Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in southeast Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Amy did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Amy be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Officer Donovan's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to her husband. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Amy is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Amy was well respected and well loved.

Thank you Officer Donovan for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

November 24, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Danny Gibson

November 23, 2004

Some angels have wings and a halo, others wear blue and carry a badge. Amy never went 10-42 that dreadful night because she made the ultimate sacrifice and for that we all are thankful. You were a warrior! My prayers to everyone that knew Amy. God Bless.

Corporal Alicia J. Scanlon
Radford PD, Radford, VA (originally from Rome, NY)

November 22, 2004

I DID NOT KNOW YOU, BUT I SAW YOU THE NIGHT YOU DIED, REST IN PEACE SISTER. YOUR FACE WILL NEVER LEAVE MY MIND, WATCH OVER US.

November 21, 2004

Please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Thank you Officer Donovan for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

November 20, 2004

What a tragedy. We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that your family is in our prayers at this sad time.

Also to her partner, you are in our thoughts also. We cannot imagine the pain you are also going through.

God Bless

Ryan & Amy Caldwell
Citizen Marion, Ohio

November 19, 2004

REST EASY FOR YOU MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE. NOT MANY UNDERSTAND, BUT WE AS COPS DO. MAY GOD BLESS AND GIVE YOUR FAMILY STRENGTH DURING THIS TRAGIC TIME

OFC.SANDOR
BLYTHE TWP. POLICE DEPT.

November 19, 2004

Rest in peace dear sister. My thoughts are with your family.

November 19, 2004

My deepest condolence to Officer Donovan's family, coworkers, and friends. It takes a brave heart to risk your life to save someone else's, God bless your soul. To Mr. Donovan, my deepest thoughts and prayers are with you, I say a prayer for you and your children every morning when I get in from work before I go to sleep. To officer Donovan your watch is over, rest easy, we will take it from here.

November 19, 2004

OFFICER DONOVAN, MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AS WELL AS YOUR FAMILY. YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. REST EASY!!

DEP. PAUL SPERANDEO
JEFFERSON PARISH SHERIFFS OFFICE, LA.

November 15, 2004

My prayers are with Amy's family and especially her partner who I know is suffering unimaginable grief.

Officer Scott Rickards
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Dept.

November 15, 2004

What a tragedy- our hearts go out to your family and especially to those four children who now have to wait to see you in Heaven. Your work was not in vain Officer Donovan, go rest high now, we got the watch down here. God Bless You.

Trooper
NC State Highway Patrol

November 13, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Officer Donavan. My thoughts and prayers are with her partner as well. We are all in this together, even though we may never meet each other. Rest in peace, Amy.

Kristy Leopard/Corrections Officer
Pickens County Detention Center, Pickens SC

November 13, 2004

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Amy, especially to the children. We will forever keep your family in our prayers.

Kimberly Lewinski Injured In The Line o
Schertz Police Department

November 12, 2004

i knew amy since we went through the police academy together. she was a wonderfully warm and carrying person. she turned into a heroic officer working the rougher area of austin. she will be missed by all of us who wear that blue uniform that she loved so much. we will make you proud of us amy.

patrol officer
austin police department

November 12, 2004

May you rest in peace.

Officer S Sorenson
Ia Dept Of Corrections

November 12, 2004

so tragic!
My prayers and deepest condolences are with your Department, and especially with the friends and family of your fallen friend. GOD BLESS her.
Stay strong, stay focused, and make SURE that Officer Amy Donovan will never be forgotten.

Invest. Mike Bradford; ret
Tallahassee Police Dept

November 11, 2004

Amy, I know that you are watching over us. It was my honor to know you and work with you. You were the last Officer I took a call with before I left patrol. I will never forget you. May the Lord be with your Family. May they find peace and comfort in knowing that you are in a better place. Rest in Peace!

Police Officer Veneza Elizondo #4191
Austin P. D.

November 11, 2004

Our sincere condolences to the family and colleagues of Officer Donovan on behalf of the members of The Lady Blue & Gold of The New Jersey State Police.

Capt. Roe Manghisi
New Jersey State Police

November 11, 2004

TO OFFICER AMY DONOVAN FAMILY AND FRIENDS. YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS. GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOUR LOVE ONE REST IN PEACE.
MOTHER OF OFFICER RON JONES
EOW 12/26/01

November 11, 2004

To the family, friends and co-workers of the Austin Police Department: The true champions in life are not judged by a gold medal or a championship ring; but by the effort that was given during the race. On behalf of The Servants Shield in Ohio, we salute you for taking your place on the battlefield, fighting the good fight, and giving the ultimate sacrifice. Well done, thy good and faithful servant, well done.

All Officers of Ohio
The Servants Shield (Christian Police Ministry)

November 11, 2004

Thank You for your service.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

November 10, 2004

To the family,friends and co-workers of Officer Donovan. My heart goes out to you. What a sad accident. These things do sometimes happen and we can do nothing about it. Only the man upstairs knows and controls all. To Officer Donovan's partner, no one thinks any less of you brother. You were only trying to get your job done as was Amy. I know its been said before, but hold your head up. Sometimes things happen. Know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless the Donovan family and Austin P.D.

DEP. B. KENNARD
WARREN COUNTY S.O./ OHIO

November 10, 2004

Rest in peace Officer Donovan. We will continue the fight.

Officer
Marshall Police Department, WI

November 10, 2004

We ask Thy blessing and eternal rest to all our brothers who have sacrificed their very lives in the performance of their duties. Give to their loved ones the peace and strength to bear the anguish of their loss. Remove all resentment from their hearts, knowing that eternal peace and rest will abide their departed loved ones forever. This we beg Thy name forever and ever, Amen.

Your duty is over Amy; go rest. May God Bless your family and children.

Deputy Caryn McCollum
Jefferson County Sheriff's Dept.

November 9, 2004