Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You are in my thoughts and prayers today.

Leanne Heggen-Eckstein
Surviving wife of SA E.M. Heggen, USACIDC

January 17, 2010

My Lord its been almost 11 years since I have last seen you and I still think of you. Remember when we were in the Academy and you looked at me and said don't take it easy on me cause I am a girl, because they want on the street...I knew then that you had the heart of a lion and the will of a stone wall. I also knew then we would be friends. I have since left what we started together late in 1995, the Virginia State Police, but I vividly remember one conversation we had in which you said,"I will die before I ever leave this wonderfull orginiazation". Well little one those words have haunted me for many years and I can say without a doubt in my mind that if ever there was a Trooper you are that Trooper and I was and still am proud to have known you.

Your Friend Forever,
Aaron W. Britton
Halifax County Sheriff Office

Aaron W. Britton
Deputy

December 30, 2009

Hey Pestica,

Got a lot going on right now, I'm sure you know. Stressing out and wish I had you here to help give me a hard time and make me laugh as you always could.

Love you lots & miss you even more!

Love, Mainey

Romaine Cheney
Sister

October 13, 2009

Thinking of you and your family tonight. God Bless.

Dispatcher
Virginia State Police

July 9, 2009

Trooper Cheney, I check in from time to time to see new posts for you. It's hard to believe it has been 11 years since you were taken from our community. I remember clearly the day I met you in the Bonus Foods Parking lot on 610. You were sweet to take a few minutes of your time to talk to an old Air Force cop. I was impressed with your professionalism and I knew you were a great cop. Your dad was right, you had a beautiful smile and I'm honored you shared that smile with me. We no longer live in Stafford, but I always make it a point to check on your memorial on Rte 1 near the skating rink. It is still there and well maintained. God Bless you little sister. I for one will never forget you.

Peacekeeper, SMSgt, USAF (Retired)

May 26, 2009

Hey JJ,

Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you today and miss you more than these words can ever express. I love you little girl!!

Mainey

Romaine Cheney
Sister, Tpr. Jessica J. Cheney

January 17, 2009

Rest in peace Trooper Cheney

Lieutenant
NYPD

October 9, 2008

Jessica,
I have gotten to know your parents, sister and nephew. I have seen how much they miss you and how much a part of them you are. You are missed by many. You have touched lives even of those who have never met you.
Take care and know your family and friends love you dearly.

Deb
Friend of the family

August 14, 2008

Hey Jess!

It's been almost a year exactly since I wrote to you. I'm sure you know a lot has happened :) I finally got my girl after so many problems. I said that I can teach my son to follow his dreams and be his own person. Not only can I now teach my daughter the same thing, but I can also tell her it's important to be a lady first, but know how to kick ass, too, just in case :)

Have you seen Holly yet? I think about both you alot. I don't know when my next trip back to VA is going to be, but I'll try to get out to see you the next time :) On a side note to Adam, I'm glad you finally went to Signal Hill :) Say hi for me the next time you're there!

Until the next time, friend, be at peace :)

Love, Celeste

Celeste O'Reilly
Friend

July 10, 2008

Trooper Cheney,

Although I never met you, you are one person I would have loved to have met. I just read a tribute by one of your partners. Wow, the impact it made on me. You are dearly and deeply missed by your family, friends and co-workers. May you rest in peace, BLUE ANGEL. You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

June 14, 2008

Jessica,

I miss you so very much. Sunday was not only a rainy Mother's Day but also a day that I was reminded at three different times how much you have left a positive impression on so many people. It started on Route 1 in Stafford County just south of where you were killed. A billboard company allowed the Stafford County Sheriff's Dept to honor their two fallen deputies by displaying their picture and they included you also. I was told by some of the Stafford County Sheriff's Dept that they considered you one of their own. What an honor for one so young.

The second was the sign at the site where you were killed. That one always gets to me. Adam did a great job with the petunias. He must have known that I secretly called you my "petunia" when you were a baby.

We tried to greet the Police Unity Tour riders at the hotel in Stafford and got to drive over the Trooper Jessica Jean Cheney Memorial Bridge. That was the third time I cried because I haven't had a hug, kiss, or an "I love you Mama". for 11 year now.

It is very upsetting but we muddle through it somehow. Dad and I will always love you and miss you. We have another Great Dane by the way. Her name is Tink. She reminds me of you in so many ways. Won't go into it now but may some day. She is a very determined young lady and impresses a lot of people, just like you.

Will come back and talk to you again. We are flying the NLEOM flag in your honor this week. It is only a small gesture but need to let you know we still love and miss you.

Love, Mom

Sue A. Cheney
Mother

May 14, 2008

Thinking of you during Police Memorial Week.
Leanne Heggen Eckstein, friend of family

Leanne Heggen Eckstein
Friend of family

May 11, 2008

Proof that Jessica Cheney left an indelible mark on those she met, it’s been at least 13 years since I last spoke to Jessica. I will forever remember Jessica in her “white shirt” uniform, having practically grown up overnight from the young, precocious (Kings Dominion) front gate seller that I first met in 1990 to the sophisticated, fearless park police officer when I last saw her.
As I watched Jessica mature and progress into her dreams, I took for granted that we would certainly see each other again.
But I moved on with my career and children and sadly, I did not keep in touch with many from the Kings Dominion days including Jessica and Romaine.
I had heard from someone in passing of the tragedy of January 1998, but didn’t want to believe it and until now, had not really believed it happened.
Romaine, if you read this, I am so sorry for your loss. Know that I think of you and your sister often and my prayers are with you. You may not remember me, but know I am thinking of you.
A friend always to Jessica and Romaine Cheney,

Katrin Currens (Cisne)
Former PKD associate
I’d love to hear from you Romaine – ([email protected])

May 5, 2008

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

April 8, 2008

You will always be remembered and in our hearts. God bless and rest in peace.

Tyler Williamson (Age 14)
Both parents: Arlington County Sheriffs Department Va.

February 18, 2008

Jess I can not believe it has been ten years. I still remember getting the news from my First Sgt. Well another brother in blue has come to join you. His name is Matt Thebeau from Corpus Christi PD in Texas. Matt was Eric's cousin, his E.O.W. was the morning of January 20, 2008. Do me a favor and show him the ropes and tell him I wish he would have known each other better. I know you two will get along great. Like you he can bring a smile to anyone's face. Take care my friend and someday we will meet again.
Love, Ellen

Special Agent Ellen Neilson
Virginia State Police, Classmate 93rd Basic Session

January 29, 2008

It has been ten years since that horrible ride to Fairfax Inova Hospital in Northern Virginia. I remember the guarded radio transmissions since they knew I was listening in on them and they knew I would understand what was being said. I also knew you don’t run code 3 for over 100 miles for a minor vehicle accident. No one would tell me how bad off you were. So much went through my mind. I didn’t know how bad your injuries were until I saw the looks given to me by the emergency room staff personnel. When I told them that I was the father of the Trooper that has been brought to the hospital, they just stared at me with nothing less than pain in their eyes because they knew you weren’t going to survive and didn’t know what to say. No words had to be said. They were right.

My life has forever been changed. You are in my thoughts almost constantly. My heart aches for the opportunity to hug you and hear you tell me that you love me. After ten years, the pain has not subsided. Details of that fatal day are etched into my mind as if it happened this morning.

I miss your calls in the middle of the night asking Motor Carrier questions. I miss the weekend visits, your hocking fruit off of our trees and bushes before I could get to them. I miss you showing up at the scales unannounced to have lunch with me. I miss our days together at Virginia Beach or where ever we decided, but most of all I miss that lovely smile of yours and your words of love for your father.

So many people ask me why I never smile. I can only assume that God wanted you to have my smiles. You were more willing to share your smiles than I would ever be able to accomplish. Your smiles were additive and always managed to get you what you wanted from your father. At least that’s what your mother says all the time.

I am so proud of your success in life. Your ability to achieve those challenging goals you set for yourself is remarkable. At 23 years of age, you had achieved more than most could ever hope to achieve in a life-time.

Much has been said on these pages of your service as a Virginia State Trooper. I know you performed your duties well. All the female troopers had to prove themselves twice over to their male counter-parts and supervisors. These words didn’t come from me, but from your male admirers that worked with you and respected your work performance. I was told this while you were still with us. These were not words spoken to ease our suffering from your loss, but as a tribute to your love of being a Virginia State Trooper.

The truckers had named you “Baby Bear.” They knew you were my daughter and many crossed the scales, stopped, and came in and gave their condolences in person. Some of them even shared their tears for your loss. Several stated that they knew you were going to do your job the best you could and respected the fact that you would be fair with them, “tough but fair.” A couple of them spoke of their encounters with the “Baby Bear.” They spoke of how small you were and even claimed that they couldn’t see you in the cruiser. They never went into detail, but they spoke fondly of their encounters with Baby Bear and the way you did your duties. To have the respect of these drivers, you had to be good. They knew you were. One even stated that he knew he couldn’t lie to you because he knew you would call me for the correct information.

I have asked God many times what I had done that was so wrong to have to suffer so horribly for so long. I have also given him thanks for the opportunity to have had you for 23 years. I have thanked God many times for entrusting your life into our hands when you were born. I hope and pray that one of these days he will let me learn of his reasons why our lives together was so short. I thank God for you teaching us to always say “I love you” when we part company or finishing a telephone conversation. I cherish the fact that your last words to me were “I love you, Daddy.”

I thank God for the opportunity for having been able to raise my Heroine. Jessica, Honey you are my Hero.

January 23, 2008

TROOPER CHENEY, MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THAT LOVE AND STILL MISS YOU. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

January 17, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this 10th anniversary.

Former N.H. Police Officer
Fauquier County, VA

January 17, 2008

Jessica,

I pray that you are resting in peace. I hope you know how much your family still misses and loves you. You should be so very proud of them especially Romaine for starting a local C.O.P.S. chapter and helping so many other "survivors". We are blessed by her strength and dedication to supporting law enforcement and thier loved ones. I'm very sorry we never got to meet.
God bless you and your family,

Lee Ann
Fellow Survivor and Friend of the Cheney's

January 17, 2008

Today I prayed for your family and friends as they mark this 10th anniversary of your EOW. Thank you for your sacrifice and never doubt that you are a HERO!

Miller
CPPD

January 17, 2008

I just read every word written here and it brought a smile to my face and a tear to my eye. I can only imagine how proud your parents are of you as you chose the career path of their choice. It tears me apart
how much your sister misses you. Half of her is gone,
but only for now, not forever. Such bittersweet things
are written here, but one day those whose faith is in the
Lord Jesus will be reunited and He will make it all good. We can't even imagine HOW GOOD! I look forward to meeting her in person some day. God bless
you until you are reunited with your precious Jessica
Jean! With love from one coast of America to the other,
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

January 17, 2008

Thinking of you and your family as your EOW and your life are remembered.
Leanne Heggen Eckstein,
Central Virginia Chapter C.O.P.S.

Leanne Heggen Eckstein
Friend of family

January 16, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 6, 2008

It was 10 years ago today that I last physically saw you, hugged you, kissed you good-bye. They always say those first few years are rough but I am finding each year getting worse & worse when it comes to the holidays. Last year was okay but this has been an extremely emotional year for us all.

JJ, we love you & miss you more & more, not less and less. Barbara Haulsee joined you this week, and that was another rough thing, especially as much as she was always there for us when we were younger. I love you!! Keep by my side and give me the strength to get through this. Sometimes I think Gavin is the only thing that keeps me somewhat sane!! :o)

Merry Christmas in Heaven... Give Greg a big hug for me too.

Love you, Mainey

Romaine Cheney
Sister of Jessica "Jay-Jay" Cheney

December 25, 2007