North Carolina Highway Patrol, North Carolina
End of Watch Saturday, December 2, 1972
Reflections for Patrolman Larry Thomas Walton
Patrolman Walton,
On today, the 51st 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 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.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States border Patrol
December 2, 2023
Rest in peace Patrolman Walton.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
May 10, 2019
Larry,
I am a recently retired sheriff's officer from New Jersey. I am riding in the Police Unity Tour in the upcoming ride in May 2016 from NJ to Washington, DC. I will be dedicating my ride to honor your memory.
Although it's been 43 years since you paid the ultimate sacrifice, society will never be able to repay you or your family.
Rest peacefully, my brother, and may God bless your family.
(Ret.) Sheriff's Officer Patty Gilbride
Morris County Sheriff's Office, NJ
December 4, 2015
Larry, I came upon this Memorial Page by accident. I was a young Trooper of 22 and you were a Onslow County Deputy, in 1968. We rode many a night when you got off duty, and the only thing you could talk about was becoming a North Carolina Highway Patrolman. When you finally made it, you were so proud. Two years later, I was torn to pieces when the Patrol Radio sent out the alarm about the shooting in Roberson County. It has been so so long, but I still stop by your grave in Holly Ridge, when I go to the beach. Larry, I still remember the wonderful man, after so many years and will until the day that I see you again.
Robert Pierce
NCSHP
February 15, 2013
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service to my home state and the birthplace of my son. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
I am sure that your are proud that your daughter has continued your legacy of protecting and serving.
Rest In Peace
Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05
December 2, 2011
Though I never knew you, there has been an emptiness in my life that can not be filled.
I grieve for you daily and cherish every memory of you that others share with me.
As your daughter, I am a member of the NC Highway Patrol and am so proud of your bravery and dedication.
My heart aches for our precious reunion in Heaven.
I LOVE YOU with all that I am!
Candace Marie Walton
Daughter
June 20, 2011
Though I never knew him, he was part of my Law Enforcement family and I will mourn this deep loss the rest of my life. My heart aches with all the losses we have suffered, and continue to suffer, through the years. God is our only peace in such incidents & our only real comfort comes from Him. May His strength, comfort & peace continue to be the sustaining force in the lives of all who knew this beloved officer; and may it somehow help to know they did not grieve alone. No matter how much time passes, he will be missed and not forgotten.His dedication was great and great will be his reward!
Vicki Hare, Telecommunicator
Salisbury NC PD
June 3, 2010
Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service. Mathew 5:9
Gordon Hobbs
NC Game Warden
May 20, 2010
To the best brother a sister could have. You will always be loved and missed. See ya in Heaven!!!!
Debby Walton King
Sister
April 8, 2009
I came upon Trooper Walton's page, honestly, b/c I'm a nerd. I went to the movies today to see Nights in Rodanthe and, in one of the opening scenes, I noticed the bridge that they drove over was named after Trooper Walton. It's a habit of mine that whenever I see something like that, I come back home and look it up.
I wasn't even born yet when Trooper Walton gave his life but I would like to extend my sympathies to his family and friends on his death. Thank you, Trooper Walton, for all that you did.
A 911 Dispatcher
Houston County 911
October 12, 2008
I've been to Topsail Island for the last 11 years and have traveled over the Trooper Larry Walton Memorial Bridge several times as I enjoy the area. I also participate in the Police Unity Tour, a 300 mile bike ride that honors the men and women of law enforcement who gave their all protecting and serving their communities. May your family know that you are not forgotten and that your sacrifice, as well as the sacrifice of your family, is held in high regard and honor. God bless you and your family and may the thin blue line continue to honor your legacy.
Michael T. Rae
US Postal Inspection Service
September 26, 2008
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.
N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE
March 9, 2008
Trooper Walton:
I did not know you, but I grew up with your son, Tommy.
I know you are looking down on him and his family as he makes you proud of the man he has become.
Rodney Ellen
January 9, 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 27, 2007
You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service, this writer is disappointed that justice was fully served on your behalf
Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
December 3, 2007
What you did in service to your community meant more than you'd ever guess - Thank you so much for your service
Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen Retired
Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee, WI
May 12, 2007
well trooper, I remember you an all the other Trooper's that would stop at Ben's Sunoco in Lumberton,NC. I was teenager working for dad at the station and each time a law enforcement officer would stop there my eyes lit up with pride and I knew that one day I would become a law enforcement officer myself. and now I'm in my 34 year on the job, that you and others like you inspired me to pursue.Thank you sir for your service and sacrifice to the citizens of North Carolina.
Remember always those who have gone before us, because no one dies unless they are forgotten and you will never be forgotten trooper.
Detective Ben Smith
Red Springs Police Department
September 6, 2006
I am spending this year's vacation on Topsail Island and have traveled over your memorial bridge several times, however I was drawn to learning about who you were...
I became a County Police officer six years after your death and have since retired 28 years later. I have lost two fellow officers in the 'line of duty' during that time...due to the actions of criminals of which I never really understood, and probably never will.
I am honored to have learned about you, and that you were part of that 'thin blue line'. Please feel rest assured that each time I cross your memorial bridge that I will think about the ultimate sacriface that you made for all of us.
You are not forgotten, but held in high esteem.
I absolutely know you entered law enforcement with 'heart and pride' in your blood. I would also surmise that you loved your work such, that you would not have traded it for anything else.
Hope to meet you at 'roll call' sometime in the future. Carry on...
Scott C. Bellefeuille
Gainesville, VA
County Police Officer - Retired
Prince William County Police, VA
August 7, 2006
Patrolman Walton,
I visited the coast this week and crossed your memorial bridge many times during my stay at Topsail Island. As a former law enforcement officer you can rest assured that your memory and legend will always live on. Rest in Peace.
Bill Minear, Deputy Director
WV Dept. of Military Affairs - Homeland Security
July 19, 2006
Jesus is my front sight,
Sovereign in my life.
In peace, or in battle,
He guides my warrior stride.
Jesus is my front sight,
FOR HIM NO MAN I FEAR!
Jesus is my front sight,
Twas He who led me here.
March 12, 2006
It was hard for me to step into your shoes as your relacment in Rowland, NC. We carried the same call sign B-457 and worked the same area. Everyday you were with me on patrol and still are.
Trooper Eddie Thornburg
NC Highway Patrol
December 27, 2005
05/23/04
Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Officer Walton.
Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.
May 24, 2004
"The guardian angels of life sometimes fly so high as to be beyond our sight, but they are always looking down upon us."
- Jean Paul Richter
Hi Larry ... you're not forgotten ...
December 2, 2003
Anonymous
December 2, 2003
Trooper Walton.
You are not forgotten.
Reserve Officer
Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD
November 2, 2003
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