Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I DIDN'T KNOW SHANE MILLER BUT I JUST HAPPENED TO BE ON THIS WEB-SITE TO SEE THE OFFICERS THAT DIED THIS YEAR AND I STARTED TO READ ABOUT SHANE. I CAN TELL YOU FROM EXPERIENCE THAT SOME DAYS THE PAIN IS SO STRONG AND OTHER DAYS IT IS EASIER TO DEAL WITH BUT WITH TIME IT DOES HELP. MY BROTHER WAS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY ON 08/26/03. SGT. RODNEY LEE DAVIS JR. HE WAS 30 YEARS OLD AND HAD 2 SONS AND ONE ON THE WAY WHEN HE WAS KILLED. THE GREEN COUNTY, VA SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND THE GREEN COMMUNITY HAVE BEEN SO WONDERFUL. HE HAS HAD SO MANY HONORS AND IS STILL HAVING THEM AFTER 1 YEAR. MAY GOD BLESS SHANE MILER AND HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. WHO KNOWS MAYBE MY BROTHER AND HIM ARE HANGING OUT TOGETHER IN HEAVEN.
MICHELLE ZUSKIN

August 31, 2004

Shane,

I've started writing a reflection here twice, but didn't know exactly what to say. After a lot of prayer, I think I know now. Growing up as cousins, I know we were not together much and since May 15, I have thought that this was one regret that I had. But after thinking about it, I realized that the times we were together in the last few years were even more special. I often hear that contagious laugh that you had and can still see you in my mind on the night that we saw you at the Work Force Prep Center. You were so excited because you were starting your BLET. I can also see you in my mind standing across the counter at the ER folding a sheet and telling one of your amusing "tales." I think of you and all of the other firefighters every day that I go to work in my mobile unit at WTS and how hard you worked in that early morning to try to save a school that we all loved so dearly. Then you and Robert worked so hard helping me get my things out of my classroom. I don't think I could ever have thanked you enough. I found the piece of paper the other day where you wrote your cell number and now it is a treasure to me. I often still find myself listening for your voice and number on the radio when Williams Fire or Tabor City Rescue are paged out. The Lord is helping everyone through it all. You just don't know how much you were and are still loved.

Tony and Sue are extraordinary people. I miss you greatly, but I could never dream of what they go through each day. We pray for them daily. We're trying to keep your memory alive and help others that had your dream. Please look down on us as we take this task on and be proud. As your life showed, all you wanted to do was help others. In this way, you still can.

Cassie Cartrette, EMT-P
Whiteville Resuce Unit

August 19, 2004

Shane,
Where do I begin? You are one missed person!!! So many loved & respected you. All of us now have a void in our lives as well as our hearts. I think about you often & still cry. I will never forget the night of your accident. Who would have guessed your own squads--stations 21& 13 would have been there with you. I still expect to see you at fires & wrecks. I always expect that laugh or the jokes you liked to tell. Life for us will never be the same. As we continue to respond to calls, I know you are there watching over us. Rest is peace, Shane...

Pam Prince--Firefighter/Medical Responde
Wiliams Township Vol. Fire Dept.

August 17, 2004

I thought of you with love today,
but that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday
and days before that too.
I think of you in silence,
but I often speak your name.
Now all I have is memories
and your picture in a frame.
Your memory is my keepsake,
from which I will never part.
God has you in his keeping,
I have you in my heart.
Author: unknown

Three months have gone by and I still can't believe this. No matter how often I visit your grave, or go by the crash site, I still feel like you're coming back. I can't imagine that God could need you any more than I do right now. Time is supposed to heal, when do you say when? When is enough, enough? It hurts more and more each day. I need you Shane. I need to hear your voice, I need you to tell me to "Suck it up and get on with it."

Chloe and I went back to Durham this past Monday. I'm not sure who is better luck you or your mom. Chloe's vision is rapidly improving and it all started with you. I will never look at Go Fish the same and neither will Chloe. She still asks about you and knows you're a police officer in heaven. When we walked out of the Eye Center, sirens were blaring. Then suddenly, a ladder truck, an engine, an ambulance, and a police car came roaring by. I knew you were with us the whole time, just as you had said you would be.

Your parents are doing as well as they can. I never knew two people could be so strong. I guess it takes special folks to raise such a wonderful man. I knew the first time you introduced us that they were special. I never knew we would grow so close because of something like this. I really didn't want it to happen this way.

Talked to Robyn, she missed us this weekend. Korn would have been great. I guess I'll keep my sheltered life a while longer. I can't think of anyone else I'd rather help me get out from under it. I listen to that CD at least once a day and think of you. There are a lot of songs on it that now make sense. I can hear you in every one.

There have been so many things done to honor you and so many more planned. It doesn't seem fair that you can't be here in person to see it. Sometimes we don't know what we have until it's gone. I'm so glad I realized how special you were ahead of time, so none of this is really surprising to me. As modest as you were in life, it seems only fitting.

I'm not so sure I'll ever accept this, but with your strength, I can try. You always said I need to let someone help me and to stop being so independent. Too bad you're not here in person, so do what you can from where you are. Shane, I miss you so much....always

CBW
2189/1358

August 16, 2004

I read this poem on another reflection and I really felt that it applied here.

They say memories are golden,
well, maybe that is true.
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you.
A million times I've needed you,
A million times I've cried.
If love alone could have saved you,
You never would have died.
In life I loved you dearly,
In death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place
No one could ever fill.
If tears could build a stariway
And heartache make a lane,
I'd walk the path to heaven
And bring you back again.

Shane, my rescue angel, you always watched out for me, no matter what kind of weird scene we were on, be it Rescue, Fire, or Slipknot. I know you'll continue to watch out for me. I would not trade one moment of our time together to save all the pain I am feeling now. Hours spent talking, laughing, or just looking at each other were well worth it. I am so proud of you, the person you had become and the person you were going to be. I hope I can only make you as proud of me. I will never forget every snicker, every laugh, every shoulder shrug, every "Oh Well"....I will never forget you and what you have meant to me and how you've changed my life. Shane, you taught me that I do matter and that I should never settle for second best. If I can become just half the person you were, I'll be satisfied. As I go on without you, please know that no matter where our roads in life take us, our special friendship will withstand the miles. I will never understand why, I will not pretend that I can fathom how this could happen to someone so special to so many. As I've often said to you, "You are the most perfect person I know." You will always hold a special place in my heart. I know how you hate to see a girl cry, so I'll try to keep my chin up and my feet somewhat planted. Thank you for being. I will miss you until I see you again...

CHRISTY WARD, EMT/FF
TABOR CITY RESCUE 2189, WILLIAMS TOWNSHIP VFD 1358

June 29, 2004

shane, what can i say, your were so much like a big brother to me, u influenced me so much. no matter what the problem was you were there didnt matter what time it was, you were there. but when my mama told me you were gone, i felt like someone cut out a piece of my heart. all of us will deeply miss you, but not for long. because one day i know i will see you again, and i cant wait. you were one special person to me and so many other people. but you will always be in our hearts and minds forever!!!!!!! Richy, Chris, Chad, and Mikey. the band wasent broke, it became stronger!!!!i love you always bro. lil' bro,
Mikey

micheal lanier
adr 143

June 28, 2004

Shane,(Brunswick 343, Williams 1330,Tabor City Rescue 2137 and Tabor City P.D. unit # 408)
I must say,we've been through a hell-of-alot since October 8, 1999. This was the night you had your unfortunate 4-wheeler accident and you shaddered your jaw-bone.That was the longest trip to Columbus County Hospital from Cerro Gordo that night. I was one scared puppy. It hurt so bad that night seeing you lay there in that hospital bed broke up like you were. But the worst thing that I recall that night was to see you roll out of Columbus County Hospital and placed in the back of the Vital -Link Ambulance from New Hanover Regional. I knew then my little buddy was seriously injured and there was time to waste. That hurt like hell. But after returning home I recall going by the house almost everyday to see you before going to work at the prison camp and seeing you heel up day by day. That was the happiest times seeing you heel as quick as you did. Then on December 21, 1999 you returned back to work with the Department of Correction. From December 1999 til May 15, 2004 we had a blast, only if the Green Swamp could talk. There was definitely fun filled nights to recall. Me, you and Michael Lanier have the best memories to cherish
from a friendship that's just like brother's. One thing about it Shane, they'll never be another Shane Miller. No one else could ever fill or walk in your shoes. Shane I just wish you could have seen the out pour of respect you were given when your end-of-watch was called and you went home to the heavens. There is no doubt in my mind you went home to heaven with a proud smile on your face. Shane you cared about your community and you were a true public servant with the Fire & Rescue and a true servant to all areas of Law Enforcement. I know your memories will live on in the Fire & Rescue field because Mikey Lanier ( ADR 143 ) will see to that and you will always be remembered in Law Enforcement because you were a true man in blue.
Shane, on May 15, 2004 at 7:00 pm Tabor City unit 408 went 10-8 10-41 and at approximately 1:00 am Tabor City unit 408 went 10-7 10-42. But before signing off the air, you served a lifetime as a Police Officer because you were what you wanted to be when you ended your tour of duty. There will always be a piece of my heart missing. I'll see you soon and when we meet again we'll talk about old times. Shane I want you to know that your parents were very very proud of you. They've lost what they cherished more than anything, a "Hero"
and a "Son".
My heart goes out to Tony & Sue Miller.
They've lost something that they can never get back, but they will always have the memories of their son, Police Officer Shane Miller. Tony and Sue, I know you're proud of Shane and his accomplishments because I know I am. Shane was one of my best friends and he always will be. Shane you'll be missed by me and Mike Lanier like crazy, but we'd like thank you for the great times. You were the greatest!! "Peace Brother"!!

Correctional Officer R. Brady
North Carolina Department of Correction

June 25, 2004

Dear Shane,
I don't know how to feel knowing that I talked to you only a few short min. before your crash.I enjoyed or friendship while you were here and the time we spent in BLET.I know you are watching from above and helping me to stay safe as I continue to do the job and keep watch over the people that we have strived so much to protect all over the years.I pray that I can only hope to talk to you again soon and I miss the best friend a fellow officer could ever have.You are still considered a brother to me and will forever be in my memory.I still to this day wear the black band on my badge when I goto work becouse I still have not come to grips with your loss.I wear it for a constant reminder that we all have a job to do and that I still do the job becouse I know that would be what you would want me to do.So here is to you my brother and fellow Firefighter.May you get your well earned rest and constantly keep watch over us down here.REST WELL NOW OUR BRAVE HERO,FOR YOUR TIME IN HELL HAS BEEN LONG AND HARD.WE NOW HAVE THE WATCH AND HOPE YOU WILL BE PROUD OF US AS WE CONTINUE TO DO THE WORK THAT WE ARE ALL CALLED TO DO.I HOPE TO TALK TO YOU SOON.
YOUR FRIEND AND FELLOW BROTHER,
PATROLMAN ROBERT WORLEY
CHADBOURN POLICE DEPT.

Patrolman Robert A. Worley
Chadbourn Police Dept.

June 19, 2004

We are truly saddened at Tim's loss.
--------------------------------------
We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
Your comrades now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.
---------------------------------------
Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!

Ptlm. P.K. Harding
Binghamton (NY) P.D.

June 11, 2004

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Timothy did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Timothy be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Patrolman Miller's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Timothy is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Timothy was well respected and well loved.

Thank you Patrolman Miller for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry, Davis Co. Iowa - EOW (

June 7, 2004

Shane,
Truly, I have sat here and read this website since this happened to you, reading everything that people have to say about you and to you... wondering how in the world I could ever do you justice? I keep waiting for my phone to ring so that I can just tell you this as I have many of times, but for now, this is how I will have to let you know. I read this quote the other day, and it said that Heroes come in our lives in different ways at different times, for different reasons. YOU truly were my hero. How many times would I tell you how brave you were and that you were just everything I wasn't? I have admired you and will always admire you in so many ways and for so many reasons. I miss your laugh, talking to you about everything, yet nothing at all, how you'd play that music for me, just you... as I have always said I could search forever and never find someone ever as amazing as you! I anticipate when we can see each other one day... I will love and miss you... always!

Robyn K Smith, Statesville

June 6, 2004

Please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Thank you Patrolman Miller for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

June 6, 2004

shane you will always be missed by all of your friends...what i now call the band of brothers...no matter what was going on you were always willing to help another...for this you will never be forgotten...we will always strive to keep the band together...although we all slipped away from each others lives in the last few years we still had that brotherly love...we all will miss you so much but will never let your memory disappear...well actually there is no way to let it disappear ...everything we do or everything we see is a reminder of you, but that is a good thing right...so rest in peace my brother....your band of brothers will always love you dearly...(.richie hilburn...chris meares...chad redd ...and of course our little brother micheal lanier)...well see you agian in heaven one day brother...until then watch over us and protect like i know you always will

richie hilburn...friend

June 3, 2004

You and your family have suffered the ultimate sacrifice. God bless you on a job well done. NEVER FORGET

P.O Salvitti
N.Y.P.D

June 2, 2004

My sympathy to the family of Officer Miller. He will be missed I am sure however, he will protect us and watch over us from heaven.

Patrolman

United States Park Police
Washington, DC

May 31, 2004

Rest in peace brother.

Ofc. Steve Martinez
Omaha PD

May 31, 2004

To Officer Miller family, friends, and the Tabor City Police Department. I would like to extend my condolences and deepest sympathy. You have lost a beautiful soul, but heaven has one more shining star. My thoughts and prays are with you all. Thanks Officer Miller for a job well done; may your soul rest in peace.

Patrol Officer
Prince George's County, Maryland

May 30, 2004

In loving memory of P.O. Miller:
Another sad and tragic day for law enforcement. Your death diminshes
us all. Thank you for your selfless service and sacrifice. It is a
long road to healing that lies ahead, but I know that our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ will extend His mercy and comfort to all who reach out to
Him. There is none greater than He. We don't get to Heaven based on
what we do, but what He did for us!! AMEN! There is now a huge void
that cannot be filled. God be with all those who mourn and may His
promises lift all those with heavy hearts for many years to come.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

May 30, 2004

My prayers go to the family and friends of our fallen brother. My department went through this same sorrow last year. May God bless the family, the department, and friends to this soldier of the badge. You will be missed but not forgotten

Det. Sgt. Steve Dillard
Red Bank Police Dept Tennessee

May 29, 2004

Such a tragic event reminds us of the unpredictable and dangerous nature of this job, which so many of us(both sworn and civilian)take for granted every day of our lives. To Patrolman Miller; although your tour was short, you were my brother in arms and you are a hero to me. My prayers to your family and partner.

Officer Matt Lindquist
Minneapolis Police Department

May 28, 2004

Though you were just beginning your career may you know the moment you pinned the coveted Shield of The Thin Blue Line on your chest you became one of us. We are proud to welcome you. Rest in the knowledge that your loved ones are never alone. We are but a phone call away.

Bob Johnson VA-VI

Bob Johnson U.S. Marshal's (Ret'd)
Blue Knights International Police

May 28, 2004

Rest in peace my brother officer. Your death is deeply felt throughout the law enforcement community. As you now stand with St. Michael, our prayers are for your wife and family. One day we will all be reunited in the final roll call.

Lt. Stephen Jackson
Baton Rouge Police Dept

May 27, 2004

To the Family, Co-Workers, and friends,

My heart is saddened to see another officers life cut so short. Know that he is now an angel watching over all of us, as is my son. Thank you Patrolman Miller for all the lives you have touched, we will not forget you...

Mother of Clint Walker EOW 1-14-04
Prattville Police Department, Prattville Alabama

May 26, 2004

My heart is so sad to hear of this young officers death. I pray God's peace for his family, friends and department. And for the officer who was driving...that goes double for him. I pray that he will be able to forgive himself and move to healing of his emotions and mind.

Dispatcher Victoria Clark
Amberley Village PD

May 26, 2004

God Bless the family, friends, co-workers of Patrolman Miller. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Citizen

May 25, 2004