Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

i miss you

March 17, 2005

Amy, as a fellow officer and mother of four I want you to know that you are a true hero. Although those babies miss you dearly I know you are their world and they are probably very proud of you. I lost a dear fellow officer in July and I know what your co-workers and family is going through. All I can say to them is, be strong and keep your head up because together we will heal in time. Thank you for all you haven given.

P.O. Rollhauser
Baltimore City PD

February 26, 2005

Amy,
Thank you for making the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE that we all fear, but are willing to do. We all know the risk that we face, but it is the love for the job and the people that allows us to go on. Amy...I had the opportunity to meet your very loving husband this fall. Terry loved you so much and did not stop talking about you the whole week we spent together. He IS and always will be very proud of you. You will be missed. You and your family are in my thoughts daily.
Once again Amy....THANK YOU!

Officer Daniel C. Clark WPD

Patrolman Daniel Clark
Windham, NH PD

February 19, 2005

On 02-10-05, I was on my way to the office when I saw a gentleman on the side of the road changing a flat tire. I was already running late for line up and instead of requesting another unit to check on the gentleman, I went up and made a u-turn and came back.
I activated my emergency equipment as I pulled up and got out to check on the man. As I walked up he was putting his flat tire back in the trunk and I asked him did he need help. He said no, that he was all done and shut his trunk. Well, I noticed that he had a large National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial sticker on his back window as well as several other law enforcement decals. When I inquired about the stickers, he went on to tell me about a brave young female officer that was killed just a few months earlier in Austin. He told me of how she loved her job and her family more than anything and how much he missed her. I could see how much he was hurting by telling me the story of how she died and how proud he was of her.
That afternoon I almost didn't stop, and I would have missed an excellant opportunity to meet Officer Donovan's father, Thomas. We talked a little more about him coming to Washington, D.C. in May for police week and I told him that I hoped I would see him again and we exchanged business cards.
I would just like to say how sorry I am to all of Officer Donovan's family for your lose. I only spoke to your father that day for less than 10 minutes, but in that few moments I found out what kind of officer you were. God Bless you and your family, may you rest in peace.

D/S Jason Houston
York County Sheriff's Office, Yorktown, Virginia

February 14, 2005

Amy, not a day goes by that I don't think of you. Each and every day, and so much more on holidays, I say a prayer for your husband, children and family. I hope they can find the strength to honor your memory, and live a life enriched by having had you with them for such a short time.

S.L.

February 14, 2005

Ride Along


So you don’t like the ticket I just gave you.
Well, come take a ride with me.
A trip to the scene of an accident.
Where a person now struggles for freedom, and for life.
All because someone was in a hurry, or late for work.

You say you didn’t call me and you don’t need my help.
That this is a family matter and none of my business.
Come take a ride with me.
Where a child now cowers in the nearest corner, or bedroom closet.
They cover their ears and ask god “ please make them stop”.
Still think no one needs my help.

You’ve said all we do is eat donuts and drink coffee.
Come take a ride with me.
On the countless days after taking four calls in an hour.
We think we have time to sit down for dinner.
Only to be call away again.

You think we’re cold and have no heart.
Well, come take a ride with me.
To a place where the pipes now lay to rest.
A brother or sister who gave their life, for someone like you.
A place where tears fall like rain for their family,
For our family, and yes even for you.
Yeah, come take a ride with me.


R. S. B
2005

Deputy Marshal

February 12, 2005

Amy, we were with you till the end holding your hand to make sure you were not alone in your time of need. I'm grateful for the time I was given to get to know you. You're a caring, loving, beautiful person who always put your family first.

I'm proud of you, and you called out a hell of a foot pursuit. We all miss you. You and your family will always be in our prayers.

Thank you.

SPO Reza 4644
Austin Police Department

February 10, 2005

Amy-

Hardly a day goes by that something in my life doesn't remind me of you. Whether it's doing the same job that you loved doing, talking with our 109th classmates, or simply looking at the picture of our graduating class hanging on my wall, you are an ever present image in my mind and in my heart. All I can really think to say is, "Thank You". Thank you for the opportunity to get to know you and learn from you. In the 11 months that I knew you, you proved to be one of the most honest, caring, dedicated, and hard-working individuals I had ever met. The love that you had for your family was obvious. If only there were more mothers, wives and friends like you!
I miss you, Amy Donovan. My heart still aches with the loss of my sister. Although I may not understand God's plan for our lives, I am filled with the hope that one day you and I will walk together on streets of gold and never have to worry about tomorrow. May you look upon me from heaven and be proud of the officer I become, for as I do the job we were both called to do, you will forever be by my side.

Emily Abbink
Austin Police Department

February 1, 2005

I can honestly say that October 31st 2004, was the worst day of my life, my families and I’m sure a dark day for many of you.
Amy had put in for and received Halloween night off. She was very excited about taking Chase out trick or treating in his costume that was her first sewing project. Well, as we all know Amy never did get to share that holiday with Chase.
Since the night of the 31st, I have felt that I’m in a fight that I can not win, yet I’m not allowed to lose. I just must keep going back round after round, for beating after beating.
I lost my best friend, my companion, my confidant. What was once a bounce in my step has been replaced with a stumble. And the twinkle in my eye is forever clouded.
However though all of this, I have a great deal to be thankful for.
I’m thankful that Amy did not die a stranger among the masses. She was surrounded by people who really loved her. And if did not personally know her, loved what she stood for. They were there to hold her hand, to gently push the hair back from her face. To make her as comfortable as possible. For at that moment in time nothing else mattered except to care for one of their own.
In the hours and days following Amy’s death, I learned what one of their own truly met. At the hospital stood groups of officers, just waiting and hoping for the best. In the next few days, everywhere I would go there were cops, cops and more cops. They had no function or purpose at many of these locations, but to let me know that I was not alone. And they let me know this without ever saying a word.
I believe that there is no profession more noble that that of an honest, fair and hard working law enforcement officer. Someone who enforces the written word of their city, state and country. Someone who truly believes they can make a difference.
How many people would actually take a job for little pay, to protect complete strangers and have to wonder if they are among the lucky that get to go home another day.
On October 29th 2004, Amy stopped by the fall school carnival at Norman Elementary. The letter I received, expressed how blessed they felt to have just spent a few moments with her and how their first impression of her was that she was a lovely, caring person to be around. That’s how Amy wanted to approach law enforcement. Get involved with the community and understand who you are protecting and serving. She gave chase on the night of October 30th 2004 for the good people that live in the community. Because those little kids at the carnival deserve the opportunity to grow up without crime as an acceptable norm.
I f you have met with me, I thank you
If you have written to me, I thank you
If you have called me, I thank you.
But most of all, If you have said a prayer or thought of Amy, I thank you.

Terry Donovan


Honey, I miss you so very much. I need to stay here a little longer to raise our beautiful baby Chase.

Terry Donovan
Spouse

February 1, 2005

God Bless you and your family.

January 10, 2005

Rip Aunt Amy, you and terry were a big impact in are life. we really do miss you down here. we will never know why god took you.. but there must of been a good reason. At least he has a great angel up there. we love you aunt amy and miss you!!!!

Franny & family

December 30, 2004

I am thinking of you today, as I finish my shopping for my LEO. Oh how I wish you were here. Christmas will never be the same. You are dearly missed Amy....by EVERYONE far and wide.

December 19, 2004

Thank you for your time and fearless efforts. My family is praying for yours. God Bless

Deputy Todd Townsend
Bastrop County Constable Pct. 4

December 15, 2004

God Speed, Sister.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

December 8, 2004

Very simply speaking, THANK YOU and those like you. I served in the military during Desert Storm and can appreciate what you and those like you do. For us, it is a job we enjoy, not something we do for fame or fortune. We do it because we care. Nothing more. It is a sense of duty, honor, and caring, and nothing else matters.
Enough rambling, THANK YOU...
and to the remaining...keep up the good faith.

Kirk Elliott
Civilian

December 3, 2004

May God bless you for performing a duty that many will not attempt. Rest in Peace.

Sgt. Fracis S. Springer
Lauderdale County (MS) Sheriff's Office

November 30, 2004

Your contributions will be long lasting, The city of Austin lost a great advocate of law and order. Your Brothers & sisters in blue will never forget.

E M. Bruss #2907
Hillcrest Village Police
Hillcrest Village, TX

Ofc. E M. Bruss #2907
City of Hillcrest Village P.D.

November 27, 2004

A Tribute to the Heroes Among Us

Dedicated to Emergency Response Personnel everywhere and F.A.M.I.L.Y.

Our hearts go out to you and your families. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers. Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough for men who are heroes when we need them, but invisible, ignored, and unappreciated when we don’t.

You rescue us, save our possessions, our lives and our families. You are the heroes among us. You are always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we call, we just expect that you will come and do whatever it takes to help us. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring. We show our appreciation with low pay, little respect, and indifference for the issues in your lives, most of the time. As young children, we want to grow up and be you until we get older and realize the risk isn’t worth the reward.

As outsiders, we envy you, secretly. You have benefits in your careers that our jobs just can’t provide. Your work is not the same old thing every day. You get the opportunity to be heroes every time you go to work. You obviously love what you do, and you’re a family. You have a oneness the rest of society longs for. You care about and support each other. You know each other’s families, share each other’s lives. The rest of us face life’s trials and tribulations alone. You are never alone. You have each other, always.

It is our loss not to know you better. This world, this country, your individual towns truly are better places because of you. To lose one of you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We should be grateful for and to you, and honor you regularly for all you do for us day in and day out without a word of thanks or praise.

We should be ashamed of ourselves; and yet, you continue to do all you do for us in spite of our behavior, which speaks to the people you are. How many of us are willing to do a job knowing we may not go home at the end of the day?

Maybe one day in the future, you will be recognized for all you do with better pay, and the community support and respect you so richly deserve. Until then, hang tough together, and God Bless You and your families.

Anonymous
Houston,Tx

November 27, 2004

BEING A POLICE OFFICER TAKES A SPECIAL PERSON, AND IS A SPECIAL CALLING. SELDOM DO WE HAVE TIME WITH OUR FAMILIES FOR HOLIDAYS OR WEEKENDS, AND WE GO WHERE NO ONE ELSE WANTS TO GO, AND DO WHAT NO ONE ELSE WANTS TO DO. OFFICER DONOVAN HEARD THAT SPECIAL CALLING AND TOOK IT WITH GREAT PRIDE. SHE WAS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF A GREAT TEXAS LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. THIS SHOULD BE A REMINDER TO US ALL THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ARE A SPECIAL BREED OF PEOPLE. THEY ARE HUMAN LIKE YOU AND ME. TAKE THE TIME THIS WEEK TO TELL ONE THAT YOU APPRECIATE THEM AND APPRECIATE WHAT THEY DO. GOD BLESS THE FAMILY OF OFFICER DONOVAN, AND GOD BLESS HER. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MAKING THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR THE CITIZENS OF AUSTIN AND THE STATE OF TEXAS.

OFFICER - TEXAS

November 26, 2004

Dearest Amy,
I regret I never had the chance to meet you, we are no longer a 'small department."

I have heard your classmates/friends speak of you though...You had a profound impact on the lives of so many in such a short time.

Your sacrifice and your family's sacrifice, will ever be forgotten. Words cannot describe the emptiness and mounrning we have felt. Thank You Amy for your service, your family has been and will continue to be in our prayers.

Watch our backs from Heavens window.
We Love You

Dan Armstrong
Austin, Tx. PD

November 26, 2004

Officer Donovan made the ultimate sacrifice serving her community. She leaves behind the legacy of being a HERO, something that should never be forgotten. May Heavenly Father bless her family and help them to heal and move on with life but always remembering the great sacrifice.

Officer Bob Pippen
Portland Police Bureau

November 25, 2004

Rest in peace.

Officer K.A. Lokey
Norfolk Police Department, Virginia

November 24, 2004

My thoughts and prayers go out to Amy's family, and department. It is true that not just a city or department loses an officer but an entire nation. We all feel the loss. Thank you for your service Ofc. Donovan. Rest easy sister.

Fellow sister in blue
UAPD

November 24, 2004

God bless you, fellow officer. Dulcius ex asperis. Keep the streets up there safe until we can get up there to back you up.

Michael Ferguson, Instructor
East Texas Police Academy

November 24, 2004

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

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Officer Donovan's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to her husband. 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 Amy 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 Amy was well respected and well loved.

Thank you Officer Donovan 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.

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

November 24, 2004