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Daniel Wasson Tribute
"I would like to thank the family of
Daniel Scott Wasson and Ginny Hungerford, the Aunt of Officer
Wasson, who I have worked along side with since 1994 who
supplied pictures and articles for this tribute."
On behalf of the Connecticut Police Work
Dog Association, I would like to express our deepest regards and
sympathy to the family, friends and fellow officers of Officer
Daniel Wasson. You gave the ultimate sacrifice. Daniel, you may
be gone, but you will NEVER be forgotten. Rest in peace blue
angel and thank you for your service.
- James A. Cortina
Photos of Officer Daniel Wasson and K9 General On Sunday April, 12, 1987, Officer Daniel Wasson who was serving the town of Milford, radioed a police dispatcher that he and his K-9 "General" were conducting a motor vehicle stop on the Boston Post Road in Milford, Connecticut. During this routine motor vehicle stop, Officer Wasson was fatally shot by the vehicle's operator and was found at 2:45 a.m. lying on the side of the road by a passing motorist with a single gunshot wound to the chest. He had been gun down with a 44 magnum and was pronounced dead at Yale New Haven Hospital shortly after 3:00 a.m. Officer Daniel Scott Wasson, age 25, was a dedicated police officer and K-9 handler serving the Town of Milford, Connecticut. Since joining the police force on March 1, 1985, he had been commended three times for outstanding performance of duty. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and was engaged to be married at the time of his death. General was retired from police service and adopted by Dan's family. Officer Wasson is buried in Kings Highway Cemetery in Milford. Danny Wasson's locker number 43 remains empty to this day serving as a reminder to city police officers who suit up for work that their fellow officer made the ultimate sacrifice. In 1993, The Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, in cooperation with the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association, established The Daniel Wasson Memorial K-9 Award. These annual awards are chosen from line of duty deployments submitted by Connecticut police canine teams that exemplify the highest tradition of police canine law enforcement. Daniel Scott Wasson made the supreme sacrifice; it is in his memory that this award is bestowed upon a K-9 team each year for outstanding service. The award plaque honoring Officer Daniel Wasson and the winners of this prestigious award is proudly displayed in the lobby of the Connecticut Police Academy in Meriden, Connecticut.
Many, many thanks to the CPWDA and James Cortina, who have worked so very hard and have done a wonderful job in making this a memorable tribute to my nephew, Officer Daniel Scott Wasson, who has always held a very special place in my heart. Due to James Cortina's persistence and dedication, I was able to locate some more pictures for this tribute and will continue to do so in the future. Thanks Jim, You're special. Ginny Hungerford 1/19/05
I wanted to take a moment to thank Jim Cortina, the CPWDA and my Aunt Ginny for helping put together the tribute to Danny Wasson on your website. It is because of people like Jim, and groups like the CPWDA that my brothers name and memory will live on. Sincerely, Ray Wasson 1/24/05
You are not
forgotten........
Sgt Al Whitney Yuma County Sheriff's Office, AZ 2/6/05
I just wanted to say how I thank everyone who helped with this website. I love it ! I come to it a lot and see how much people care for my uncle. Thank you Nicole Wasson 4/4/05
On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice. Anonymous 4/12/05
Hello, I am the younger brother of Officer Daniel Wasson. I just wanted to thank you all for your hard work on this site. It is very touching too see that my brother is still remembered so many years after his death. Thanks to all that have contributed to this page. I wish you all the best. Jeff Wasson 7/8/06
We grew up together, played Little League and High School ball together & umpired games together. You were someone who had a positive influence on my childhood and whom I admired and respected. I was in the Navy and away from home when I first heard of your death and I must say I was very shocked and saddened, it was if part of me had died as well. I think of you from time to time and know you are watching all of your fellow schoolmates and sports teammates. For who you were and what you stood for, I salute you. Until we meet again my brother. Steve Romanoff Childhood Friend 7/28/06
Rest easy, Officer
Wasson. You have served your community well. Please watch over us as
you walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
"We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm." -- George Orwell SSgt. Adam Kieth U.S. Air Force Academy Police K-9 Unit 9/30/06
Rest well, Dan,
You and your partner, K-9 General, will always be remembered and
missed.
Sgt. M. Piscitelli - Dempsey Milford, P.D. / fiancee 11/28/06
I live in NYC and upon visiting Milford, I saw officer Wassons' name on the little bridge near the Stone Bridge Restaurant & Library. I googled his name to find out what had happened to him. I couldn't believe such a young man was killed in a little town like this one. What an absolute senseless tragedy. May God bless him & his family. Don Cummings 12/12/06
I knew Danny growing up in Milford, he was part of
our group of friends, and although he was a year ahead of me we also
attended grammar and high school together. I have many wonderful
memories of him. He stopped at our house often when on duty to chat with
my dad and talk about what was going on around town and to remember old
times. Kimberly Petro - Stair 12/15/06
I have visited the site many times and was happy to find a spot where I could say something about Danny. Seeing the pictures of him there brings back so many memories of when we were young, and hanging out together. We all loved him so much. Our lives do go on, but
because of people like you we never forget the people who touched them,
and brought us joy the way Danny did. 12/17/06
My Wife & I knew Danny very well. He was at our
Home many times as a child playing with my Son Scott and all the other
neighborhood Children. We live in Ohio now and everytime I see an
Officer here I am reminded of Danny. He was a wonderful young Man and
his Family can be proud of Him as I was to have known Him. George V. Petro 12/28/06
I wanted to thank James Cortina, the CPWDA, and everyone that contributed to this site. Through my Aunt Ginny's work and your's you have guaranteed, my brother Danny has not died in vain, and that he will not be forgotten. I pray this site will be be a reminder to the citizens of CT. that we can not tolerate crimes like this. Thank you for everybody's support through the years. Alan Wasson 1/23/07
Hello, I am one of Daniel's nieces. I would like to thank everyone who helped out with this website to my uncle Danny. Even though I never met my uncle, it is a very poignant moment when I see this site. Thank you CPWDA and every one else who was involved with Daniel Scott Wasson for making these tributes! Cassie Wasson 3/20/07
My son is a police officer in Milford and him and Dan used to spend some time around our house as youngsters. Dan, I know you're hearing us today, God bless you and your family, rest in peace knowing you are remembered and loved by many. Joseph Dellamonica Sr. 4/9/07
Remembering Danny on the 20th anniversary of his death. He won't ever be forgotten. Carol Codeanne Kupec, RN, BSN
Nurse Manager
Emergency Department
Saint Francis Hospital
4/12/07
On the 20th Anniversary of Danny's death, I want
it to go on record that I will always remember him in a loving way, no
matter how many years it has been. Danny was the type of person no one
would ever forget for his sweet and caring nature. 4/12/07
I moved to Milford in April of 1990 and have lived here ever since. I recently was named the Head Football Coach at Foran High. One Of my Asst. Coaches Ryan Tobin has told me many wonderful stories about Dan. My only hope is that my young son Michael, can someday grow to be the man , that I now know Dan Wasson was. My regret is that I never met this wonderful unselfish and giving man. His legacy will live on my mind and heart. Thanks Ryan Tobin for telling me of this wonderful man. My Prayers and thoughts are with his family, friends and fellow officers. Jeff Bevino 4/12/07
Thank YOU for maintaining the website. It's a wonderful tribute. Carol Codeanne Kupec 4/12/07
Thank you for being such a great officer and hero, Officer Wasson. Even after 20 years you are not forgotten. Rest peacefully while walking a beat on the streets of Heaven. Anonymous 4/12/07
Danny, I didn't know you personally, but I met your brothers and some other members of your wonderful family this week as we honored the 20th anniversary of your end of watch (4/12/87) in DC. Through talking with your loved ones, I got a sense of who you were as a brother, a man, a co-worker and a friend. You were taken much too early from us! I know you were there with us in spirit and continue to be. Thanks for all did here on Earth and what you continue to do in Heaven. Cheers!
Liz Gall, wife of Det. Frank Gall,
Milford, PD 5/16/07
Danny and I played little league football together
for the Lions when we were in sixth grade. After the season I moved to
Florida and never saw him again, yet strangely i still felt like we were
teammates and friends. He was that kind of guy. 5/20/07
I was the first Wasson grandchild, and I have had to honor to see and participate in many ceremonies for you. It breaks my heart to know that I never had the chance to meet you. I just hope that you know how many wonderful people went to Washington to honor you, that no one will ever forget what you did. You are and always will be my hero, and thanks for being the best guardian angel a niece could ever ask for. Love Always Amanda Wasson 7/6/07
Dear Mr. Cortina, I had to tell you how sad it was to see your memorial site to officer Wasson. He sounds like a really fantastic person. Wish I knew him. I have five police officers in our family. What ever happened to the sob who murdered this man? I hope he didn't get away with it. Please let me know. Thanks Marty Rueter Sr. 7/21/07
HI…My name is Patrick Murphy. I grew up in Milford, and went to school with Danny and Ray Wasson. Played H.S. Soccer and spent a lot of time with Ray. This is the first time I have visited your site and was moved by the tribute to Danny. I wasn’t expecting it and it took me off guard. Thank you for putting that together. Regards, Patrick O. Murphy Greenwich, CT 06830 11/7/07
I was a mere 22 years of age when this happened. Although I did not know him I would like to say I am very sorry for your lost. He looked like a pretty good guy. Gene 1/8/08
Jim, I compliment you on this wonderful tribute to Danny. I grew up with Ray and the entire Wasson family and always thought of them as great friends. Danny and I played baseball together at Foran High and I always looked to him as a role model and mentor. When Danny died, a little part of every Milford resident died. I've made it a point to tell my children all about Danny and what he meant to all of us. We're all better off for having known Danny. We'll never forget him. Dave Leson 5/29/08
My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. I know your pain. Officer Wasson was a fine looking and very brave young man. May his service never be forgotten. Cindy, Arkansas 8/10/08
YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR POLICE AND MILITARY SERVICE. Pat Van Den Berghe MANCHESTER, NH 8/26/08
While searching through the internet to provide my students with information regarding fallen officers, I came upon a web site dedicated to officer Daniel Wasson. Although it has been many years since officer Wasson’s death, I felt it important that my students and future officers understand the responsibility and sacrifices we as police officers make on a daily basis. I also want them to understand that although we loose friends and family in this job, they will never be forgotten. This is extremely important to me because Danny was my friend, my roommate and work partner when we served in the military. Danny and I lived together for 3 years, we laughed, partied and enjoyed many good times. I was heart broken when I learned that Danny died years ago, but he will never be forgotten. To his family, Danny was a good man terrific friend and honor to his country. Thank you Lieutenant Mark I. Brown 11/7/08
I
too remember the day Officer Wasson was gunned down!!! Such a horrible
day in Milford History but also this day was noted as a remarkable
memory of a wonderful and caring Officer. Daniel Wasson rest in Peace. Jonathan Edmondson 5/20/09
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