Son proud of father’s commitment to serve and protect

Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, Mar 03, 2010 - 12:04:37 am CST

Dear Editor:

Detective Lieutenant David De Jabet has served with the Pierre Police Department for 21 years, and has been in law enforcement for 26 years.

Today, March 3, 2010, De Jabet will retire as the department’s last lieutenant.

Being a law enforcement officer is often a thankless line of work. As an observer of my father’s career for the past quarter of a century, I can say with certainty that officers truly stare into the face of evil.

They are rarely recognized with the honor they deserve.

However, I believe my father would say the only thanks necessary is knowing he helped people and he did the right and honorable thing.

Long ago, when I was a child, I asked him why he became a cop. His response was that he couldn’t stand bullies. He always felt like he was destined to protect those who were defenseless against those who would do harm.

Now it is time to put away the badge. Although he will no longer be serving in an official capacity as a cop, I can’t imagine the cop inside him will ever fade.

My father is a man of service. He takes the motto “to serve and protect” to heart.

My father, Detective Lieutenant David De Jabet, will be Pierre’s last lieutenant due to a recent decision to consolidate the ranks. If you see him around town, instead of congratulating him on his retirement, thank him for his years of service.

Chris De Jabet

Lincoln, Neb.

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Comments

4 comment(s)

Craig Parkhurst wrote on Mar 5, 2010 11:48 AM:

" Thank you for your dedicated service, Dave. The people of South Dakota have benefitted from your efforts more than most will ever know. "

Lifelong Pierre resident wrote on Mar 4, 2010 11:06 PM:

" Dave did a lot of good work for crime victims. The streets are safer for his service. He will be missed. "

Gayle Van Camp wrote on Mar 4, 2010 2:09 PM:

" Pierre has been blessed to have a man of Dave's abilities serving in our police department for so many years. His job was of utmost importance to him; and he was very discreet, honorable, and determined to see justice prevail. I am sure there have been many people helped in this community through Dave's work , even though they many not realize it. He cared about getting the right thing done. Thanks Dave for serving our community. "

Lee DeJabet wrote on Mar 3, 2010 10:23 AM:

" For those who wonder why there has not been any news stories, interviews, or retirement parties, all I can say is that Dave is a very humble person when it comes what he does as a profession. He does not seek any recognition for what he does. He believes that he is simply doing his job to the best of his abilities.
If you see around town just simply say hello and chat as usual. No fanfare necessary. That's how he wants it. He will continue to help people in other ways, and asking for nothing in return. "

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