Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Doug,

Still, not a day goes by that I don't think about you

Still, I don't know if I'll ever be able to fill the empty place in my life where you once were.

Still, I go to places we used to hang out and think about the good times.

Still, I'll honor your life & friendship by trying to be the best I person I can be(as you were)

Still, I'll dream of the day where we may see each other again and laugh about things.

8 months after your gone and for the rest of my life, I'll remember you.....Still

Jeff Sanders
Friend

November 29, 2007

"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

November 12, 2007

I just wanted you to know that there is not a day that goes by that I find myself thinking of you and my final evening with you and our conversation. The memory of your last evening with us here is hard to process through and painful-- you have left a definite hole. The events surrounding that time in my life as pertains to your unexpected accident and things that were said to me about those events from your perspective; I want you to know that I do not believe what was told to me and that I KNOW how I feel about you and your friendship and I KNOW that you felt the same about me and my friendship. You will always hold such a dear place in my heart-- and I mourn the wonderful things that could have been for you and Lisa-- and for me as well. I have met several people recently that knew you and EVERYONE OF THEM have such admiration and respect for you!! I hope you know and knew how loved you are truly!! This world is smaller than we realize and who you were has had such a wide-spread impact upon so many; it is humbling. I miss you Dougie!! I know that you were and always will be MY DOUGIE- MY CHAMPION...

Tonya

Tonya Fisk
friend

October 19, 2007

You will not be forgotten.

Brian - Dispatcher
Glendale, FPS, friend

September 26, 2007

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Officer Byrne. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Doug, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Doug's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Doug's life was about so much more than the way he died. Doug will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Officer Byrne, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been four years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

September 23, 2007

Doug,

It's been almost 6 months and it is still unbelievable that you are gone. I have reached for the phone so many times to call you and tell you something funny that your nephew said or did. He is no longer afraid of thunderstorms because he says that is you up in Heaven jamming to some music. We all miss you so much. I have some comfort in knowing that you are looking out for your family and friends, but I'd give up everything to have you back.

You rest in peace, little brother.

Love,

Sharon

Sharon Gibson
Sister

September 13, 2007

Our heartfelt sorrow for your loss, family and friends. Our son, a DPD Explorer had the honor to serve at Officer Byrne's service. He carries Officer Byrne's name in his service cap in rememberance of this fine man and what he represents. Thank you for serving this, most honorable profession and for setting an example for young men and women, like our son. In his Explorer Graduation thank you he said the following and we dedicate these words to you:

"Off in the distance, the wailing of sirens cut through the night, moving away at a frantic speed. Somewhere out there danger lurks, but hot on it’s heels are the heroic men and women who faithfully uphold the laws of this land. With skill, dedication and a healthy dose of courage, the police hold the edge in the ongoing fight against crime, making the streets a safer place for all of us.

For who you are and what you do every day, Thank You! And thank you for your support in my quest to uphold the honor and reputation you have earned in my name. I hope I can pay tribute to your mark of distinction."

We shall never forget!

The Everetts Family

Mother of a DPD Explorer
Denver Police Department, Colorado

June 22, 2007

Officer Byrne was a great guy! He gave me ticket once, maybe 2 months later pulled me over in the exact location about the same time! He remember I was leaving for training within 2 days and gave me a warning! Then spoke with me about the military for about 10 min! He will always be remembered

SPC Alexyss Papi
US ARMY RESERVE

June 22, 2007

"Policeman's Prayer"

When I start my tour of duty God,
Wherever crime may be,
as I walk the darkened streets alone,
Let me be close to thee.

Please give me understanding with both the young and old.
Let me listen with attention until their story's told.
Let me never make a judgment in a rash or callous way,
but let me hold my patience let each man have his say.

Lord if some dark and dreary night,
I must give my life,
Lord, with your everlasting love
protect my children and my wife.

(Author Unknown)

Recruit Deputy Sheriff
El Paso County-Colorado Springs

June 21, 2007

Officer Byrne,
I grew up with you in my life almost everyday. You made me feel that all the hard work it takes to be a good officer would pay off.The love that you showed me as well as the love that the Glendale Police Department showed me meant so much. If you were still here I know you would be very proud of me. You are my true hero. I can only hope that in my future I will be half as good of a police officer as you were. Thank you for everything you ever did for me. I still cherish the many photos of you an I togehter.You are greatly missed by all your brothers in blue. Rest in peace brother.You will never be forgotten

Brandon Cadena
Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office Explorer/ Long-Time Friend

May 24, 2007

Officer Byrne,
I regret never meeting you but wanted to thank you for your service. The coverage of your death leading up to your funeral made me believe that you were a true hero. After your funeral I knew that you were a true hero. Your picture hangs in my locker as a reminder of the man I want to be. Thank you and God bless you and your family.

Police Officer
WRPD

May 22, 2007

Officer Byrne. Never had the honor of serving with you but reading all your notes it's obvious your are missed. respect to you and your family and friends.

Deputy Brian Ruckstuhl
Wood County Sheriffs Office

May 18, 2007

Rest in Peace brother! Heart felt condolence to your family!

Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside, Ca PD

May 13, 2007

Doug, I miss you and I can't believe that your gone. You are a great person and we had so many laughs. You are missed greatly and things won't be the same. One day we will meet again. -Chell

Dispatcher Michell Grizzle
Friend

May 12, 2007

You gave the ultimate sacrafice. Watch over the rest of us as we work to make this world a safer place to live. God bless you and your family.

Deputy Mary B. Syson
King County Sheriffs Department

May 8, 2007

May You Rest - In - Peace, Devil Dawg..........

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

May 1, 2007

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Officer Doug Byrne,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Doug. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Officer Doug Byrne is a hero.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

April 27, 2007

Loving thoughts and prayers to your family and friends...and especially your law enforcement family.
Heroes never die, they live on in our hearts forever.

Meridith Jensen
Wife of CSPD Sgt. Jeff Jensen

April 18, 2007

Doug,

I never got the opportunity to meet you. I have been strugaling with writing you a reflection for a couple of weeks. It breaks my heart that you are gone. I know that sounds strange since I did not know you personally.

I served as an Officer in Colorado and am very familiar with the Aurora P.D.

I worked with A.W beofre she got in at Glendale and by looking at the pictures I know you met something to her.

Anyways I try to remember your sacrifice every night when I go to work and I will try to always remember.

God bless.

Kansas Police Officer

April 18, 2007

Doug,

I had a dream the other night. We were sitting in Dist #2 briefing, just as we had so many times before. What we talked about I couldn't remember, but I remember you laughing....I had the feeling that it was taking place in the here and now and that you were letting me know you were doing just fine....After awhile, we looked at each other and said, "Well I guess its time to go hit the road."

I miss you bro and I don't know what to do about it...

Matty

Detective Matthew E. Fyles
Aurora Police Dept.

April 13, 2007

I never had the privilege of meeting Officer Byrne, but as a former Marine and current police officer myself, I can speak for his character. Doug earned two very prestigious titles....US Marine & Police Officer. Doug was a member of not one but two special fraternities....the US Marine Corps and public law enforcement (Aurora chapter). My thoughts and prayers are with Doug's family & coworkers.
When I graduated from boot camp one of my D.I.'s told us "there will be wars, and in war Marines will die, but as a Marine you will live forever in the name of the Corps". Doug may not be with us physically, but everytime you hear the Marine Corps hymn or see an Aurora PD car pass by on patrol.....HE'S THERE!!
From your extended family here in Michigan
Semper Fi Marine & God speed brother

CPL Keith VanValkenburgh
Dearborn Heights PD (MI)

April 8, 2007

Officer Byrne,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but also for our Country when you served in the USMC during The Gulf War. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow Marine;LEO

Anonymous

April 6, 2007

Officer Byrne,
You are and always will be a true hero. You can rest easy for you are now one of God's angles. Tell all our fellow officer with you in heaven that we miss them also. All your fellow brother's and sister's who wear the badge honor you. You may be gone but your NEVER forgotten!!! May you rest in peace.
The Hernandez Family

deputy's
escambia county s/o fl

April 5, 2007

Doug,

I loved you as a dear friend from the day I met you. You loved and respected my Gary and were there for him from the beginning of your time together in Academy. Your laugh and humor and deadpan wit always got me- I learned to see when you were pulling my leg and when you were serious. You were always open and willing to listen and real with your feelings for your friends and loved ones. You always gave of yourself and your heart-- you were a man that felt and loved deeply and faithfully. You showed your feelings and were such a joy to be with and talk with. I remember my heart-felt conversations with you and your caring encouragement. Your willingness to show your 'vulnerabilites' and heart is what I will always treasure. I miss you so much and wish you were still here- my 'Dougie'!! I wish/hope that you saw the support you had at the hospital- the support you had the week after and before the funeral. The love and laughter at your life and experiences with you-- you have touched so many people and will always be loved and remembered!! XOXOXOXO MY DOUGIE MY CHAMPION!

Tonya

Tonya Fisk
friend

April 5, 2007

Officer Byrnes' family, I lost my best friend and brother who was an officer in Colorado Springs in December of 2006. I know the hurt that you are feeling right now. My sincere condolences go out to you and any one whos' life was touched by this hero. God Bless

Steve
Citizen

April 3, 2007