Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was his wife. I had no idea this was even a thing. Thank you all so very much. I just don’t even have words…. Thank you

Victoria Bennett
Eric’s Wife

February 14, 2024

Deputy Sheriff Stafford,
You are not forgotten by the men and women of law enforcement. RIP

Mike Kane
Retired Detective, Boston Police Dept.

June 26, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Stafford,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Edmondson County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 26, 2021

I worked with both Eric and his brother Chris as a dispatcher in Edmonson County. Eric you were a great man. I shed tears as you were laid to rest. Will always remember you. God bless.

Kevin Johnson
Edmonson County Dispatch

September 22, 2019

Deputy Sheriff Stafford, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 6, 2019

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

June 26, 2015

I was a dispatcher that worked with Eric during his short 3 months, he had such a warm heart and he was destined to be a fantastic Deputy. I often think about that day we lost Eric, his family and the foot print he left here on earth. God Bless his family.

Mel
Edmonson county Dispatch

December 6, 2013

My mother was dispatcher when tragedy this happened, I was only 7 years old but I can remember Deputy Stafford. I can remember him and his brother Chris, who was also an EC deputy at the time, hanging out at dispatch and at my dad’s office; they both would always aggravate and play with me and my younger brother when we would see them there. He was a very funny guy to be around and a good officer from what I understand.

Where this happened was on Interstate 65,we have a very short 2-3 mile stretch that runs through Edmonson County, the wreck happened around 3 am. Deputy Stafford's partner was severely injured in the crash, and became medically disabled because of it. The next sheriff that came into office made a deal with Kentucky State Police to patrol that stretch of I-65, and we would not.

I have been interning the past 5 months at Edmonson County Sheriff's dept, and still 17 years later Deputy Stafford is brought up quite often. Your sacrifice is not and will not be forgotten. Rest in peace brother, God Bless...

Wally Ritter
Intern at Edmonson County Sheriff's department.

May 20, 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 16th anniversary year 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 30, 2012

I knew Eric Stafford when he was a little boy - because his family lived one street away & he would come over to play with my son Todd. Eric was special - he was a kind gentle soul. The whole family was special. My heart is sick to find out he's gone - RIP Eric Stafford.

Madelene Hunter

June 19, 2012

I have never forgotten one of the very last conversations we had.
You looked at me and said, "God, I love this job."

You are not forgotten. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Kelly (Holder) Smith
Edmonson County Sheriff's Office 1994-1999

April 17, 2012

Dad it's been 15 years since your accident. I still remember the sound of your voice and all the games we played. I miss you so much, but I know you are in a better place now. I plan to follow in your footsteps and become a police officer when I am through with my time in the Coast Guard. I love you and will always remember you. Rach

Rachel Murray, United States Coast Guard
Daughter

May 26, 2011

I will never forget June 26th, 1996. Responding to your final call was something I never wanted to do- after all, who would? I think of you every time I pass by the 46 mile post on I-65. Your name is honored upon our wall of heroes at the Department of Criminal Justice Training; I touch it every time I’m there. Thank you for devoting the rest of your life here to the cause of taking care of others and keeping the peace. Keep an eye on the rest of us as we continue our respective watches. I thank you for your service to the people of Edmonson County, Kentucky. Continue to rest in peace, your work here is done.

Sgt. B. P.
Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement

September 12, 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

January 19, 2008

Eric was a friend of mine in yucaipa high we had a lot of fun together we shared alot of laughs. We lost contact after high school but i will never forget what a great person he was. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Harold Stewart.

friend

October 8, 2006

Wanted to let you know we still remeber you

Ohio County Sheriffs Dept

October 3, 2006

Ten years have passed here for your family, friends and co-workers. For you, Heaven has been but a brief respite from the work you did here on earth.

Rest in peace, warrior. Your brothers in blue will take care of the job until we are all in Heaven to thank you in person.

APD, LEO's Wife

June 26, 2006

May you Rest in Peace.

June 26, 2006

Eric was like a big brother that taught me things that only a big brother could. I knew him for only a short period of time, but I felt connected to him like I had known him a lifetime. I think of him frequently and keep him close in my heart. I know that I'll see him again someday but it seems like an awefull long wait. I mostly hope his family is OK and wish them the best in all they do. I miss ya brother, take care.

Jack Perkins
Austin Police Department

January 4, 2004

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K. Murphy
Union PD, NJ