28 Comments
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Jim Gray's avatar

Bob what a great tribute and important recollections. Thank you for triggering those memories. Such a tragic event. Such a wonderful family.

Bob Dunning's avatar

Have gotten to know that family a bit. Great and brave people.

LaVerne Seefeld's avatar

What a great and beautiful tribute! May she be resting in Peace , and May God protect all police officers, and all men and women in uniform around our country and world . 🙏😊

Bob Dunning's avatar

Thanks so much, LaVerne.

My sentiments exactly.

John Stalmach's avatar

Good one Bob. Brought a couple of tears to this old man's eyes. Couldn't have been that I'm a father of two girls and have a granddaughter named Natalie? Nah, it was just a great job of writing.

Bob Dunning's avatar

Thanks, John.

Natalie was so special. Meant a ton to many people in her short time in our town.

Rick Entrikin's avatar

Wow, Bob. This truly is one of the most moving and beautifully-written columns I've ever read. Thank you for the memories, the vivid anecdotes, the smiles and the tears. Most of all, thank you for helping all of us remember Officer 224, Natalie Corona, with love and respect - fittingly on September 11. May God bless Natalie, her family and her brother and sister cops everywhere.

Bob Dunning's avatar

Yes.

I'm sure God is blessing Natalie abundantly.

Jo Athey's avatar

Beautifully written. .

Bob Dunning's avatar

Thank you, Jo.

Rich Avanzino's avatar

What a beautiful tribute to a great soul!

Bob Dunning's avatar

You said it, Rich.

Natalie was a great soul who meant so much to us.

Anne Witt's avatar

Another great column, Bob. Thank you so much.

Bob Dunning's avatar

Thanks, Anne.

We're lucky to have had Natalie in our midst.

Bill Weisgerber's avatar

Eloquent, poignant, heart-rending piece, Bob.

Every father wept…🙏🏼

Well done.

Bob Dunning's avatar

Thanks so much, Bill.

I was writing that one through tears myself. And so many memories.

What a beautiful and courageous family

Alan B. Huynh's avatar

Dear Bob,

Thank you for your heartfelt words -- both then, and now. This is a beautifully-written and lovely tribute to her memory and her surviving family. Made me tear up and remember that day.

Bob Dunning's avatar

Thanks so much, Alan

Natalie offered so much to our town and then was so sadly taken from us.

We all remember that day and praise her for her service.

Myrna's avatar

Thank you for writing a heart felt article about Natalie. I didn't know her but my nephew did and on that day, the lord took her home and spared my nephew who was working that day at the crash site as a fire fighter. It forever changed him but he is a warrior. This article brought back some scary memories because Davis was forever changed too. The tiny town I once knew became a national spotlight even after this horrible senseless tragedy.

Bob Dunning's avatar

Yes, Myrna, the firefighters were on the scene instantly, the station being right across the street. Such a sad day.

I wish I had known Natalie, too.

Jan Bazinet's avatar

Dear Bob,

What a beautiful, beautiful tribute you have written for a young lady who came as close to being an angel on earth as anyone else I've known about. Thank you for adding to the story.

Bob Dunning's avatar

So well said, Jan.

Thank you

JMI's avatar

Your words beautifully captured the strength of a community mourning the tragic passing of such an awe-inspiring soul. Thank you for refreshing the memory of her joyful commitment to a hard and selfless profession. She was quite a tribute to her mother and father's faith.

Bob Dunning's avatar

Yes, a tremendous tribute. And her parents showed such strength and courage.

I have great admiration for that whole family.

Dennis Spann's avatar

Thank you!

Beth's avatar

What a beautiful tribute to an amazing young woman. It is wonderful that her memory will be honored like this.

Bob Dunning's avatar

Yes, a wonderful tribute in Davis' most popular gathering place.

A home run, for sure.

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Sep 12, 2024
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Bob Dunning's avatar

Thank you, Dawn.