Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I still very clearly remember Eddie calling me with the news that you had been shot. You were a great cop and a treasured friend. Rest In Peace my brother. Give Eddie a big hug for me. Both of y’all left us way too soon.

Chief Gordon Hobbs
Snow Hill Police Department

December 25, 2018

It was a rainy Sunday night. It was 23 December 2001. My home telephone rang and dispatch informed me that the Chief of Police in Wilmington wanted me to call him. Two days later, Don passed away. It has been 17 years now, but we will never forget Don or his family.

Rest in Peace my friend.

Capt. W. Alex Setzer (Ret.)
New Bern PD

December 23, 2018

Today was a tough day my friend. Welcome Sergeant Sean Gannon up there and show him the ropes. May both of you Rest In Peace. Never Forgotten.

Police Officer R. Mac
NBPD/SPD

April 18, 2018

Never forgotten, you will always be my Brother in Blue.

Former Officer Brande Grant-Watson
New Bern Police

December 25, 2017

Merry Christmas, Don! Thanks again for everything. You are the best!

Billy Craig
Wilmington PD

December 25, 2017

Thinking of you and your family, both immediate and blue, today and always.

Capt. W. Alex Setzer (Ret.)
New Bern PD

December 23, 2017

Hey Mr. Don, finally on my own now with my agency. Already been through some crazy stuff. Wish I could tell you all about it, but I'm sure you've been watching out for me. Miss you and love you.

Deputy Shelby Heckman
Marion County Sheriff Office, FL

July 28, 2017

Hey Mr. Don, I finally got sworn in on 20 March, 2017 with my agency. I've been in FTO now for just over a month. Everything has been great, nothing too extreme, yet. Wish I could tell you all about it. It's also National Police Memorial Week and you've been on my mind. I just ask that you continue to watch over me and Daddy as we carry out our tours of duty and even off duty. Love you and miss you

Deputy Shelby Heckman
Marion County Sheriff Office, FL

May 16, 2017

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.
Rest in peace officer, while your tour is over, ours continues. On behalf of the men and women of the Berne (Switzerland) State Police we extend our condolences. R.I.P.

Kpl Peter To.
Berne State Police / Switzerland

December 25, 2016

Another year has passed us by, yet it seems like just yesterday. I pray that you're helping our other fallen heroes as they enter into Heaven.
WE WILL NEVER FORGET.

Capt. W. Alex Setzer (Ret.)
New Bern PD

December 25, 2016

Remembering the good times❤️

Former NBPD Officer Brande Grant

December 25, 2016

Don, every Christmas, I take a moment for you. Tonight, another of my comrades is joining you. Take care of Nikki for us.

Miss you guys.

Houli
NBPD/OCSO

December 25, 2016

Rest in peace.

Sgt. Jim Russo

December 24, 2016

Hey bro, been a long time. This December 23rd I rode the streets, in uniform, for the first time in a long time. It's great to be back where I belong, doing what you, our brothers and sisters and I were chosen to do. Hard to believe it's been 15 years. Where has the time gone? I think of you often and I know you watched as "Rest is Rust" got this old guy and my fellow recruits through the Academy. You are sorely missed by those who knew you, and honored by those who didn't. I want to share a message I got from the newest group of men and women eager to earn the badge.

"On behalf of the 63rd Recruit Officer Class, we would like to offer our deepest support and compassion as Christmas Day marks the 15th anniversary of your brother in service, Detective Donald Miller. We have read his story and his devotion to duty was truly remarkable. The 63rd Recruit Officer Class will honor his life, as well as those he left behind, tomorrow during class. The 63rd stands by you. God bless and have a wonderful holiday."

You are Never Forgotten my friend.

Mac
NBPD/SPD

December 23, 2016

Hey Mr. Don, I'm halfway through my Academy. I graduate 9 March 2016. The collage I made of you sits in the back of our classroom. I know you're watching over us. We miss you so much. I've also been keeping up with Gage. Love you.

Recruit Shelby Heckman
Marion County Sheriff Office, FL

December 5, 2016

Hey Mr. Don,
Just letting you know, I have recently been hired with the Marion County Sheriffs Department in Ocala, FL. I will be going through Law Enforcement Academy over the next 6 months. We are having a Fallen Officer Memorial next week and I asked my administrator if I could make a collage of you to be displayed at our office. I'm very excited to build the collage and tell everyone what an amazing man you are. Mom and Dad miss you very much as well as I. I just ask that you watch over us and keep us safe. We love you.

Recruit Deputy Shelby Heckman
Marion County Sheriff Office, Ocala, FL

August 18, 2016

You are not forgotten.

Brande Grant Watson
Former NBPD Officer

December 25, 2015

Hey My Brother I miss you. Time has gone by but you know I can never forget, less never let go. I’ve tried so hard, stepped up and given everything. I’ve tried so hard but you know I’m always going to be a victim of these streets. Until then I will always be stationed, holding everything up and performing. Stronger now, clearer and focused but it took a while. This time frame will always make me a little weak. Simply stated, I just miss my best friend. I love you boy.

Cpl. Mattew Heckman
Craven County Sheriff's Office

December 24, 2015

It's been a long road Brother, Sure do miss all the fun times back when kickin ass and taking names was a daily thing, Miss you my friend Rest is Rust 624

Art Spang
Homeland Security

December 24, 2015

For two days I have looked at this page and still sweat just remembering that night that Alex drove Matt and I to the hospital. I miss you my friend.

P
NBPD/MPD

December 24, 2015

14 years ago tonight I received that phone call that no supervisor ever wants to receive, “Your detective has been shot.” The next days were a blur as we prayed for the best only to lose Don two days later, Christmas Day.

I remember escorting Tracy and the family back to her parent’s home on Christmas morning and everyone doing their best to be strong for them and especially for Gage. Gage walked into the kitchen that morning wearing his PJ’s and a pair of cowboy boots stating, “Look what my daddy bought me for Christmas.”

Don, we all miss you dearly and pray that you’re taking care of our other fallen heroes as they enter into heaven.

Until we meet again my friend.

Capt. W. Alex Setzer (Ret.)
New Bern Police Department

December 23, 2015

Your courage defines your character my brother, and you will not be forgotten. May God bless your family. Until we meet someday, rest in peace.

Sgt Don Barton
Garden City Police Dept.

December 1, 2015

I was pretty young when you passed, and I still think about the day my dad told me. I couldn't believe it. I loved you so much, and it broke my heart when I heard what happened. I think about you often, and still shed a tear when I see your picture. All the memories I have of you make me smile, and remember you were an amazing human being. You were taken too soon and I miss you so much uncle Don.

Haleigh
Daughter Of His Best Friend

July 11, 2015

Was thinking of you a great deal this week. Though time has past the tears continue. Love you and miss you brother.

Sgt. Daren Fuller
New Bern Police Dept.

May 13, 2015

Hey brother. I had a class this week with Heckman and we talked about you. You are and ️️forever will be missed by those you left behind. I was so glad to hear that the POS that shot you was killed in prison recently. The world is a better place with him burning in hell. Look after us Don and can't wait to see you again someday.

Officer Gordon Hobbs
retired Wilmington PD/NC Wildlife

March 14, 2015