Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

What's up old friend. Yeah, it's me, just sitting here and started to think of you. It has been a minute since I have left a reflection, but my thoughts of you happen often. So much has happened and oh how I wish that I could just pick up the phone and talk to you. I am still teaching after 18 years and I often find myself thinking, "why teacher" just as I did when I received the news of your death, "why a police officer". The older that I get, I realize that everyone of us have our calling or God given talent and yours was to protect and serve the people of Raleigh, North Carolina. Mine to shape and mold the young minds of our future. I do wish that you had chosen something different, but our lives are already determined and mapped out for us and God only takes his BEST. You, my friend, are THE BEST!!! Miss and love you much!!

Fellow Falcon

October 27, 2012

The Battle of the Badges Law Enforcement Basketball Tournament will be honoring you at our Battle of the Badges II tournament in Raleigh Oct.7-9. This to honor u for dedcation to the filed of law enforcement & to show your family in the law enforcement community we are all one family.

Master Officer Jerome Hall
Wake County Sheriff Office-Detention Services

October 4, 2011

Denise,

You will always be dear to my heart. I can remember specific teachable moments that I experienced with you be they basketball, spiritual, social, academic or just plain ole' life. Your bright and viberant spirit will always be remembered. You were always a "learner", alway eager to learn new things, go new places and see new things. I remember the day you walked into Emery Gym and asked to speak with me and said you wanted to come to SAC. How we corned you and the other Denice "Salt and Pepper", How the two of you shout down the two Swedish 6'8'' girls at the Florida International game. As I said, you will never be forgotten. I remember our conversation, the day before you left us, always making good decisions about your life. I know that I will see you one day and that you are in God's loving care. Take care and we will one day be united as the two people of color who can not keep time. Love, Coach D.

Dr. Beverly Downing
Your Coach

July 12, 2011

Hey my warrior sister, today I was listening to the song (Lamb of God) by Twila Paris. This song not only reminded me about what Christ did for humans but also what you did for your fellow officer.
911 rang out in heaven- "Mankind needs help, they are dying and lost". Will some one please save them" Then came Jesus Christ to the rescue but because he regarded not his own life, upon saving mankind, he also died on impact.
My sister! this describes you. You heard the cry "officer needs help"and were caused to swiftly respond. You regarded not your own life therefore, just to save another, upon impact you died! You didn't ask the sex, race or color of your fellow officer you forsook it all to save just one. Today! Denise you are my new heroe and hopefully for many others.

To this end, Rest in Peace my Sister !!

POLICE OFFICER MICHAEL F
LITHONIA P.D

June 4, 2011

We the Battle of the Badges Law Enforcement Basketball Tournament will be honoring Officer Holden(with the permission of her parents is approved) in our 6th Annual Battle of the Badges II Law Enforcement Basketball Tournament Oct.7-9,2011 in Raleigh,NC. Officer Holden your hard work & dedication in the field of law enforcement will never go un-notice.

Master Officer Jerome Hall
Wake County Sheriff/Detention Services

February 14, 2011

Yeah, I know that today is not your birthday, I didn't forget. I just can't bring myself to do this on your birthday, not sure why, but anyway, I'm here now. The Big 4-0, wow. You are missed now more than ever. I thought about what we would be doing to celebrate being inducted into the "40 is the new 30 club", lol, I can only imagine. Everytime I hear of a police officer's death I think of you, which sad to say is something that happens quite often. Just wanted to stop through with Happy Belated Birthday wishes and say thank you to you and the other officers that lay their lives on the line so that we the people can be safe. Rest on my sister and know that you are still and always will be missed. Love Ya!!

Fellow Falcon Teammate

January 23, 2011

HI DENISE, I DONT KNOW YOU PERSONALLY HOWEVER I FEEL THE EARTH HAS LOST A GIFT FROM GOD. TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS THEY ASK EVERY DAY "WHY LORD DID YOU TAKE DENISE?" I BELIEVE THE ANSWER IS THIS! THAT THROUGH HER DEATH OTHERS MIGHT BEGIN TO LIVE AND PREPARE FOR FOR THAT GREAT DEPARTURE. AS CHRIST CAME TO DIE THAT OTHERS MIGHT LIVE. DENISE YOU ARE MORE THAT A WARRIOR, FRIEND AND LOVE ONE TO SOME, TO THIS END YOU ARE A TYPE OF LAMB(CHRIST)WHO CAME TO HELP SHOW MANY THE WAY. IN YOU, ALL WHO SERVE WILL KNOW THAT AT THE END OF THIS WILDERNESS THERE IS A PROMISED LAND. REST IN PEACE MY SISTER!!

OFFICER MICHAEL F
LITHONIA P. D

December 23, 2010

Well, another year has gone by since you were suddenly snatched away from our lives and I must say that it really doesn't get any easier especially when you listen to people misuse the word friend. YOU, Denise, were indeed a friend to many who knew you. I wish often that I could pick up the phone and call you with some news or recieve a call from you informing me of some big event in your life or just general conversations. I received some disturbing news today about another fellow Falcon, Antonio Pettigrew. I know that it's going to be some running and gunning up there with the two of you! You may not be here to grace me with your physical presence, but you are always in my thoughts. Love and miss you much!!!

Devonia
Fellow Falcon and Friend

August 10, 2010

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones. You have not been forgotten.

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

August 4, 2010

I come again to remember you on your Birthday. I have not made it home with free time on my hands in some time. But I do make it a point to reflect. Thanks for being who you were!
St. Aug. c/o'95/CJ...

Ofc. Nixon
Chamblee P.D.

January 4, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the fourteenth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service to my home state and the birthplace of my son. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

August 4, 2009

Officer Holden thank you for your willingness to serve your fellowman. It has been 14 years since the end of your watch and you are not forgotten. Rest in peace.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

August 4, 2009

Happy Birthday My Friend!! I know that I am late, but I will never forget January 4th. Man, time sure does have a way of getting away from you. Nevertheless, I am still missing your laughter and conversations.

Devonia c/o '94

January 18, 2009

Officer Holden you are not forgotten........even though your life and career was cut short , you are still my sister.....may your family always feel your spirit........continued rest my sister , we have the watch from here...........

officer val pickens
b'ham pd/b'ham , al

November 18, 2008

Thank You for having served the Carolina Community.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

August 4, 2008

Thirteen years have passed but you have not been forgotten. Those that love you dearly think of you every day and carry you in their hearts. You will never be forgotten. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

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

August 4, 2008

Happy Birthday old friend!! I know that I am a week late, but it was a little hard for me then. Anyway, I know that you are up there having a blast. Miss you much!

Devonia Nixon
College Teammate

January 11, 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

December 27, 2007

OFFICER HOLDEN, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS THOSE WHO LOVE AND MISS YOU SO MUCH. UNTIL WE MEET UP IN HEAVEN, GOD BLESS.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

August 4, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this anniversary of your EOW. I know they think of you each and every day and have done so over the past 12 years. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones.

Those who we love and lose
Are no longer where they were before.
They are now wherever we are.

Author Unknown

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

August 4, 2007

It is really funny how the thoughts of someone comes to your mind. I think that you are always with me in everything that I do and when I get a cramp in my toe I sware that it is you laughing down on me. Now that I am older, I think that you would be really impressed at the women that I have become. I miss you so much and who ever thought that the song "It's so hard to say goodbye" would really touch me the way that it has over the last 11 years.

February 8, 2007

Happy belated birthday!! I know that I am late, but for some reason I can't seem to visit the "odmp" on your birthday. I still feel the pain of your death as if it was yesterday, especially when I think of everything that has gone on and wishing that I could talk to you and get your witty thoughts on some things. I really miss you my dear friend and it is going on twelve years. WOW!!! Although you are gone in physical presence, your spirit is still alive and will forever linger on in my heart. Keep looking down on us as I know that you are. Loving and missing you much.

January 23, 2007

Well, Denise, it has been 11 years and the time just seems to keep flying by, but your memory is still alive. I miss talking to you so much and so much has happened in my life that I wish I could share with you and hear your responses. The time here on this earth is short and before long we will meet again, but until then, keep looking down on me. It hasn't gotten any easier, but yet I move on from day to day. Luv YA!!!

August 15, 2006

Even though 11 years have passed, your loved ones think of you every single day and their hearts are still broken and will be that way for as long as they live. People say it gets easier, but for some of us that is not the case. We learn to cope with it, but have to realize that our lives have been changed forever. Keep watch over your loved ones and protect them from harm. Visit them in their dreams so they know you are okay and watching over them. You will never be forgotten.

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

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

August 4, 2006

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Raleigh Police Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Officer Holden deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Holden is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, North Carolina

June 25, 2006