Slain Officer's Sons: 'We Are OK; Our Family Is Strong'

The Harford County Sheriff’s Office provided the following letter Saturday, Feb. 13, which came from the two sons of Senior Deputy Pat Dailey.

Deputy Dailey was killed Wednesday, Feb. 10, while approaching a wanted individual inside Panera in Abingdon.

His sons Bryan Dailey, 20, and Tyler Dailey, 17, said they knew how special their father was before this event, writing: “He is being called a ‘hero’ for the job he did and the lives he saved. To us, we have called him hero for a long time—just for being our Dad.”

Here is the letter, republished in full, courtesy of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.

Dear Community of Family and Friends,

We wanted to take a moment to say how much we appreciate all the kind words and support the community has shown our family this week. There is not a single word that describes how we feel, but please know that our spirits are lifted with the knowledge that this community loved our Dad. He loved each member of Harford County, right back. Please know that we are ok. Our family is strong and we will get through this together.

He is being called a “hero” for the job he did and the lives he saved. To us, we have called him hero for a long time – just for being our Dad. People continue to remind us how much our father loved us. Believe us when we say, we know. His love for us was apparent and we consider ourselves fortunate to have been loved by a such a hero.

When a law enforcement officer dies, it is often said, “gone but never forgotten.” We know that is true, because he will live in our hearts and the lifetime of memories he has created with each of you. Our Dad died doing a job he loved, serving the community that he called home.

In closing, we ask for privacy, and understanding that we will not be accepting any interviews right now. Next week will be a difficult chapter in our lives, probably the hardest we will ever encounter. We want the opportunity to be alone with him, one last time. We ask that you give us the space to grieve, honor, and remember our hero – our Dad.

Respectfully,

Bryan and Tyler Dailey