Published July 19, 2007
"Remember it is not how Frank died that made him a hero, but how he lived."
In the darkness since Frank’s tragic death, this note, written by one of you, represents the bright light of our community, that has stood up to ease our despair.
Tens of thousands of expressions of sympathy have left us uplifted by the overwhelming compassion of our neighbors. It is simply not possible to put into words, but our family wants to say thank you for the incredible outreach.
Your emotional support gave us strength
Thank you for your messages on the Internet or writing to us in cards or email. Thousands of you reached out, and we could feel your broken hearts, and the union you felt with our family over the senseless end, to such a meaningful life.
Thousands of you came to the funeral home, waiting in a long, hot line, to pay your respects to our beloved Frankie. We heard many stories, and became acquainted with many people whose lives Frankie had touched. The stories, and the experience of your dedication during the visitation, will stay with us forever.
Many of you lined the route to Floyd Central and to the cemetery. You will never, ever know how powerful and meaningful that was to us. As we made our way, there were thousands of you that gathered along the route, including Highlander Point where Frankie’s last call was made, holding American flags, hands over hearts and tears in eyes. Many of you we knew, and many of you we will never know, but all of you shared our grief, and we felt your love and support in a way we could not possibly ever adequately describe.
Thousands more of you attended the funeral or watched on television. Not a day goes by that we don’t hear from you, and we are thankful for the time and the piece of your heart, you have invested in showing our family your support.
Your physical gifts lightened our burden
There are so many people to thank for so many things. Some of you delivered food to our homes, so we could eat without the burden of preparing food.
Many of you watched our children, so we could undertake the massive task of honoring our fallen hero, in a manner he deserved.
Many of you made your business available, to contribute whatever you did, if it would make our life just a tiny bit easier.
Never before have we experienced such a sincere feeling where everyone, including people we had never met, were saying "please, just let us do something." You are heart broken, as we all are. and you showed how to be good neighbors, by offering whatever you had.
Thank you for your financial support Published July 19, 2007 One of Frankie’s nephews asked the question 'where is Aunt Tara going to get her money'? He had no idea about the community in which we live, and neither did we.
Many of you made special trips to the bank to contribute to the memorial fund. Others of you sent checks in the mail with your expressions of sympathy, still others of you have purchased shirts, window stickers, or anything else to help both families; Frankie’s and Officer White’s.
Still others of you continue to hold benefits. We continue to hear of business owners making the most of their products and services to help both these families. Many of you are doing things we hear about by accident, and we want to make sure we know of these events, so we can properly thank the people involved. If you know of any kind of benefit or tribute to Frankie, Joel or both, we ask that you send us an e-mail to DenzingerFamily@SupportingHeroes.org so we can let them know our appreciation.
Paying the bills is a reality, and your generosity has eliminated the short-term fear of not being able to do so, while easing the longer term burden, and giving Tara and Avery an opportunity to plan and get on their feet.
To the emergency services brotherhood
Much is made of the bond that exists between the men and women that wear the uniform. We were humbled by the depth and strength of this bond.
Four of our family members were in Florida when this happened. They were escorted home, and treated like royalty at every step, by uniformed police officers. Each of whom was honored to play a role in assisting a family member of a fallen comrade.
Your presence throughout the week of the funeral, your reverence for the honor of standing guard by Frankie every moment until he was laid to rest, and your respect for this family, will never, ever be forgotten. It is one of our great hopes that we all grew our respect for each of you who wears the uniform. As was said in one of the ceremonies ... “the thin blue line separates peace from anarchy.” It is a thin line indeed, illustrated by the seemingly harmless circumstances surrounding Frankie’s death, and it is you who stands bravely on that line. We are proud of Frankie, and we are proud of all of the fine men and women who wear the uniform of all emergency services and do so with dignity and honor.
We are so proud, and humble to be residents of Floyd/Harrison County and the Louisville Metro Area. Frankie gave his life serving members of his community, and you have stood tall to acknowledge that and to say thank you.
It is our privilege to be your neighbors.
- With much love,
The Denzinger Family
