In Memory Window Decals/Bumper Stickers can now be purchased. They are $5.50 each and can be displayed on your car window/bumper. These are laminated and weather proof! The approximate size is 8"long 3" wide.
These may be purchased via paypal. If you are a local resident and would like to pick one up, please email Tammy for more information.
Denise was a 21-year-old, loving mother of two boys, Noah (2years) and Adam (6 months). She also was the beloved wife of Nathan, who worked three jobs so that Denise could stay home and raise their children. On the day Denise was abducted from the Lees' rented hom in North Port, she had just put the boys down for naps. Somehow, the intruder gained entry and control of Denise, who most likely saved her children's lives by cooperating with this monster, locking a door that never latched properly and shutting the windows. Denise's father, Detective Rick Goff, was able to call on all area state, county and municipal law-enforcement agencies to search for Denise and her captor immediately following her abduction. This was one of the most massive, cooperative search efforts that this area ever experienced.
In the hours that ensued, Denise fought mightily for her life against a man much larger than she. In her battle, she was able to use the captor's cell phone to call 911, and act she thought would save her life. She was not the only one to call 911 that day regarding this crime. There were at least four other calls, one from her distraught husband and three from eyewitnesses.
One witness gave the local sheriff's department an exact location of the crime happening in the car behind her. She stayed on the phone for more than nine minutes, identifying cross streets as she continued driving. Because of the chaos and a "shift change" in the call center during this time, the call did not result in a dispatch of officers in the area. In fact, as many as four patrol cars were within a mile of the car in which Denise was fighting for her life.
The next few days were difficult ones. The assailant was arrested, and hundreds of law enforcement personnel and volunteers searched for Denise. On the morning of January 19, 2008, her body was found naked in a well-hidden grave, dead from a gunshot wound.
Denise was cunning, and she left behind many clues. Most important was her 911 call, during which she duped her captor into believing that she was talking to him rather than a 911 operator. She pulled out some of her own hair and left it in the car so that investigators would have DNA evidence. She also hid a ring, a unique an d sentimental keepsake that her husband could easily identify.
It is in memory of Denise and the tragedy that befell someone so undeserving that this Foundation is formed. Had 911 operators responded properly and quickly to these calls, Denise's life could have been saved.
Our mission:
In support of good vs. evil and life vs. death, we seek to raise awareness of 911 call center inefficiencies, promote improvements to 911 call centers, and offer comfort and support to families suffering the sudden loss of a loved one.
Our vision:
We envision a time when lives will be saved, families will be preserved, and good will further prevail over evil as a citizen's first call for help will be answered by a state-of-the-art 911 call center staffed with dedicated and highly trained professionals.
Our successes:
The national attention garnered by this tragic case has allowed us to make considerable progress in the short time since Denise's death. Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice, the largest community foundation in Florida, has partnered with us to lend its considerable resources and influence to our cause. This heart-breaking story has been featured on Dateline NBC, The Today Show on NBC and ABC's 20/20. The Florida State Legislature was so moved by this story and testimony from Denise's father, Detective Rick Goff, that the bill passed unanimously and was named in Denise's honor. For more on our successes, please visit www.deniseamberlee.org
God bless all the 911 operators out there who care and are working so hard to do their job and keep us all safe. May God give them the strength and guidance needed to do their job to the best of their ability.
Let's unite and make our country a safer place by improving our 911 system.
Please join us in our fight.
Who I'd like to meet: A very special thanks to Meister/Jeri for writing "Amber Rain" the week Denise was taken from us. It was with Denise in mind that he wrote it. It's beautiful, Jeri. Thank you with all our hearts. Denise would be thrilled and honored.
Denise Amber Lee Foundation's Friend Space (Top 12)
Thanks for adding my new site since my old one was hacked. Just wanted to drop by early and wish you a merry Christmas. You and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs!!!
thank you so much for the add...i feel blessed to be your my space friend i wish we could have really met and been friends. i wish i could have been there with you that day i would have protected you! you are my hero because you fought and protected your babies like a true warrior. you and your family are in my prayers. bless you!
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