Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Amy -
I remember hearing your story, one year ago today, as I came into work and sat at the squad room table. Someone had printed off your picture and story and placed it on the clipboard. I remember getting that lump in my throat as I read on...and I couldn't shake thoughts of you for the rest of the night. It has been one year, and I still haven't been able to shake the thoughts of you. Past the pain and the heartache, I feel proud and I feel strong - knowing you were doing what you loved. You were fighting the good fight - and I can only imagine you fought until the very last second, when the fight just got too tough. Amy, I haven't forgotten your story - and I haven't forgotten the sacrafice you made. I am proud to be your sister officer, and I am proud to continue fighting the good fight with you in my memory. May your family, friends, and co-workers find peace and strength on your EOW anniversary. You are missed. You are thought of often. And you will never be forgotten. Please continue to patrol the streets of Heaven, and know that your brothers and sisters in blue will forever honor your memory. Rest in peace Officer Donovan.

Sister Officer
Bay City Police - Michigan

October 31, 2005

Amy,
Though today marks a year since your EOW, not a day goes by that I don't think of you, miss you or speak of you. Trying live like my big "sistah" is the hardest, proudest way to honor you...though I'd never have the guts to be an officer like you, I hope I'm making you proud, We miss and love you so much.

Love,
your brother

Marc

October 31, 2005

This morning i woke up to look up at the sunny day. At our house, Paul lowered the flag to half staff to remember Amy's loss of one year.Both of us still feel Amy's still here.We feel her spirt looking over us.To follow our dream..looking for a path to texas ,looking forward to hug terry, chase and amanda..You will always be in our heart forever.

Paul and Adriana

October 31, 2005

To Amy and her family and friends:

I wanted to acknowledge the one year anniversary of Amy's tragic death and what a tremendous loss that has been for everyone who cared about her.

To Terry and the children, I hope God continues to hold you in his arms and that you are comforted by those who care so much about all of you. I am sure that Chase's mommy is looking down on her family every day. I am so sorry that such a fine young woman had to lose her life and leave a devastated, heartsick family behind.

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

October 31, 2005

today is one year.. we miss you dearly.. hope to see you again .. love you so much aunt amy..

October 31, 2005

Officer Donovan..pleas know that you - your family - friends & co-workers are in my thoughts & prayers on the 1 yr anniversary..please continue to watch over your family - friends & fellow brothers/sisters in blue..YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL!!!!

karen~~l.e student
michigan

October 31, 2005

Hey Amy, I just wanted you to know that we all miss you. Not a day goes by that you are not in my mind. I see your picture everyday and it brings me a smile along with the sadness of missing you around. Chase is getting so big. He is going to grow up before we know it. I dont think that he could have anymore support than he does. All of our families have become very close. I thought that you would like that. Just know that we all miss you very much and not a day goes by that you are not on our minds. We love and miss you.

Brian

October 31, 2005

I know what tomorrow will be like for your family and friends. I will say an extra prayer tonight because that is all I can do. I hope that these thoughts and prayers sent from across the miles will help all of you get through the next few days with nothing more than a mere stumble. Although I never met Amy, she has affected my life through her sacrifice.

Your memory lives on through those who knew and love you, and even through those of us that didnt.

God Bless You and the entire Austin Police Department.


Dispatcher and Friend of PO Mark Sawyers EOW 06/05/2004

Sterling Heights PD (Michigan)

October 30, 2005

To my friend, I went to the place where you last stood and can't believe how one year has passed. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about you. I think about how much fun we use to have. I ask my self how this could happen to you. When you were taken from us; part of me went with you. You paid the ultimate price for what you loved. Words can't describe how much I miss you, your New York sister DAR

October 30, 2005

Thinking of you and your family as your EOW approaches. God Bless.

Daughter of a Sgt

October 30, 2005

Amy,

I miss you and the joy you brought into our neighborhood. Happy late birthday!

With love in Christ,

Nicole Scott

Nicole Scott

October 30, 2005

Amy,

It will be one year that you were called away. I wanted to stop in and leave a reflection to say that you have not been forgotten nor will you ever be. There are no words I can say to comfort your family except that you are a hero. Please keep watch over them and guide them in their daily endeavors.

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

Bob Gordon

October 30, 2005

AMY,
IT'S SO HARD TO BELIEVE THAT WE ARE ABOUT TO REACH THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF YOUR EOW. I CAN STILL REMEMBER SO VIVIDLY BEING OUT WITH BONNIE AND DAVE AT A HAUNTED HOUSE IN THE MALL, WAITING IN LINE, WHEN MY PAGER STARTED TO GO OFF, AGAIN AND AGAIN. I STEPPED OUT INTO THE LIGHT SO I COULD SEE AND STARTED TO READ THE PAGES....AMY'S BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT CALL 219, CALL THIS PERSON, CALL THAT PERSON...MY HEAD STARTED TO SPIN. I CALLED COMMUNICATIONS AND WAS TOLD YOU WERE IN BAD CONDITION AND THAT THE CLASS WAS GATHERING AT BRACK...MY HEAD SPUN HARDER. WE LEFT THE MALL AND RUSHED TO BRACK. ON THE WAY, PRAYING FOR YOU AND VALDO. AS WE ARRIVED AT BRACK WE GOT THE NEWS THAT YOU WERE GONE. WE WENT TO THE HALL WHERE THE CHIEF AND ASST CHIEFS AND OTHER COPS WERE STANDING AND THE FIRST FACE I REALLY SAW WAS TERRY. STILL IN HIS HUNTING CLOTHES AS HE HAD RUSHED BACK FROM A GUIDING TRIP. WE HUGGED AND I TOLD HIM HOW SORRY WE WERE AND TRIED TO COMFORT HIM..BUT WE WERE ALL STILL IN SUCH SHOCK.....

AND A YEAR HAS PASSED

YOUR FUNERAL WAS TOUCHING AND SO BEAUTIFUL, JUST LIKE YOU. OUR FAMILIES HAVE GROWN CLOSE OVER THIS YEAR. BONNIE AND DANI BOTH GOT PREGNANT AND WE BOTH NAMED OUR BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS AFTER YOU. WASHINGTON DC WAS A GREAT EVENT AND WE SAW YOUR NAME ADDED TO THE NATIONAL WALL, AND THE TEXAS WALL. WE'VE ATTENDED AWARD CEREMONIES IN YOUR HONOR, WORN THE BLUE BRACELETS THAT TERRY MADE FOR ALL OF US TO REMEMBER YOU, AND I PASS YOUR POLE ON POQUITO EVERY NIGHT ON DUTY AND SAY HI. YOUR PICTURE IS IN OUR LIVING ROOM AND I KEEP THE LAMINATED PICTURE TERRY MADE BY MY CLOSET WHERE MY UNIFORMS ARE SO I REMEMBER TO BE SAFE EVERY NIGHT AS I GO TO WORK....

AND A YEAR HAS PASSED

WE HAD DINNER WITH TERRY AND CHASE THE OTHER NIGHT, THE THOMPSONS AND THE VALDOVINOS WERE THERE AND WE ALL PASSED AROUND THE BABIES AND LISTENED TO CHASE TALK ABOUT THOMAS TRAINS AND ABOUT NOT MAKING IT TO THE BATHROOM IN TIME...SO HE SPENT THE REST OF THE DINNER SANS PANTS, AND LOVED IT. TERRY AND HE ARE SO CLOSE...BEST FRIENDS. AND YOU WOULD BE SO PROUD OF THE JOB HE'S DOING AS A DAD AND HOW WONDERFUL AND CUTE CHASEY IS. TERRY IS AN INSPIRATION TO ALL OF US AND WE KNOW HE LOVES YOU AND MISSES YOU SO MUCH. SO DO WE.

BUT I KNOW YOU KNOW ALL THIS...AS YOU LOOK DOWN ON ALL OF US I'M SURE GOD IS KEEPING YOU CLOSE AND LOVING YOU IN HIS ARMS SINCE YOU ARE HIS LITTLE GIRL TOO.


WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU AMY.

SEMPER FI

ROB AND BONNIE

ROB AND BONNIE
APD

October 30, 2005

Amy you were always a lovable person. I remember hanging out with your kids and all the the trouble we got into, but most of all I remember realizing what a loving mother and father you and Terry were. I was so excited to hear about baby Chase and remember when you first decorated his room. I remember when you would always bake something sweet and delicious at your house. When you were opening Wise Guys I was so happy to be a part of it and that you hired me to work there. When I heard that you were going to be a police officer I couldn't think of anything better that would suit you. The first thing that popped in my mind was the night you took off your shoes and chased Chris on bear foot.The last time I talked to you we ran into each at Wal-Mart and as we approached each other all I could think was I hope I'm as beautiful as you when I get that age. Of coure the first words that came out of your mouth was "oh my god , I look like crap." I think every one who knows you, knows that that could never be possible. There's so many words I would've have like to share with your family but I know that they are already overwhelmed with your loss. Though its been a year I still can't believe it, that this beautiful mother of four & wife is no longer in our presence. It seems like yesterday I was at your house with my friend Susan in the family room upstairs watching a home video with you, Terry, and Chris. The funeral was beautiful not a cloud in the sky. As I drove down the high way that morning amongst the many cars I saw people soluting and standing proudly as they watched. Though i'd known you briefly you will always be a part of my life in my mind and heart. I appreciate everything you did for me and for this nation. God rest your soul, you and your family are in my prayers.
love always sophia.

Sophia Clemons

October 28, 2005

Life ain't always what it seems to be
Words can't express what you mean to me
Even though you're gone, we still a team
Through your family, I fill your dreams
In the future, can't wait to see
If you open up the gates for me When it's real, feelings hard to conceal
Can't imagine all the pain I feel
I'd give anything to hear half your breath
I know you're living you life -- after death Every step I take, Every move I make
Every single day, every time I pray -- I'll be missing you
Thinking of the day, when you went away
What a life to take, what a bond to break -- I'll be missing you It's kinda hard with you not around
Know you in heaven smiling down
Watching us while we pray for you
Every day we pray for you
Til the day we meet again
In my heart is where I'll keep you friend
Memories give me the strength I need to proceed
The strength I need to believe

October 28, 2005

this comming monday will be your one year.. we miss you.. love you hope your watching down on us..

October 28, 2005

Held one of your namesakes last weekend... she is so beautiful, just like you. I hope you know how much you are truly missed down here. I only met you 2 or 3 times and I still think about you all the time. The funeral is hard to forget, but I remember this petite, sassy lady with a mop of blonde hair sashaying up to the academy on the day the 109th made their class video. I thought, "Surely she's not one of the cadets," but oh yes, you most definitely were! And from what I later learned, you fit the bill for a cop more than any burly guy in that class! I really enjoyed meeting Terry, Amanda, and Chase one afternoon shortly after graduation at another APD couple's house. We were all laughing at Chase b/c the water in the kiddie pool in the backyard was sogging up his diaper and weighing him down. I think about days like that and I wish I had gotten to know you better.

I hope your family is doing ok, as your one year EOW is coming up. It will be tough on us all. Everytime I pass by the cemetery, I send a shout-out to you, even though I know you are not there. Hope you hear me anyway.

Still thinking of you, Jen

APD wife & peace officer
Austin, TX

October 15, 2005

Thinking of you and your service and sacrifice. Praying for comfort for your family, and for all of us.

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Officer Matt Rittenhouse
E.O.W. 9/16/04

October 13, 2005

What a beautiful smile and she sounded like a great cop.
I love Austin and every time I go there I will think about a life cut short.

University Nebraska B.S. Criminal Justic
Private business

October 12, 2005

Happy Birthday!!!! Another rainy day...
I love you and miss you!!!
<3 Amanda

Amanda Donovan
Daughter

October 11, 2005

Its October 11th today Amy. Happy Birthday...

Vinny Cianfrocco
Friend

October 11, 2005

"Who You’d Be Today"

Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
I feel you everywhere I go
I see your smile
I see your face
I hear you laughing in the rain
I still can’t believe you’re gone
It aint fair you died too young
Like the story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that I’ve been through
Just knowing no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder who you’d be today
Would you see the world?
Would you chase your dreams?
Settle down with a family
I wonder what would you name your babies
Some days the sky’s so blue
I feel like I can talk to you
I know it might sound crazy
It aint fair you died too young
Like a story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that I’ve been through
Just knowing no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder who you’d be today
Today (repeats 5 more times)
Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
The only thing that gives me hope
Is I know I’ll see you again some day
Some day
Some day

Sister Officer
Iowa

September 18, 2005

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.

You will never be forgotten,
Anonymous

August 16, 2005

My husband (a PO),just showed me this website this evening. Being a mother,I was drawn to look at the stories of these amazing, brave women. My husband left the room and came back to find me crying my eyes out reading this story and all of the beautiful things that have been written. It breaks my heart to think of a precious baby not getting to know his mother. I pray for the Donovan family, especially the spouse and children. Thank you Amy for being so brave and for giving your life trying to make the world safer for everyone.

P.O.'s wife in OK

August 15, 2005

To the family and friends and law enforcement family of Officer Amy Donovan: I wanted to extend my deepest condolences to all of you for the greivous loss you suffered when you lost Amy. Her memorial page shows such a beautiful young woman with a glorious smile. The accident that caused her death was tragic, but it is impossible to carry out the duties of a police officer without unfortunate accidents sometimes occurring. I have read that it is not how we died that is so important, but rather how we lived. Amy's reflections evidence a life well-lived...she reached goals that were important to her and was doing a job she wanted to do; she was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, family member, and friend. Her valor and bravery will not be forgotten. This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for her service to her community in Austin and for the supreme sacrifice she and her family made.

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

phyllisloya, mother of fallen officer

August 13, 2005