"Thank you Daryl for saving my life ."
In loving memory of
Daryl Pierson
September 20, 1981 - September 3, 2014
Survived by wife, Amy E. Pierson; son, Christian Pierson; daughter, Charity Pierson; father, Steve R. Pierson; mother, Deborah J. Pierson; sister, Patty (Greg VanFleet) Pierson; brother, Brett Pierson; sister, Julie Pierson; mother father-in-law, Mitch Joan Evans; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles cousins.
Daryl's visitation is 2-4 7-9 PM on Monday and 2-4 7-9 PM on Tuesday at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane (between 390 Long Pond Rd), Rochester, NY 14626. His funeral service will be celebrated at 11 AM Wednesday at the Blue Cross Arena, 100 Exchange Blvd, Rochester, NY 14614. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Badge of Honor Association, PO Box 30735, Rochester, NY 14603 in Daryl's memory.
To donate to a memorial fund to assist Officer Pierson's family, go to: http://www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/remembering-daryl-pierson/228970
To watch a video highlighting Daryl's life as a policeman, follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPwXXP-xT8U
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Amy Pierson will cherish the past eight months more than any other in the 12 years she knew her husband, Rochester Police Officer Daryl Pierson. Forced home by an injury to his hand in January, Daryl Pierson used that time to grow closer to his 4-year-old son, Christian, who was readying for kindergarten; and bond with his "angel baby," Charity, who was born May 19 -- five weeks premature due to pregnancy complications.
It was a time Daryl Pierson will never have again.
"We had all those months as a family, which will be something we will always cherish," Amy Pierson said Thursday afternoon, little more than 12 hours after she put her head on her dead husband's chest, kissed his face and said goodbye for the last time. "He was always such a family man and he had those months to pour into the family and into Christian; those three months to bond with Charity. I'm so grateful that he got to see her, and know her and bond with her, because he was so excited for that little girl to be born."
On Wednesday, one day after he returned to work following the injury to his hand, the eight-year veteran of the department and a member of its respected Tactical Unit was shot and killed during an exchange of gunfire between police and a man officers were pursuing. The 32-year-old officer was taken to Rochester General Hospital where doctors worked with "absolute fury," and "tried to pull off a miracle, which was not to be," said Chief Michael Ciminelli.
FAMILY AND POLICE WORK
Amy and Daryl Pierson met about 12 years ago through family friends. "I thought he was so handsome, I think I told my girlfriend he was just the most handsome man I ever saw," Amy Pierson recalled. "And he was just fun, just fun to spend time with."
In a small ceremony in 2004, they married on a beach in Cape Hatteras on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Amy Pierson, also 32 and a part-time employee at Paychex, said she learned early on that her husband had unbending convictions about service and protecting people, which led him to the U.S. Army and then into police work. "He was very passionate about it, even from childhood it was the only thing he ever wanted to do, it was definitely where his heart was, serving and protecting," she said, sitting on a couch in the three-bedroom ranch-style home on a tucked-away street in East Rochester where they have lived for six years. He loved it ... he was just so passionate, he'd come home and be so fired up about those things, just making a difference and actually being a productive officer, it meant everything to him."
AMY PIERSON
The rooms of that home reveal the story of a life that was equally devoted to family and police work: Toy trucks and Legos cover the floors of the living room; Christian's construction-paper artwork adorns a kitchen wall: (I am big and I am driving my mom and dad to the sandbox and I am going to play there, too).
Family photos line the walls, sit in frames on tables and cover the refrigerator door. They show the emergence of a young family, from the seaside wedding to the birthing rooms of Christian and Charity. A book of police memorabilia including citations, graduation certificates and others lies on a kitchen counter.
Daryl Pierson spent much of his childhood in East Rochester and graduated from the high school there. He had three siblings, an older sister, Patty Rizzo, and a younger brother, Brett, and sister Julie. His mother, Debi, still lives in East Rochester; his father, Steve, lives in Wolcott, Wayne County.
Kim Romach, secretary to County Court Judge Victoria Argento, graduated a year after Daryl Pierson in high school. "As my mother would say, he's the type of guy your father would want you to marry," Romach said. "He was a stand-up guy. He was very respectful, the way he talked to people and treated people."
If you could pick guys we can't lose, he would be at the top of the list."
Daryl Pierson attended Monroe Community College before he became a police officer in 2006.
"It's all he ever wanted to do," Amy Pierson said. "He talked about possibly becoming a homicide detective but he wasn't hard-core on what path he would take."
He loved his brother and sister officers and the RPD, Amy Pierson said. "They genuinely cared about each other, more than regular co-workers, or more than being each others' responsibility. They loved each other. And it's showing, I'm just in awe of all these officers."
And one thing her huband knew for sure: "He was definitely planning on retiring from the Rochester Police Department," Amy Pierson said. "He loved it ... he was just so passionate, he'd come home and be so fired up about those things, just making a difference and actually being a productive officer, it meant everything to him."
THE GUY YOU WANT NEXT TO YOU
On Thursday, Daryl Pierson's colleagues called him a calming and steady member of the tight-knit Tactical Unit, a group known for proactive and aggressive policing which if often charged with dealing with some of the department's most chaotic and dangerous situations.
"He was a very solid officer, never over-the-top or high-strung," said Todd Baxter, executive director of the Veterans Outreach Center, former Greece police chief and a longtime member of the RPD. "He was the guy you want next to you when you're stepping out on street corners, the guy you want next to you when you're going on a robbery call because you know he's always going to be there."
Baxter met Pierson when Pierson went through the police academy. "He brought the ultimate sense of professionalism to a scene, even a chaotic scene. He was usually the calming factor."
The tactical unit is put in areas of high crime and used to bolster the division's regular patrols. Because of the intense nature of the work, its officers typically work in pairs, and the unit typically focuses on areas plagued by illegal guns, drug sales, robberies and violence. They often conduct corner enforcement and surveillance.
He was the best everything. He lived a hero, he didn't have to die to be a hero.
AMY PIERSON
"They are proactive, they enjoy shutting things down," said James Sheppard, Rochester's former police chief
"If there is a pattern of shootings, they are going to go in and shut it down. If there is a pattern of robberies, they are going to go in and shut it down, they are going to make those arrests," Sheppard said. "Because they cover the whole city, they know the whole city. They have informants, they work closely with homicide, they work closely with narcotics."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Gregory said Pierson also worked closely with federal law enforcement agencies including a major investigation of a gang that had a "corner store pretty much kidnapped."
Pierson knew the defendants and others and was key to the investigation in the Mark Street/Hudson neighborhood.
Death "just brings home the fact that these (police) are involved in dangerous work really on a day-to-day basis that often the general public takes for granted as to how dangerous it really is," Gregory said.
Ciminelli described Pierson as an "exemplary officer" whose actions "speak volumes" about his character. He listed eight years' worth of awards and accolades Pierson accumulated during his career. Among them were a 2010 Officer of the Month award, a 2013 Good Conduct award and 11 chief's letters of recognition, most of which commended his efforts in removing illegal guns from city streets, he said.
Mayor Lovely Warren said, "there are no words" to diminish pain felt by the Pierson family. "I ask people to understand they great sacrifice Officer Pierson made last night. He lost his life trying to protect and serve this community."
"IN HONOR OF YOUR DADDY"
Her husband was constantly working on the house and in the yard, Amy Pierson said, and joked that he preferred Home Depot gift cards to more traditional presents.
He was the "most disciplined and productive person that I ever met," she said, and he kept a close eye on the needs of the home, such as the above-ground pool in the backyard where he taught his 3-year-old niece, Madison, how to swim this summer.
The pool is already covered for the year in anticipation of the fall. "He never sat around, he was always doing house projects," she said.
Amy Pierson's mother, Joan Evans, said her son-in-law was a hero long before he was killed Wednesday night. "He was the best everything. He lived a hero, he didn't have to die to be a hero," she said. "He was a solid, strong guy. Strong and steady, the best, best dad, a hero daddy."
Amy Pierson agreed. "He was always the best father that you could imagine, he was just always with the kids. He was just an incredible father, so that's the hardest loss," she said, crying. "I don't know when it will all really start to sink in. I know for myself it will be a while for me to really be able to grieve because I am just completely focused on my children and trying to help our son."
East Rochester's interim superintendent Richard Stutzman Jr. said Christian started school on Wednesday. Grief counselors will be on hand for students and staff, as many knew the fallen officer, he said.
"They were just best friends," Amy Pierson said of her husband and Christian. "I'll try to have to help him learn how to live without a father and just try to get him through this process. So if there are any praying people out there, please pray for Christian, he's going to be 5 this month, and that's the devastating part."
Christian's birthday is Sept. 19, his father's would have been Sept 20.
As he looked out the side door of his home Thursday, Christian spotted some officers who were standing guard and vigil on the street in front of the home. "There's police cars out there," he said, wearing a Sponge Bob T-shirt and twirling the propeller of a small toy plane. "Sixteen of them. More than 16!" Amy Pierson smiled. "Yeah," she told her son. "It's all in honor of your daddy, buddy."
SAYING GOODBYE
Amy Pierson said the same calm with which her husband went about his police work, held their family together and gave her peace when she considered the dangerous job he had -- working Rochester's toughest neighborhoods from 7 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.
"You kind of worry about it ever single night, but you kind of get desensitized to it, and he was the strongest person I ever knew and I trusted that he knew what he was doing and I knew he did," she said. "He made us feel safe in every way, including about his job, so it wasn't a constant fear. He was just a calm person." That sense of safety was destroyed about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.
"Two officers came to the door and told me that Daryl had been shot and he was in critical condition and they didn't know anything else at the time but they said it was bad and they rushed me to the hospital.
"I got to go be with him, and I wasn't sure how I would feel about it when I got there, but it was just like it was him. I laid my head on his chest for a long time, and I held his hand, and kissed his face, and it was just like it was him. It was just like it was him. "He could have just opened his eyes right up."
-Article by Jon Hand at the Rochester Democrat Chronicle. Includes reporting by Gary Craig and Victoria E. Freile.
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Tributes
"Thinking of today and everyday"
"Thank You Daryl+ I Love You DP"
"Officer Daryl Pierson,Thank You for your Great service Your a hero an angel that looked over us in life and will look over us all forever,and Thank You all at The RPD,All Hreo's."
"My heartfelt sympathy to Amy, Christian, Charity, and the Evans/Pierson families. You lost a loving husband, father, son, and brother. Our community lost an outstanding police officer. I send my prayers out to all of you to embrace and comfort you in your time of sorrow. God Bless You."
"We just wanted to offer our condolences to you and your family. We also want to say "thank you" to Daryl and all Officers/EMTs that serve our communities. We appreciate you all. May God bless and comfort you during your time of loss."
"......but yesterday I was proud to be a Rochestarian - we never met but yesterday our hearts met"
"God called you home - we lost a hero"
"Rest in peace, Officer Pierson"
"RIP Daryl, your died a true hero jesus must have wanted you for a special purpose!!"
"Your light will continue to shine.
Amy, family & RPD...may God's peace and grace comfort you always."
"Thank you Daryl Pierson for your 8 years of keeping the streets of Rochester just a little safer for us. You are a true hero in every sense of the word. Keep watch over your brothers in blue while they watch over your family."
"A new watch has started in Heaven today, Rest in Peace Officer Pierson.
STAY STRONG RPD"
"You were a true hero. RIP"
"Officer Pierson, I would like to thank you for your courage and conviction in serving our city of Rochester and our great country the United States of America! Thank you for your sacrifice so that all Americans can and will be free! Thank you for your dedication to the City of Rochester so that the citizens of this city could sleep peacefully at night knowing a great man such as yourself was protecting them! May God bless you, your family and your fellow officers! Rest in Peace!"
"Thank you for your Service Officer Daryl Pierson. May your strength & courage be passed along to your wife, children, parents, in-laws, siblings, your fellow colleagues and the community of Rochester. My thoughts & prayers are with your family, your extended family & the community. You paid the ultimate price & I hope that you R.I.P knowing that in your passing it has brought us together."
"RIP Officer Pierson"
"Life is not fair...we all know this but still very hard to understand when a person like you is taken from this Earth. Thank You for your service to our country and to Rochester. I will pray for your wife and children for the rest of my life. I hope that from heaven you will be able to keep watch over them too. I wish this could be reversed and that you could come home to your family. RIP Darly Pierson. You are truly an american hero!"
"I know you were a Great Man, Officer, Father ,Husband, and Son God Bless Your Family and Thank You for your Service"
"I did not know Officer Pierson, but I want to thank him for everything he did to keep this city safe and his country..... You are and always will be a Hero, you just have wings now..... Keeping your family in my prayers."
"RIP Officer Pierson and my deepest sympathy to family and friends. God Bless You."
"This candle is for a dedicated Police Officer and prayers to the Pierson Family."
"Thank you Officer Pierson, for your selfless service, your unfailing courage, and the honor you have brought to the badge. My thoughts and prayers go out to your beautiful family, the officers you worked with, and the entire Rochester Police Department. You will NEVER be forgotten. Always in our hearts. 8843."
"Amy & the whole Pierson family, My heart & prayers go out to you all as well as the entire RPD community. Growing up in an RPD policeman's family, we knew that people aren't just family by blood, but by the "Brotherhood/Sisterhood" of the RPD officers as well. You will always be a part of that extended family, as I am. God bless you all, and know that my Daddy is probably fishing with Daryl right now! Hugs & prayers!"
"Enjoy your new life through the 'Pearly Gates of Heaven'. God Bless you."
"We are honored that you made the tough choices to serve your country and your community. May those you leave behind be surrounded by love and support. Thank you!"
"Thank you for your service. you are in my prayers."
"God Bless"
"prayers to your family. RIP"
"May god light the way and remove all sorrow from the hearts of his family and friends."
"Rest in Peace Brother. Fly with the Angels."
"So sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to allt the family, friends and fellow officers. May Daryl's memory remain close in heart. And I pray to God to watch over his children."
"Michael A. Paul purchased flowers (The FTD Living Spirit Dishgarden - Standard) Our Deepest Sympathy to Amy and her family. From your North Carolina family, Mike and Penny Paul and family"
"My daughter (RPD-RET)and my youngest son (MCSD) both had the privilege of working with Officer Daryl Pierson at different times in their careers. Their words to me in the past several days spoke of a man with high integrity and dedication to help protect and to serve both family and community. Though I never met him personally, I feel the Blue Bond will never be broken. While I cannot match the words of other writers about him, I offer these... Know there is love, on earth and above as we watch you soar to live evermore in your family of love. To your family we pray, Every single way, That their love will endure And therefore ensure A much brighter day. And for your entire family, We pray for them to have the same strength that you always showed to all. God Bless each and every one of you, Along with all the others in Blue. Rich "Cookie" Cookinham"
"May you rest in peace for all of eternity. You will be forever missed and never forgotten. We'll take it from here, brother."
"Our hearts are heavy, thank you for your service. Keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers"
"My thoughts and prayers are with Daryl's family. Thank you for your service to the city of Rochester.RIP"
"Dear Family of this fallen hero- I am so sorry for your loss.A husband,father,son and brother.May he rest in peace.Thank You for his service and may God's new angel never be forgotten."
"Our sincere condolences on your heartbreaking loss. Know that "strangers" share your sorrow and appreciate such sacrifice. Always remember with pride the outstanding person Officer Pierson was and that others celebrate his contributions."
"You served your country and Rochester. We all owe you a debt of gratitude."
"Heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Pierson family. Our thoughts are and have been with you. Officer Pierson will forever remain in our thoughts as we keep our blue light lit, day & night, always. God bless you all."
"Amy, It' so hard to know what to say when your strength seems to be holding others up when it should be the other way around - but that is the Amy I know and love. I got to know and love you before you and Daryl met and it had to be a very special man good enough for you - and you found him. It seems like yesterday we visited you in your new town of Rochester - Daryl was just in the academy and proudly drove us by where he was training to serve the community of Rochester and he took us to some special places he loved in the area - since it was his home town. We love you very much and will keep our arms around you and the kids. Love you girl, Cheryl"
"with heartfelt sympathies, love and virtual hugs from one police family (NYPD 41st PCT. Bronx by way of Rochester)....to your family. You are forever in our prayers."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. So sorry for your loss."
"Requiescat in pace."
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Pierson Family at this time. No words can express the extreme loss that all those that loved Daryl are feeling. My husband works with his Cousin Chris and our hearts go out to his wife and children. May you find strength, comfort and peace during the services and days and months to come. Our sincerest sympathies.
The Sands Family"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time"
"My deepest heartfelt condolences to all your family and friends. Thank you Hero Officer Daryl Pierson for your service for our Country and Community. Continued prayers for your beloved wife and children."
"Dear Brother Officer, I was a 28 year veteran of the RPD, retiring in 2004. I did not have the privilege of serving with you but I know from speaking with current officers that your were a Great Officer and well respected by your peers. Words cannot express the heartfelt sorry and grief I feel for your family and fellow officers. You can leave the "JOB" but the "JOB" never leaves you. Know that the brave men and woman of RPD will take you watch now. R.I.P.brother, your mission is complete."
"For your service and ultimate sacrifice, we will hold your family in our hearts & prayers always.Our deepest condolences to the Pierson Family."
"Sending my Heart Felt Sympathy to Officer Pierson's Wife, Children and his Family as they grieve at his untimely passing. Know that he will always be in your hearts. Sending my love and Prayers to you from Clifton Springs, NY."
"Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time."
"From what I have seen and heard and read, Ofc Pierson was a wonderful and dedicated husband, Dad, friend, and police officer. My prayers are with his family, friends, fellow officers and the Rochester community as we all find strength and healing."
"My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. May God bless you and keep you during this time."
"Even though we did not know Officer Pierson and his beautiful family, we were compelled to express our heartfelt sympathy and prayers. By what we've read, Officer Pierson had many gifts in this life, but length of years. We thank this brave man and know that he is a true hero who gave up his life to keep us all safe from harm. What a legacy he leaves for his wife and children - God Bless you all........."
"When you were a young boy you were such a nice, caring and helpful young man We have so many wonderful memories of you in that small town of Rose. You grew up to become such a wonderful Husband, brother and friend to all who came across your path You have helped so many people in the short time you were with us You will truly be missed Love and Prayers for your family Your with God now watch over your Family and give them the guidance they need. You will never be forgotten."
"From a U.S. Army Brother to another you will be missed and honored"
"RIP Our Hero Officer Daryl Pierson ? Son, Husband, Father, Veteran, Officer, Friend, Hero! We have such a strong little community. No matter what happens, it's great to know that love and support is just a doorstep away! Thank you everyone for coming together to support Officer Daryl Pierson. His family, friends and fellow RPD!"
"I did not know Officer Pierson or his family, but I would like to say that his death is a great loss to our community, and that as a community we honor his service. My prayers are with you, and your family. May you find comfort and strength in the outpouring of love and support at this most sorrowful time."
"Daryl was always very polite. He always had a positive demeanor on the phone, radio, or in person.Everyone who knew Daryl are in my thoughts & prayers.RIP 8843."
"My thoughts and prayers are with the Pierson family and the RPD you have made all of us that did not know him feel like we did god bless you Any and your beautiful children."
"I don't know you,but I wanted to send my thoughts and prayers to all of you in this time of need, may the Lord comfort and be with you all in this time of sorrow,I will keep you all in my prayers....you will always be remembered as a true hero and may you RIP......"
"My Deepest Sympathy and Love goes out to the Pierson Family and you are all in my prayers at this time."
"To the family of Daryl R. Pierson, I am very sorry for your loss. This should never, ever have happened. May you find comfort in the days and years to come. I know the community will embrace each and every one of you and help to take care of you as well as help raise those beautiful babies you two have. To RPD extended families, thank you for all you do and have done in the past to keep the city of Rochester safe. Please continue to do the great work you have been doing and remember to stay safe. God Bless you Daryl. You were a wonderful person! -"
"I remember a pleasant June day a few years ago. I pulled up in front of the Pierson home to meet Amy and my daughter, and Daryl was out front digging up weeds with a new gadget he had received as a Father's Day gift, designed especially for that purpose. He was happy and content, very pleased with the pile of weeds he was building, not minding at all a task that many would find tedious and time consuming. With a bright smile, he shared that he preferred to dig the weeds rather than applying poison that could harm his son should he play on the lawn. I remember thinking how sweet it was that he would go that extra mile out of love for his child, and was impressed by his good-natured patience. That day, I knew I was sharing a pleasant conversation with a nice guy and good dad. Yet it all seemed so very normal. Who knew on that sunny Saturday that the man I was conversing with was a hero? Daryl was a man who went about his life consistently doing the right thing, regardless of what it would cost him; and he died a hero, still doing the right thing up to the very end. Heartbroken for what we all have lost, I second the statement made a few days ago by his mother-in-law Joan Evans: "Daryl didn't have to die to be a hero.""
"My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. God Bless"
"I met Dayrl Pierson on a ride along with my son , Alex. And to be introduced to a real hero is and always will be a memory. Our condolences to the Pierson family."
"Rip Officer Pearson...you will forever be miss..."
"On behalf of our organization, we wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Officer Daryl Pierson. Rest in Peace, Dear Brother and our extreme gratitude for your service to the community."
"God bless your family. You all are in our prayers. The Ciravola Family"
"In valor there is hope. You made a difference. You are missed."
"Our hearts and prayers go out to Daryl's Family & Friends at this great loss!
James & Sharon Ludlow - Hilton, NY"
"As a member of the U.S Army Military Police from 1972-1975 I had a similar experience. My 1st road patrol partner was killed at the age of 19. I understand your difficultly. God bless your family and the Rochester Police department for all they do."
"You will never be forgotten. Thank you for all your dedication and honor. Your family is in my prayers."
"Thank you Officer Pierson for your service and commitment to protecting the Rochester community. My heartfelt sympathies to your beautiful family, the RPD and your Partner who was on with you that night who is inevitably struggling with his own pain. May God Bless all of you."
"My deepest sympathies to the whole Pierson family. Although I did not know you thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service to our country and our city. May your family take comfort in knowing you are their angel from above watching over them. God bless and watch over your brothers and sisters in blue. 10-7 Officer Pierson RIP..."
"There are no words."
"Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice, We will never forget you. May god bring comfort to your family, friends and fellow officers. Rest in peace."
"Daryl, we thank you for your service to the community. You have touched a lot of lives to help others, and for that we are thankful."
"God bless you and your family, may you rest in peace."
"God Bless you and may your family find peace."
"Thank you for your 8 years of selfless service at RPD. Thoughts are with you, your family and the RPD Brothers and Sisters!! Rest easy Brother!!"
"Thank you for your service to our country and our community. May God Bless you and your family now and always."
"Thank you for protecting our community. You are gone but I can tell you that you will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace"
"Words alone can not express the sadness we feel for the Pierson family. What a great loss the community and department must be going through. We wish you all only the very best, and we hope those around you gather for support when you need it most."
"Daryl's life and talents were shared with people he loved and who loved him. We are grateful for his gifts and his dedication of service. Heartfelt sympathy and prayers to his family, friends and co-workers. amen"
"On behalf of the Northeast Chapter of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators, we offer our sincere condolences to the Pierson Family, as well as the Rochester Police Department, for the tragic loss of Officer Daryl Pierson. Words cannot truly express our sorrow for you at this most difficult time. Officer Pierson died a hero in service to his community, lest we never forget his ultimate sacrifice. May you find some peace in knowing that others truly care. May God Bless you and comfort you in your time of need. Sincerely, Brad Anderson President, NE-IAATI Lancaster (PA) Police, Retired"
"Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you."
"My condolences and prayers go out to the Pierson family and Daryl's extended family, the men and woman in blue. May you have peace with the Lord my brother, you will never be forgotten."
"My sincerest condolences to the Pierson family and to all of the Rochester Police Department. And my thanks to a all of them for their service to this community. They are all in my prayers."
"Thank you for your service. May you rest on peace."
"Thank you for serving our country and protecting Rochester. You will be missed by so many."
"Thanks you for your service. My heart is so heavy for your family. God Bless"
"Thank you for your service....may your family feel the love of this community.."
"Thank you Daryl Pierson for being a hero. Thank you for your dedication to serve and protect the city of Rochester. May your beautiful children know what a hero you are and feel your arms around them when things are difficult. May your family and loved ones some day find peace knowing your are still serving and protecting them from above. May God Bless family, friends, all the first line responders, our military, the City of Rochester and the United States."
"May you rest in peace. To the family and friends I'm sorry for your loss"
"Thanks for your service. You truly have died a hero. We in emergency services community are mourning your loss and it is so sad when one of our own is taken so early in life. May you RIP and may your family be blessed by God and prayers sent their way.
Rip"
"In a bittersweet moment another Hero has found his wings and has set off on flight safe into the arms of God and to those Heroes gone before him waiting and anticipating his arrival as they make their way into heaven. May you take comfort in knowing an angel and a Hero is watching over you now.
Our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Officer Daryl Pierson, the RPD, and all others touched by this sad and unfortunate event. Greece Volunteer Ambulance salutes your valor and places you all in our thoughts and prayers. We are available for any of your needs should you require anything. - Chief Bortle"
"I love you man. Miss you. You're with great grandma and great grandpa. You can rest easy now bud. You were a great uncle. We love you."
"Rest in Peace Officer Pierson. Thoughts and prayers are with your family."
"Thank-you for your service and the sacrifice you have made. My deepest sympathy to your family. God Bless."
"Never forget."
"May God bless you, and may he look over your wife and children."
"You will be greatly missed! Thank you for protecting our city!"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Pierson family and the RPD family."
"Rest Easy Brother"
"REST IN PEACE...YOUR A TRUE HERO..."
"May you rest in peace. Words cannot express the sorrow we all feel. May God bless your family."
"Just speechless will never be forgotten god bless this family praying everyday I'm
So sorry"
"With our deepest sympathy, we pray that God, who is the God of all comfort, will give you strength now and in the days ahead! Psalm 10:17"
"You are truly a Hero, Daryl. Rest in peace..."
"RIP...Never Forgotten"
"Words can not expess my saddness and deep sorrow for your loss. My husband has served on RPD for 28 years, and spoke so highly of Daryl. He was an incredible husband, father and Officer. He was the cream of the crop....Please know that RPD families will look after you and be there for whatever you need..and know our hearts are bleeding for you and your beautiful family. I am a native of ER and I know that community and RPD will never leave your side...I am so so sorry for your loss....May God be with you and your family at this time of grief...."
"Thank you and God bless you."
"Prayers to your family"
"R.I.P. Officer Pearson. We did not know you, but we appreciate and honor who you are and what you have done for our City and our Police Department. You will always be in our hearts and prayers. Mrs. Pearson, please accept our condolences on your tragic loss. You, and your family, will also remain in our hearts and prayers."
"I remember riding two badge with Daryl and he was always constantly mumbling and running plates. I drove cause I had been warned about him being a bad driver, lol he did drive a few times and we did just fine. He was a great cop and I respected him a trusted him so much. He was so smart and every time we arrested someone or cuffed some one he would always say to them "these come off as easy as they go on, and if ypu act like a gentleman you will be treated like a gentleman". I always loved that saying, and I will adopt it and carry it will me. Love and prayers to his family and the rest of my family in blue."
"Im sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers to both the families.
Daryl will truly be missed."
"RIP Daryl you will be missed by you brothers and sister in Police Fire and EMS"
"our prayers are with you"
"Daryl you are loved and will be missed, but never forgotten. Always in our thoughts and forever in our hearts.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time."
"Our heartfelt sympathy to the Pierson family. My son and I watched the procession to the funeral home. Every time I leave my street, I see the honor guard their with their lights flashing and I say a Hail Mary for Daryl. May God shine his grace upon you through this terrible time. It is comforting to see such solidarity from Daryl's fellow officers and the entire community."
"Officer Daryl Pierson, you were a credit to your department and your community. You were hardworking and dedicated. You followed a dream and you walked the same path as some many others. Now you have been tasked with a new position. You will be a Guardian Angel over your Sisters and Brothers in Blue as well as your children. You will be missed! Rest in Peace! From your Sister in Blue."
"Heart felt condolences to the family and friends of Rochester Police Officer Daryl Pierson. Your loss and sorrow is felt throughout the community. Although our brother officer has fallen, his service to our community will be remembered forever. To the family of Officer Pierson, you will be forever in our thoughts and we will walk with you always. Kim Hinkley, Investigator RPD (retired)."
"May I express my sincere condolences to the Pierson family, and to my many friends from the Rochester Police Department, present or retired on the tragic passing of a true hero in our brother & sisterhood. Daryl as you pass into the eternal light rest assured you'll never be forgotten by those of us you left behind, with a final salute you are our hero in the highest degree ! Amen.."
"May God bless you all through this very difficult time. May God give you comfort. Though our families have never met, as a family of a police officer in training, our hearts are broken with you. Stay strong knowing that Officer Pierson is respected by so many and that you all are in our prayers and in our thoughts."
"Bless you"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"Daryl, you are a true hero and set an excellent example for all of us to live by. You may be gone but will never be forgotten. Rest in peace."
"Rest in Peace Brother. You have done your duty. You have served with honor."
"Rest easy brother. We will take it from here. God Bless you and your family."
"Rest in peace Officer Pierson. You are a true hero in the eyes of so many people. My thoughts and prayers go out to Amy, Christian, Charity and all of your family members. Daryl was a special and caring RPD officer but also a great dad that will never be forgotten."
"RIP Officer, Thank you for your service and for your sacrifice."
"Our condolences to you and your family Amy...you are all in our prayers. Daryl was a True Hero and always will be!"
"God Bless You Officer Pierson. I didn't know you or your family but my heart is saddened by what has happened.. You and your wife and beautiful children will be in my prayers.. Rest In Peace"
"May you rest in peace and God comfort your family during this very difficult time."
"Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to all of you. God Bless Daryl and the RPD."
"God watch over this family"
"Thank you for giving your life for so many others. You are a True inspiration. Our prayers go out to your family"
"Thank you for all your service, May you rest in peace Officer Pierson. Thoughts and prayers to your family, may you always look down on them and us."
"What is there to say....thank you...so very sad....I hold in my heart the hope that you will see you family once again and all will make sense...for now you are all in my prayers and my heart."
"Your smile was illuminating, so I light this candle in remembrance of your handsome face that will be deeply missed by all. You will forever be remembered as the hero that you truly are. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with your beautiful family through this tough time. It was a pleasure to have known you. Rest now my friend. ?"
"RIP Officer Piersen. I am so sorry that you lost your life while trying to protect the citizens of Rochester. God Bless you and please help your family through this horrific time in their lives."
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Pierson's wife and two very young children. RIP Officer Pierson."
"My heart felt sympathy and condolenses to the family, my heart is very heavy, he was a happy go lucky guy always had a smile on his face and a hello for you!! He was a hero to the city of Rochester, you will be sadly missed, rest in peach brother!!"
"I never knew Daryl, but was amazed in talking with others upon his passing how closely we were connected. I am a stranger, and yet my mind has been on nothing but this god awful tragedy since it happened. That is how wrong and unbelievable the whole loss is. The entire community is reeling. Daryl-if you are looking down on us, I thank you for your service and for the ultimate sacrifice of your life. And I thank you for leaving behind the wonderful legacy of your wife and children. I hope the RPD family that thought so much of you will one day be able to see you on the other side and tell you again how much you were respected and loved. Godspeed Officer Pierson. May you rest in peace."
"Daryl I love and miss you so much you will never be forgotten REST IN PEACE my son"
"Our heart felt condolences to the Pierson family. May all of you, at some point, find the peace of mind you need to carry on."
"RIP you will be missed"
"Sorry for all the pain and loss by so many. GOD bless you all"
"David Lyons purchased flowers (The FTD Farewell Too Soon Bouquet - Standard) Our deepest sympathy to a great hero, Daryl Pierson. Lyons Tactical"
"My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow."
"Thoughts and prayers to the family of Officer Daryl Pierson.May God bless you during this time of sorrow."
"My thoughts and condolences are with you and your family in this difficult time"
"SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOR FAMILY."
"I lived next door to his brother Brett. I saw Daryl all the time as he was at Brett's house alot, helping with projects around the house. He was such a nice guy, who always waved with a big smile and would stop to talk when I was out with my dog Rufus and come over to pet my dog. He and Brett even helped me with an outdoor project. The relationship he had with Brett was wonderful to see. They clearly loved and respected one another. He will be greatly missed."
"Our deepest sympathy to our fellow brother and sister Officers at the Rochester Police Department and to Daryl's family. Words cannot express the sorrow and pain that we feel from the loss of this great person. He made the ultimate sacrifice with his life for this City. He will always be remembered. Our prayers and thoughts are with you each and every day. It isn't how Daryl died that made him a hero, It's how he lived!"
"Daryl, you are a hero, a fellow officer, a brother in the National Guard. God Speed to you, and thank you for your devoted service. Family and friends, we wish you comfort, love and our undying support and gratitude."
"Thank you for your service to our country and your service in the RPD. Rest in peace, sir."
"With Deepest Sympathies to You & Your Family. May God Bless and Watch Over You and Yours."
"Thanks for serving my community. Gone too soon."
"With our gratefulness for all you did! You will not be forgotten. Praying for your family."
"Thought and prayers are with your family during this most difficult time. Rest in peace."
"You do not know us but we wanted to express our sincere condolences to your family, especially his wife and children. Our hearts are so saddened and heavy and we hope and pray for you to be able to find some peace and comfort in his love for you, his life and in the faces of his children. We are so very sorry for your loss. May God bless you and your family and be beside you in this tragic time."
"We cannot convey how deeply sorry we are for your loss. May God bless your family."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you in you time of need. Rest in Peace Daryl."
"Our prayers are with the Pierson Family and the entire RPD Family. May you be consoled by the promise of the Resurrection."
"Many prayers for this horrific loss. A true American Hero. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. RIP brother in blue."
"Deepest Condolences to all of Off. Pierson's family and co-workers. Town of Webster, NY Fire Marshal's Office"
"You do not know us at all but I just wanted to send our "condolences" to all of the family of this "brave" man ! Our heart and sorrow goes out to you all ! Our prayers are with you at this time of "heartache" and "sorrow" !!! God Bless !!!"
"There are no words to heal the pain of Daryl's passing. May God Bless his Family and all of his brother and sisters in RPD."
"My deepest condolences goes out to the family, RPD, friends and citizens of Rochester, NY. The family has lost a husband & father, the RPD a brother and the citizens of Rochester has lost a hero servant that gave his life protecting everyone because he cared. It breaks many hearts. His dedication shows a kind of care and love that is rare. He died serving for goodness over evil. As hard as it is to process his sacrifice gives all left behind that hope and chance to make our lives and city a better place and better to one another. He is a true American hero. The Bible states "blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God". Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord. John Henson, Pittsburgh PA"
"The Association of Rochester Police and Area Law Enforcement Retirees (ARPALER) sends prayers and condolences to the family of Officer Pierson. We honor his service and commitment to the RPD and the Rochester community. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. RIP Brother."
"Additional Tribute Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?action_edit=1&list=PLFOrdD3hrrZaRqPaW1CaEqw06GSkq1bXX"