Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Strickland,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

May 31, 2024

It's coming up on 48 years since that tragic night in May of 1974 when Officer Ben Strickland lost his life at the hands of who Sheriff Metts called a "Coward" when he was murdered after a routine traffic stop. I can attest in real life that Sheriff Mett's calling this low life degenerate a "Coward" was in fact the Truth. I know it because I, Allen Anderson am the person that was kidnapped by him after the chase and manhunt when he shot into the Gantt's home then beat and abducted me with the same sawed off shotgun he used to kill a true hero in Patrolman Strickland that night. He was truly a coward even when wielding his sawed off shotgun and threatening to blow my head off just like the Patrolman he bragged about killing all while crying his butt. That is right. He cowardly cried during the entire time he marched me through the house having me rip out all of the telephones before kidnapping me and forcing me in the car that ended up taking him to nowhere but the SC State Penitentiary for the rest of his sorry cowardly life. This scripture goes out for Patrolman Strickland and one that I stand with:
No weapon formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.
Isaiah 54:17 KIV

Allen Anderson - Person Kidnapped
I am the person who was kidnapped following this murder

February 4, 2023

Letter Sent to SC Parole Board online website. 2/8/2022

Cynthia Ann Starr

February 8, 2022

Always remembered brother.

Judge /Magistrate Sheridan (Danny) Lynn
Former S.C. Highway Patrol

May 31, 2021

Always remembered brother

Judge / Magistrate Sheridan Lynn (former
Aiken County, S.C.

May 31, 2020

Just checked the S. Carolina Parole Board site for an update. PAROLE WAS DENIED!

Data current as of 02/28/2020

SCDC ID #:00072571
Name:TOMMY THOMPSON
Main Offense:MURDER,
Hearing Date:02/26/2020
Hearing result:REJECT

God Bless You All!

Allie Wroten
Proudly Supporting All L.E.O.’s
Wife of a Corrections Deputy

March 6, 2020

To the family, friends and colleagues of HERO Patrolman First Class Ben Strickland:
I proudly sent my NO PAROLE letter today on his behalf.
Thank You for your service and sacrifice Patrolman Ben Strickland. You will not be forgotten!
God bless you ALL!

Allie Wroten
Proudly Supporting All L.E.O.’s
Wife of a Corrections Deputy

February 9, 2020

R.I.P. Brother Thank you for your service

PO DeVincenzo
SPCA

February 7, 2020

My No Parole letter has been signed and will be going out in the mail tomorrow. You may be gone, but are by no means forgotten PFC Strickland! Rest easy brother...

John Morgan
NYSP - retired / Current Monroe County Sheriff's Office Deputy

February 7, 2020

Rest easy brother!!

Judge /retired SC Trooper Danny Lynn
Aiken County, SC

May 31, 2018

Rest in peace brother, we never forget!!

Magistrate and former SC Trooper Danny L
Aiken County, SC

May 31, 2016

My letter went out today my brother of the Badge, God bless your Family, friends and Department.

Bob Reed - Retired Police Officer
South Lake Tahoe PD

November 7, 2015

No Parole letter sent from a survivor.

Cynthia Ann Starr

Citizen
Survivor

November 6, 2015

Proud to send my no parole letter today. Thank you for your service Ptlmn Strickland, may you rest in peace. God bless the family of Ptlmn Strickland as this wound is re-opened.

Sr. Ptlmn Donnie Meaders(RET)
Wewoka (OK) Police Department

November 3, 2015

You were taken from this world and a life of service because of a killer who is attempting to be free on parole... NO. I sent a letter to the Parole Board urging them to Deny parole to your killer now and forever since your life was taken and he lives...

God continue to bless your family and all who have been affected by this horrible circumstance over the years. RIP Patrolman Ben Strickland. We have your back.

Debra L. Ohton
Phoenix Civilian Supporter

November 3, 2015

Your service to our country has not been forgotten, sir. I sent a letter to the Parole board urging them to deny parole to your killer. He should never be free for taking your life. God Bless, sir. We have not forgotten you.

Lisa B.
GEORGIA CIVILIAN SUPPORTER

November 3, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 31, 2015

I join the SCHP in January 1970. Ben was my training officer and became my mentor. I was involved with the arrest of the two individuals and attended the parole hearing to keep the subject in jail. It was unjustified for the subject to take the life to a kind, loving father, husband of two boys. He is someone I will never forget.

Trooper John Wayne Valdario
South Carolina Highway Patrol

January 1, 2015

Rest in peace Ben. We will never forget you.

Retired Police Officer
North Charleston SC

October 30, 2013

Rest in peace brother, we have the watch now. Thank you for your service behind the thin blue line. God bless the family of Patrolman Strickland during this time of pain at the thought of his murderer being allowed to be free to murder again. God bless the peacemakers. I have proudly sent my "No Parole" letter for Patrolman Strickland and am honored to do so.

Senior Patrolman Donnie Meaders
Wewoka (OK) P.D.

October 16, 2013

I was honored to send off my 'No Parole' letter today for you, my brother in blue. Thank you for your sacrifice and may you forever, rest in peace. You are a true AMERICAN HERO !!!

My prayers continue to be with your family, friends and co-workers.

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sgt. Mitch Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

October 15, 2013

I am honored to have sent a "No parole" letter, so your cowardly killer remains locked up and denied the pleasure of living in a world that you made safe for all of us.

Det. Billy Russo (Ret.)
Nassau County NY, PD

October 14, 2013

Another "Hero" taken.
You helped make this world a safer place to live.
May God grant you eternal peace.
Prayers to your loved ones and to your department.

Det. Billy Russo (Ret.)
Nassau County NY, PD

October 14, 2013

Rest In Peace Patrolman Strickland.

Officer Christopher Goodwin (Retired)
High Point NC & Charlotte-Mecklenburg NC Police Depts.

October 14, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. 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 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
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

June 1, 2012