Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Another year has passed and it doesn't feel any better. Sometimes if feels as though it was just yesterday that you were taken and other times it feels like an eternity since I last saw you. On days like today I can remember that knock at the door like it was yesterday. Jimmie and the Chief standing there and my heart breaking before Jimmie even began to speak. If I had it to do over, I wouldn't have answered the door and maybe you'd still be here. I guess it doesn't work that way. Time doesn't heal it just hardens you to accept what you can't change. Kourtney wore her shirt 60 shirt today and wore it with so much pride. She is a wonderful part of you. You would be so proud. Kelsey is moving up to competitive gymnastics and is so much like you. I think what hurts my heart the most is that you are not here to experience their wonderful accomplishments. I hope they never forget that great smile of yours. Whether you were mad, sad or the proudest dad of all, you always gave them that incredible smile. We miss you! Continue to give us your strength. We love you!
Always
Kelly

Kelly Young
wife

May 8, 2008

Donnie,
I can't beleive it's been this long since you were taken from us. I try to think of all the good times we had, but it still hurts deeply looking at your pictures. I remember talking to you just days before you left and saying we should get together soon. I would of driven up that day but I guess hind sight is always 20/20. Thanks for all the memories like the jet boat, the motorcycles, the race cars, the days on the lake, the great workouts at the gym. I could go on for pages. You were a true friend and a brother. You will not be forgotten.

Bob McDonald
EPSO

May 2, 2008

Thank you for your sacrifice. You will never be forgotten.

Heaven gained yet another blue angel.

LEO Mom

March 7, 2008

Never a day forgotten.

Fish and Janet

February 16, 2008

You are the only man I've ever truly admired. I pray that I will make you proud.

I remember my mom telling me about the last phone conversation she had with you about my graduation and how you told her not to worry about me moving to California, that I wasn't going anywhere. I stayed for two more years after you left. I couldn't bring myself to leave Denver. I felt as though living there would bring me closer to you... and in more ways than I can explain, it did. I am so thankful for Kelly and the girls, I know that you are watching over all of us. I am living in San Diego now...still trying to figure out where I am supposed to be.

Danny is getting married soon! He is so happy out in Phoenix. Please be with him as he makes this commitment.

You showed up in my dreams recently, thank you for letting me know you're still around. Thank you for giving me the courage to become the woman I am meant to be. I miss you.

Please help me to guard my heart.


All the way,

Kristi

niece

February 10, 2008

I towed a few vehicles for Det. Young and I can remember that he was very polite to me even if I showed up late to the scene. I rather enjoied doing what little work I did with/for him. He was truly a great man. Thank you sir, you will always be remembered, till time stands still. I salute you not just from my cover, but, from my heart.

Doug Brunker
Former Tow Driver

January 20, 2008

Donnie and Kelly,

My wife Kathy grew up with Donnie. She was so crushed when Donnie left us. She has had a tough transition to being a cop's wife. Now, within the past several years, we have lost four of our "family", down in the line of duty. She has seen the toll on me and many close to us. today was a tough one. We think of Donnie often. Of Beth and Jared and Dale and Ken. I am proud that you all are guarding the gates of Heaven. We miss you.

JD Ross
EPSO

January 11, 2008

Wanted to stop in and leave a reflection to let you know that you have not been forgotten. I don't think an 80 year sentence was enough punishment for the individual that has caused so much pain in the hearts of those that love you so much and miss you every day. Continue to keep watch over all of them and also the Jensen's as they approach this difficult process in our justice system with the pending trial they face. In our case, we were fortunate that that individual that caused all of our grief was killed. I know that sounds terrible to some people, but they do not walk in my shoes every day. You are a true hero and heroes never die and you will not be forgotten.

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

January 11, 2008

Thinking of you and your family on this Christmas Eve.

Ken Hilte
EPSO

December 24, 2007

It's Christmas time again. You would think as time passes it would get a little easier but it doesn't. Christmas morning we will miss you demanding coffee for "the king" and the way your face would light up when the girls opened that gift I told you not to buy. I will especially remember the morning you gave Kourtney her police badge necklace. You had us all gather around and you played the Paul Simon "Father and Daughter" song. Kourtney thought you were so goofy but now she can't even bring herself to hear that song. She will cherish that moment forever. I'm just sad that Kelsey will never have that special moment with you. Merry Chrismas babe - we will never stop loving you or missing you.

Kelly
wife

December 24, 2007

Donnie- each time I see your smiling face on top of our refrigerator, it reminds me how lucky I am to have my husband come home to me every single morning. He was in the academy at a neighboring department when this happened, and your family's loss has had a profound effect on both of us. We keep your memory close to our hearts, and send prayers for your family's strength daily. I hope its ok to thank you for reminding us of the precious gift of life. We miss you Donnie.

S.L.
An Officer's wife

December 22, 2007

It's Thanksgiving and time is going by so fast. I can still remember our phone conversation the night you died. We talked about Kourtney's soccer game and the talk you gave the girls on the way home about winning, losing and how you gave them a lecture about the meaning of life. How ironic, I don't think Dani will ever forget that conversation. Continue to provide us with strenth and thank you for giving me permission to live again.

Kelly

November 21, 2007

I often go to this site and find myself at a loss for words and still I have not many. I can say that everyday you are thought of and held close and tight in the heart of a man that is much like you. We still sit and cry over the loss of you. Sometimes alone and other times together. We have questions that will never be answered and one haunts him more than others. In time I hope he will see things differently and be able to understand that there was nothing he could do. I know you know what I am talking about and I hope your spirit can be there for him as you were, and help him realize that things will be ok and he is not to blame. We love you and never stop missing you.

friend

November 15, 2007

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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

September 24, 2007

Donnie,
I miss you man. I havent seen you in a while. I am a police officer, even though its not in Denver. You have no idea the effect you had on so many people. I cant thank you enough for all you did for me. I am where I am now because of you. I have your picture on my desk to remind me how proud I am to be doing what I am doing. I will never forget you man, and again thank you for all that you did.

Officer Joshua Duesterbeck
Burlington Police Department

September 14, 2007

Hi Donnie - another year has gone by and still not a day goes by that you are not in my thoughts. I miss you as everyone does. you are always remembered

T.
friend

May 27, 2007

Detective Young,
I was working my beat, in the city to the west of you, the night you were murdered. I was held over late so that our officers could assist your agency with the investigation. As a brand new officer, your death was the first time I had to deal with a fallen officer. I can recreate the feeling I felt that night in an instant. To be honest, that feeling still scares me. I recently made a trip back east and was able to trace your name off of the NLEOMF wall. I have it framed and hanging on my office wall in tribute to you and the ultimate sacrifice you gave to the citizens of Colorado. May God bless you and your beautiful family, and thank you.

Police Officer
WRPD, Colorado

May 24, 2007

A man remembered with love and respect never dies but continues to live on in the hearts and minds of others.G-d bless you and your loved ones.

May 8, 2007

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