Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Curtis L. Staton of the Columbus Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 48 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

March 22, 2023

Cadet Officer Curtis Staten & I graduated, as with our Classmates, at the Police Academy. Curtis was a Christian and talked and walked his love of God. He gave a speech to us to keep our families close to our hearts along with God. As our classmates marched in his funeral, I, as others, cried. I think about Curtis to this day. I wish his family peace and courage.

Sergeant Bob Mendenhall Retired
Columbus Police Dept

June 18, 2022

Patrolman Staton,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Columbus. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 22, 2022

Rest in peace Patrolman Staton.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 22, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Curtis L. Staton of the Columbus Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 43 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

March 22, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Curtis L. Staton of the Columbus Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 42 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

March 22, 2018

My loving husband for almost 10 years. Curt gave me the three wonderful dsughters that he left suddenly. He was the ideal dad to them and will forever be remembered as the kind and sweet man that he was.

Jennifer Wilford
widow

May 23, 2015

Patrolman Staton,
On today, the 42nd anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Columbus. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 22, 2014

My father didn't get to see me and my sisters grow up and never was able to meet his grandchildren. He gave his life protecting the citizen's of Columbus. He is a true hero in every sense.

I am so proud to be his daughter miss him everyday.

Amanda Staton

March 22, 2014

Curtis Staton was the Father of my Mother Amanda Staton. When he was killed he left behind his wife, my Grandmother; Jennifer Staton and 3 daughters Annie, Amanda, and Betsy. My Mother was 3 years old at the time. I never was able to meet him, but I am thankful for his service to this City every day of my life.

NA
NA

July 6, 2013

I respect Police for what they do day in and day out.I live in suburban Philadelphia and have a few friends who are police officers for the "city of brotherly love"...and I think of them often.I wanted to take a moment in thanking Officer Staton for his bravery and service and was kind of taken aback by his EOW date.It was the day I was born and I was born in Cleveland,Ohio....God Bless his family and I hope that his children which are his legacy have grown into respectful and loving adults,which I'm sure that they have.

Lou P. Civilian
Civilian Supporter

August 2, 2011

I thank you all for your reflections and memories of my father, Curtis Staton. I remember the evening the officers came to our home to deliver the sad news that his life had been taken. I was six. The loss never goes away, but somehow, I know he is always with me.

I am thankful daily for his brother officers that protect and serve and I pray that they are kept safe.

He is and always will be, my hero.

Annalicia Staton
Curtis Staton's Oldest Daughter

Annalicia Staton
Daughter

June 1, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 22, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 22, 2010

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

You are not forgotten, especially on this the anniversery of your death.

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

March 22, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 22, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 31, 2007

Rest In Peace

We continue the fight for you brother and you are not forgotten by your department we honor you daily by wearing the uniform proudly and remembering the fallen brothers and sisters that came before us

detective scott alexander
columbus divison of police

July 22, 2007

On behalf of the Fraternal Order of Police, Capital City lodge #9 in Columbus, Ohio we are very sorry for the loss of your life while serving your community and our country! God bless your family!

President Jim Gilbert
Fraternal Order of Police,Capital City Lodge #9, Columbus, Ohio

July 9, 2007

YOU ARE MISSED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN IT WAS 35 YEARS AGO TODAY YOU PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE...

JIM GILBERT
FOP PRESIDENT
CAPITAL CITY LODGE #9
COLUMBUS, OHIO

Jim Gilbert
Columbus PD

March 22, 2007

What a tragic loss, murdered in the line of duty.

I believe I am holding a piece of history that witnessed the murder of Officer Staton. I am holding badge #820 in my hand. The badge worn by Officer David L. Wilson from 5-9-1971 to 6-24-1989. This badge was found in a house that was being renovated in a town in New York. The person that found the badge was a relative of a Columbus Police Officer. The badge was brought back to Columbus and given to me in an attempt to return the badge to the rightful owner. The badge was a mess. Gouged, corroded, and bent. I have restored the badge and it is fit to wear on a uniform, even though Officer Wilson has been retired for many years. I will now attempt to return the badge to Officer Wilson.

Does anyone know Officer Wilson? I have yet to contact him directly.

Alex Behnen

Sgt. Alex Behnen
Columbus Ohio Police

March 23, 2006

Dear Officer Staton,
I vividly remember the day that coward ambushed you at his own front door. I also remember your brave partner stepping up to the plate and dispatching that bottom feeder to where he belongs. I was a teenager who could think of nothing but someday being a Columbus Policeman. Just five months later, Officer Edwards was gunned down by a similiar sub-species of the human race.
I just want to extend my gratitude to you, and heroes like you, who inspired me to one day join the thin blue line. Although willing, I am thankful that I did not have to make the ultimate sacrifice during my career, as you did. I so honor your courage, and that sacrifice.
Sleep well my brother.

Retired P.O. Dan Cockerham
Columbus Div. of Police

November 18, 2005

YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN..REST IN PEACE AND WATCH OVER OUR DIVISION MEMEBERS...

OFFICER JIM GILBERT
COLUMBS PD

September 30, 2005

I never knew Ofc. Staton, but I remember reporting for work that afternoon and hearing the tragic news. This job was real. People can and do die. I had just graduated from the police academy and was in training. I had one week on the street. Fortunately I was able to retire after 25 years. I saw my kids grow up and marry. Plus, I'm a grandfather. Ofc. Staton never had that chance. Like many others, his life was cut short. Now his name is on the list of "true heroes".

P.O. A. J. Bessell Jr. #863 (Ret)
Columbus Division of Police