Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

30 + years later you are not forgotten.

Kevin T Ryan
Ex NJ Cop

March 31, 2009

THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND WORDS EILEEN, I WILL NEVER STOP HONORING DONALD ALESHIRE WILLIAM WURST, AND JOHN HOLMES.

KEVIN T RYAN
NJ

June 8, 2008

I thank you all for your thoughts and kind words. I was blessed to have Donald share my life for even such a brief time and my daughters are proof that life does, indeed, go on. Kristen was born 6 months after Donald's death and is very much an Aleshire. Both girls are married to fine men and Kim has 3 children. Kimberly and Kristen have grown to be women of character and strength and they continue to be the joy in my life.

Donald's wife
Eileen Aleshire Frerking

May 2, 2008

Rest in peace my brother you and your family are in my prayers every day.

Kevin T Ryan
Ex Burlington County NJ Cop and Correction Sergeant

March 29, 2008

It has been said, 'Honor never grows old. Honor is about defending those noble and worty things that deserve defending, even if it comes at a high cost.'

Memories and thoughts of Patrolman Aleshire will never be forgotten.

Police Officer Robert Chamberlain
Lone Tree Police Department

March 28, 2008

Last week on Easter my family was talking about many of the families that have lived in their neighborhood throughout the last 40 some odd years and my sister Lori brought up how she would babysit for the Aleshire family. My mother then said that their father was a police officer from Mount Holly who was killed in the line of duty. As a child, I always knew that a police officer had lived around the corner from my parents house and was killed in the line of duty but had never put a name or a face to the situation. Many times I walked or drove by the house where the family lived and thought about who he was or where his family had gone. I was only a baby, 11 months old when this heinous act which ultimately took the life of three police officers took place, so I never had the opportunity meet P.O. Aleshire. At this point I can actually put a name and a face to this tragic story and wish the family the best after all these years. Actually many of the neighborhood children have grown up to become police officers themselves including four of us here in Jackson. Hopefully his daughters will read this and know that their fathers memory is not forgotten in the the "old" neighborhood in Jackson. May he rest in peace.

Sgt. John P. Decker #216
Jackson Twp. Police Dept

March 28, 2008

33 years ago, your life was taken, you and your family are in my prayers daily, rest in peace brother, watch over our brothers and sisters, as they protect us. You will never be forgotten.

Kevin T Ryan
Ex Burlington County NJ Cop and Correction Sergeant.

March 21, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

February 26, 2008

Patrolman Aleshire gave of himself until his final measure of life. We could never ask half that of mere men.
He IS a Hero!
Rest easy Brother, I will see you in time.
D. Galloway
Transylvania County Sheriff's Office, N.C.

Deputy David Galloway
Transylvania County (N.C.) Sheriff's Office

January 25, 2008

We salute you today as always, the holidays are always tough I wish you were here so the " new guys " could gain your knowledge Rest in peace Patrolman Aleshire.

Kevin T Ryan
Ex- New Jersey Cop

December 21, 2007

The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 12, 2007

16 June 2007

In 2003 I began to visit the Aleshire family plot in Rockledge, PA. I was a classmate of Ken's from 1959-66. Although I knew Donnie only through Ken (Donnie was three years older), I still remember him quite well, even 45 years after I had last seen him. I most sincerely hope that his daughters take heart that a total stranger remembers their father from so many years ago.

Bill Holden

June 16, 2007

Kristen and Kim-I am a daily visitor to this web site and I always read the stories of each new Officer who has lost his life. I also take note of the fallen's family that was left behind, and wince every time I read "expectant wife" (it happens with amazing regularity)

I read about your Dad on 4/15/2007 as he was listed in the "Always Remembered" section of the site and, as I always do, wondered to myself what happened to the children, especially the one who never met her Father.

I was happy to see your note in the reflections section, saying your family was good, and growing.

I feel for you, as I'm sure countless other visitors to this site do. My deepest condolences. Your Father is not forgotten.

P/O James Stewart Jr,
Newark NJ PD

April 15, 2007

Cpl Rizzo Please assist me in keeping the memories of these three great men alive, I have such a soft spot for these three men.Thank you for your support, they are gone but should never be forgotten, if i have my way they will never be forgotten.

Kevin T Ryan

March 29, 2007

To Officer Aleshire's daughter's, Kristen and Kim, it is nice to see your fathers memory being honored by the two of you. I believe I speak for all of law enforcement when I say it does our hearts good knowing that you both turned out well and can still honor him for his sacrifice. God Bless both of you always!

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

March 28, 2007

One can never forget the sacrifice you gentlemen made while serving the people of New Jersey. Please know that you will never, ever be forgotten for your service and courage and may you always rest in peace while watching over your law enforcement brethren from above.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

March 28, 2007

32 years ago today,gone but not forgotten,you and your family are always in my prayers.

Kevin T Ryan

March 28, 2007

I met Don in 1967 at the Philadelphia Police Academy. We became instance friends because I had gone to High School with Don's Brother, Kenny. We would be assigned to the same District in North Philadelphia upon graduation but the different Squads.
I would later make Detective and Don would be transferred to K-9. I remember meeting Don at Court. He had gotten married and had left the Department.
He later called, and told me that he had taken a job in
Mount Holly, New Jersey. He was so happy with his life and was looking forward to being back into Police work.
It was a shock when the news came out about the shooting
and Don being killed. He had so much to live for. He was a good man and a great Police Officer. He will never be forgotten by those that knew him, and both him and his Brother are always in my prayers.

Sr. Investigator Kennneth Curcio
Camden County Prosecutors Office, Camden New Jersey

December 6, 2006

GOD BLESS DON

April 30, 2006

The memorial at the Police Station is a site to see, its all for you, Ptl.Holmes and Ptl.Wurst,I have such a soft spot,for you and Ptl.Holmes, and Ptl. Wurst, and I do not know any of your families, but they are always in my prayers.

Kevin T Ryan

April 22, 2006

I was 9 years old and remember the media coverage when your life was taken from you and your family, you and your family are always in my prayers.

Kevin T Ryan

April 13, 2006

Donald was my Dad although we never met. I am now 30 - my sister Kim, is 35. Our family is doing well, and growing.
Thanks to all who have left your kind words on this page.

Kristen (Aleshire) Kennedy

April 12, 2006

I was 5 years old and lived across the street when this happened. I remember it to this day. Don is gone, but not forgotten.

Marie Chamberlain

May 10, 2005

I was 12 years old when Don fell. I lived next door to him in Jackson and remember him as a kind man, and loving father. I hope his children are doing well.

LCDR Adam H. Gray
US Navy

January 7, 2005

I lived across the street from the Aleshires in Jackson. I was four years old when Patrolman Aleshire was killed and the memory of his family's loss has impacted me for many years.

Robert Chamberlain

September 10, 2004