Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I cannot believe it has been over 5 years. I wish you were here to experience all the changes! I just had my 5 year recognition the PD and I made sure you were there with me, as always, on the back of my badge. Gracie was playing with my badge one day and saw your picture on the back. She said "Who's that Mommy?" I told her it was Aunt Dana and that she protects mommy at work. I still think of you coming up to 911, drinking Mtn. Dew and whiskey at your house, of course Cowboys, and all of the other memories I have of our friendship. I still get mad and don't think it's fair. God sure must have needed you for something big. I am very sorry I lost touch with your family. I miss them and pray for them. Thank you for watching out for us at work. We have had some crazy close calls lately and I always know it's you who helps us through. Things are changing and we are all trying to keep up. I miss you so very much Dana.

Love ya! Kristen

Ofc. Kristen Murphy
Woodstock Police Department

December 15, 2004

Dana...
I didn't know you but i feel as though you were a part of my life as well as your family. When your name was called in the book of life our two girls were just becoming close friends. I will never forget the day you left I felt such a pull to help with Kayliegh. You and I were the same age and so were Jena and Kayliegh, all I could think of is here is this little girl with her whole life in front of her and her mother wont be there to answer some of the most intiment questions that only a mother would know the answer to. I felt a call to be there for her. Then I met your sister and we became instant soul sisters. Danitia has done a terrific job continueing your family
and the admiration that I have for her is overwelming. She acomplishes more in a day than most mothers acomplish in a year. It must be that you and god decided that we would need each other and so it was that we met. I know that you have met my mom by now please give her a big kiss for me and tell her I miss her. I just wanted to tell you that you are thought of every day and that you will live on in the eyes of ALL those that love you here on earth. Keep the signs coming cause they are seen and heard. I look forward to meeting you in Heaven.

Jena's mom Kelli

KELLI

April 15, 2004

Dana,
We used to have the best time when you worked with Bartow Co. Sheriffs Office 911, and I was assigned to patrol division aggravating everyone on 2nd and 3rd shifts.
I think about you and we all miss you alot.
You will never be forgotten.....
Take care sister, Eric

PFC. ERIC S. BLACK
CARTERSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT GA.

February 12, 2004

Dana,

I didn't know you, but you made my mom believe in her desire! Thanks for buying me those french fries!You were a good person!My mom misses you!Sometimes i can hear my mom pray about you!
natasha

Natasha

January 18, 2004

Dana ~~I am now 11 and still miss you i cant wait till i get to heaven with you because i know thats were you are!!Kayliegh and jermey dont talk about you but they miss you alot.well i guess it is time for me to go!!

Love you,
Felicia Harris
#1 aunt

Felicia

January 8, 2004

I MISS DANA IT'S HARD TO SAY SHE IS GONE I MISS HER SO MUCH I WISH SHE COUD STAY WITH ME I LOVE HER EACH DAY AND I PRAY FOR HER I MISS HER SO MUCH IT'S HARD TO SAY SHE IS GONE BUT IT SEEM LIKE YEASERDAY.

Felicia Harris (age 8)

Mom,
It scared me when I woke up on August 8th and saw the police banging on the front door!! I first got up cause I didn't know who was banging on the door, and when I saw it was he police I jumped back in your bed. Jeremy finally got up and answered the door. Roger had started to tell Jeremy what had happened when I walked in the living room. He grabbed me by the hand and told me what had happend I ripped away from him and ran into your room. Tonya came in after me we cried and cried. The phone rang and I answered it, it was for you. I cried harder and handed Tonya the phone.
I was scared to walk up to your casket and see you there and know i'd never see you after that. I could see your face from a distance and see your bangs weren't how you wore them. I old Tonya and she had them fix your bangs. The last day of viewing I told Tonya I wanted to look at you she pushed everyone aside and let me be the last to see you! I cried so hard!
When we were handed the flags I looked at Jeremy it was the first time I had seen him cry that I remember! It tore me up! Dad was right there too! The flags being handed over tore everyone up!
The bag pipes made me cry alot too. Every time I hear them they make me cry.
Dad thinks of you alot. So does Danitia, me, and everyone else! When I heard you weren't here anymore I thought it was a dream. But, it wasn't. And I wish it would have been. What really gets to me is how that whole week before you past away you talked to Jeremy and I alot about if you die on the line of duty. You relly scared me when you talked about that. I remember telling you not to talk to me about it but you said you were being serious, so I listened.
I never did tell you what a great mother you were did I? And I guess that's because I never knew you would leave me. But, I guess that's how life is! And I wish it wasn't! I only ask one thing from you right now and that is to stay a long long while up there and wait for me!!
I love you more than anything! I also miss you more than anything!! I wish you could be down here with me but I guess you're in a better place and I will have to learn that when I see you is when I see you. Life's that way and now I know.
Tell, Grandy, Papaw, and even though I didn't to meet him Uncle Wayne I said hello!!
I love you and I miss you!! Keep that smile shinning and that halo burnning. Love ya always and forever!!

ps: Danitia has been good to us! Also wish you could watch me show my horse!! Love ya Mom,
C-ya

Her daughter Kayleigh Shaw

Well Dana, it's been six months and it still seems like yesterday. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. Your leaving has left the biggest void in my life. When something happens I still want to pick up the phone and call you to share it with you. You were so much more than just my big sister. You were my best friend and my most trusted conselor. I know you are looking down and laughing with us when things go wrong. I know you wouild be so proud of Jeremy and Kayliegh. They really miss their mommy. I talk to them about you daily. They will never forget what a wonderful mom you are. We miss you so much. Give mom and our brother a hug and kiss for me and know that one day we will all be together again. Until then.…

Danitia Dunkerton

DANA, WE LOVE YOU WITH ALL OUR HEART!! i HAVE GOTTEN BACK INTO THE BUIESNESS OF PUBLIC SAFETY.yOU MADE ME RETHINK MY PATH AND FOR THAT i THANK YOU.ONE TIME YOU TOLD ME TO TAKE A STAND NOW i HAVE.wE HAVE JUST GONE THUR ONE YEAR AND FROM WHAT i HAVE HEARD OUR LITTLE SITTER IS DOING A GREAT JOB!!!! iF WE HAD ONLY GOTTEN THIS SOONER YOU COULD HAVE SEEN NOT JUST HEARD.GOTTA GO,REMINDER 10-42 IS 10-4 AND i WILL ALWAYS MAKE SURE OF THAT,

Anonymous

TINY, TINY 211

MAY YOU FIND REST AND PEACE

UP IN HEAVEN.

YOUR DAYS ON EARTH

WERE LONG AND HARD

NOW YOU CAN REJOICE

WITH OUR LORD!!

WE LOVE YOU AND WE MISS YOU.

THERE ISN'T A DAY I DON'T THINK OF YOU.

Anonymous

Dana,

This weekend your name will be added to the Georgia and U.S. memorials. God, how I wish we had you instead! Gina, the kids and I will always remember your smiles, laughter, and love. Thank you for the time you gave us. You are truly golden!

Nature's first green is gold,

Her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leaf's a flower;

But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay.

-Robert Frost

Lt. Matthew Stanley
Habersham County Fire Department

Brother when you weep for me,

Remember that it was meant to be.

Lay me down and when you leave,

Remember that I'll be at your sleeve.

On every routine or dangerous call,

I'll be there to see that you don’t fall.

On every run in driving snow,

I'll watch your back and you will know.

As you roll calls on your beat,

With every stranger that you meet,

In closets where young children hide,

You know I'll be there at your side.

The house from which I now respond,

Is overstaffed with heroes gone.

Those who answered on last bell,

Did the job and did it well.

As officers, we understand

That death's a card dealt in our hand -

A card we hope we never play,

But one we hold there anyway.

The card is something we ignore,

As we enter through an opened door.

For we know that we're the only prayer

For anyone who might be there.

So remember, as you wipe your tears,

The joy I knew thoughout the years.

I did the job I loved to do,

I pray that thought will see you through.

Anonymous

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see; If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today, while thinking of the many things we did't get to say. I know how much you love me, as much as I love you, and each time you think of me I know you'll miss me too; But when tomorrow starts without me, try o understand, that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand, and said my place was ready in Heaven far above, and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye, for all my life, I'd always thought I didn't want to die. I had so much to live for and so much yet to do, it seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdayd, the good ones and the bad, I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday, I thought, just for a while, I'd say good-bye and kiss you and maybe see you smile. But then I fully relized that this could never be, for emptiness and memories would take the place of me. And when i thought of wordly things I'd miss come tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow. But when I walked through Heaven's gates, I felt so much at home. When God looked down and smiled at me, From His great golden throne, He said, "This is eternity and all I've promised you. Today for life on earth is past but here it starts anew. I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last, and since each day's the same day, there's no longing for the past. But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true. Though there were times you did somethings you knew you shouldn't do. But you have been forgiven and now at last you're free, so won't you take my hand and share my life with me?" So when toworrow starts without me, on't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart.

Anonymous

Dana,

It seems like only yesterday, you left our lives. I miss you so much, even though I only saw you 1 or 2 times, My mom, Gina, said so much about you. I can't beleive you are gone, there are not enough words in this world to explaine how much I miss you!

I can't think of how much pain you're family must be going through, knowing that you were only my mom's best friend, basically sister. In my heart, you were like my aunt!

I hope to see you soon, I miss you so much!!! I can't wait to see you again, but I know you are in heaven watching over your family, your fiends, and everyone else.

Dana I miss you sooo much!!!

I miss you so much,

Lauren Donley

Dana,

Hey gurl.I knew you all of my life and all of my life you brought me great joy. I never got the chance to tell you I love you I never thought to. I never thought the day would come. Now i sit back listening to Tonya and my mom saying so much about you.All of the great times. The way they will never forget the memories you left. They always say that they knew you would be the one to go out with a bang, and girl did you. I know things can't change we just have to wait till the day we meet again. I know you are taking care of my family.I will leave it at bye but not forever.

P.J. Donley

WFO,Mom opened scrapbooks the other day I guess thats when this became real.Seventeen years of love,tears,laughter and strongarming all came forward.I think we all were sure it would be me not our little bit.Thank you for all of those memories,they have a special place to never be forgotten.You are truly a inspiration to us all.We had drifted away by miles but not in the heart.You need not worry I hear Nitia is doing a great job you would be proud.Hold your head high and walk proudly for the short time you were with us you touched many lives and hearts.Your love and smile will always be with my family.
Goodbye little one

Weener

Gina Woods Stanley
Friend

Dana:

Well, as usual I am late, but that should not surprise you a bit. Your leaving left a void that is still unbelievable.  You are such a special person,  the world is realy missing something.  I have so many memories, it is now sad to think of them.  I keep checking on my Godchildren, I think you would be proud of the job that Danitia is doing.  They seem to be doing o.k.  Please tell  dad hello, I know he is there helping you along.   You are loved, admired and respected, I can't wait to see  you again.

Love, Ang

Angie Phillips Pannell
Friend

DANA, IT IS 5 MONTHS TODAY AND IT STILL HURTS AS IF IT WAS AUGUST THE 8TH ALL OVER AGAIN. WE MISS YOU SO MUCH.I SEE YOU FAMILY ALMOST EVERY WEEK OR ATLEAST TALK TO THEM AND EVERYONE IS SO STRONG. WE HAD CHRISTMAS WITHOUT YOU AND THAT WAS HARD BUT WE WERE ABLE TO GET THROUGH IT KNOWING YOU WERE WATCHING US FROM ABOVE. YOUR DAD IS BEING SO STRONG AND I LOVE HIM LIKE MY OWN PAWPAW. I HAVE GROWN UP WITH YOUR FAMILY AND WILL KEEP GROWING WITH YOUR FAMILY. WE ALL LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU SO KEEP AN EYE ON US AND SAVE A
SPACE UP THERE SO WE CAN ALL BE TOGETHER AGAIN SOON. I LOVE YOU DANA FROM YOUR NON-RELATED BUT STILL YOUR SISTER RENEE.

renee wilson

IN LOVING MEMORY OF DANA

A call came in the middle of the night

with a voice telling me, "She's not alright."

I could not believe what I was hearing,

suddenly my tears were streaming.

There had been an accident and she was trapped,

CPR was in progress through the partition glass.

Grier, Hite, New, and Wilson tried so hard to bring her to,

but no one could save her ~ not even Med 2.

Her car skidded off the road on East Cherokee Drive.

On that fateful night, Dana lost her life.

Another call came and said simply, "She's gone."

How could this be...he had to be wrong!

With all the strength and courage I had,

I met at the range with my family of the badge.

The traumatic accounts were emotionally spoken

and all around the room, hearts were broken.

On Tuesday, we said our goodbyes~

family, friends and officers side by side.

The impressive precession with many lights of blue

crawled down the road to Mountain View.

The tears and sorrow on their faces were so painful to see

when the flags were presented to Jeremy and Kayleigh.

With the style of tradition, the bagpipes were played

echoing all around us as we prayed.

To our tiny Dana it was so hard to say goodbye,

but now she's an angel flying high in God's sky.

Her heart, spirit, compassion, and faith were so strong,

we will find a way to carry them on.

She lived for each moment and treasured each day.

She made the best of what life gave her in her own way.

My memories of Dana will always live on~

sometimes I still forget that she is gone.

I can't call her or see her, but I still know she's there,

watching over our shoulders, a guardian angel so rare.

I miss you so much Dana. I'll be up there later.

I love you.

Communications Officer K.R. Murphy
Cherokee County 911

well, it's been over a year since your death and as I remember you, I thank God for having a small part of your life as your chaplain and friend. I will always remember our most serious conversations about spiritual matters, especially at the funeral of the two officers killed in cobb county, 2 weeks prior to your death. my prayer is that we will meet again in the halls of h

Anonymous

Well, first of all what a tragic loss to the people that are still here and knew Dana. She was a patient at the Office where I work, and one of my favorites. What a great sense of humor that girl had. I was, and still am, so proud of her. She would have on that gear that had to weigh as much as she did, but was so proud to be a police officer. She should be an example to all women that think they cant. They can, and Dana proved that. To her family, stay strong. I cant even begin to imagine. Dana was a rare breed!! Hats off to you girl.

Stephanie Honea

Dana, I know I didn,t get to see or talk to you near enough but, I loved you every day of my life. These word will not bring you back but, you will never leave my heart.

I remember all the times we stayed out late and got in so much trouble but, we did it anyway.

I cant think of enough words to say how much I love you and miss you but somehow I think you know.


I will love you forever.

SAMANTHA CONNER KENDALL
FRIEND FOREVER

Hey little Angel.It's almost been a month and your absence is really starting to hit all those you left behind.We all know in our hearts that you are in a much happier place but we selfishly wish we were here with us.You brought so much joy and love into all our lives that it is hard to let you go.But you will always live in our hearts.WE love you.And we will never forget you.

Anonymous

A Policewoman's Prayer

Oh Lord,I am a woman,not a man,

I'm a Mother not a Dad,I'm a wife with responsibilities

that men have never had,I need understanding from all my peers,

That I am not here to take away a man,s job,

I am doing it because I care.

I took the job to enforce the law,

To do my part in the fight to have justice for ALL,

To be a professional,To make a career,

Great Lord help me when they say I shouldn't be here.

I work the long hours,

Face all the dangers and do the same things

that they do in law enforcement matters,

Grant me respect like the other,

For I am one,

Set aside for every other one,

Lord being a Policewomen is the most

challenging job I have ever done,

Be with me on my daily run,

As you are with us all,

I thank you for the ability to enforce the law,

Amen

Submitted Anonymously

To those of you who didn't get lucky enough to meet Dana, and to those of you who were, let me tell you what kind of person she was. Dana was a tiny person. She weighed 98 pounds but once you meet her you forgot just how little she was. When Dana came into a room she filled it up with her amazing personality. She was full of life. She didn't meet a person she didn't like. Dana would help the same person that just spit in her face. There was always a smile on Dana's beautiful face. She was truly a champion for the underdog. Dana was a wonderful mother. She lived for her children. She was a dedicated sister. A day didn't go by that she didn't call to check on her little sisters. As a daughter, well you couldn't be prouder. Dana loved her family like there was no tomorrow. Two of her last phone calls the night she died, was to tell her dad and her sister hello and that she loved them. She was forever on the phone to any of her numerous friends. As a sister in law to be, she was heaven sent. She made you love her with her perky, fiery, absolutely loveable self. Dana would take you under her wing and never let you leave her nest until she knew you were ready to fly. As a wife she was dazzling. She may not of been the most attentive wife but when she loved, she loved completely. And as a officer-well it truly was her lifelong dream. She died doing what she lived for. Dana will never be forgotten. She is missed by her children, by her husband, and by her family and friends. I know people say a lot of things when a loved one passes away but Dana was truly a remarkable person and she will live forever in our hearts. We miss you Dana. There will never be another person like you. Rest well little one. We will be together again one day.

Anonymous