Denise's speech from the "World's Shortest Poker Run", June 26, 2004:

 When I first heard about this benefit a little over two months ago, I was at Menards with a friend picking up some landscape bricks for a  memorial garden I was building in my back yard.  As we pulled up to the security gate and handed the guard my receipt, I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive when the gentleman began asking me if I was “The” Denise Valerius, who’s husband had been a Kendall County Deputy.  But, that apprehension quickly faded when Crash introduced himself and told me the mayor of Plano along with the Lowlyfz had been putting together a benefit for Allen for some time and he had been searching for the means to contact me about it.  I truly didn’t know what to say and when I left, I couldn’t help but cry because I felt my life had just been touched by an angel.

         There have been so many angels over the past 4 months.  When our story hit the papers on Valentine’s Day, there was an incredible outpouring of support and generosity from the community.  The kind of support that fills your heart and opens your eyes to the goodness there is in those around you.  It made me feel so much less alone to know that so many wonderful people knew, understood, cared and, in many cases, had experienced a similar tragedy in their own lives.  Allen was touched by it as well and I know he would say the same thing if he were here now.

         When Allen and I met, I was instantly taken with his smile.  He had an easy-going way about him and his love of life, dedication to his community, and caring for those he loved was huge.  When we began dating, I was very sick for about a week and during that week Allen took care of me (bringing me orange juice and holding my hand…even stopping by when he was on duty just for a few minutes to make sure I was okay).  That week was all it took to show me what a genuinely loving and caring person Allen was and I loved him almost instantly.  Allen was all about fun and laughter.  I loved his sense of humor…his optimism and his fight.  Through all the horror, he fought the good fight and never lost any of it.  He was a true champion and I loved being the one who was chosen to stand by his side through it all.  I won’t say it was never difficult, because it was.  And there were times I wanted to just give up, but he never did and he wouldn’t let me.  In fact, more often than not, he was my rock when I should have been his. 

         I believe in an indirect way, Allen showed me I was meant for a different purpose in life.  I loved being a police officer and I do miss it at times.  But I’ve always had a deeper desire to truly make a positive difference in people’s lives and to let them know I care.    I believe Allen and I were joined together for a reason.  And even as painfully short as our union was, I’d do it all over again.  Loving Allen has inspired me to want to help others in a better way and, no matter how briefly, to touch their lives with compassion.  With Allen as my inspiration, I have begun a career as a nurse assistant with hopes of one day becoming a registered nurse.  It is in my husband’s honor and memory that I dedicate the rest of my life to that goal.

From Allen, I learned a lot about who I wanted to be and the direction my life needed to take.  Allen always tried to encourage me to learn to let the little things slide and to not take life so seriously all the time.  I’m still working on that, honey.

        To the Bill Roberts, the mayor of Plano, to the entire Lowlyfz organizagion, and to all of you, I hope that your lives will be touched by many angels the way you have touched ours.  And although I may never be able to repay your generosity, I will never forget you or the lesson you’ve taught me about kindness, support and the human spirit.  Allen would have loved this…being surrounded by so many caring and fun-loving faces.  And if he could be here, I know his advice to you would be this:  live life to the fullest…laugh always…and never give up the fight.  From both Allen and I, thank you from the bottom of both our hearts.