Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey there Don,
It's been awhile, but there is not a day that goes by. You know by now about Eddie. I miss you both even though we had not seen each other in some time, but of course time is irrelevant because in the grand scheme of things we will all be hanging out soon. Take care, tell Eddie hello and keep an eye out for all of us slow pokes down here.

Love ya,
Billy

Billy Craig
Friend

August 14, 2008

Hey Don. Been thinking of you alot this week. We lost Eddie Vaughan this week in a motorcycle crash. He was the one who called me with the terrible news that Christmas Eve that you had been shot. As you know he was a great guy with a heart as big as his shoulders. I am sure you have seen him up there by now and he has given you one of those huge bearhugs that he always gave so freely. He was a great wildlife officer and we miss him more than words can say. I miss you guys so much. I have lost too many young friends in the last few years. It never gets any easier. You and Eddie keep a watch over the rest of us. You will never be forgotten.

gordon hobbs
nc game warden

July 5, 2008

Det. Miller,

You are deeply missed by family, friends and co-workers. Thank you for your years of service and dedication. May you rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

June 29, 2008

Don,

It's been so long and so much has changed. I look at the kids and see how big they have gotten and think how big Gage and Logan must be. I think of all the wonderful things that you have missed out on as a father, husband and friend; but it is good to know that you are with the Lord and you are watching over all of US! Christmas time is still a very sad time for me, thinking of our loss of you and the loss of "others" and that special time we all shared together as a "family".

Even though the kids and I are no longer living in North Carolina there is not a day that goes by that we do not think of you and the rest of the family. I still think of you on your birthday and making you birthday cakes. I also still have your vehicle memorial sticker on my truck. I've had a few inquiries about it and I tell them about you.

We love you Don and miss you all dearly! Tracy, we miss you too along with the boys!!!! Give them hugs and kisses from us and hope to one day see you again.

With all our love!

The Heckman's
Jenn, Shelby and Roger

Jennifer Heckman
Friend/Family

May 2, 2008

Thankyou for your service and sacrifice, you are a true hero for us all to look up too. GOD bless your family, you will never be forgotten

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

April 28, 2008

Det. Miller your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

April 18, 2008

Because of what he did, his heroic actions saved a lot of lives.

You will always be remembered.

Corporal

March 26, 2008

Don,
It's been a long time my Brother! I visit your ODMP page often and have read the reflections countless times.
I only had the pleasure of knowing you during our academy, but those were great times! I still have the recording of your testimony during our testifying in court class. You had everyone crying from laughing so hard. I remember fondly our long days in class and our late nights on the volleyball field at Billy's house. Those were the good times. Even though we lost touch after the academy, I still kept track of you through a fellow officer who had been friends with you for years. As I read your reflections it's obvious that I'm not the only one you made an impact on in life. They say, "Only the good die young". If that's the measure, I can't believe you lived to be 33 years old. You were an example and inspiration to all who knew you. I still remember when I was told of your untimely death. At that moment I felt as lost as I had when I lost my mother a few years prior. Life is short, and we often neglect to cherish the special ones in our life as much as we should. Your funeral was one of the saddest and most heart touching times of my life. I had attended countless officer funerals before, and have attended several since. But, none have hit home like your's did. You were truly honored that day, and are still loved and missed by many.
Tracy, I can tell you that Logan, Gage and You were everything to Don. He loved the three of you with every fiber of his heart and soul. I can't begin to imagine the loss and emptiness you feel. May God bless you and give you the courage and strength you need.
Don's Mother, nobody has to tell you what a wonderful son you raised. Take pride in knowing you raised a fine man that touched the lives of countless people in his life. Don probably had no idea how much he meant to so many people. You deserve the "Mother of the Century Award"!
Matt, continue to cherish the times you had with Don. You had the distinguished honor of serving at his side. You have been blessed!
To All LEOs, lets all learn from Don and honor him. Live life to the fullest, work hard, stay safe and strive to make a difference in someone's life everyday.
Don, you are loved, honored and greatly missed. God speed until we meet again.

Rest is Rust ...

Jeff Mills
Williamston NC PD

March 5, 2008

Someone said your name last night and I took out the picture to show them. You, Wess, Me and Dave. It was hard to keep my bearing. Its sad that as we get caught up in our own world that as time passes, so do some memories....Even though my dream has finally come true, I will always remember that those days in Blue were the best....Miss you man....

Old Friend...

February 14, 2008

Don, It is hard to believe how long it has been since you were taken from us. Your boys are turning into little men. You would be so proud. I missed my visit to your park this year. Lean took you a christmas tree in my place.

Forever bro.

Doobie
Friend

January 16, 2008

May the Peace you have earned be passed to those who read this for it was by you hands that other carry on to this day. It has been along time brother but you never forgotten. I know you continue to be in the hearts of those who need your strength for it is in all of us not to rest.

Rest is Rust
Peace Brother

Art

Investigator
Brother Forever

December 28, 2007

It's hard to believe that it's been 6 years since you left us. I still cry everytime I think of that horrible night. You are still so missed by everyone, and still so much a part of our lives. You will live with all of us forever because you will always be in our minds and our hearts.

December 27, 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 27, 2007

You and your family are in our prayers this time of year and always....God Bless

Deputy Palombo
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office

December 26, 2007

Detective Miller:

Thank You for having served the Carolina Community.

May You Rest - In - Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

December 25, 2007

This has probably been one of the most difficult years for me since the Lord took you from our lives, both at work and at home. I often rely on the determination that you possessed and passed on to those around you. No matter how hard things get to never give up on the job you started or on the people that you care about the most. Thank you for being a great influence to all of us in life and in death. As always Tracy, Gage and Logan are in our prayers and you my brother are in our thoughts.

Sergeant Daren Fuller
New Bern Police Department

December 25, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
Manchester, NH

December 23, 2007

Thinking of you today Don while I'm in Wilmington. Can't believe you've been gone for six years. Rest in peace brother. Gordon.

nc game warden

December 22, 2007

Just thinking about you today as the Christmas Holidays are so near. I still miss you, miss you, miss you.

Brande Grant-Rhem
Former New Bern Police Officer

November 28, 2007

Thank you for watching over us.

September 19, 2007

Everytime i read this horrible story it breaks my heart. I never meet you but as a 20 year vetern i can say you never get use to hearing these stories. May the EVIL behind this act NEVER EVER see the outside again. God be with your family.

Pubic Safety Super. Gary Mintz
Warren Wilson College, Asheville NC

September 6, 2007

I KNOW THIS IS A REFLECTION OF DON! TRACEY, DON LOVED YOU, GAGE AND LOGAN SO MUCH!! ALL OF YOU WERE THE APPLE AND THE CORE OF HIS LIFE!! YOU MEANT, SO MUCH TO YOUR LOVING HUSBAND. THE INCIDENT THAT TOOK HIS LIFE, WAS VERY, VERY, HARD AND I HOPE, I WILL NEVER HAVE TO EXPERIECE WHAT YOU WENT THROUGH!! I WANT TO WISH YOU AND THE BOYS, SO MUCH LOVE!! PS!! WILL YOU WATCH OVER MY FAMILY!! YOUR OTHER BROTHERS, CLOSE TO YOUR HEART!

FRIEND
FRIEND

June 30, 2007

Dear Friend,
I have not written to you in a VERY long time but that does not mean I have forgotten about YOU- I HAVEN'T!!!! OH! DEAR LORD, I WISH YOU WERE STILL HERE! IT WILL BE 7 YEARS IN DEC. YOU HAVE BEEN A GREAT INFLUENCE ON SO MANY PEOPLE. STARTING WITH YOUR WONDERFUL WIFE,(TRACEY) BOTH OF YOUR BOYS(GAGE AND LOGAN)AND SO MANY OF YOUR OTHER WONDERFUL FREINDS AND CO-FAMILY MEMBERS!!(NBPD)(CCSD)

LONG LOST FRIEND

May 24, 2007

To the Family and Friends of Detective Miller,

I often go on this website to feel that I've honored each officer by reading about their incident in hopes that their loss is not forgotten. I noticed Detective Miller's picture in the "Remember" section. After reading about the incident and seeing Donald's reflections, it was obvious to see how much he is loved and still missed. As a mother, wife of a police officer and a fellow officer myself -I can't even begin to understand the deep feeling of loss that his family and friends must still feel. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you -for Donald's wife, his sons, his family and his brothers/sisters on the job.

Officer Theresa Stauffer
Penn Township Police, Manheim PA

April 23, 2007

Well, as you know, today was the day of yet another local officer's funeral. Boy did it bring back painful memories. Bob couldn't even think about going because he's still -- to this day -- raw over your death. He misses you so much it breaks my heart. There isn't a day that goes by that he isn't thinking of you, and often talking about you. A piece of his heart, and his soul, was ripped out forever when you left us, and it seems like he's still searching to somehow get it back. I hope you help him find it, Donnie. I think only you can. He's missing Matt incredibly, too, as they don't see much of each other anymore. Anyways, I needed to vent, and release a few tears for...well, everyone...you, Tracy, the boys, Bob, Matt, and of course, Greenville Officer Jason Campbell. I hope you were there to meet him on the other side. I'm sure that you were...

Kelly Garrison
NBPD

April 18, 2007