Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Say Duke ~

The time of concern is over. No longer am I asked how I am doing. Never is the name of my husband mentioned to me. A curtain descends. The moment has passed. A life slips from frequent recall. There are exceptions...close and comforting friends, sensitive and loving family. For most, the drama is over. The spotlight is off. Applause is silent. But for me, the play will never end. The effects on me are timeless. Say Duke to me.

On the stage of my life, he has been both lead and supporting actor. Do not tiptoe around the greatest event of my life. Love does not die. His name is written on my life. The sound of his voice replays within my mind. You feel he is dead. I feel he is of the dead and still lives. You say he was my husband, I say he is. Say Bryan to me and say Duke again.

It hurts to bury his memory in silence. What he was in the flesh has now turned to ash. What he is in spirit, stirs within me always. He is of my past, but he is part of my present. He is my hope for the future. You say not to remind me. How little you understand I cannot forget. I WOULD NOT IF I COULD. I forgive you, because you cannot know. I strive to not judge you, for yesterday I was like you.

I do not ask you to walk this road. The ascent is steep and the burden heavy. I walk it not by choice. I would rather walk it with him in the flesh. I am what I have to be. What I have lost you cannot feel. What I have gained you cannot see. Say Duke, for he is alive in me.

He and I will meet again, though in many ways we have never parted. He and his life play light songs on my mind, sunrises and sunsets on my dreams. He is real and he is shadow. He was and he is.

He is my ever present hope and I love him as I always did.

Say Duke to me and say Duke again.

~author unknown~

Wife of LEO Florida

November 23, 2008

Happy Halloween Snookums! The girls came over last night and continued on our tradition on Moving Night that we started with them eight years ago. They made caramel apples and cupcakes. Those poor cupcakes lol. We were going to put a caramel apple on your grave, but we were afraid someone would take it off and eat it like they did the white chocolate bunny I put on there for you for Easter. It was awfully nice of them to at least leave the box (I'm being sarcastic). The girls said they want to pass the tradition down to their kids when they get older. That would make us a "great" aunt and uncle. I'm not even close to being ready for that lol. I've got cookies to bake with Debi and Katie the next time I pick them up. Debi tells me all the time she misses you by the way and she swears she remembers you (even though she was only thirteen months old when you died). She told me the other week that since she is in kindergarten now that she is old enough to know how you died. We'll go through the story about a hundred more times before she is actually old enough to truly understand, but I told her...again.

Sharon, Carolyn, Ryan, Rich, Kenny, Brittney, Hannah, a couple of their friends and I gave out candy tonight like we always did. Brittney was telling me how before they came over a lady stopped by their house and asked them if they saw a labrador that was lost. The lady told your sister the dogs name was Duke and if they found him that her name was Jen and her phone number was on his collar. I busted out laughing and told Brittney that it was a sign indeed that you were with all of us tonight. Showed their friends pictures of Halloweens past when our house was all lit up. I wish things could be like they used to be.

Sleep tight my love. I love and miss you.

Love,
Jenn

Jennifer Aaron
Duke's Wife

October 31, 2008

I was thinking of you today, missing Jennifer. I won't be able to make it to OC next week. Remember I'm thinking of you - Jenn email me if you want some support or just talk

Mark Filer, Chris Orsborne Montgomery Co. Maryland

Jennifer Filer-Orsborne
friend of wife

October 13, 2008

Hey Snookums,

It's been awhile since I was here. The season is changing...again! There have been signs the last couple of weeks that you are still with us. Saw the butterfly when my dad was powerwashing the deck. Saw it again when I was staining the deck. Both times it came down close to the deck for a few seconds and then flew off over the rooftop. You took great pride in our deck that you helped Brian build. Brian and Rose don't live down the street from us anymore, but I see him once in awhile across the street at Mike and Lauren's or when he is doing work in the neighborhood.

Last Tuesday night the crickets were loud outside the kitchen window. A sign that Fall is coming. Missed you so much thinking about how our anniversary, Moving Night and Halloween are coming up. Went to Hallmark the next day and one of their promotions is a porcelain caramel apple. If that wasn't a sign, I don't know what else it could have been. Your favorite's to make on Moving Night. I'll be sure to set it out this year for you. Missing Junior more around this time of year too. I won't ask you to give him a hug for me ha-ha, but tell him and my grandparents I love them and miss them all. Hope Mr. Ed has settled in up there. He missed my grandparents so much when they passed. He's probably told you stories about me and Mark growing up by now lol.

Today and tomorrow mark milestones in the lives of three of our four nieces. Debi started kindergarten today. Hannah is now a freshman at your old alma matter. And Brittney will walk through those doors tomorrow as a senior. She made up stories about freshmen to scare Hannah and it apparently worked lol. When I called Debi to ask her how her day was, she told me she didn't like school because she was bored because she "couldn't play on the playground". Twelve more years after this one to go :-D Katie and Leland have a few more years, but I'm sure they will be as memorable.

Sleep tight my love. I love you!

Love,
Jenn

P.S.- Thanks for watching over Ryan during his agility test. He had me in tears when he told me he passed and looked up to the sky and thanked you.

Jennifer Aaron
Duke's Wife

August 25, 2008

Officer Aaron, I first came into contact with your wife via a web group for survivors. I do not participate in the group very often, but I do keep up with the various e-mails that are sent out. I am from Ohio, but have been in Annapolis the past few days while my son attended the Lacrosse Camp at the Naval Academy. Yesterday, while driving to Sandy Point State Park (to take my daughter to the beach) I saw your highway sign. I have seen several and have always thought what a wonderful tribute. It was nice to see one with a name a recognize (although, it is still very sad that one had to be placed in your name.) I hope that others who see these signs whether they recognize the name or not take a moment to recognize why the sign is there and remember the officer and his/her family.

Becky Muncy, widow of Sgt. Marc Muncy
Assistant Prosecuting Atty, Franklin County

July 27, 2008

Mrs. Aaron - My thoughts and prayers are with you.

LEO Wife

July 25, 2008

It has been more than 4 years since your passing. Our prayers stay with your wife and your family during this hard month of the year. Continue watching over them until you meet them again.

A friend at MTAP

July 22, 2008

I never had the honor of meeting you Duke, but I feel like I have meant a piece of you through my friend your wife Jennifer. Thank you twice!! You know what I am thanking you for. May God Bless your soul and allow you to continue to watch over your family and friends. Your family stays in my prayers!

lorrie winder

July 19, 2008

On July 10, 1994, two teenagers sat in a movie theater watching the movie "Speed". The male (quiet and shy) grabbed and held the females hand through almost the entire movie. Happy anniversary to the beginning of our lives together Duke! I love you!

Jennifer Aaron
Duke's Wife

July 10, 2008

happy birthday duke !!! we miss you

ann and justin and pinch

July 5, 2008

Happy Birthday Duke !!

Justin

July 5, 2008

Happy 33rd birthday Snookums! I love you!

Jennifer Aaron
Duke's Wife

July 5, 2008

Jenn,
Wishing you placed more reflections more regularly. Even though time has passed, it warms my heart to hear your memories of Duke, knowing how you will always love your husband, no one anywhere will ever hold that special place that he does in your heart. Keep him in your heart and mind and your soul. One true love. Your reflections show that he was yours. Stay strong.

June 23, 2008

Hey Duke, Funny how I found your sight on Fathers Day! Happy Fathers Day my friend. I remember you coming in Shore Stop on Kent Island with another officer. I can't remember his name but... I do remember the first time you came in the store and I told you that all the coffee and sodas you wanted were on the house. I really enjoyed talking to you and I felt that you were a very fine man! It was nice to see a young officer smile. When I went across the bridge I noticed your picture in the window of the toll booth. I was so upset to find out that it was you. They put up a cross with a hat on it in memory of you and as I would pass by I would blow you a kiss and pray for your family. Not only were you a great husband and father you were the nicest police officer that I have ever met. I feel honored that I got to meet you. May you rest in peace and everyone that has ever met you loved you!

Vickie Orem
Worked at Shore Stop

Vickie Orem
Shore Stop Employee at the time.

June 15, 2008

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow


So I won’t say good bye, just I’ll see you when I get home.

Mercy Me

June 12, 2008

Our nephew Leland Joseph came into the world early this morning. He is such a cutie. Steph and Tim did great. We were all talking about what nicknames Leland will probably call all of us when he is able to talk. You will forever be known as "Uncle Hillbilly" :-D. You know that was Mark's doing...again. I can't wait to be able to tell Leland about his Uncle Duke when he is older. Speaking of Mark, I got to have dinner with Mary and him and all four of the girls tonight. Deb and Katie love Brittney and Hannah. I am truly blessed and proud to be able to call the five of them OUR nieces and nephew.

I love you and miss you with every heart beat Duke.

Love,
Jenn

Jennifer Aaron
Duke's Wife

May 8, 2008

Snookums,

Just wanted to let you know that Dunkin Donuts still makes your coffee rolls. Somehow my eyes wondered upon them on the menu while I was ordering hot chocolate from there last night. One more thing that you loved and I could picture you eating them in my mind (sitting in the car with coffee in one hand and coffee roll in the other LOL). No I haven't given up Starbucks for DD so don't get your hopes up. I was just too lazy to drive all the way to Starbucks in the cold last night, when there is a DD right down the street from our house now :-D.

Loving and missing you always.

Love ya,
Jenn

Jennifer Aaron
Duke's Wife

March 1, 2008

"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

February 18, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day Duke!!! I love you more than anything in the world.

Love you,
Jenn

Jennifer Aaron
Duke's Wife

February 14, 2008

Duke,

The other night while passing the funeral home on my way home, there were two guys standing out front. I swear it looked like Mark and Junior standing there. My mind immediately went back to that week. Juniors 33rd birthday is coming up. I'm sure you'll be getting on him how he is several months older than you, but I'm sure he still doesn't have nearly as many gray hairs in his head like you LOL.

Our nephew Leland (I could hear you say "FINALLY" when we found out) is growing and everything is going great with him and Steph. He is still due on her birthday. The day we found out, I knew you had already known from the dream that Brittney had just before I texted her with the news. She told me that the three of us were on a train and going to visit Steph who had just had a baby boy. I told Brittney you wanted to be the first to tell her and that you are always with us and know everything that is going on. It was comforting as always.

I failed to ask you if Tony has settled in up there with all of you. You have no excuse now not to get a hair cut LOL. I remember how you always would say that after you retired you were going to grow your hair out and grow a beard. Your poor hair was thin, straight and oily. And your calik always frustrated you. All those reasons were why you decided to buzz your head in the first place and I would just laugh at you and say "okay" when you would get on the retirement kick. You know who else sounds like you with the retirement rant. A vision of two mountain men just came to mind :-D. We talked the other week about that David Allan Coe concert you two went to at Cancun Cantina's. He really had a good time with you.

Hope Courtney has also settled in. My dad and I were talking about which shifts all of you were on. I bet you're on mids aren't you ha-ha. I look at the picture I have of you, Courtney and the two Mikes taken in front of L-4 at the 2004 Bay Bridge Walk and all I can say is "WOW" with a heavy heart. It is amazing what happens as the years go by.

Well I should be getting around to pick up Debi and Katie and take them to the two birthday parties they have been invited to today. It is so funny to see that these little ones have social calendars. I think you would have had fun at the one place we are going to since you enjoyed going to Chuck E Cheeses. At this place, even adults are allowed to play on the jungle gyms and mazes.

I love you Snookums!

Jenn Aaron
Duke's Wife

February 9, 2008

Somewhere on these many pages of heroes, I came across your name and thought I would come to your page and leave a reflection. The individual that caused so much pain and destruction in the lives of your loved ones received a slap on the hand with the sentence he received. We would like to think that he would feel remorse for what he did, but these individuals have no idea of the pain they have caused to those that were left behind. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

January 22, 2008

Happy New Year Duke!! The new year has already brought one of your brothers to join you. Take care of Courtney, I know you'll show him the ropes. I think of you and all our brothers from Maryland even though I'm out in the hill country of Texas now. I know that you're all watching over those you left behind, and you've been on a special watch over Jennifer and the animals. You are missed!

P/O BJ Heckman-Sauer
Veterans Affairs Police

January 6, 2008

Jennifer,

The death of Corporal Brooks, of course brought back the memory of Duke. The same sorrow that we have now is the same we had when Duke passed. My position during the time of Duke's passing was a dispatcher. Our greatest fear is to loose an officer on the other side of our "life line" to the officer. Duke was such a sweet guy and had one of the greatest smiles one can remember. Unfortunately I didn't know about this page but I wanted you to know that his memory is still burning within our hearts. During the holiday seasons it seems just a little bit harder to be happy when our loved one is no longer there. However this is the time that we celebrate their life and remember how he touched ours. I am sure that Duke was welcomed by his other fallen comrades and they are keeping watch. As my aunt use to tell me when ever you think he's not there just look up in the sky and find the brightest star; as you see it twinkle just know that he is actually winking at you; letting you know that he is there. Take care and be blessed.

Duke, you have not been forgotten and never will be. I remember your quiet demeanor with that million dollar smile. You were always patient when you needed something and you always treated the dispatchers with the utmost respect. I thank you for your service and kindness. Rest in Peace.

MCI II A. PATTERSON
MDTA POLICE DEPT - METRO/CVSU

January 3, 2008

Duke,Take good care of Corporal Courtney Brooks.

January 1, 2008

happy new year

mindy wilson
mdta officer wife

January 1, 2008