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 Shelbyville. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

February 17, 2024

Remembering you today. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Sending prayers for your family.

Robyn
Bedford County E911

February 17, 2020

Patrolman Claxton,
On today, the 21st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Shelbyville. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 17, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Claxton.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 7, 2019

Your heroism and service is honored today. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service.

Rest In Peace and I'll see you on the other side.

Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen

Don P Jensen
Milwaukee Wisconsin Police, Retired

February 17, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

February 17, 2009

To the family and loved ones of Patrolman Melvin Claxton:

I wanted to honor and remember Melvin today. Although I never had the privilege of meeting him, I feel as if I know him through the loving reflections left by friends and his wife. His valor and service will never be forgotten.

Through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

To his wife , I am so sorry for your loss and know that your life was forever changed by the death of your beloved husband. I know that he is forever in your hearts. I wish for you that you are able to live the hopes and dreams he has for your life.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Melvin gave to his community and the citizens of Tennessee, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 17, 1999.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 17, 2009

OFFICER CLAXTON, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. GOD BLESS.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

February 17, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE. YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE... GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSE THAT LOVE YOU.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 11, 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 30, 2008

Melvin was a fine officer and loved by many. His loss was not only tragic for the department but for the citizens of Shelbyville as well.

Det. Sgt. Jason WIlliams
Shelbyville Police Department

January 11, 2006

Rest in Peace, Brother! You have truly earned your place in Paradise alongside some of the greatest warriors of justice in history. You have set a standard that we can only hope to achieve. Keep a vigilant watch over your family and all of those who had the honor of knowing and loving you. Help them to celebrate your life as they face another Christmas in your absence. Give them a nudge and let them know that although you aren't physically there, you are always by their side.

Godspeed!

A Squad
Woodbridge PD, CT

December 15, 2005

I worked with Melvin many years ago. Officers like Melvin will truely be missed because he was a good officer and a good friend.

John Beckler
Lee County Sheriff's Office Traffic

May 18, 2004

MELVIN, IT'S TAKEN A LONG TIME FOR ME TO TALK ABOUT THIS & FOR THAT I AM SORRY, I THINK OF YOU EVERY DAY & MISS SEEING & WORKING WITH YOU. IT'S HARD TO LOOSE A GOOD OFFICER & EVEN HARDER TO LOOSE A FRIEND. ALTHOUGH I DIDN'T WORK AT THE SAME DEPT. AS YOU, NOR HAD I KNOWN YOU FOR MANY YEARS, I STILL CONSIDER YOU MY FRIEND. I WAS THAT DEPUTY THAT YOU CAME TO ASSIST THAT DAY, & RAN WITH TO CATCH THAT ESCAPEE. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU TELLING ME AS WE GOT BACK TO OUR CARS & I TOLD YOU THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME," HEY, DON'T MENTION IT, WE ALL WORK TOGETHER & ANY TIME YOU NEED ME I'LL BE HERE." WELL, I'VE NEEDED YOU SEVERAL TIMES SINCE THEN & I ALWAYS FELT LIKE YOU WERE THERE. I KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR FAMILY MENT TO YOU, BECAUSE I HAVE HEARD YOU SAY IT SO MANY TIMES, & I ALSO KNOW WHERE YOUR NEW HOME IS NOW, BECAUSE I KNOW WHERE PEOPLE LIKE YOU COME FROM & WHERE THEY RETURN TO. I ONLY HOPE THAT WHEN IT'S MY TIME YOU SEND THE SAME ANGEL FOR ME SO WE CAN TALK ALL THE WAY HOME & TELL THESE OLD WAR STORIES. UNTIL THEN SLEEP WELL MY BROTHER, FOR THE WATCH IS NOW OURS.

CPL.BILLY MORRIS
TULLAHOMATN. POLICE DEPT.

CORPORAL BILLY MORRIS
TULLAHOMA TN. POLICE DEPT.

April 20, 2004

Patrolman Claxton,

I did not know you but wanted to say "Thank you" for your hard work, dedication and professionalism. May God bless you and yours.

Detective T. Henshaw
Bell Gardens Police Deparment, Southern California

February 17, 2004

Tater just want you to know you are thought of on a daily basis. Yesterday, June 27th we interviewd for Officers. All of us had lunch together. Kim, Austin, Jan, Me and Ricky B. and Bobby. Normandy Lake came up more than once. We talked about the good times we had and the not so good times, you know the ones we mean (laughing) You are in our thoughts everyday. We all love you and miss you. Have you taught any Angels how to play "Poker" yet. You are always in my thoughts. Lt. Randy(Ace) Adams.

Lt. Randy Adams
Shelbyville Police Department

Melvin loved being a police officer and was a VERY GOOD ONE. He was a friend to everyone. He could just take control of any situation. He was a WONDERFUL husband and a best friend. I love and miss him very much. He left alot of good memories.

Sadly Missed,

Faye Claxton
Wife

Melvin, it's been one year since you left but there is never a day that goes by without you in our thoughts. Every day we talk about the life and times that we had with "Old Tater". We will never forget and will always cherish those!

Deputy Chief Mike Rogers
Shelbyville TN Police Dept

After I had been with the Shelbyville PD for about a year, I was assigned to Capt. Melvin Claxton's shift.

Melvin showed me that you can enforce the law, do your job, & still treat people like you would want to be treated. He was a Community Oriented Police Officer before C.O.P. was cool.

Melvin also had a sixth sense about policing. He was the best at this as anyone I have ever seen. He could pick up on things that seem to escape other officers. Melvin was good, fair, & honest. He rubbed people the right way.

Melvin was a good officer & good friend.

Chief Austin Swing
Shelbyville Police Department, TN

Officer Claxton was a great officer and friend. When I began my career with the Shelbyville Police Department in 1977 he was my supervisor. The day he died I was his supervisor. He taught me a great deal in the years we worked together. He is missed daily.

Captain Jan Phillips
Shelbyville Police Department, TN

Melvin was an excellent officer as well as a caring, warm individual. He had a way with people & was liked by all, even those he arrested. He had a wonderful sense of humor & loved to sing country songs (even though he couldn't carry a tune!). He truly kept us all entertained. Melvin was a wonderful friend who was always there when needed. Melvin, not a day goes by that you aren't thought of. It just isn't the same without you. We miss you, pal!

Record Clerk Kim Nash
Shelbyville Police Department

He was a good officer, loved by us all.

Patrolman Tony Collins
Shelbyville Police Department