Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Claxton,
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 Cortez. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 29, 2023

rest in Peace Brother.

Sergeant Matthew Troy Moreno

June 2, 2022

God bless you and your family. I hope they have found some peace. Let’s not forget those officers who sought justice and chased the killers.

Bob Klinger
Loveland Police Department Colorado (Retired)

May 29, 2022

Rest in peace Patrolman Claxton.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 22, 2019

Just watched on Unsolved Mysteries...he seemed like such a lovely man. I am sorry for his kids and wife. It is unfair but good on his son for striving to be a good person and look after others as a police officer also.

Blair Hughes
South Australian Police: Homicide Division SAHD44301

August 6, 2019

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

August 2, 2018

Thank you Brother for your sacrifice, R.I.P.

SGT. Supervisor, Deputy Sheriff
N.Y.S.D.O.C.S, Montazuma County Deputy, Supervisor TSA

May 30, 2018

I thank you Dale Claxton and all the other courageous men and women who put their lives on the line to keep us safe. I am so sorry you were taken too soon. Thank you for your service. Fly high and in peace.

Anonymous
A Concerned American

February 20, 2018

My brother Dale, may you rest in peace. You were that sheepdog and warrior. Thank you for protecting me and giving the final sacrifice to save others. May your family have shalom.

Chief Jim Spratlen
Durango Police Department

June 5, 2016

Uncle Dale,

This weekend the entire family got together and gave a toast in your honor, right there on the back porch just off the back room you built at Grandmas house. The reminders of the things you have built are around us every day. And the foundation of honor you have built in our family is exemplified every day by those such as Joe and Colton and Corbin and others, who put on the badge and walk that thin blue line. I miss you. I always will. It's been 18 years now, but not a day has gone by without thinking of you. I thank God for reminding me of you so often. See you soon in Heaven.

Love, Jason

Jason Taylor
Nephew

May 30, 2016

Dale, You were the best and kindest officer aside from Andy Griffith. Respectfully said. I never seen you be rude, or nasty to good people, let alone the perps. How luckey we were to have you, and your loss is still beyond words. You were MY hero. and Hero to many more. You will never be forgotten Officer Claxton. Never.

Kim Beaty EMT-I
Southwest Memorial Hospital. Cortez Colorado

May 31, 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 29, 2015

You were the first LEO killed as I was starting my patrol law enforcement career and still on the FTO program, so I could not attend your funeral. But we had other officers attend from our department to honor you and the ultimate sacrifice you made that day. We have the watch now RIP brother.

Corporal Patrick Brownfield
Alamosa Police Department

January 2, 2015

I never knew you but was involved with the massive manhunt that followed. All these years later, I remember how the citizen's of Cortez took us in as their own while we were in your city and made us feel like family. I remember stories told by friends/coworkers who knew you and the love they had for you. You, my friend, are a true Hero. Rest in Peace.

Sgt. Tim Lange
Page PD

November 30, 2014

Rest in Peace Brother, we have the Watch

Policeman
Phoenix PD, Brother in Blue

March 18, 2014

Fifteen years! Wow. The time has gone so fast. It doesn't seem that long ago that we were chortling together about your ill-fitting uniform pants, and then the very next week your candle was snuffed out just because you were doing your job. I am so glad that we parted in laughter. I wish you were here to see how your kids have grown, to meet your grandkids, to hug your wife, to share a laugh, to see what a beautiful family you had to leave behind. You are missed.

Janet Clark
sister-in-law

August 3, 2013

Fifteen years ago our hearts were shattered. You, my Uncle Dale, a pillar of strength and compassion, were taken away from us in an unfair fight by three cowards who didn't value life.
The thing is, I know you still do live. At the right hand of God, in the paradise he has promised us who accept his gift.
The past fifteen years have gone by like a drop of rain in the bucket of time. You have inspired many. And we all know our time here is short. Soon I shall stand with you again Uncle Dale, and in the arms of the Lord re shall celebrate our reunion. I love you and miss you so so so much. I still think about you every day, and Always will. Love Jason

Jason Taylor
Nephew

May 30, 2013

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland transit Police Department, Ohio

May 29, 2013

I will never forget that day that you were taken from us. You came to watch Caitlin perform in the school talent show on the last day of school. When she finished her song, you had to get back out on patrol. The confusion and panic that fell on the town as news of your passing came back to us at the Middle School. I remember your beautiful wife being ushered out with Caitlin. I remember signing at your funeral feeling as if the weight of your loss would consume our small town. I don't think anyone breathed a sigh of relief until the news of the last man's death was announced. It's been 15 years since you've been taken from us and not a day goes by that we don't remember and that we don't miss you. You would have been the first to say that you are not a hero, but you are and always will be. Until we can see you again face to face, rest with the angels and keep looking after your family, by blood and in blue.

Marti Taylor
Grateful Cortez friend

May 11, 2013

Patrolman Claxton

I had the honor of attending your service, I was proud to be there and I have not forgotten you.

Rest in peace.

A Police officers heart always knows.

Agent
Lakewood Police Department, Colorado

January 2, 2013

RIP Dale, I have never forgotten you and that day ! I still feel anger on how you gave it your all and the unknowing on why.

Scott Anderson , Firefighter Paramedic
Southwest Memorial Ambulance

July 10, 2012

Officer Claxton,
On today, the 14th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Cortez. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

May 30, 2012

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Claxton. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 25, 2012

I watched a video clip of you on Youtube.com this am. It broke my heart to hear and see what was done to you. My thoughts and condolonces are with your family. You were a hero, Dale. Sleep Well!

Anonymous

August 3, 2010

Patrolman Claxton - I know the area where you fell. My grandfather, Lloyd 'Buck' McWhirt, had been the Mancos Town Constable about 12 years prior. He worked alongside many Cortez Officers. Thanks for your service to both the people of Cortez and the State of Colorado. I stood in the State Assembly hall, yesterday, when your name was read off during a proclamation for mext month's Peace Officer's Memorial Week and Day. We will wear out mourning bands for you and the 250 other brother and sisters. May God grant you eternal rest and may his perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

April 24, 2010