Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Shane, I just had to talk with you for a little while. As you already know the past two weeks have been hard for me.

People tell me that time will help ease the pain. There is nothing that is going to take away this ache that I have in my heart.

I am hurting, very upset, drained of any strength that I ever had. I go through each day feeling lost, out of place, can't focus on anything.

I know that this is the way that my life will be, for the rest of my life. I guess by now you are saying, "please get a hold of yourself because you are a much stronger person than this." We'll guess what, NO I'M NOT.

I miss you and all the good times we use to have. Going to American Uniform, the mall shopping and then eating at OutBack and visiting Wally's very often and oh yes, how could I ever forget going out for your favorite food, PIZZA.
I miss all the long talks we use to have, sitting up until early morning hours. You always knew you could count on me to listen, and give you advice when you asked. I am so THANKFUL that we had a close relationship so that you always knew you could talk to me about anything. We laughed and cried together.
Oh God I miss you so much. I would give anything if I could just hear your truck pull in the driveway and you come walking through the door, but I know that will never come to pass.

What I can promise you now is that one day when Jesus calls (us) home we will be together in a place where know one can separate (us) anymore. So just keep watching over (us) until we see each other again.

I love you Dearly for ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MS

January 26, 2005

Hi Shane!!! Well it is Jan. 18,2005 and Dennis is FINALLY HOME!!! There was an accident while he was over there and he was hurt as well as 2 other friends of his. We know that you wrapped your arms around him and protected him. That RPG exploded less then 6ft behind him!! You were there with him and gave him the strength to help and protect those with him. Candice and I are thankful you were there and that the man we love so much came home to us!! Thank you Shane!! You are our hero in blue!!! We love you and miss you so much!!

Laura Watts/ Telecommuniator
Columbus County 911

January 18, 2005

Lord why can't people be good.
Then we would not have to worry
about losing our loved ones.

There is no reason for cops to have to die, because Lord they are just trying to protect us, in every way they know how.

We see them on the streets each day, in uniforms of blue, black or gray. They will talk to you if you will take the time, to ask them, how are you today?

They are not the Bad Guys, like some people portray them to be, they have a loving family, just like you and me. So why can't they be respected for the Good Guys that they are, BECAUSE THERE IS NO JUNK PUT IN A PATROL CAR.

So the next time you look in your rear view mirror, and you see a blue lights or hear a siren,PLEASE ALWAYS REMEMBER, they have a family and loved ones just like you, who would like to see them come home, when their shift is through.

You know in your heart, if you have nothing to hide, you won't mind stopping when you see the lights. So if you would PLEASE STOP AND THINK, and maybe another family won't have to take that lonely ride, TO PUT THEIR PRECIOUS LOVED ONE IN A GRAVE SITE.

ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MS&D

January 16, 2005

I whisper your name...to myself
I whisper...I need you and I love you
I whisper...I still think of you
I whisper...goodnight until we meet again
I whisper...take care of us, I hope your angel ears can hear my whispers here on earth
I whisper...because I'm afraid that if I speak too loudly, my heart will hear and break again...
So I just whisper...

I miss you as much today as I did 8 months ago. The pain of you leaving is subsiding ever so slowly, however the emptiness is still here. Forever and always...

CBW
2189/1358

January 14, 2005

An empty chair awaits us,
in heaven at this time,
To be beside the one we lost,
this time eight months ago.
Our loved one went ahead of us,
to sit by Jesus' throne.
The empty chair beside us,
reminds us, we're alone.
Alone, but not forgotten,
for we know you're next to us.
Not visible to our eyes,
but by spirit we can see.
Oh, what a glorious place,
with Jesus by your side.
The place that we call heaven,
is now where you reside.
It doesn't seem that long ago,
you went to heaven on high
So sad we were to lose you;
We never wanted to say good-bye.
This empty chair remains,
but memories are in our hearts.
For when we join you in Heaven,
we'll never have to part.

Watch over us and protect us, as
we know you will do.

WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MS&D

January 14, 2005

I'm about to start another journey to Wilmington for class tonight. The drive twice a week gives me time to think about different things. You're in those thoughts a lot especially when I hear the song, "I Will Find You Again." The first time I heard the song, I couldn't help but cry, because it brought back so many memories of you. The words in that song only remind me of the beautiful place where I know that you are and that one day, we will see you again. The song says for you to save a seat at the Master's table for me, but I won't be stingy. I know there will be many people fighting for that seat. Just the reassurance of knowing that all of us, who loved and miss you so much, will be able to be with the Lord and you again is enough.

Cassie

January 12, 2005

God holds a special place for those who give their lives in service of others. Rest in His peace, brother.

Sgt. Bill Richardson
Anchorage, Alaska PD

January 2, 2005

WE KNOW YOU HAD A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS IN HEVEN.
WE HEAR THE ECHO OF YOUR LAUGHTER, WE SEE YOUR REFLECTIONS IN OUR TEARS, WE NEED SOME STRENGTH TO HELP US GET THROUGH, WE LONG TO HAVE YOU NEAR. YOU WERE OUR RAY OF SUNSHINE, THE JOY OF LIFE YOU SO WILLING SHARED. A FRAGRANCE OF YOU STILL REMAINS AND OUR LOVE FOR YOU WILL ALWAYS BE THERE. WE KNOW WE WILL MEET ONCE AGAIN WHEN THE GOOD LORD CALLS US HOME. SO ONCE AGAIN WE CAN EMBRACE EACH OTHER AND WE WILL NO LONGER BE ALL ALONE. SO UNTIL WERE CALLED TO HEAVEN ABOVE, WE WILL KEEP YOU HERE IN OUR HEARTS AND THERE YOU WILL FORVER REMAIN UNTIL WE ARE NO LONGER APART. WE LOVE YOU DEARLY!!!!!!!!!!!

MSD

MSD

January 1, 2005

Happy New Year's Eve. Oh, how I wish you could be here. I would rather not start a new year without you. Guess I have no choice. Always being in control has been so tough to give up. I'm learning the hard way. Your memory & spirit will be alive tonight. I miss everything about you......

CBW
2189/1358

December 31, 2004

The eve of Christmas and this is all wrong. Everyone around me is holly jolly and no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to get into the spirit. I seem to be in a lull this season. The only thing that really excites me is Chloe. She's gonna be so tickled when Santa comes. Remember last year and the trampoline? I've always been accustomed to doing things by myself, I thought this year would be different. I hope your first Christmas in Heaven is wonderful. I can't imagine how all those lights look from up there. It must be beautiful. Chloe and I are gonna get out and ride tonight and see how they all look from this view. No light will ever shine brighter than yours.....

CBW
2189/1358

December 24, 2004

Shane,
Well it's been to long,seven months and still not to easy to get ready for work.About two months ago Whiteville called me and wanted me to transfer to them.I got the chance that we both were going to have.David and the rest talk about you and how great it would have been to have both of us on the force there.I got into a chase about 1:30 am Friday (12/17/04) morning on a narrow street in town with a bad curve.I could only think that you were with me while I turn on my lights and siren and gave chase.As the curve came up I knew that at this speed they could not make the turn.I slowed and watched as the car ran off the road into some tree's.Once i got my car stopped I secured my car and gave chase.I lost them in the woods but none the less I'm still here. i just wish I could have been more swift so I could have caught them but they will mess up again and I will be there to catch them then.I hope that I have made you proud as I continue to live and do the job we were called to do my brother.Give me strength and wisdom to do whats right and most of all,keep my eyes watchful as so I can right the wrongs done around us so one day I may join you in the glorious place were you are.Untill later my friend and brother.

Patrolman Robert Worley U217

Patrolman Robert Allen Worley
Whiteville Police Deptartment

December 19, 2004

Although you are in my thoughts everyday, the past couple have been extremely hard. I know talking to you this way may seem silly to some, but I feel like you know every word I say. I wanted to say Thank You for last night. It seemed so real. I've never had an experience like that and I must admit when I woke up, it kind of freaked me out. It was you though and I know everything was right. The hug, your smell, the words you spoke to me were more than I could ask for. It's so sad that something that would have been so wonderful can never be. Having been part of your life for a short time is my only consolation. Hind sight is 20/20. I knew, you knew and that's all that matters. I miss you more than words......

CBW
2189/1358

December 16, 2004

Shane,
You would not believe the turnout that we had at the dinner. It was amazing to see that many people come together for one cause. I see that Cassie and Christy have already beat me to the draw, but I am still going to tell you how great it was. Ma Sue, Cassie, Christy, and myself were talking after the dinner about how we knew that you were there working just as hard as everyone else. The people were so generous with their donations of money and time. We stayed busy all day long. It was a bigger turn-out than what we expected. Everybody worked really hard and everybody worked like they were family, not just friends. We were all tired, but it was well worth it, and if I had to do it all over again, there would be no questions, I would do it in a heartbeat no matter how long it was or how hard the work was. It's been a tough six months, but I guess that you already know that. I talk to your mama and daddy all the time. They are just like parents to me. I stop by the cemetary about 2-3 times per week, mostly at night when I leave the Rescue Building. Boy, your mama has set out the pansy's, it looks real good. We have got a get-together coming up for the Scholarship Committee, I sure wish that you could be there. I can still see you in in the Rescue Building propped up on a barstool laughing and joking or in that Ambulance going to a call. Man, you just don't know how much you are missed, but in a way, I guess you do. You are sitting in heaven watching everything that is going on, you walk with us everyday, and you keep us safe. It doesn't seem like it has been six months since you were taken away from us. I can still remember that horrible night, it seems like it hasn't even been a week. The memory is still as fresh and vivid as the night it happened. But one thing that I have along with everyone else are the memories of you in life that will live on forever more. Shane, you are a shining angel in heaven. Continue to watch over us and keep us safe. We'll see you again.
Love Ya!
Charles G.

Charles Godwin, Chief
Tabor City Rescue Squad

November 16, 2004

Today makes six months since you were taken from us. We all still miss you greatly, but we know that you are with us every day. Keep watching over us and keeping us safe in all that we do. We will keep your memory alive and keep you in our hearts forever. Your cause will never be forgotten.

Cassie

November 15, 2004

6 months without hearing your laugh, seeing your smile, or touching your face seems like forever, yet it seems like only yesterday. I always smile when I say your name or hear it mentioned. Not a day goes by that you don't cross my mind in some form or fashion. Life is so unfair. As you know, this year has been a trying one for me. You have helped me discover things about myself that I never knew existed. Somehow you still give me advice and challenge my decisions. I just wish I could tell you all I'm feeling. I wish we could have had more time. I could go on and on, but I know that some how you had me figured out all along. A second turns into a minute, a minute into an hour, an hour into a day, a day into a month, a month into a year, a year into a lifetime. Almost is so hard to accept, but almost is better than never at all. Even though our chance is gone, I will keep you in my heart and I will cherish our memories always.....I often wonder if I'll ever stop missing you....I think you know the answer to that one...

CBW
2189/1358

November 15, 2004

Shane, I came herer to let you know what a success this past weekend was, but I see CBW has already done that. You could always depend on that. She said it best when she said that you would have never believed the support you received. I know you don't think that you touched that many lives, but you did touch them in ways you'd never have known. We know that something good must come out of this tragedy. Now, we are going to keep your memory alive by helping those who want to live the life you had always wanted. The scholarship in your name will help some other deserving person be able to be in law enforcement, just as you had always dreamed. Please continue to be our guardian angel as we continue with this cause. We know that you have already put in a good word for us because this past weekend went so well. Keep looking down on us as we try to make you proud. As your mom said you would say of this task: "Bring it on!" We love you and miss you dearly!

Cassie

November 8, 2004

Today is Monday, November 8, 2004. This day of the week tends to be hard on a lot of us Shane. On Friday, November 5, 2004, the Timothy Shane Miller Schlorship Fund Committee, along with other friends and family held a fund raiser in your honor. Shane, you would never in a million years believe the turn out. People came from every where to give donations, buy plates, decals, and T-shirts. Words cannot describe the community support we received. There were several times I would look at Mrs. Sue and tears would start rolling down both our faces. Your name and everything you stood for will live on through those of us that love you dearly. It's still hard to be here without you, although your spirit is alive and well. There were several times Friday that the wind blew ever so gently and I knew you were there helping out. Everyone, believe it or not, worked very well and very hard together. Can you believe that everyone, including me, kept our tempers in check? I have never been so tired before or as fulfilled. Remember how we always felt when we stayed up all night? Remember the blisters on your feet from the school fire? That is the only thing I can compare the exhaustion to. On behalf of the Timothy Shane Miller Schlorship Fund Committee, I would like to extend our thanks to everyone who helped in any way, donated, bought plates, or just said a prayer as they passed by. Your kindness and condolences will not be unrewarded. Shane, I know you were there, please continue to guide us as we try to carry on your legacy by helping to make this world a safer place. I miss you, you will never be forgotten......

CBW
2189/1358

November 8, 2004

To Ofc Miller's family I extend my deepest simpathy. I know the path you are on I have been there. I am nearly 12 years further down it. My older brother, Ofc Todd Stone EOW 01-27-93, was taken from me and my family in a vehicle pursuit accident as well. I can't go to work without a thought of what would things been like if only that utility pole had been 10 feet further down the road. Why did it have to be right in your path? But these things happen. As an officer I know tomorrow I could suffer the same fate. I think my comfort came from knowing that Todd swore an oath to discharge the duties of the office of police officer to the best of his ability and it was in that endeavor that he fell. There is great honor in that. I hope Officer Miller's family will remember that and take that as some form of peace. Never forget. Take the good he put in your lives and lock it away forever.

The watch is ours now broter.

ofc Anthony Stone
Clinton Iowa Police Dept

Ofc Anthony Stone
Clinton Iowa PD

November 1, 2004

On this date, October 14 2004 the Columbus County Law Enforcement Association had a Memorial at the Fairgrounds for Shane. At this Memorial, family, friends, fellow Firefighters, EMT's and Law Enforcement Officers gathered around the headstone to remember Timothy Shane Miller. As I stood by the fire truck today I saw each and everyone saddened by this great loss to Columbus County. I didn't have the pleasure to know Shane as well as others around me did, but one day in particular sticks out in my mind - April 28, 2004. I was at the Alltel store in Whiteville and there was a long line. As I sat patiently at the table, Shane walked in and sat with me. He automatically began talking about Jerry Gore {Chief of Brunswick Fire Department} then talked of going to work at Tabor City Police Department. He told me that Friday, April 30 he was to go talk with Chief Norris and try on his uniform, this day was also his birthday, he was so excited. We talked about him and Jerry fighting fire and the fun they had when they were around each other. I felt such happiness and warmth from Shane that day that when Jerry received the call from a fellow Brunswick Fire Member, Mike Moore about 2:30 am that Shane had been involved in an accident that I automatically became saddened and heartbroken, for Mr. Tony and Mrs. Sue. I have known them as well for a short time, but have come to love them and think the world of Mr. Tony and Mrs. Sue. I told Jerry I've never met a better man than Tony Miller, other than my Daddy. I have worked with Law Enforcement, Fire and Rescue for the past 8 years and this has been my worst fear - Firefighter, Officer or EMT down! I thank God that I was off this night. Not many people think of 911 dispatchers, but accidents of this nature as well as caller's we never see or hear from again bother each and every one of us. The night of Shane's accident, Jerry and I went to the ER but was told Mr Tony was out of town and WTFD was with Mrs. Sue so Jerry and I went to Central and what did I find, my co-workers saddened and heartbroken. Anyone that works in this field knows how hard it is to deal with a sickened or harmed child, but when it comes to one of your fellowman it is very difficult. I commend my co-workers for the job they did that night, despite the many tears that had to be wiped away to get the personnel to respond to this accident, and deal with the tears after it was all over - Denise, Sandra, Laura and Maurice. As I stood at the Memorial today, I also thought how would I handle such a great loss if it were Jerry, my Daddy, my Mama, brother or sister or even a Brunswick Fire Member (I Love each and every one of you) I honestly do not know! I am so thankful for Mr. Tony and Mrs. Sue of the many friends and family they have to help them get through Shane's death. Shane, I thank you for being such a great person and ask you to watch over your wonderful Mama and Daddy, each and every Fireman, Police Officer, Deputy, EMT and I ask for a special watch over 302! May God Bless

Rose Watts - Telecommunicator III
Columbus County 911

October 15, 2004

IF I WOULD'VE KNOWN THE WAY THIS WOULD END
IF I WOULD'VE READ THE LAST PAGE FIRST
IF I WOULD'VE HAD THE STRENGTH TO WALK AWAY
IF I WOULD'VE KNOWN HOW THIS WOULD HURT
I WOULD'VE LOVED YOU ANYWAY
I'D DO IT ALL THE SAME
NOT A SECOND WOULD I CHANGE
NOT A TOUCH THAT I WOULD TRADE
HAD I KNOWN MY HEART WOULD BREAK
I WOULD'VE LOVED YOU ANYWAY.
AUTHOR: UNKNOWN

SHANE, SHANE, SHANE....I FEEL LIKE I'VE BEEN ROBBED. THERE WERE SO MANY THINGS WE'D TALKED ABOUT, SO MANY THINGS WE'D PLANNED IN THE FUTURE. ALMOST 5 MONTHS AND I STILL CRY, I STILL SCREAM, I STILL ONLY EXIST WITHOUT YOU. THIS IS SO UNFAIR. I OFTEN SIT AT MY DESK AND I REVISIT THAT THURSDAY WHEN YOU CAME BY MY OFFICE AFTER DOING YOUR HR STUFF AT TCPD. YOU HAD NINE LIVES...REMEMBER? NOTHING EVER HAPPENS IN TABOR CITY...REMEMBER? AREN'T YOU SCARED? IF SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS, OH WELL...REMEMBER? THEN 24 HOURS LATER...MY CALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. "YOU NEED TO GET HERE, IT'S SHANE, HE'S HURT REALLY BAD." I CAN STILL SEE YOU. I WAS THERE SHANE, I HOPE YOU KNOW THAT I WAS THERE. BEING ON YOUR SCENE WAS THE HARDEST THING I'VE EVER DONE IN MY LIFE, BUT I'M SO GLAD I WAS THERE. I BEGGED GOD AND I PLEADED WITH HIM TO HELP YOU. PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED, NOT ALWAYS LIKE WE WOULD LIKE, BUT ANSWERED. I KNOW GOD DID WHAT WAS BEST FOR YOU AT THAT TIME. I CAN'T HELP IT, I'M SELFISH. YOU KNOW THE ONLY CHILD SYNDROME STUFF. I WOULD HAVE TAKEN YOU ANY WAY I COULD GET YOU, IF YOU HAD BEEN SPARED. I KEEP REPLAYING THE EVENTS IN MY MIND AND IT MAKES ME SICK TO THINK THAT COWARD THAT RAN IS STILL FREE. SOMETIMES I DON'T THINK ENOUGH IS BEING DONE TO CATCH THE GUY. YEAH, I KNOW PATIENCE. THANKS FOR LETTING ME VENT AS YOU HAVE DONE SO MANY TIMES. I WOULD ALWAYS LAUGH UNDER MY BREATH WHEN YOU CALLED ME TO RANT AND RAVE, BECAUSE IT WAS LIKE LISTENING TO MYSELF. WELL, I CAN'T CALL AND TALK TO YOU ANYMORE, BUT I CALL AND HEAR YOUR VOICE SOMETIMES. I CAN'T SEE YOU, BUT I CAN SMELL YOU. I CAN'T TOUCH YOU, BUT I CAN FEEL YOU. WE ARE ONLY A HEARTBEAT APART.....

CBW
2189/1358

October 7, 2004

shane,
you have been gone for quite a while , but yet it seems like only yesterday you left us to be with the Lord. i know that you are watching over us because i know the way you were . you would do whatever you could to help out a friend or a stranger, and for this you will be remembered forever.it just seems weird not seeing "baby" riding up and down the roads. we had some great times together, if the greenswamp could talk, it would have some stories to tell on us. when you got hurt on the 4wheeler, it hurt me so bad to see you laying in that bed at the hospitol, i wished serveral times it was me there insted of you. and when i was told that you had left us, i was so shocked, because you were always there, and it was like you were going to be there forever, but the Lord saw fit for you to go be with Him insted. im so thankful that i had the chance to be one of your best friends, and i know that you will be in my heart forever. thanks for all the great memories brother. i love you!!
lil bro, mikey

mikey
adr 143

October 5, 2004

shane,

mikey
adr143

October 5, 2004

Shane,I guess some might say it is silly to continue to write to you, but there are some things I feel like I need to say.. I still cant believe you are gone..It doesnt seem real.. Everyday I think of what I will say to Dennis when he comes home.. When he came home on leave he wanted so much to go see you but he couldnt bring himself to do it..I know you would have told him it will be ok, he will be ok...It is not fair that all this has happened and I know that we are not supposed to question God but I will admit I have done it several times since all this... Shane, I know you will be so proud of Dennis...It takes special people to do what yal do and God Bless everyone that does it..With your strength we all will get through this..Help Candice and I to know what to say to him when he gets home and have patience to help him if he needs it..We told him that war is a scarey thing and with all that has happened at home to keep his head in the game and be careful...We told him you probably felt the same way and would have told him so!!! He knows he has a job to do but he still misses the man he calls his Best Friend!! Shane, We will always miss you and we will always love you..You showed so many people so many things..You showed me how to step out and go for your goal..I am thankful for that...No Fear!!! Until we see each other again..Keep us Safe...You are our Hero in Blue!!!

L Watts
Columbus County 911

October 2, 2004

May 15,2004 at approx.0100 hrs I was standing in the office in Whiteville finishing up paperwork when we got the car that one of our own was in trouble. The ride from Whiteville to Tabor City was the longest ride of my life and then to get there and fill so helpless. The only comfort is knowing the kind of man Shane was and that he was doing something he loved to do. That is a day that will stay with me for the rest of my life . Shane you will always be with us look over us and protect us till we all meet again and swap war stories.We miss you my friend.

Deputy D.W. Clanton
Columbus County Sheriff's Office

September 24, 2004

Well, I'm at station 21 again and things just aren't the same without you here. Every corner of this place reminds me of you. Sometimes I look across the bar and I see you standing there grinning. I can feel your presence around me, but you know sometimes that's just not good enough. There are times when I despise coming to this place, because of all of the memories it holds. Although they are memories of special times together, it just hurts so terribly bad. I keep thinking Shane, that this will get easier. I keep waiting. My days are filled with thoughts of you and my nights tend to be somewhat sleepless. Today has not been any different. Please don't think I'm weak, you know me better than that. I just miss you so much. You see a very special part of me died May 15th too. "Adapt and overcome my dear". Sound familiar?? You will always be my hero.....

CBW
2189/1358

September 5, 2004