Tonight I completed my fourth workout for the Mini-Marathon and I accomplished more than adding mileage. Typically, this early in the game, I try to add a mile or .5 mile each week, but since I felt good yesterday and I'm taking Sat and Sunday off, I opted to go for more tonight. When I reached the 1.5 mile mark, I started thinking maybe 2 miles was enough. I had almost talked myself into stopping when I realized, this training isn't just about my body. This training is for my mind, too. (Yes, that's a scary thought and yes, I know I need it!!)
I have to learn to push myself and keep going when my mind doesn't think it can. Frankly it's been a long time since I've done that. Trust me when I tell you that it's easy to fall into the trap of giving up when you think you're done or can't go any further. The reality, at least for me is that my body is capable of much more than I "think". So tonight when my mind was telling me I should probably stop, I thought about all of these heroes and their families, and I pushed on with no problems. Proof that sometimes it is a mind over matter issue. I was able to complete 3.25 miles at a pace of about 11:30MM. (It's not about time right now, just building stamina) In addition to that I walked 1.5 miles after I ran.
Officer Frank Denzinger - LODD (06/18/07)
Tonight's run is dedicated to Frank Denzinger of the Floyd County Sheriff's Department. Officer Denzinger served with the Floyd County Sheriff's Department for four years. He was survived by his wife, Tara, 2-year-old daughter, Avery, his parents and two sisters. He was only 32 years old at the time of his death.
I contacted Frank's wife to gather information about him. I first met Tara when my dad died in September, 2010. Within hours of my dad's passing, she was there helping my mom deal with those initial feelings of shock and disbelief. Afterall, no one understands that pain better than another survivor. She was a godsend to my entire family. And since that awful week, I've been able to spend time with Tara at different events and activities. She's one of the most genuine people I've ever met, and I'm blessed to call her a friend.
As you read and learn about Officer Denzinger, I think you'll see what an amazing man he was and how incredibly connected he was to his family. It was an honor to run for him tonight.
Frank Denzinger was an extremely witty and funny guy with many hobbies and interests. It seemed he was always cracking jokes and just generally very fun and easy to be around. He loved to read and watch shows about Muscle Cars and was very interested in history, particularly World War II. He loved the West and had hoped to travel out west with Avery (his daughter) just like he did with his father. His favorite author was Louis L'amour and he owned almost every single one of his books. He appreciated the photography of Ansel Adams - all nods to the West. And Frank especially appreciated those who farmed. He often said that not enough credit was given to the farmer. He believed they kept America thriving.
Officer Denzinger was a loyal man, especially to his friends. He was always there when they needed him and spent a fair amount of time with his closest friends. He wasn't a sports guy AT ALL but did run every night when he got home from work. He and a few other officers who were also friends would meet at the local middle school or high school and run on the track.
Frank Denzinger was extremely committed to his family. He was very close to his parents, sisters and his nephews. He often went to the farm where his parents built a home (previously his grandparents had a home on the same land) and spent time riding 4 wheelers and shooting, as well as just spending time with his family. In addition, he was a fine son in law and brother in law and became a father figure to Tara's nephew, Dalton. He remained very involved in Dalton's life and treated him like one of his own.
Frank Denzinger was an extremely committed father. He established a relationship with Avery VERY early and his connection to her was unbelievably strong. While Tara was pregnant, he would often speak to her stomach, and almost immediately Avery would turn toward Frank's voice. In addition, before she was born, Avery would always wake before 10pm so that she could "hear" her daddy and then go back to sleep, almost as if her day was not done or her world not complete if he was not there at the end of the night.
Officer Denzinger was a very hands on father. For example, when he would come home from work, he,Tara and Avery would tell the moon and stars good night together. And later, while Tara was attending school, he kept Avery until he dropped her off to go to work. He often spoke of of watching her grow and go to school. He looked forward to teaching her to shoot and wondered if she would be Floyd County's first female Sniper. He admitted that when he thought about the day he would give her away to her husband, he knew it would break his heart.
Tara described Frank as a very supportive husband. He was a care taker and definitely protective. He was supportive and a good leader for their family. He wasn't the type who brought home flowers, but instead he took her to pick out her favorite rose bushes to grow at home so she could always have flowers.
In addition to being a committed father and supportive husband, Frank Denzinger was also a dedicated officer. He was well-liked and those who knew him best could describe him as meticulous. For example, he cleaned his patrol car tires with a toothbrush. He loved working traffic, including many Operation Pullovers. And even though he initially accepted a position with the Indiana State Police, his heart was always in Floyd County, his home county. He loved working there and genuinely loved his brothers in uniform. He always knew he was home when he was there.
Officer Frank Denzinger was shot and killed when he and another officer responded to a domestic disturbance call on June 18, 2007. The officers responded to a report of a confrontation between a mother and her son in the 6000 block of Rachel Court in Georgetown at about 6:30 pm. Upon their arrival, while they were conversing with the mother in the driveway, her 15-year-old son ambushed both officers from an upstairs window of the residence.
The suspect, who was using a high-powered, World War II relic M-1 Garand rifle, struck Officer Denzinger with a second round between the side panels of his bullet-resistant vest, before the other officer was able to return fire into the home. Officer Denzinger was transported to University Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, where he succumbed to his wounds. The other officer was seriously wounded, but survived. The suspect was found six hours later inside the residence having committed suicide.
There isn't a day that goes by that Frank is not missed by his family, friends and department.
The suspect, who was using a high-powered, World War II relic M-1 Garand rifle, struck Officer Denzinger with a second round between the side panels of his bullet-resistant vest, before the other officer was able to return fire into the home. Officer Denzinger was transported to University Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, where he succumbed to his wounds. The other officer was seriously wounded, but survived. The suspect was found six hours later inside the residence having committed suicide.
There isn't a day that goes by that Frank is not missed by his family, friends and department.
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