Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Doug,

I still watch the class video that we all made while we were at the Academy and I think of you often and the times we spent in Smokies lounge every night after Criminal Law class trying to figure that crap out. I just wanted to let you and your family know that you will always be on my mind. Your picture still hangs on my wall in my office and will always be there to remind me how fast it can all change.

"ONE TEAM ONE FIGHT!"
00-144

Hug and Kiss the wife and the kids because you will never know.

Your Brother
Patrolman Donald J. Halter (D.J.) AKA Burnie!

Patrolman
Vincennes City Police, In.

February 4, 2004

Becoming a member of the Elkhart Police Department fulfilled a lifelong dream of Doug's. He proudly wore his uniform and was moved to express his feelings in the following poem he wrote after being appointed.

Anonymous

Doug,

It has just been a month since that awful night when you were taken from us. I did not know you well but had a chance to teach you on the range. We all new how proud you were to be a member of our family. I just took the black flag down from my car and the band from my badge. But just know this you will live on in all of us. As we continue doing the job that you loved so much. God bless Doug, we will miss you.

Todd

Detective Todd Thayer
Elkhart City P.D.

Doug, I just wanted you to know that I think about you ever day and how short it was that I knew you. You are a good friend and will never be forgotten. I want to thank everybody that puts the Badge on and wears it with pride like I do and Doug does in heaven.

Patrolman James Dodson
Butler University Police

My thoughts are with the family, be sure that Doug is in a better place now... He did give the ultimate sacrifice!

Sgt. Jon Richardson
Peru Police Dept.

Though I did not know Officer Adams, I know why he did the job that we love. It is such a tragedy to lose a young officer in this manner. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and co-workers. Godspeed, Douglas.

Officer Donna C. Hillier
Purdue University Calumet Police Department, IN

I had Doug in the Academy (ILEA). I thought he was an outstanding young officer and he will be missed for years to come. I teach Emergency Vehicle Operations. The loss of Adams has affected many many lives and I can only hope that his wife and the officers of EPD can learn and recover.

Sgt. Robert J. McCahill
Mishawaka Police Department

Doug was one of my best friends in high school. For two years, our Jr. and Sr. years, Doug, myself, and our friend Roger were inseperable. We enjoyed many things together, even skiping school. We had nicknames for each other eve. I am shocked that this has happened. I had to find out through an email. Doug just found me again a couple of months back through classmates.com. We started to talk again for a few mails, told each other how we have excelled in our life and in our careers since high school. We laughed that now we had respectable jobs, he was a Police Officer and I am a Lt. Firemedic. We shared words about our families. He seemed proud. Then we both got busy again. I haven't talked to him since and now he is gone. My words to you are to always remeber to cherrish your friends and find the time to keep in touch.

Doug, you will surely be missed my friend.

Tony

Lt. C. Anthony Fitzgerald
City of Venice Florida

Although I never got the chance to meet Patrolman Adams, it still hit me hard. I served as an intern for the EPD in the summer of 1998. Officer Adams I thank you for everything you did for the city, including giving your life to protect us, the citizens of Elkhart. To the family of Officer Adams, I along with everyone in the city thank you for supporting Officer Adams.

Former Intern William J. Menges
Elkhart Police Department

To the family of my fallen comrade,

My name is Christopher M. Hess and I am the son of a 24-year veteran of the Easton, Pennsylvania Police Department. It is with great sadness and grief that I learn of the death of your love one. Whenever a brother or sister falls in the line of duty, it always has a profound and lasting effect on me.

Although my father was and “inside” officer for his last 14 years of service, I often feared for not only his safety, but also for the men and women who serve along side of him. Being a police officer in this day and age is the most difficult job out there. Your loved one has paid the ultimate price protecting the citizens of your community as well as the entire country from those who have now regard for humanity. Please know that there are many other people who are sharing in your pain and grief at this very moment, for when one of our own pays the ultimate price, a little bit of us passes with them. Your loved one is a hero who will never be forgotten. I realize that the pain and grief may seem too great to handle, but feel comforted by knowing that is an extended family out here who support you and are praying for your comfort, safety, and well being. Your family will always be in my family’s mind and prayers. We wish you peace in handling the rough times ahead. May God grant you a speedy closure.

Respectfully yours,

The Hess family in Easton, Pennsylvania

Chris Hess
NAPO

Doug,

Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I didn't know you long, but we became good friends in a short time, and I learned as much from you as you did from me. Things must have been getting out of hand in Heaven, because God obviously needed the best cop he could find. I am thankful that we had the chance to have dinner together on that horrible night. Thank you for patiently allowing me to confide in you my frustrations. You are a true friend. And remember our conversation about "good cops vs. great cops"? You made the list. I miss you, buddy.

Patrolman Dan L. Jones #319
Elkhart Police Department

Doug,

Now that some time has passed since you left us, I find that every day I remember something else about working with you. I remember the call when we babysat the adult children over off of E. Jackson, and I remember how I thought after we cleared that you were a much better cop than most people with your amount of time on. I regret that I never told you that. Your enthusiasm for the job has been written off as just being a "rookie", but I believe that it went much deeper. I saw in you a dedication and a love for the job that I try every day to emulate. Anyone who didn't work with you will not know what I mean, but I saw what kind of man you were, and I will remember that forever.

I remember the last call I took with you, when I had drawn down on that guy and yelled your number into the radio. I remember the look on your face when you walked (ran) up, and I remember you telling me how sorry you were that you weren't there sooner. I tried to tell you there was nothing to apologize for, but now I find myself thinking that maybe I didn't convince you that you did nothing wrong.

I remember how you and I were going to be the new evidence techs on the shift, and I was looking forward to going through the training and doing the job with you. (I also remember us bitching about the training schedule)

I remember the terrible feeling of emptiness I felt when it sunk in that you were gone, and how hard it was for me to mourn your death and celebrate my wedding on the same day. I remember the feeling of joy and relief I felt when I read Janet's letter in the paper, and I found out that you were a Christian, and that because of your belief in Jesus you have been given eternal life.
I remember you almost spewing a mouthful of Sprite into the Captain's lap at your final briefing. That still makes me chuckle.
I will never forget the feeling of true brotherhood we all felt while laughing, crying, and telling stories at L&K the night of the crash.

I remember the prayer Todd said for you while we stood at your memorial, and the words said by Doug, Rich, Larry and Pam at the funeral.
You will always live in my thoughts, and your example of what a cop should be will stay with me always. I agree with Dan, you were a great cop, but you were a better man.

I love you brother.

Ptl. Mike Hershberger #328
Elkhart Police

Brother,
I would just like to say that I will always remember you.You taught me more than Police training. You taught me to believe in myself. I would just like you to know that thanks to you and so many other officers that have helped me along the way. I will be following your path as an officer at the EPD. Thanks for your example.

Captain F.Koeppel
Elkhart Police Cadet Corps

May God bless the family, friends, and co-workers of Patrolman Adams. He gave his life for this country and for that he will always be remembered.

Dana Perot
Survivor (Fiance') of Deputy Joseph C. Rodgers eow 4 - 9 - 97

To Officer Adams family and friends our heart and prayers go out to you.

God Bless you

Terry Miyares
widow
Officer Emilio Miyares
Hialeah PD, Fl
1959=1986

Terry Miyares, officer's widow
Hialeah Police Dept, (SOUTH FLORIDA COPS)

I am a Sergeant with the Clearwater Police Department, Clearwater Florida. I grew up in Elkhart Indiana and would like to take a moment to reflect on Officer Douglas Michael Adams. Even though I have never met you Doug, you are part of one large family, a law enforcement family. You have not been forgotten and will ALWAYS be remembered. I have shared the information on this ODMP with officers on my squad and in my agency. God Bless!

Sergeant Sean P. Allaster
Clearwater Police Department

To Patrolman Adams family and friends my thoughts and prayers goes out to you. May God bless you.
D. Jones
Mother of Officer Ron Jones
EOW 12/26/01

Dear Doug,

It was a little over 5 months ago when you had your final 10-42 but it still feels like yesterday. I miss you so much. You were always there for anyone who needed you. You were quick to work for anyone who couldn't. I never heard one sigle complaint from you. I do dearly miss you staying over on third shift just to talk and see how things were going. Your dedication was one of the best on our Department. It is hard to believe that you were only just about to complete your first year. If I didn't know you personally I would sware you were at least a 10 year veteran because you were so good at your job and you loved it so much. I miss getting to joke with you and swap arrest stories. I will never forget the look on your face when you came in Detention to see who I just arrested. I called you over to the screen and pulled a pound of Marijuana out of my shirt were I had it secured from the man I just arrested. Your eyes got huge and you yelled, well I don't think I'm allowed to write what you yelled, but it was so hilarious that some of us still laugh about it. Then you looked up, saw the Detention camera, and said, "Oops, they have audio recording back here too don't they.?". We both just laughed hysterically.And I will never forget the conversation we had a short time later outside of Detention where I told you where the suspect said the Marijuana came from.
It wasn't but three short weeks after that I got the most awfull horifying call of my life. The call that changed a lot of things for me and everyone else that Loves you. I never thought this would happen to one of our own. I hear all the time about all these other departments Officers getting shot or killed but it never seemed real until it happened to you. I now see that even our Officers are not immune from death. It really puts things into perspective. I am looking forward to seeing you again some day. I miss you, love you, and will never forget you.

You friend forever,
"Chops"

MPtlm. Susan C Lambright
Elkhat Police Department

Doug,

Its been five months now since you were taken from us, but not a day goes by when I don't think about you. I stop by your grave from time to time, and if I listen long enough, I can feel your presence. I think about all the nights you would work overtime on our shift, and hang out at the front desk, usually trying to stay awake. I remember the night the week before we lost you, when Susan arrested that guy with the huge grocery sack of marijuana, and how big your eyes got when you saw it. And how funny you thought it was when I announced that it looked like a giant grass divet.
Losing you has changed my life forever in many ways. I never hesitate to tell those who are closest to me how I feel about them, or to take the opportunity to spend time with them. Your sacrifice has made me see how precious every minute is we have with those around us. I want you to know that I carry your picture with me to work every day. I love you brother, and I miss you.

Safety Officer Tim Miller #410
Elkhart Police Department

You are not forgotten! We will continue to do the job in your honor and in memory of you and all who laid down their lives so that we could live in a civilized society. We are stronger because of you. Rest in peace

Ptlm. M.W. Ludlow
Palmyra Police Dept., NJ

EVERYDAY WE MAKE DECISIONS THAT WILL DECIDE THE FACTORS IN WHICH WILL ALLOW US TO SURVIVE OR PASS ON. OFFICER DOUGLAS ADAMS WAS TRYING TO MAKE SURE THAT HIS FELLOW BROTHER WAS NOT WITHOUT HELP. HE KNEW IN HIS MIND THAT IF IT WERE HIM NEEDING HELP HIS BROTHERS AND SISTERS WOULD COME THROUGH. HE WOULD NOT ALLOW HIS BROTHER TO BE OVERCOME BY A CRIMINAL THAT WAS EVERYTHING OPPOSITE THAT WE SWORE TO PROTECT. OFFICERS THAT LOOK FEAR IN THE FACE AND REFUSE TO LET CRIMINALS CONTROL THE STREETS, WILL NEVER LET US DOWN. OFFICER ADAMS IS NOW AN ANGEL PATROLLING THE STREETS IN HEAVEN. NOW WHEN I CALL FOR BACK-UP HE WILL BE THERE TO HELP ME. HE WILL LIVE IN THE HEARTS OF ALL POLICE OFFICERS EVERYDAY. THERE WAS 13,000 POLICE OFFICERS PATROLLING THE STREETS PROTECTING MILLIONS. NOW THERE IS ONLY 12,999 POLICE OFFICERS PROTECTING MILLIONS. REST IN PEACE BROTHER , BECAUSE WE RESTED WHEN YOU WERE ON THE BEAT.

OFFICER
BILL LAPRADD
DECATUR POLICE DEPARTMENT
DECATUR,ALABAMA

OFFICER BILL LAPRADD
DECATUR POLICE DEPT. DECATUR ,ALABAMA