone down just for you Dan!
Dan was like that caring and protective older brother you wanted but you wanted dislike at the same time for always scolding you and telling you the truth when you didn’t want to hear it. He was one of the most honest people I had ever met! I could never dislike him for being so honest, everything he ever said was in my best interest and I knew he was just looking out. He always challenged me to prove him wrong, I was happy the few times I did :) During one of Dan’s scolding he would ask “Do you know what to do?” and I would say “Yes” and he would yell “Then do it!!” One day we went out to dinner and after dinner we sat in my car and talked past 2 am, Dan was going through a hard time at the time and wanted some advice, I was able to give him what I thought was good advice and it was my opportunity to scold him the way he scolded me. It was also my chance to ask him “Do you know what to do?” and responding the same way he would after saying Yes!
About a year ago I remember going to a client’s house in Buena Park and my client telling me that she had been in a domestic dispute with her husband and called the police, she said the officer was very forward with her and gave her very good advice and appreciated his honesty. My client handed me the officers card just in case I wanted to talk to him, It was Dan, I smiled and said I didn’t need to talk to him, I was confident that Dan had given her good advice.
As intimidating as Dan seemed to people, he was a people person, he loved anyone that treated him right and was always there for the people he loved. Dan had a heart of gold! Today is Dan’s birthday, one year I text him wishing him a happy birthday a few days late and he never let me live it down but today I got it right, Happy Birthday D-Man!! I wouldn’t want you yelling at me again big guy! Heaven needed another hero and as sad as we all are for no longer having such a wonderful guy with us in person, we can stand here today and be thankful to have known Dan whether it was years, months, days or during the few minutes he was at your house on a call to help you out. Everything Dan ever said or did it came from a good place, that big’ol heart of his!!
I heard this song today and it reminded me of you Dan…
“Yeah when I get where I'm going, there will be only happy tears. I will shed the sins and struggles I have carried all these years and I'll leave my heart wide open, I will love and have no fear, yeah when I get where I'm going don't cry for me down here… When I get where I'm going and I see my maker's face, I'll stand forever in the light, of his amazing grace”.
Brad Paisley – “When I get where I’m going”.
With love,
Celia Molina
08-03-11
I had the honor and pleasure of knowing Dan as a young Police Explorer and seeing him mature into a young man. Since my retirement I have not seen him that frequently, however when I did I was always impressed by the young man he became.
It is clear from the comments of all that he developed into a fine police officer and man. This is such a tragedy for Dan, his family, loved ones and all of those who worked with him and knew him. He lived his dream of being a police officer in the City and Department he grew up in. Although his life was short it was a life of significance and service.
May he rest in peace and never be forgotten.
With deepest condolences,
Richard M. Tefank, Chief of Police (Retired) Buena Park PD (1989-2001)
08-03-11
The fondest memories I have of Officer Daniel Ackerman are his humor, his love for the job, his towering presence, and his golden smile.
Dan's unforgettable “WHOOOO'S!!!” in the early morning hours, his funny and loud comments in the hallways often helped me shake the sleepy feeling away after a long graveyard shift. We enjoyed his kudos to records; "you're the greatest", "you're the best", and the ever popular "you're my favorite". Although we eventually found out that we were ALL the greatest, the best, and his favorites because he did a horrible job of keeping us from finding out.
His love for his job was clear as day. I remember a call for service that Daniel responded to at the station in which a stressed out mother, who had reached a dead end with her troubled daughter, needed some guidance. Daniel came in with that staggering presence of his … the "I mean business”. He first had a long talk with mom and then spoke to the teen. After he heard the awful way that girl spoke to her mother, Daniel scared her straight. The mother left our front counter that afternoon, not quite convinced her daughter would change, but feeling secure that Officer Ackerman cared enough to help her during this desperate time in their family’s life. He was genuinely sincere with his intentions, and his passion for wanting to help was evident. This is just one example of Daniel’s caring and compassion; but it’s examples such as these that we know how much we will miss Daniel.
Each in our own way will miss every detail that is you Dan.
E. Samaniego
08-04-11
I had the pleasure of knowing Dan for the past 9 years. I worked alongside with Dan as a Reserve Police Officer; Police Officer, Explorer Advisor and as an operator on the SWAT team.
Dan had a straight forward, in your face, no BS way about him. Those who didn’t know Dan that well may have thought he was a hard ass. For those of us who had the opportunity to know Dan, knew he had a big heart. He had a tuff exterior with his shaved head and 80’s like mustache (like Ron Burgundy) which he loved, but deep down inside he was a softy.
I will always remember the days Dan and I used to go workout together at the old 24 hours fitness in Buena Park. He would always motivate me and push me to do more. I will always remember him yelling at me “PUT IT UP, PUT IT UP, LET’S GO!” during our tuff workouts. After I had completed my set Dan would scream “WHOOOO NICE WORK DADDY-O!” as we bumped fists.
Dan had a strong work ethic and he loved Police work. Dan also loved mentoring the young men and women in our Explorer Post. Over the years, Dan donated countless hours to our Explorer program because he knew what it meant to each one of the Explorers. He established some long lasting relationships along the way, which will never be forgotten.
I will never forget the day we did our SWAT physical fitness qualification course and the chain of events that unfolded afterwards. I am saddened that Dan left all of us so early, but I know that he is in heaven looking down on us. Dan was a great father and he loved his daughter, Avery with all of his heart and soul!!
I miss you buddy and it was an honor to have been able to share some good times together. I will never forget you buddy, may you rest in peace.
Jesse Alfonzo
08-08-11
Dan,
I am happy to have met you. And although the time was short, I appreciate the time I was able to spend getting to know you. Even though I only had the privilege of knowing you a few short years, you have earned an eternal place in my thoughts. I will never forget the time and patience you spent with me shooting in the range, or the encouragement you gave me in regards to my personal life and goals. It is an honor to have known you.
One of my fondest memories working with you occurred one night while you were working patrol and I was on the radio in dispatch. We received a call regarding some juveniles in a park playing with a BB gun. I dispatched you and another officer to check on the juveniles. Shortly after you arrived, you began to advise your disposition on the call and in proper range master mode you stated: “sights were adjusted and juveniles were given a crash course in proper aiming. 10-8!” I will never forget that. It made me both laugh and smile.
I know whenever I go shooting, I will always think of Rangemaster Ackerman, and know you are with me.
I am glad that I got a chance to talk to you just a few days before you moved on to your new assignment. I will and do miss you. Godspeed friend, Godspeed …
James C. Brandstetter
08-08-11
Daniel,
You were and will forever be a great inspiration to me. While working with Explorer post 474, you pushed me to do and be my best. I joined at the young age of 15 and ended my time with the explorers at 20. I will forever have the memories of you running behind me, yelling at me to keep running, yet you were behind me running slower than ever. I will always keep that half grin half smile in my memoires that you would give me when I would say something funny, yet you couldn’t show it. You were awesome and I will never forget you. I know you pushed your self as far as you wanted to go in life, and that is what makes you a great role model. A role model I will remember for the rest of my life. Thank you Daniel for everything you did for me. You will forever be in my memories and heart.
-Courtney Sim
Buena Park Police Explorer Post 474 and a friend
Also known by Dan Ackerman as Miss Sim
"The Final Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God, which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?
The policeman squared his shoulders and said.
"No, I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a Saint."
I've had to work most Sundays
and at times my talk is rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep...
though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got to steep.
And I never passed a cry for help
though at times I shook with fear,
and sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much, but if you don't...I'll understand"
There was a silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman.
You've borne you burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
You've done your time in Hell"
08-11-11
I sat across from you at a briefing table about four and a half years ago. I had only been on the job for 2 months. You were so handsome and intimidating at the same time. You put your hand on my shoulder and whispered in my ear, “If you ever need help doing this job just ask me.” You always provided me with a sense of calmness and safety from that day forward. You grew to be my friend, my beat partner, and my confidant. You were always there…..protecting me, teaching me, looking out for my best interest when I wasn’t always paying attention. That is the kind of man and police officer you were. I had the honor of having a daughter with you. She is a beautiful little girl that mimics you in so many ways. While you and I could never make it work personally, we shared a common love for her that will last forever. You weren’t supposed to die Daniel. I truly loved the man you were and you should still be here….protecting us, teaching us, looking out for our best interests. She has your eyes and your soul. She comforts others in need and always takes control of the situation. She reaches for you in the sky and tells me you are with angels. She still feels you here even when the rest of us hurt. She got mad at me this morning when I tried to explain to here where you were…she knows more than we think she does. You were her HERO and you will always be my HERO. I miss you and love you. I will never let our daughter forget you. Please continue to look down on us and protect us from where you are. Keep her safe and protect her always. Rest peacefully sweetie - you deserve it.
Brittany Ziegler
Buena Park Police Officer #1087
Mother of our daughter
Your friend
09-01-11
I retired in 1998, and didn't specifically remember Dan, I'm sorry to say, when he was an explorer and a reserve officer. I think it was either the end of May or June of this year that I met him briefly while we were driving N/B Stanton Ave toward Commonwealth Ave. Dan was in a black & white in the #1 Lane and I was in the #2 lane. I had put my window down and got his attention and told him I was a retired Buena Park Officer and was heading to the retirees monthly breakfast at the Fullerton Airport. I asked him his name and he said Ackerman and he asked me my name. I told him and he said with a big smile I know about you or I've heard about you! We laughed and that was about it, but even in that brief contact and moment I was impressed by his positive response toward me and felt that this was a good man. I told him to take care and be safe. I'm sorry I didn't know him better, but after reading all the other comments I feel my impression of him for those few moments was right on. It's really sad to lose good and reliable men like him and I will continue to keep him and his little girl Avery in my thoughts and prayers.
Dan Flanagan Retired 12-31-98.
09-15-11
I met Dan during his first days as an Explorer at BPPD. I remember him as always being ready and willing to help anyone with anything. He seemed rather quiet at first but I believe he was just trying to figure me out. As he soon learned I was never a very serious person, even when I tried to be. I watched him grow, along with Bryan Weimer, Mike Galos, Mario Escamilla and Ryan Herst. I remember seeing Dan for the first time in his Reserve uniform. I held up my jacket in front of him and said “Take that off! You want to get arrested for impersonating an officer?”. Dan, in my eyes, was still that 16 year old kid I had met back in 1995. Accepting he was now old enough to be an officer meant I had to accept I was getting older too. All he could do was flash his sweet boyish smile and his badge... As a former CAP who worked the DUI Checkpoints, Dan would be out there too. He enjoyed my role as designated Chauffeur and made many jokes relating me to “Driving Miss Daisy”. During Silverado Days, Dan found one of my tasks was to be Chauffeur to the personnel coming and going to the park. Driving him back to the station, I remember looking in the rearview mirror and seeing Dan sitting back there just like Miss Daisy and reaching over the front seat to tap me on the shoulder to ask me if I had to go “make water”. Then at the red light he suggested we do a Chinese Fire Drill yet there were only the two of us in the car! Now I wish I had done it.
Hearing the fate of Officer Ackerman was very hard to take. I first received notice from Detective Sal La Barbera of LAPD. All the great memories keep flooding my brain. I know I had congratulated him when he became a Reserve but I don’t think I ever got to tell him how proud I was of the gentleman he had become. They just don’t make kids, like Dan, much anymore. Tyler Pinchot agreed with me on that and thought the world of Dan. I did too. I will never forget Dan or all the laughter he brought to my life. I thank Dan’s mom for giving us such a wonderful friend.
Bryan, Mike, Mario and Ryan, I love you guys too! Be safe out there boys and always be good!
Hugs and sympathy, Jan Jensen
09-24-2011
Danny,
I love you and miss you. I was honored to have your trust and be your friend and partner. I read your text messages and listen to your voice mails and still can't believe you're gone. You know how I felt about you and I am glad we had the time we had together. I promised you're mother I will never let anyone forget you. Both you and Tyler will not be forgotten. Avery is a beautiful little girl and she was very fortunate to have you in her life. We will do our best to keep you alive in her memory.
Love,
Judy Williams