Thousands mourn slain police officer-He is eulogized as a model of integrity and dedication to law

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 8/2/5 | Henry K. Lee

[SmithL]

San Leandro Police Officer Nels "Dan" Niemi once wrote in his journal that chasing bad guys and taking them to jail was "fun to be sure, but that's not 'it.' ''

"We can't save the world -- in fact I doubt the world even wants saving, " Niemi wrote. "If, however, just once in a while we can make someone a little safer, leave someone just a little better off than we found them, doesn't that count for something?"

Thousands of grieving friends, family and fellow officers seemed to agree Monday as they eulogized Niemi, 42, who was shot and killed last week by a man who police say feared going back to jail because he was carrying guns and drugs when the officer stopped him. Niemi was the first San Leandro officer killed in the line of duty in nearly 40 years.

Their emergency lights flashing, a cortege of police cars escorted the hearse with Niemi's body from Guerrero Mortuary Chapel in San Leandro to Neighborhood Church in Castro Valley.

A standing-room-only crowd filled the church, where 200 motorcycles from throughout Northern California passed under two fire trucks with their ladders extended, an American flag hanging from above.

As police bagpipers played "Amazing Grace," hundreds of officers, their badges covered in black bands, saluted as pallbearers brought the officer's flag-draped coffin into the church.

Niemi left behind his wife, Dionne, 36; daughter, Gabrielle, 6; stepson, Josh Hewitt, 15, all of Milpitas, and parents Rudie and Mildred Niemi of Alamo.

A San Leandro police honor guard approached Niemi's coffin and folded the American flag....

The slain officer, who long harbored an interest in law enforcement, taught defensive shooting classes before leaving his job in the computer industry to become an officer in 2002.

"He was living and breathing his dream,"

[SmithL]

Officer Nels Niemi's daughter Gabrielle, 6, places a rose and hugs her father's coffin during the funeral at Neighborhood Church in Castro Valley.


Nels Niemi.


The motorcade accompanying Officer Niemi's coffin arrives at the Neighborhood Church in Castro Valley.


Dionne Niemi, slain officer's wife, holds honor flag, with daughter Gabrielle at her side. Her friend Colleen Buzzard consoles her.

[JeeperFreeper]

May God Bless him and his family.
The criminal mind, such as it is, never ceases to amaze me. The perp wants to avoid jail, so he shoots a cop. Is that straight thinking or what? They caught him. Now, at the minimum, he spends the rest of his miserable life where ???.. in jail... the very place he wanted to avoid.

[madison46]

Hope the shooter gets his due. Prayers for the family.

[lightman]

See this tribute on the Officer Down Memorial Page

Rest in peace, brother, rest in peace.

[CHICAGOFARMER]

I SALUTE THE TRUE WARRIORS IN OUR COUNTRY.

SEMPER FI, and GOD BLESS.

THIS MARINE WOULD GIVE A SALUTE AS WELL.

http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/THISWILLMAKEYOUPROUD.HTML

Sign the guess book if you like.

AMEN

[SmithL]

Thanks for the link.

[Horatio Gates]

I never dreamed it would be me,
my name for all eternity.
Recorded at some hallowed place,
alas, my name, no more my face.
"In the line of duty" I hear them say.
My family now has the price to pay.
My folded flag stained with their tears,
we only had a few short years.
The badge no longer on my chest,
I sleep now, in eternal rest.
My sword I pass to those behind,
I pray they keep this thought in mind.
I never thought it would be me,
with heavy heart upon bended knee,
I ask for all here from the past...
Please dear God, let my name be last.

RIP Brother. You'll not be forgotten.

[skeeter]

...killed last week by a man who police say feared going back to jail because he was carrying guns and drugs when the officer stopped him.

And who, BTW, was an illegal alien.

Rip officer Niemi.

[lightman]

I check that link every day, always hoping that there is nothing new. That has not been the case more than 80 times so far this year.