Denver Police Department, Colorado
End of Watch Sunday, May 8, 2005
Reflections for Detective Donald Ray Young
I wanted to say God Bless and Thank You. You will be remembered always. May God watch over your family and keep them safe.
Amen
Renee Miller
November 12, 2006
Donnie ---
We found this memorial today while searching for a way to comfort and give strength to your family, fitting isn't it that as we found this website and it's what this web page is all about. We do miss you and have been proud of your wife and children throughout this difficult time. We all miss you and find strength in knowing that we will meet again on the other side. Your wife, Kelly, is so strong and your beautiful girls are growing up to be strong, independent ladies, and we are so grateful to be a part of their lives now. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to meet you and your family and we think of your always, as a picture on our fridge---really, your fridge. Today, justice was served but respect was denied to Kelly and your family; we all know he is a coward and ultimately, you know that too. We do miss you, Donnie, and will be there for your family over the years.
Your friends, Dave & Katie
Dave & Katie, Your Friend & Neighbor
October 25, 2006
Dear Don:
I have written too many reflections to too many fallen brothers. And now, I find myself doing it yet again. From Pittsburg, California, to the NYPD, from Sheriff's Offices to Federal Agencies, I get so overwhelmed by the enormous sacrifice that all of you have made.
Each of you have made all of us who wear the badge, proud. And none of you will EVER be forgotten. Though it was gratifing to see that the suspect has been convicted, it still won't ease the pain I am certain your family has endured. Many Americans today, take for granted, the security and the peace afforded to them by so few dedicated people. People, Don, such as yourself, who make the dream of our forefathers a reality. The dream to live free from fear, free to live in happiness, and enjoy the liberty we have.
The suspect in this case, is no different a terrorist than those who attacked on September 11, 2001. Both did acts of cowardice. And both hide after the fact. Yet both face the same fate...JUSTICE.
May you rest in peace brother. Know this...you are now immortalized as you should be...one of America's Finest. And to your family: May God Almighty look after you, and remember that you are not alone..for you too, are a part of the greatest fraternity on the planet. Amen
Detective Ron Tomassi
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office-Florida
October 25, 2006
Donnie- well the trial is over,I think this hit me harder than anything, I guess I'm coming to the realization that you are not here its been a hard fact for me to accept there's not a day that goes by that you are not in my thoughts I miss you. To kelly you don't know me I was a friend of donnies years ago you are an incrediably brave and strong woman I admire you. I can only imagine what you have and are going through my prayers are with you everyday. Tammy
friend
October 25, 2006
Donnie:
We worked together for 3 years @El Paso County Sheriffs Office. It was an honor to have you on my shift. You had a wonderful sense of humor and all around funny guy. The coward that shot you is in custody and his day is coming. My prayers go out to your family and especially to your wife, who now, has to be both mom & dad to your girls. God bless you, Donnie, rest in peace.
Vicky**Corrections Officer
Colorado Department Of Corrections
September 18, 2006
Dear Detective: Your brothers did not let you down. They pursued your killer all the way to Mexico. Sad to think such a young boy could so callously take your life. I notice he was convicted of killing you. Justice will be done. I know you'd rather be here looking after your girls. I hope they will trust God to take up the slack.
I hope the other officer that was wounded has made a
full recovery. Thanks for having the courage to wear
the uniform. My heart goes out to your families, at
work and at home, who will always miss you.
Lynn Kole
Washington State
September 16, 2006
Godspeed Detective Young. Justice was served today. Your life and loss have not been forgotten. May God continue to watch over your family, friends, and co-workers during this dark time.
Detective D. Thompson
Colorado Springs Police Department
September 15, 2006
Donnie,
A bitter-sweet day today! The verdict is in and your killer will have a long time to stare at a wall and remember what he took from all of us!
It is very hard to even write this since it is hard to believe you are gone!
We miss your smile and humor!
We are thankful we can still see you in your girls!
To Kelly- you are so amazing and Donnie's strength shows in you every day!
Donnie, keep a spot for us in heaven with a bowl of posole and a shot of patron waiting! Until we meet again....
Janet/Fish/Kinsey
Janet Fischer
friend
September 15, 2006
Donnie, I worked with you at Teddys night club, you inspired me so much to become a police officer.I will never forget you or the person you where when I become a police officer I want to be just like you ! thanks for being my friend
cadet at cca
coworker & friend
September 12, 2006
Donnie, Your funeral was the first I attended as a member of the law enforcement community. It was life changing. Denver police Chief described police officers as “guardians on the wall” protecting the good of this world from evil. The funeral procession was marked patrol cars with lights flashing as far as I could see. Citizens gathered on the side of the road. They held their hands over their hearts. These are images that have inspired me to become a police officer. To a true guardian on the wall, Thank You.
CSO B Johnson
Northglenn PD
September 4, 2006
Think of you often Donnie, me and the guys are riding to Thunder in the Rockies today so please keep an eye on us. Rest in Peace Donnie!
D/S JS
DSD
September 3, 2006
Thank you for your service. You will always be remembered. I will be praying for you wife and kids. I know they are proud of their hero. Rest in peace.
Daughter of an officer
July 27, 2006
The trial is coming up soon and I need you with me. I know justice will be served but 100 guilty verdicts won't bring you back to me. I need your spirit to help me stay strong. Kelsey's starting 1st grade and you should be here to share that moment, it makes me so mad you were taken away. There was so much life left for us to share, I'm not ready to walk it alone. I miss you.
Kelly
Kelly
wife
July 25, 2006
It was a great honor to of served with you on the El Paso County SO (Colorado Springs, CO). May you rest in peace.
Larry Walton
Flagstaff, AZ
Larry Walton
June 18, 2006
donnie,
it's been a year now and everybody still misses you very much it seem's like yesterday how i wish you was here i miss you so much. my heart goes out to kelly and the girl's stay strong and hang in there donnie is still with you.
leslie
May 13, 2006
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final goodbye.
Christine
Younger sister of fallen officer Ron DeHerrera
May 9, 2006
The first anniversary of you being called away from duty is here. I know it has been a very long and rough year for your loved ones. There are no special words I can say to help them with their grief except that you will never be forgotten and are a true hero. Keep watch over your family and help ease their broken hearts.
Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
Bob Gordon
May 8, 2006
Donnie,
Had a chance to meet some of your co-workers and hear your wife speak at a COPS training outside of Denver in March. Everyone spoke very highly of you and your wife was incredibly strong. I was infuriated about the tragic circumstances of how the coward impacted you and your family. I know that he will pay in the long run. I wear your memorial bracelet 24/7 and look forward to meeting you someday. In the meantime, hold the fort in the promised land and we'll handle the watch here. Rest in Peace, Brother and God Bless you and yours!
Lt. D.K. Butler
Portsmouth (Va) Police Dept.
May 8, 2006
May you Rest in Peace knowing that you live on in the hearts and minds of those you left behind.May Our Lord comfort them all....family, friends and co-workers.....today.
May 8, 2006
Donnie,
I can't believe that a year has passed since you left us. You will always be my big brother that I look up to, I have so much admiration and respect for you! You truly are my HERO! I miss you so much, nothing will ever fill this hole I have in my heart and soul. I thank GOD that you are my brother! I will always hold on to your strength, your strength has helped me to get thru each day! I will always LOVE and CHERISH you and I know that your LOVE is with me where ever I may go in my LIFE. I have so may cherished memories. God bless you Donnie!
Love Sandy
Sandy Jeffries
little sister
May 7, 2006
We will be in Washington with honor and respect to hear your name read.
Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04
Linda Rittenhouse
May 6, 2006
To Detective Donald Ray Young, his loved ones and his fellow officers:
As the first anniversary of your tragic death approaches, please know that your memory is revered and honored.
May your family continue be to comforted by the warm embrace of their law enforcement family, and other police survivors who share this painful journey with them. My heart is with your family. I hope to meet them in D.C.
Reading all the loving reflections left by those who cared for you gives us an understanding of what a good and honorable man you were and of the high esteem with which you are held.
Donald, as a peace officer you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.
This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.
Rest in Peace, Detective Young. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.
This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Donald gave to his community and the citizens of Colorado, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on May 8, 2005.
Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
April 29, 2006
My condolences to your friends and family. I never knew you but I think of you often. Rest in peace and love, brother. I hope that justice is served.
Trooper
Colorado State Patrol
March 8, 2006
My condolences and prayers to Officer Youngs wife, children, family friends and family of the Colorado Police Department. I am so sorry for your loss. To Detective YOung, you will never be forgotten you are a hero and I will remember you in my daily prayers. Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and the sacrifice you made in protecting the citizens of colorado. God bless you as you sleep in God's Love and in His Peace.
Respectfully,
Kathi Halligan Phila PA wife and mom of LEO
March 1, 2006
Donnie- I still can't believe you are not here! Now more than ever I wish you were here you have always been there for me when i needed you and boy i could really use your friendship right not, but this time you are not here for me to turn to. I am having a hard time accepting this you are always in my thoughts always have been and always will be. if you see monster and max tell them hi for me ok Love your friend
tammy
December 26, 2005
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