Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"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 8, 2008

May the good Lord assuage the anguish of this, your most outrageous fortune. On behalf of a grateful nation, a sober law enforcement community, and a saddened neighborhood, we pray that our heavily father takes Michael’s soul into his loving hands. Only you, the family of our fallen brother, fully understand the sacrifice that has been placed upon the alter of freedom.

Patrolman Todd James Vogler
CASE Western Reserve Univeristy Police Department, Cleveland, Ohio

October 12, 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

I was at police week again this year and stopped by your name on the wall. I never knew you but you were a friend of my dad's so I've made it a tradition that every time I go to DC I will stop and see your name. I saw the newspaper clipping that was by your name again this year that just goes to show you that you will not be forgotten.

Kyle D Matlock
Montgomery County SO

May 18, 2007

MAY YOU REST IN PEACE ON THE STREETS OF GOLD!!!!!!

DISPATCHER GRETA M HUFF
KY STATE POLICE POST 13 HAZARD

February 17, 2007

Mike,

I can't believe it has already been ten years, it seems like yesterday. I think of you every day and miss you so much. You were not just my brother but some one I always looked up to and wanted to be like, you were my friend. Because of you I learned how to ride a bike, take care of myself, some what swim (you saving me twice), how to have fun and so much more. I love you so much. It was nice that you were honored by people who never new you and the ones who did, and that you made an impact on their lives. The world lost a great person when you were killed and you will never be forgotten.

Kay Meyer
Sister

Kay Meyer
Officer Blankenship

February 14, 2007

Sir,
As I sit here, EOW approaching, I have to admit that I have been thinking about you since this morning.
I never had the honor of knowing you, but from all accounts, it seems like I could have learned a great deal from you.
As an alumnus of OSU, I get the lantern daily via e-mail, and this morning as I opened it up, drinking my coffee and watching the beautiful beaches of California out my window...A Reality check hit me.
There was your story and the vigil from last night front and center on the cover. Throughtout my 5 years at OSU, I always wondered why the PD building on campus was named "Blakenship Hall", I guess we were all just a little too busy in college to ever stop and ask why.
Years later, now as an officer myself working the streets of "Hell" we call California...I owe the biggest debt of gratitude to my brothers who have paid the ultimate price. I almost joined you up there a few nights ago.. some armed gang-banger decided that he didn't want to go along with the program... Well needless to say, I am still here, and he isn't! I hope you forgive myselfness, but I wasn't ready yet!
I wanted to leave this memorial for you, my first one ever, on this the 10th anniversary of your passing.. to let you know that by all acounts, "you fought the good fight...and our badges have without a doubt gained new luster by the life you led".
I have included a poem below for you.. take special note of the last paragraph... and please Guard me well from above!

---------------------------------------------------------
"The Final Inspection"

The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

Zackon #539

February 13, 2007

Never Forgotten. Ever protecting.

Ranger Blair
NPS

February 12, 2007

In my earliest days when i was Director of the ED/Trauma you would take the time to allow me to understand what was going on ouside our entry doors. Your visits provided comfort and security with appreciation for some many other things. It is with each visit back to Columbus and the University that i say a silent prayer for you and your family.
10 years ...how long a time..how short it has been...

Tim McQuone

February 12, 2007

10 years today, how can it be that long already? We think of you daily, but you know that. We raised a glass and sang with you last night, I'm sure it traveled all the way up there! Keep watching over us, we know we have our own guardian angel.

OSUPD

February 10, 2007

Officer Blankenship, today marks the 10th anniversary of your murder. I read some of the remembrances left after my initial one and re-read some of those left before mine. Although no one ever leaves bad words on these pages, it’s interesting and sad and also a bit uplifting to read such heart felt messages from family and friends as have been left for you. There is no doubt that you were loved and respected by all who knew you.

The message left by Liz Blair was especially touching.

When we lose a brother/sister in the law enforcement family, we all hurt a little in side, even if we never met the person. We all mourn knowing that out there is a family, a department, and a community that has lost someone they care for. We mourn because we’ve lost a brother/sister in our common cause of doing what is right. We mourn because we know that tomorrow, it could be us.

When we in the campus community lose someone, its especially hard because we’ve all heard the line, “Well your safe working there because nothing happens, right?” Sure, nothing happens at a college. The death of a ‘campus cop’, especially in a violent way reminds us, and informs the public, that anything can happen, anywhere. There really is no safe haven for Police Officers, no matter who may employ them.

On this sad anniversary, I send my prayers out to your family at home, and your family at work, and to all who know you, wherever they may be.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

February 10, 2007

Ten years ago today
Started off in a normal way

While most of us were unwinding from a dreary Monday without sun
You were shot down by a crazed man, a coward with a gun

In a flash our worlds caved in
“This sort of thing couldn’t happen to him!”

In the days to come we began to realize the bond we all have shared
As many hundreds of people showed how much they really cared

Over a mile of flashing lights moved at such a slow and solemn pace
As we took you faithfully to your final resting place

High Street was lined with cars, stopped by their drivers to show respect
For a fallen officer they may have never met

As the procession slowly passed, an elderly woman stood
She held an American flag, paying her respects as only she could

When the bagpipes commenced with “Amazing Grace”
The emotion was so intense; we all felt your warm embrace

It was no longer possible to hold back those tears
Looking at all those officers that were facing their fears

Ten years later, the pain is still here
But we all know that Michael is still very near

He has been there to welcome several of his “family”
To a special place for all of eternity

We will never forget your sacrifice, your caring or your love
We look forward to seeing you someday at roll call, in heaven above

Rest peacefully Mike. You have earned it

Lt. G.D. Spence
The Ohio State University Police

February 10, 2007

ALWAYS remembered and honored for the supreme sacrifice he made.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEOs

January 26, 2007

As the anniversary of your EOW one decade ago draws near, please know that you and your family are in my prayers. You will forever be remembered as a hero.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

January 21, 2007

Mike you was my best friend and co-worker I ever had.I have
a lot of great memories. I realy miss the time we had together. I want to let you know that there is another co-woker that has gone on that you use to work with. Officer
William Schofield is also at the same cementary. Bill retired and got in a car accident a year ago. I go to the cementary all the time to vist both of you. Working with you and being a friend ment everything.

Chief Mike Castle
Franklin Twp Police & Friend

November 16, 2006

Mrs. Blankenship and Family,
I wanted to take this time and tell you all, I went to memorial week this year in Washington and stopped by the panel bearing Mike's name. I did not have the chance to know him although he was a friend to my father. Mike was his instructor for bike patrol. My dad only knew him for a few days but I know he was blessed just by coming in contact with Mike because he talks about him all the time. When the incident happened it had a major impact on me. I was in the 7th grade that year and I still remember it like it was yesterday. Mike's incident was one of the reasons why I came into the law enforcement family. I want to make a difference. I wear a blue memorial band on my wrist with Mike's name on it to have him watch over me in performance of my duties.

My father has since retired he was badly injured in the line of duty less than a year after the incident. I just wanted to let you all know I will make it my duty that everytime I am in Washington to stop by the Memorial and pay my respects to the panel bearing Mike's name.


We may never understand it,
the risks these brave ones take,
but occasionally we see a bit
of the difference their lives make.

Some do it for the action,
others find it a callin'.
All find the satisfaction,
and few become the fallen.

Being an officer is what he loved,
To him as good as it gets.
Law was what he dreamed of,
He would have no regrets.

And though it saddens all of us
to lose him in this way
He knew how an officer must
Live life to the fullest everyday.

K.D. Matlock #748
Montgomery County Sheriffs Office, Ohio

May 17, 2006

"Who You’d Be Today"

Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
I feel you everywhere I go
I see your smile
I see your face
I hear you laughing in the rain
I still can’t believe you’re gone
It aint fair you died too young
Like the story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that I’ve been through
Just knowing no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder who you’d be today
Would you see the world?
Would you chase your dreams?
Settle down with a family
I wonder what would you name your babies
Some days the sky’s so blue
I feel like I can talk to you
I know it might sound crazy
It aint fair you died too young
Like a story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that I’ve been through
Just knowing no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder who you’d be today
Today (repeats 5 more times)
Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
The only thing that gives me hope
Is I know I’ll see you again some day
Some day
Some day

OSUPD

February 10, 2006

It was 9 years ago that you gave your life for the citizens of Central Ohio. You are never forgotten amongst the men and woman of the Fraternal Order of Police - Capital City Lodge #9

Officer JIm Gilbert
Columbus Div. of Police

February 10, 2006

A letter to a mentor:
It’s been 12 years since I first met you. Three years later you would look at me on equal terms as I became commissioned, though I was far from being your equal. I was but a Rookie. Five months later I would lose the chance to work with you forever at that level. And in about two years I would find myself on your shift, but your seat was still empty, though your memory still fresh in all our minds, and hearts.
I now train at the federal level to become a better officer than I was before, and I think of you often. I ride my bicycle across the base on the way to classes, jumping down stairs to shortcut, and I think of who taught me how to do that; you. I fix up junk bikes for my class and I think of who got me so interested in that skill, you. In ORT class, we drop down for ground fighting, and I think of who was the first to teach me those tactics; you. I strive to improve my marksmanship, to reach the caliber you achieved in your life. When I shoot the rifle I am reminded of competitions long ago, but most of all I think of you and hope you are there to help guide my sights. I polish my shoes to a fine gleam every night, as I did on that February day nine years ago, and I think of you. As I keep safety conscious, I think of you.
Every time an Instructor reminds our class to pay attention to the suspect’s hands, I unfortunately think of you, of that night. It is a lesson I will never overlook, once again unfortunately because of you. The images from the surveillance video are still fresh in my mind and will always be. I knew long ago that you would want me to learn something from your death as I learned so much from your life. And I have. I’ve not forgotten all that you taught me, nor what you always told me, “Never stop learning.” And I strive to meet that objective every day to honor your memory. But I still miss you. There is still a void in my life, you. You are not there to receive email, or a simple phone call. I know you are watching over all of us, keeping us safe. But I’d much rather you be here to remind us of that. I know a friend was right when he said so long ago that month of February that I would be a better officer because of your death. But I am comforted more in knowing I am a better officer because of your life.
I can be brave and honor your memory, be the best of the best. But when it comes down to it. You are gone. Only your spirit remains and all those you touched during your life. But thank you for everything you gave me, gave all of us, while you were here. Thank you for living life in the fullest and then passing on what you learned.

You will never be forgotten.

Ranger Elizabeth Blair,
US Law Enforcement Ranger
OSU Student Patrol 1994-1997
OSUPD 1997-2002

US Law Enforcement Ranger Liz Blair
National Park Service

February 10, 2006

MIKE IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE IT'S BEEN 9 YEARS. I THINK OF YOU DAILY. YOU WERE A GREAT FRIEND. YOU GAVE ME ALOT OF GOOD ADVICE WHICH HAS HELPED ME IN MY LIFE AND ON THE JOB. DEALING WITH YOUR PASSING WAS AND STILL IS HARD ON ME. IT MADE ME REALIZE HOW PRECIOUS LIFE IS AND WE SHOULDN'T TAKE IT FOR GRANTED. I MISS YOU BROTHER. FOREVER IN MY HEART YOU WILL BE.
YOUR FRIEND,
MARYSUE

DEPUTY MARYSUE MARTIN
FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

February 10, 2006

Blue Angels


I see their golden wings
And some silver ones too,
These angels of heaven
Men who once proudly wore the blue.

Where once sat a shiny hat
Now rests a halo of light,
The chest that once was dressed in blue
Now is clothed in flowing white.

Though you may not see the badge
That was worn on their earthly chests,
It still shines brightly
Within their heavenly breasts.

They now walk
A heavenly beat,
Through pearly gates
Along golden streets,

Above a star filled sky
With a heavenly view,
Rise the songs these angels sing,
Angels forever in blue.


Lest we forget...

Rest in Peace my Brother, we have the watch.

Lt. G.D. Spence
The Ohio State University Police

February 9, 2006

1997 was a long time ago now. However, it's safe to say to those who knew you, it was yesterday and your being taken is still as painful as all hell. May God watch over your whole family, work and home, just like I'm sure you still do to this day.

Ptl. Jim Leahy Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

September 28, 2005

As we lose a third Ohio Officer in just as many months, we remember you and your family in our prayers.
We have the watch.

OSU PD

January 11, 2005

We thought of you with love today,
But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday,
and the days before that too.
We think of you in silence.
We often speak your name.
Now all we have are memories,
and your picture in a frame.
Your memory is our keepsake,
With which we'll never part.
God has you in his keeping.
We have you in our heart.

George D. Spence
The Ohio State University Police

February 11, 2004

Having just stumbled upon this website, I wanted to be sure that our Brothers and Sisters on the Columbus Campus and the family and friends of Brother Blankenship to know that the police staff at the OSU Wooster Campus think of Mike often and we will always honor his memory.

Sgt. Richard A. Nester
The Ohio State University Police - Wooster

December 23, 2003