Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We miss you so much! We love you always & forever.

Tracy, Gage & Logan

Anonymous

December 27, 2009

Another Christmas has gone by without you. I thought this would get easier as the years passed, but I was obviously wrong. It still feels like yesterday. So, I lit my annual candle and said my daily prayer. I miss you so much today and everyday. I love you.

Sharon
Sister

December 26, 2009

Another year has gone by and I can't help but to remember you and the legacy that you left behind at NBPD. I read the reflections left by friends and family and realize what an impact you have left on people's lives, not only in life but in death. Rest in Peace and Merry Christmas.

Deputy L.J. Palombo
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Florida

December 25, 2009

Don I was just thinking about you and realized how time goes by. Your not forgotten by no means. I see how things have changed and wondered what it would be like and where you would be in the ranks by now. It would of been awesome to see you up there in the ranks.

Todd Conway
New Bern Police Department

December 24, 2009

Don,

Remembering you these next few days especially.

Officer J Tripp
Havelock Police Dept.

December 23, 2009

It’s that time of year again where I think of you the most, for obvious reasons. I still have not forgotten nor will I ever. Those of us who knew you best talk about you often. I swear the stuff we pulled and came out clean. Sometimes it makes me sad though with you being gone, but I have to remind myself that some angels aren’t supposed to be caged, their feathers are just too bright. Since you have flown away it would be a sin for us not to cry then rejoice. But still, the place we live in is more drab and empty that you’re gone. I guess I just miss my friend.
Respectfully as always,
Matthew Heckman
Investigator, Narcotics
Craven County Sheriff’s Office

Anonymous

December 20, 2009

Hey Don!

Man, another year! I cannot believe it has been 8 years now. Christmas is right around the corner and you are still in our thoughts and our hearts. I still remember the call that night and it still brings tears to my eyes. You were, ARE a true friend and I love and miss my friend.

Just know you are always thought of, loved and missed. Don't let up on your workouts up there, 'cause I know you won't.

Peace be with you and your family.

With all our love,

The Heckmans
Jenn, Shelby and Roger

Jennifer Heckman
Friend/Family

December 16, 2009

I just got off the phone with Tracy, and I am so missing Hawaiian Shirt day.

Spidy

July 16, 2009

Another year, another Easter........Just wanted to say Happy Easter, and you are still thought of fondly! I know that from above you can see everything going on down here and know the true stories of our lives and can see the pain. Each and every day you are thought of and missed. I worry about my family in blue and the dangers that they face not just from those wanting to do them harm, but from other things. We just found out that my family member who is on the force has cancer. They have three small girls and we pray everyday for a cure, so they will not have to feel the pain that I've already known along with Gage and Logan (Chance), Tracy and countless others. We will keep them in our prayers, just as we've always kept you in our prayers and in our hearts.

We miss you and love you Don with all our hearts.

God Bless!

The Heckman's
Jenn, Shelby and Roger

Jennifer Heckman
Friend/Family

April 12, 2009

Thinking of you always and missing you still.

Brande Grant-Rhem
Former NBPD

March 26, 2009

Wassup bro,
Just wanted to stop by and say hey man and to let you know that everybody still thinks about you all the time. Every time that I think about you, I try to come here and see you. It's been a long time man...2001. It seems like it was just yesterday. I'm sure that you already know this but man, you are a true hero. You are my hero. You gave your life to protect all the other people at the hospital that day. Everytime that I think about you, I think about the ultimate sacrifice that you made. Gage and Logan have got to be proud of their daddy but I am sure that they miss you more and more everyday. I am almost in tears now just typing this to you. Even after all this time that has gone by, you would think that it would get easier right? Not even close. Now that I have 2 kids, I just hope that if I have to make that ultimate sacrifice, I hope my kids will be as proud of me as I'm sure Gage and Logan are of you, and Tracy too. You are a real inspiration and hero to me, and you make me wanna stay out here and continue to do this job the best that I can. It's hard when you lose someone, but the thing that makes it easier is the memories and remembering the good times (and the bad), and just feeling lucky that you got to be a part of that time that you had here on earth. Continue to watch over your family from heaven and know that I'll see you again one day my brother. I still always remember "Rest is Rust" too.

Brother in Blue

March 7, 2009

Candle was lit. Thoughts were thought. Prayers were prayed. Tears were shed. Memories were shared. Another year gone, and everyone is still missing you like you just walked out of the PD yesterday...... Watch over him Donnie.....

KR Garrison
Former NBPD

January 7, 2009

Don,

another year has come and gone but you are not forgotten, the boys are gettin big. There are always times when you come to mind, conversation and remembering the past, thing is there was never a time that there was bad things to say and it always made us laugh in the end of some of the things we have done. those were the good times.

God Speed

your remembered

Art

Art

December 29, 2008

Hey Boy,

Thinking about our younger years. My mind can still create those times. Damn that was fun! Time stood still that day in 2001. Who could forget it? It’s been a while since I have posted here. There is not a day gone by though, I have not thought about you. I miss you. Reflecting on all the memories I have, comments here in these posts and most of all when friends say “hey remember when” means to me you’re still alive. We say that a lot in this job. You know how those conversations began and end. We describe our experiences to each other as if no one else was there. Then we add our own drama to give it a crescendo. I love it when they use the clause “you and Don”. When it comes to those discussions I will be selfish. “I” do remember when.

I have learned that all things take time to build. The creations take time and the results sometimes are enormous. The sweat, blood and tears are always over looked only because a climax is acceptable. Then a river runs through it.

I miss my friend. No wonder I can be afraid of water.

I love boy.

Cpl. Matthew Heckman
Craven County Sheriff’s Office

Cpl. Matthew Heckman
Craven County Sheriff's Office

December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas my brother. You and your family are still in my thoughts and prayers.

Deputy L.J Palombo
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office

December 25, 2008

On this day I thank you for your service and think of your family.

Anonymous

December 25, 2008

It's been seven years since we lost you brother. We still miss you like it was yesterday. Keep watch over the rest of us and give Monica and Eddie a big hug.

Gordon Hobbs
NC Game Warden

December 25, 2008

Noway I could let Christmas go by without taking a moment out for you. I think about all the good times we had together I miss you bro.

Brande Grant-Rhem
Former New Bern Police Officer

December 24, 2008

Hey Don, It's so close to Christmas again and we are still thinking of you. God, so many things have changed, some good and some bad, but you already know. Don you are still so missed by everyone. I go to this Officer Down page and I have the to click on you profile, just to see your picture and reflect on the great friend you were to everyone who met you. Miss you brother

MPO II J D Williams
New Bern Police Dept

December 21, 2008

There is not a day that goes by, that I don't think of you. You taught me so much growing up, especially how to be strong. I frequently read all these reflections and realize it wasn't just me who looked up to you and loved you.
It still feels like yesterday and I miss you so much.

Feegafat (Sharon)
your sister

December 17, 2008

Thinking of you always and miss you still.

Brande Grant-Rhem
NBPD- Former Officer

December 9, 2008

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

November 30, 2008

RIP.You will always be remembered and never forgotten.

Anonymous

November 29, 2008

Tracy came to the wedding in August and everyone was so tickled to see her. It was just perfect...beautiful weather and being surrounded by family and friends. Your name came up quite a few times; so much laughter and funny stories. I asked Matthew afterwards what you would have thought about all this. He laughed and said you would have approved. I think maybe he’s right.

I have so many things I want to say…to put down in writing. You already know them.

Rest in Peace

Love,

Laura Ann


We'll see you again soon, Tracy. Take care and hug the boys from Matt and I.

Detective L.A.Heckman
NBPD

November 23, 2008

Hey Buddy,
Well it's that time of year and I can not help but think of all the Halloween parties that we had at your house.....you and Tracy always made it the best party! I miss you so much.

Brande Grant-Rhem
Former NBPD Officer

October 23, 2008