Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was driving in Thornton, CO, a couple of days ago, and noticed a sticker that looked like a police badge on the back window of a sports car. It said something like, "In Memory of Don Miller", and this stuck in my head long enough to make me want to look it up tonight and see if I could figure out who this person was.

After reading about him here, and reading all of the heartfelt reflections that people have written for him, I just wanted to write to express my sympathy for the loss of such a hero. He was obviously a wonderful officer, family member and friend, and I'm sure that not a day goes by that he isn't though of and missed by all of you. I hope that during this ongoing grief you have found some comfort in each other, in your memories, and in the knowledge that you will be with him again.

To whoever had that bumper sticker (what a great idea), thank you for letting me learn about this awesome man! God bless and watch over you all!

PS to Detective Heckman-- It was wonderful to read your very touching words about your partner, and how all of his hard work was still coming to fruition even after his loss. Thank you for making our world a better place!

Anonymous
Mountain View, CO

It has taken me a long time to be able to read all of the wonderful things that were said about our Don. I cried though most of them. He was a wonderful man, and I am glad that I was able to know him. I will forever remember the last time I saw him and when I heard the news. I was able to attend the funeral with the rest of our "family." It was one of the hardest things I've done. But it made me know how much a "family" this department is. I am so proud to be a part of it. I will never forget Don or what he stood for. I miss seeing him smile.

PST Amy Short
New Bern Police Department

Don, as you know we have not forgotten about you,as we will never. It doe's seem like only yesterday that we were in the bike school and you were pushing us and showing us what we could really do. Man you are so missed around the PD.

Officer Williams
New Bern PD

March 13, 2002 - New Hanover Superior Court (Wilmington, NC) - Superior Court Judge Ernest B. Fullwood accepts a GUILTY plea to 1st Degree Murder from ARBIE HANDS, 41 yoa, of Leland, NC. HANDS is then sentenced to LIFE IN PRISON WITHOUT POSSIBILITY OF PAROLE. For our "Out of State" friends, the sentence is EXACTLY as it sounds.

Closure? NO. DON WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

Captain W. Alex Setzer
New Bern Police Department

This was so tragic. DOn thank you for your service. You left behind may friends who care about you. God bless and look after us.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

As we come yet upon another Christmas and reflect on Family and Friends, I can't help but think of a lost friend.The atmosphere around the Department is cheerful, as it usually is, but as I watch each and every one of OUR Officers walk out that back door and get into their patrol cars, you cross my mind, and I think of the sacrifice that they make every day. Every one is in my prayers.
The one thing missing this Christmas is you. Although some don't say anything, you are always with us. When your name comes up, some just stare, some walk away, and you know the rest of us smile because of the memories. but in all of us you can see the hurt in their eyes. The lives you touched are many. Some was glad (US) some was sad (BAD GUYS) but we are all touched.
I remember every time I saw you and asked "what's up Don", your reply was always "CATCHING BAD GUYS", and then you would smile, then I knew some "person" was going to jail!
So I'll drink this one just for you. A friend and Brother Forever.

Sergeant Art Spang
New Bern Police Department

Well Brother,
I guess we meet again. I am still not sure of the reasoning you are still gone. Maybe one day when we meet again we will understand why this even happened. I know this day while I am here a year go, I know... I still miss you. This day, I know the true superhero was taken. I traveled many miles this Christmas to be with Jenny's family, but my heart stayed with you and the Brothers and family this Christmas still crying. I cried the night of the 23rd and even more on the 25th when I thought of you. The rest of my thoughts are lost for the word to say. All I can say is that I love you Brother and I miss you so much. One day we will meet again, only then brother we toegther will smile. Lord knows when I see you again I will have the Greatest smile. Too me Brother you were my greatest friend.

Ask an Angel to send more tissues, Because I still cry when I think of you.

I Love you Bro....

Matthew Heckman....... 625

Detective Matthew Heckman
New Bern Police Dept.

It doesn't seem possible that you have been gone for a year. I can still hear your laugh and I remember the good times like it was yesterday. I think of you today as I do everyday and I know all is well.
Merry Christmas Don...We miss you

Mac
New Bern PD

Your Team has finally been formed, we shall rest no more for there is no RUST in our blood. 624 Lives On

A Brother Forever
New Bern

You may have gone on before us, but YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY FRIEND.

WAS

I was spending winter break in Wilmington when Det. Miller was Taken. My winter break was spent preparing myself for the academy. I remember attending the funeral of Det. Miller.

I have never been so saddened, so moved, and so motivated in my life. To see all the Law Enforcement Officers from all over, and to hear all the stories of Detective Miller was one of the most inspirational events for me.

During his funeral one of the speakers told us "get to know our co-workers, get to know them before its too late....get to know their families'

I have made a promise to myself to do so! Whenever i get down, i come here and read all of the reflections. They never fail to cause me to tear up. They also never fail to Motivate me. Det. Miller has left behind motivation for all law enforcement officers and future law enforcement officers to work hard, stay in shape, and be the best police officer you can be.

I stive to be as Great as Detective Miller!

Detective Miller Thank You!

Police Cadet
North Carolina Justice Academy

Hey Boy,
I know that the news I leave for you is old now. Knowing that you are above watching. You were there over us as we made the entry. Today we took Master Jai down. As you know it has been along time coming. We "all" worked on this case, but your work nailed his coffin shut. The arrests on the OCDETF have begun. Brother I wish you could have seen the faces of the Bad guys as we paraded Master Jai's cars through the Hood. It made all the hard work worth everything it took. There is no doubt that you were smiling just as we were in that few seconds of Honor. Well Brother it was for you!

Hey Boy,

Today was a good Day.....

Det. Matthew Heckman
New Bern Police Dept.

This week millions remember the fallen officers from last year. Don,I'm sorry I couldn't make it, I want you to know that I think about you every day. Some days you make me laugh and some days cry. You are always in our hearts and minds. We love you.

L D

HAPPY EASTER IN HEAVEN, DETECTIVE MILLER. I know your family and friends are still heartbroken but you are in a better place now and still looking after them with love.

My wife and I visit my in-laws in New Bern every year at Christmas. My sister-in-law, who works in Wilmington, told us of the shooting just after it happened. I wish the world could hear of this story and join in your sadness. This didn't need happen in our country. Prayers are with you from Philadelphia.

Anonymous

Hey Brother,
Just wanted you to know that we are still making a dent in the war on drugs. We have not and will not stop, and at the same time when we hit a door its for you Brother!
By the way boy, we did another S/W at Buds house. It was only a week ago that we won a suppression hearing on your search warrant that you wrote. We got him again for you. We will not stop. Your sons are doing great, Between Jerry Ramsey, my-self and other brothers we will teach them to be just like you. Until I see you again Be safe my Brother, and know that I love you.

Heckman 625

Det. Matthew Heckman
New Bern P.D.

To the friends and family of Det.Donald Miller,

I first met Don when I was working with a local wrecker service in New Bern prior to getting started in the law enforcement brotherhood/field. From the first time that I met him I knew that he was a great guy.I never got to really know him much more than occasionally seeing him at a wreck in town or at a vehicle drug seizure etc...and when I heard the news of what happened to Don, my heart fell to the floor. My heart goes out to all of the family and friends that were so much closer to him than I was.I can only imagine how this has affected you all.I know we will meet
again someday in Heaven and hopefully pick up where we left off. Don...You will never be forgotten.

Howdy...

Deputy C.R. Muse
Craven Co. Sheriff's Office

Don,

It has taken me a while to get let my feelings of your loss settle so I could write about you. You were a great friend, father, and husband. I admired the way you took such great care of your family and friends. I hope to be half the father you were. Your energy was non stop and affected all that were around you. You were and still are a great inspiration. I miss the fun we had and the rides. I still feel you with me as I do ride, pushing me farther and faster. I will do all that I can to help your family, as I have said before, I feel like I am a part of your family and I love you.
Rest is Rust.

MPOI Jerry Ramsey
New Bern Police Dept.

To a Lovely man, who will always be, the Best Husband and DADDY, there could ever be. As he looks at his sons, You could alway see the love a father ahd Daddy has for his babies.

N/A
N/A

To the Miller family, friends and fellow officers-

While no human words can offer condolences to ease an aching heart, please know that our Heavenly Father is with you now and forever. I pray that God will heal the wounds, and one day replace the hurt with joyous memories of Don. Fellow officers - it is your duty now to help raise these precious children so that they may know their father through your memories. It is an awesome duty, but one that the children will cherish forever.

My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Heidi Craft
Daughter-in-law of Glenn Craft, Greensboro PD, NC
EOW 2-14-74 (1 week before his son's 1st birthday)

Heidi Craft

" I think now looking back, that we are not fighting an enemy. Sometimes we are fighting ourselves and the enemy is within us. Make yourself no mistake; give all to your brothers in blue. Never let their badge go tarnished only because, Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. When we meet again brothers, then we will smile, if not then we know that this party was well formed"!

I, Miss you Brother…..

Det. Matthew Heckman,
625
New Bern P.D.

Det. Matthew Heckman
New Bern Police dept.

Don,

I will miss you. I don't have the words to express how much. As I try to write this I remember all the calls we went to. The kids we coached in little league baseball. The sergeants we drove crazy working the street.

I'll be there for you brother just like you were for me.

Tracy thank you for letting me speak at Don's funeral it was one of the greatest honors I have ever had. I leave a copy of that goodbye for all to read.

Love, Softy.


I STAND HERE TODAY ONLY AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF MANY OTHER OFFICERS FROM THE WILMINGTON POLICE AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ACROSS THIS STATE.

WHEN I FIRST ASKED THE FAMILIES IF I COULD SPEAK I KNEW IT WOULD BE EASY TO TALK ABOUT MY FRIENDSHIP WITH DON. I COULD STAND UP HERE FOR HOURS TELLING YOU STORIES ABOUT CATCHING BAD GUYS, LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL GAMES WE COACHED, SERGEANTS WE DROVE CRAZY, ALL THE SERIOUS DISCUSSIONS WE HAD AT 4 IN THE MORNING ON MIDNIGHT SHIFT WHEN WE WOULD CREATE SOLUTIONS TO ALL THE WORLDS PROBLEMS, BUT SELDOM OUR OWN.

BUT AS I SAT DOWN TO PUT MY THOUGHTS TOGETHER I REALIZED I HAVE A VERY SPECIAL AND UNIQUE FRIENDSHIP WITH DON. THE KIND OF FRIENDSHIP THAT EVEN WHEN TIME WOULD PASS, AWAY FROM EACH OTHER, WE BOTH CHERISHED THE FRIENDSHIP IN OUR HEARTS. WEEKS MIGHT PASS BUT AS SOON AS THE PHONE WOULD RING IT WAS RIGHT BACK TO OLD TIMES. DON WAS ALWAYS THERE FOR ME DURING GOOD AND BAD TIMES AND I HAVE BEEN AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE THERE FOR HIM NOW.

THESE TYPE OF FRIENDSHIP OUR CREATED AND NURTURED IN A OUR PROFESSION.

AND AS LOOK OUT ACROSS THIS CROWD TODAY I SEE YOUNG AND VETERAN OFFICERS FROM ALL TYPES OF DEPARTMENTS. I HAVE A CHALLENGE FOR YOU TODAY.

TO OUR NEW OFFICERS KNOW YOUR PARTNERS, KNOW THEIR FAMILIES.
NURTURE THEM AND LOVE THEM. FOR THEY NEED YOU AND YOU THEM. DON’T LET YOUR PARTNERS WIFE AND FAMILY MEET YOU FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM. THE MEMORIES THAT YOU LIVE NOW, WILL BE ENGRAVED IN YOUR MIND FOREVER. THESE MEMORIES ARE INSTILLED SO THEY MAY BE RE-PLAYED AT WILL. YOU WILL CHERISH THESE MEMORIES LIKE NO OTHER PROFESSION. SO LOOK AT THE OFFICERS NEXT, ACROSS, IN-FRONT AND BEHIND AND SIMPLY SAY THANK YOU,, FOR ONE DAY YOU MAY NEVER BE SO GLAD YOU DID. BONDS YOU CREATE IN THE FIRST YEARS OF YOUR SERVICE WILL LAST A LIFE TIME.

TO THE VETERAN OFFICERS WHO ALL TO SADLY ALREADY KNOW WHAT I’VE SAID TO BE TRUE, I CHALLENGE YOU TO INSTILL LOVE FOR THE THIN BLUE LINE AND EACH OTHER INTO THESE NEW OFFICERS SO THAT IN TIMES LIKE THESE THOSE LEFT BEHIND WILL HAVE THE KIND OF LOVE AND SUPPORT THAT HAS BEEN SHOWN TO DETECTIVE DONALD M. MILLER MY FRIEND AND PARTNER.

DON HAS MADE HIS FINAL OFFICER DOWN CALL AND WE WERE EN-ROUTE, BUT THE PATROL CARS AND RADIOS JUST WEREN’T FAST ENOUGH THIS TIME, BUT WE ALL RESPONDED.

TO DON I SAY GOOD BYE FOR NOW, WE SHALL SEE EACH OTHER AGAIN. AND YOU WILL LIVE IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS UNTIL THEN.

Sgt. David Register
Wilmington Police Dept.

To all of you who have shared your thoughts and prayers towards Don and his family I thank you so much.
Don is gone but will live on in the life of his sons. Don was a wonderful father and his 4 year old enjoyed many trips to the library, trips to the park, and many hours of Dad as one of his coaches on his soccer team. There were many hours of Dad reading to him and wrestling in the living room. He was a Dad to be proud of.
I will remember him as the child who always gave 110% in everything he did from childhood to manhood. I will forever remember him with love and pride as an athelete, a father, a husband and friend, a teacher and protector and most of all my loving son.
Thanks again for all your kind words.

Don's Mother

All I can say is that this is a tragic event that had to happen to one of the best officers I have ever known. Don Miller is the most dedicated individual that I have ever had the pleasure to meet. There are really no words that can describe him. He will be missed beyond all imagination and all the blessings and prayers to his wife and children. To the fellow officers many prayers to you, if not for the comradery and love seen here this man memory would be left on the pages of the newsprint. It brings a great peace to my heart to know that so many care.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. matthew 5:9

Fire Specialist III
City of New Bern Fire Department

Like so many other people, I was shocked to read about the murder of this fine officer. Anyone who has been to the hospital to see their newborn child can only reel with horror at the senselessness of this death. My heart and prayers go out to his family.

Understanding that the intent of this gunman was to go on a shooting spree, it makes you realize that there is no telling how many other people that Detective Miller saved by bravely confronting this individual. He will be remember as a hero by this community.

Hansen Matthews