Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Tomorrow will mark two years that we have been forced to live our lives with out you. There's not a day that goes by that you are not thought of and missed. Your spirit continues to provide me with strength. You would be so proud of the girls. Kelsey has your spirit for life and she is such a little athlete. She is like you, there isn't anything she can't do. And Kourtney has your passion for people. She cares and helps those around her just by setting a good example and being herself. She wants so much to be like you and what she doesn't realize, she already is. You are a big part of the person she has become and I know you are so proud of her. She will be 16 in a few weeks, watch over her and continue to guide her. She relies on your spirit to help her through the tough times. We love you and miss you.

Kelly
wife

May 7, 2007

Donnie,

Your memory will never be forgotten. Our prayers and thoughts will always be with you, Kelly and you r entire family. Rest in peace my brother!!

Denny Maes
Denver Sheriff

April 17, 2007

Detective Young:

Thank you for your service to the community.

We are in your debt.

January 23, 2007

Donnie~
Hard to believe even still that you are gone. You were a wonderful spirit and friend. I know you are home with our heavenly Father and that brings me some comfort. I still think of you and I still pray for your family.
Peace be the journey!
Joy~friend
Colorado Springs

Joy
Friend

December 6, 2006

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