Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

December 30, 2012

Never Forgotten.

Duane, there were 3 of us at your grave today, sharing, smiling and remembering you. You gave up your life in service to your country. We will never forget you.

Joe Burns, Director of Sy/Special Agent
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

April 3, 2012

Hey Brother, Happy 57th birthday from Denise and Me. I still continue to bring up your name every day. I really miss our conversations about women, sports and politics.

Officer Lawernce H. Crawford
Library of Congress Police (Retired)

September 5, 2011

I met Duane while working in USDOC Export Enforcement: he interviewed me for an upgraded security clearance when I applied for transfer to the Foreign Commercial Service (1991). Later when Secretary Brown visited China (about 1993), where I was posted, Duane and I met again, and he presented me with one of the lapel pins worn by all USDOC special agents on protection detail. I still have that pin, which occupies a special place in my household. Meeting a genuine public servant like Duane was a privilege.

Matthew Brazil
USDOC

July 18, 2011

My daughter Victoria Christian Burns was with me yesterday to visit your grave. Yesterday we remembered you...and tomorrow we will never forget.

Joseph Burns, Special Agent
USPTO

April 4, 2011

Duane,

There isn't a single day that I don't think of you. Your picture sits on my desk as a reminder of our time together in OSY. I learned so much from you and those lessons have assited me in my career. I am a much better person and leader because of you. When a situation arises, I look at your picture and try to think how you would handle the situation. So many of my subordinate officers have received a second chance because you gave some of us that second chance.

Thank you

David Schmick
Former OSY SA
Area Commander, Federal Police

Anonymous

February 23, 2011

You have not been forgotten. Thank you for your dedicated service to your Country.

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

April 3, 2010

My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Christian Family. I've tried to contact Mrs. Shelia Christian since I heard the news in 1996. Something told me to search your names today, 8/31/09. I still have the returned letters I sent to Mrs. Christian through the White House. I taught Andre at Patuxent Elementary School, and it was indeed a pleasure to work with such dedicated parents as Duane and Shelia. Mark had just been born when my husband, Thaddeus, and I moved to Hampton. I pray for your continued strength. SMSutton

Mrs. Stephanie Moore Sutton
Hampton City Schools, Hampton, Virginia

September 1, 2009

DC, 4 of us were out at the cemetary last week. You are still remembered and loved. The "Old Guard" was there for you last Friday.

Joe Burns
Former OSY Special Agent

April 10, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 9, 2008

Duane,
The years have come and gone but your presence is always with your family and friends. Not a day goes by that I don't reflect on your life and how you touched so many people. We all love you and miss you but we know you are in God's care.
Love Always
Your Big Brother
Mike

Roscoe Christian
Brother

April 6, 2008

Duane,
You are still loved and missed. We still remember and reflect on what you meant to all of us.

We miss you "DC"

former OSY S/A Burns

Joe Burns

April 4, 2008

We are thinking of you today, reflecting on the wonderful memories that keep you in our hearts. I can't believe Janay and Chrystal are graduating this year (you should see them when they go out). We miss you, continue to watch over us and give Pop, Mama Kate, and Uncle Calvin a kiss.

Love Always

Angie & Stephanie
nieces

April 3, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 18, 2008

Well it has taken me long enough. Not a day goes by that I don't reflect and remember how special my uncle was and still is in my life. He was more of a brother to me and I miss him more each day. I find myself saying or doing things that remind me of and him it's as if he is still here with me. I try to live my life and love my family just as he lived and loved his family. Uncle Duane was alot of things to many people but his legacy to me is that no matter how or where he touched you in your life you always left knowing you just spent time with one of God's angels on earth.Unlce Duane I will love you always..

Joel Christian
Nephew

February 4, 2008

It has taken a very long time to really understand what happened on April 3,1996,but I would like you to know you are truly missed,thought of and talked about all the time. I love you my brother and hope to see you again. Lawrence

Officer Lawrence H. Crawford
Library of Congress Police and friend

January 5, 2008

We still miss you and think of you often. Many times it is hard to believe you are no longer here. It is good to know that one day we will see each other again and I can always look up to heaven and talk to you.
Love,Michelle

michelle
niece

September 7, 2007

Duane,

Pretend I am sing...Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Duane. Eventhough you are not here to celebrate with us in the natural your spirit is with us. I know up there in heaven God has prepared a great birthday banquet for your special day. Remember you are missed and I will be seeing you again soon.

Love,

Jackie

September 6, 2007

I am remembering you on your natal day especially, however, I keep you close in my heart everyday. Your star continues to shine brightly and you are loved forever.
Missing you always, Your Sister...

Arleen Christian
Sister

September 5, 2007

Happy Birthday Duane

A great Man.
A true Man.
A good husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.
You are truly missed.

Always In Our Hearts
Reggie & Angie

Angie & Reggie
Niece & Nephew

September 5, 2007

Uncle Duane:

Happy Birthday! I can still hear it when you call me "String Bean". I know that you are looking down and watching over all us. Continue to be our guardian angel and tell Mama Kate and Pop hello for me. God Bless you always and until we meet again.

Your nephew,

Kevin

Kevin Christian
Nephew

September 5, 2007

Uncle Wayne,



It felt like yesterday when me and you went to the same doctor's office. You would always say " I seen you sitting by the window", and I would say how did you know? To this day I still haven't figured it out. In my head I would say how did he know where I was sitting if he wasn't there. Well I am doing much better now. My allergies only act up every once in a while, but no more allergy shots. I miss you so much and I love you with all my heart. Until we meet again. Rest In Peace.



Love,

Kellee

Kellee Christian
Niece

September 4, 2007

Duane,

Just wanted to take this time to tell you that I miss you. Especally those phone calls looking for your older brother(smile). You know,I don't make that iced tea that you loved so much anymore because someone said it had too much sugar. The family misses you too. Your are always in our thoughts and conversations. May you and all those who left us on that day ten years ago continue to Rest in Peacee

Love,

Jackie
Your Sister-in-Law

September 3, 2007

I recently found this web site dedicated to hero's like you who have made the ultimate sacrifice. There is not a day that goes by that I don't remember you and reflect on what you meant to so many individuals. Just today, a man approached me to ask me if I were your brother. He went on to tell me what a difference you had made in his life as his baseball coach and over the years he was not the first to inquire. I am proud to be your brother. We all love you and miss you. As long as I am able your legacy will be alive. I know you are looking over all of us. With eternal love and affection....rest in peace.

Your Big Brother
Mike

Roscoe Christian
Brother

June 30, 2007

To Special Agent Duane Christian and his loved ones:

On this the tenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.

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, Special Agent Duane Christian. I am humbled by your valor, courage, and dedication.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Duane gave to his community and the citizens of our country , and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 3, 1996.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 3, 2006