Among the estimated 1,500 law enforcement personnel and others who attended the service for slain Pierce County Deputy Daniel McCartney, the former Hoquiam Police Department officer killed in the line of duty Jan. 8, were Hoquiam Police Chief Jeff Myers and Aberdeen pastor Doug Cotton, who shared their memories of the father of three.

“Daniel was one of God’s modern day heroes,” said Cotton. “You become a hero when you do something with every ounce of your heart, soul and body, and those efforts make a difference to somebody else. Daniel did that, as a law officer, a father and husband.”

McCartney’s commitment to the community, his family and his faith were common themes during the memorial service, held on the Pacific Lutheran University campus Wednesday. The service was scheduled to be open to the public, but the auditorium quickly filled with so many law enforcement officers the general public had to watch the service on a live video feed at other locations.

“I think Daniel would tell us that heroes are often developed in obscurity, be it on a ship in the Navy, or in places like Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Montesano or Yelm,” said Cotton. “Heroes are not made by quitting when things get hard. He was anything but a quitter. He was 100 percent into everything he did.”

Cotton said he believed McCartney lived his life believing that one can never underestimate the power of living a dedicated life.

“You can get a lot more done if you don’t care about getting credit,” he said. “I believe as we have come here today to honor a hero, the greatest thing we can do is to make our lives count for a purpose beyond ourselves. If you want to honor Dan and the life he lived, become the hero that God made you to be.”

McCartney started his law enforcement career with the Hoquiam Police Department April 1, 2009.

“I gave him a choice to start on another date but he never had a problem with starting on April Fool’s Day,” recalled Myers. “Daniel quickly became a member of the family. When you’re a department of only 18, working together week after week, month after month, you become part of the family away from home.”

McCartney lived in Montesano when he served with the Hoquiam Police Department, as did many other law enforcement officers in the area. Myers referred to it as the Hoquiam Police Department’s east district.

“He was always giving 110 percent,” said Myers. “Daniel earned the nickname Danimal; he was a red-haired bulldog. His drive and competitive nature made him seem cocky at times, but it drove everyone else in the department to step up and do better.”

Myers recalled an incident when McCartney lost his patience with a suspect and swore at him. A religious man, Myers remembered, while other officers figured the suspect was “being a jerk and had it coming,” McCartney was upset with himself for losing his temper.

“He drove himself to make a big ripple in a small pond every day,” said Myers. “Cierra and the boys will forever be part of the Hoquiam Police Department family. As time moves on and the shock of that night fades into the collective memory, remember the sacrifice made not just by Daniel, but by Cierra and his sons who are forced to live without him. It may be true that no one can change the world, but Daniel made a big ripple in a small pond, and I think his legacy should challenge us to go forward in our lives and be that big ripple.”

Pierce County Sheriff Paul Pastor also spoke, saying, “Today, one less person of strength and character stands beside us.” McCartney’s aunt, Judy Mersky, delivered the eulogy, saying, “Daniel lived a lot of life in a very short time.”

A legacy fund has been set up for McCartney’s wife and children. Donations can be made online at tpcrimestoppers.com.