Oceanside Police Department, California
End of Watch Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Reflections for Police Officer Daniel S. Bessant
Hi Dan,
You have been in my thoughts A LOT lately and I felt it necessary to just "check in" and say Hi. I was going through some things at my house and found the card and *$ card that your family gave to all of us staff members at the PCPA graduation and it just sent chills up my spine. Your family was so kind and generous to do that for us despite all that they have been and are going through and I think I will carry that *$ card around in my vest pocket like I do with special things that I hold close to my heart. (Pictures of my family, my favorite bible verse, etc)I have scrolling pics on my CAD and there are a few of your dedicated class 15's graduation. One of the pics is the speech that your Dad gave us and he is holding Wyatt and Wyatt has this IMPISH look in his eye.. It is too cute.
Then I had the pleasure of meeting Drew's brother-in-law on a call. His friend was the victim of a 459 veh and the two of them and my partner and I laughed and joked for about 45 minutes... Shhhhhh don't tell supervision! LOL. He had a memorial sticker for you on the back of his vehicle and I noticed it right away. We talked about your family and you and I just wanted to let them know that they have also been in my thoughts and with Halloween just passing, it made me wonder what crazy little costume Wyatt was going to wear and then it made me shed a tear that his Daddy had to watch him from above and not be down here with him in person. Drew's brother-in-law gave me a whole stack of the memorial stickers and I have been sharing them with my partners here at work and at the academy... I swear those things are like giving away diamonds!!! Thank you for being an inspiration to all of us. I hope that your family and friends are doing well and I hope that they know that they are thought of and prayed for.
Take care and I will talk to you again soon.
R. AKANS #1354
ESPD/PCPA
November 2, 2008
"Happy Birthday Danny!" We all "Love You" and miss you so much.
Zoe Scaggs
Best Friends Mom
October 16, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! It looks like a fine day for fishing as I look out the window here...clear sky, crisp morning and flat water. The lobster season has also been good so far...We should have a gathering of sorts and eat lots of delicious treats from the Sea! I think we could probably manage to come up with some sort of punch to serve at this disorganized event as well. Miss you.
Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD
October 16, 2008
Dan it has been a long time since I have posted but it doesn't mean I haven't thought of you often. Today I talked about you in a class I was teaching and a lump still swells in my throat every time. If I can instill your spirit and love for the job in one student I will consider my new career as a teacher to be a success. Another friend has recently passed while, like you, doing what he loved. Former SAPD officer and retired Border Patrol pilot Jim Bland was the co-pilot of a Leer Jet that crashed last week. Welcome him aboard and give him my regards.
Frank
SAPD-Retired
October 2, 2008
Danny, just thinking about you... RIP
Shirl
OPD/TPD
August 27, 2008
Danny Boy,
Missed you at the Rooster last night. The Rooster Burgers were extra tasty...and I know how you like those Rooster Burgers. On another note, the fishing has been interesting...warm water bringing up some good fish but too many little bait fish in the water so people have been spotting dorado under the kelp patties clutching their full bellies with their fins...no bites, no nibbles, nothing...
Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD
August 22, 2008
Danny,
Thinking about you today and missing you, as we do everyday.
We Love You...
Zoe
Zoe Scaggs
Best Friends Mom
August 2, 2008
Everyone sicked out today, wish you could be the one I'm calling in to work some sweet Harbor O/T with me. We have had a few good rescues lately. Miss you all the time buddy.
Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD
July 19, 2008
Hey Dan-
Just getting ready to graduate a group of kids from the Junior Deputy Academy...I named one of the awards after you and called it the Dan Bessant Spirit Award. I decided to put your picture on the big screen when I give the award just as a reminder of what I'm doing there. I give the award to the kid who reminds me the most of your spirit. You are still inspiring me to enjoy life, help others, and tell great stories of the adventures. Newsome works with me now and he and I were telling stories of the Christmas Party at Lawrence Welk. We laughed for a good 20 minutes with that one! Can you check my mystagmus? Just isn't the same without you.
Kristina Nehls
SDSO
June 19, 2008
RIP
Police Corporal Matt Lyons
Oceanside Police Department
June 16, 2008
So every time that I am coming home from San Diego on NB I-5 I debate on whether it's faster to take Mission or O'side Blvd. Thanks a lot for that one...
By the way, I still would rather take Blvd. even though you swear Mission is faster with all the right turns...
Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD
June 7, 2008
Danny Boy,
Just got some ink in your honor and let me tell you, hour ten was the worst. I think about you everyday and I have been traveling like crazy so that I'll have some good stories for you; whenever I see you again. Miss you buddy.
Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD
June 4, 2008
It has been a very long time since I have written, so I just thought I'd get on here and write :)
Thinking of you today (like everyday!)...Rob went out of the Harbor fishing for some Thresher Shark he heard was biting out there the other day :) Those shark saw all of his hair and swam away :)....just kidding (I know you can relate)! He and his buddy didn't come home with anything...that's okay! They had a great day anyway!
You & Tony keep watching over us! Love to you & Everyone else I know you are celebrating with!
Love & Prayers,
Tamara :)
Tamara - OPD Wife & Friend
May 19, 2008
Rest in Peace Danny!
Police Corporal Matt Lyons (Historian)
Oceanside Police Department, Cal
May 16, 2008
Hi Danny... I haven't written in quite some time but I think about you and miss you every single day. Every time someone comes into my office and looks at your photo they ask about you and I'm able to tell them what a wonderful person you were... Sometimes I tell them some of the funny stories about you and they laugh and I it always makes me feel so good to remember you that way.
I wasn't able to go to Sacramento this year and I really wanted to so it bothered me quite a bit... but I kept you and Tony and all our brothers and sisters in mind and close in heart. How is it that time passes but everything seems to stand still? Well, I better get back to work... You and Tony keep watching over us okay?
Shirl
OPD/TPD
May 16, 2008
Danny,
I just found an awesome picture of you and Forrest Langford. It's your usual incredibly serious with no shenanigans type of picture...right.
Just got back from the memorial in Sacramento, finally got to see your name up there...it doesn't really get any easier just more surreal and numb feeling. On a better note, your boy is looking good dude. Still growing like a weed and getting into all kinds of mischief...I wonder where he got that from...
Miss you, especially a couple weekends back when it was so hot at the house that I thought I was in the Sahara and I had to stand over the BBQ grilling up 40 lbs. of carne asada for the block party. Wish you were there.
Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD
May 12, 2008
A Warrior’s Prayer
Today is the day the Lord has made…
I prepare and ready myself for war, awaiting battle and what it holds for me.
Not because I am a seeker of oppression or the taking of another, because these are the true tests and measures of my faith and love for my God.
Lord I pray; Let my compassion and understanding run swifter than my judgments, but in moments of duress and where innocents fall underfoot, let your sword of justice destroy my enemy by my hands. And in all my endeavors, let my actions and my words glorify your name.
Daily will I face the works and the very army of satan himself and witness the horrors and evils of non-believers and the twisted motivations of the lost who seek to undermine you and hinder my aim, though none shall deter my cause for I know my calling.
Like the symbol of the eagle, the branch of peace extends first for those who seek it, but the arrows stand ready to take flight when provoked. And when provoked and tested, I will fear nothing, for I am eternally protected by my faith in you and covered in the armor of your blood.
Lord, you are my guide, my purpose and my shelter from the destructions of evil men. My Every move is according to your plan.
As a soldier for Saint Michael, satan’s armies will be trampled beneath me in your name and through all doubts cast and burdens bore will I rise again, if even in death.
For as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.
In this, I pray.
Amen
Officer Damian Jackson
Escondido PD
April 30, 2008
Danny,
Thinking about you, as we do everyday. We Love You with all our hearts. Not a day goes by that we don't miss you, although we know that you are still here with us. Honey, this is the hardest thing I have ever been through in my whole life. I hope you have always known how much you have "always" meant to our family... you have always been our third son..."We Love You, Danny!" I'll close for now. XXOO
Zoe
Zoe Scaggs
Best Friends Mom
April 5, 2008
Danny Boy,
I'm bored, come over and hang out. There's no surf today, it's cold outside...maybe we could go for a drive or something. I know, how about Tecate for some tortas and coke in a bottle...
Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD
March 31, 2008
Happy Easter, Brother.
God bless you and your amazing family.
Give my mom a hug for me.
Officer Damian Jackson
Escondido PD
March 24, 2008
I haven't been on here in a while, but I thought of you today, and just wanted to leave a note.
Maybe it's because I'm going back down there for a visit that you popped in my head... Not sure.
I think I'll call Rich up so we can get together for a drink and toast a great guy who paid the ultimate sacrifice serving others.
You'll always be remembered.
Cheryl Spotts
Past OPD Dispatcher/ Friend
March 16, 2008
Danny Boy,
I miss my boat rescue partner...I've had some good ones lately and it definitely isn't the same as having you on the boat with me. So, Richie started surfing again, I know I know, amazing! We went out the other night but missed our third party. I'm sitting in the airport flying out to go snowboarding in Utah, drinking some Captain for ya...
Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD
March 8, 2008
Cupcake, I started working in the schools a few weeks back and thought it would be great I would see your dad everyday. You were your father's child. Imagine this...I have seen him since the first day. I am going to make a point and stop by his work manana and visit with him. I still see those eyes. I will never forget and miss the fun. Oh the minnow is going on the chopping block. Rescue Rob and his tackle box will never take over the stern again. Miss you cupcake.
Jeff
Sergeant Jeff Brandt
OPD
February 25, 2008
yo dude- its been a while since ive left something but i think about you constantly. i wish you were here so we could bbq on my CLEAN meat smoker unlike your rotten dirty one. but you always said cleaning it would take away from the flavor... someone sent me a quote that you said which made me crack up...
"Why try and fail when you can not try and still fail"..... Dan Bessant.
classic danny. miss you more and more each day. i need my adventure buddy back.
Richie Scaggs
Oceanside PD
February 4, 2008
OMTI for some Jon and Danny time?
Off. Jonathan Hoover
Friend and OHPD
February 3, 2008

