Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was a deputy in the Genesee County Sheriff's Department in the 1960s and I worked with Ben. At that time, we normally worked 4, 2-man cars one assigned to the NW county area, one each assigned to the NE, SW, and SE areas of the County. Ben and his partner were often assigned to the NE area and my partner, Bryce Bohnstedt and I were normally assigned to the NW area. We regularly backed each other up on serious calls. I left the Department in 1970, to join the Scottsdale Police Department in Arizona, so I was not with the GCSD when Ben was murdered.

He was a dedicated officer and my friend, and I was shocked and saddened by his death. GCSD needs to continue to honor his dedication and his memory for perpetuity.

Page Decker, Captain (Ret)
Scottsdale Police Department

June 6, 2024

Officer Walker,
On today, the 51st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 6, 2022

Today , marks the 50th anniversary of your final shift at the Office of Sheriff. You were a hero that day at the Dentist Office and you remain one all these years later. We will never forget you Deputy Ben Walker!

Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson
Genesee County Sheriff

April 6, 2021

Your courage and valor are remembered today, and always. Forever Rest in Peace my brother, and may the Lord bless your family always.

Sergeant Barton
Garden City PD

April 12, 2017

Your heroism and service is honored today, the forty-first 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

April 7, 2012

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

April 6, 2010

Integrity Without Compromise

Medic
Office of Genesee County Sheriff

June 25, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 7, 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

November 14, 2007

Hey ben,
I just noticed that they put up a new poster for you. I am not sure when they put it up because I am in the jail, so i dont often get to go to the law enforcement side. It is a very nice collage of pictures and newspaper articles. This is just a reminder that we all think very highly of you and we are remembering your honor everyday. Take it easy buddy.

Genesee County
Sheriff's Department

September 13, 2007

I was in the police academy when Ben was killed. His picture hangs on the wall in the Law Enforcement Division, and reminds all of us why we wear the badge. Rest in Peace brother.

Captain Michael Becker
Genesee County Sheriff's Office

August 7, 2007

Deputy Walker, As I pass through the doors of our Department to start my shift, I see your stoic eyes looking down on me. As I pass by I silently thank you and touch the photo of the current hero on the ODMP plaque below yours. Your sacrifice is not forgotten, your lose still mourned, and your family still in our prayers. You will live on in our hearts, your photo a constant reminder that we have a guardian angel looking over us. Blessed are the peacekeepers, for they will be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9 Rest in peace Brother.

medic
Genesee County Sheriff Department

April 6, 2007

Tho it's been 36 years, I remember that awful day. I know that you are in a better place and save me a couple of halo burgers.

J.D. Jentzen
ex GCSD deputy and friend of ben

April 2, 2007

Ben,
I have worked for the county for a few years now. I have read all the articles in the lobby. I look at your picture everyday. I know it has been a while sence the end of your watch, but I want you to know that you are still touching us young guys. You are a hero to all of us. I only hope that we can continue your efforts and make you as proud of us as we are of you.

The Walker family,
I would be honored to have met you. You are all in my prayers. I want you all to know that Ben will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace brother.

Deputy
Genesee County

February 18, 2007

you are very missed BEN AND I KNOW YOU ARE WITH YOUR MOM AND DAD THAT I LOVED SO MUCH MISS YOU ALL

JOYCE CAMP AND FAMILY

January 26, 2007

I lost you when I was only 5 years old, and I miss you more than words can say. My life was forever changed when you were taken from me. The whole family feels your absence deeply. I wish you could have known my husband, your grandchildren (two amazing boys)and the woman I have become. I shall cherish my memories of you forever.

Kelly Sibilsky - daughter

April 3, 2006

You are missed dear brother, I know you have gone on to a better place but this place has been badly damaged by your death. May god have mercy on your killers. With all my love Tom

Thomas F. Walker - Brother
none

July 11, 2005

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

Deputy Walker, you are remembered on this date of your death. You will always be remembered.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 6, 2004

If this doesn't make your blood boil, you are not alive. Your death
diminshes us all. Thank you for your selfless service and sacrifice. It is
a long road to healing that lies ahead, but I know that our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ will extend His mercy and comfort to all who reach
out to Him. There is none greater than He. We don't get to Heaven based
on what we do, but what He did for us!! AMEN! There is now a huge void
that cannot be filled. God be with all those who mourn and may His
promises lift all those with heavy hearts for many years to come.

Lynn Kole
Washington State

October 20, 2003