Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I worked with John. He was one the nicest people I have ever met. He never had a bad word to say about anyone and was a joy to work with. As a young Trooper at the time, every time John flew in the county I was assigned to, he would call me and invite me to lunch, ask how I was and if I was having any problems. He always listened to me so patiently. I was on duty the day he died. I am not ashamed to admit I sat on I-75 and just cried. Its been 35 years since that awful awful day. I still see that smile, still hear that laugh and miss him. The FHP, the State of Florida and its citizens lost someone special that day. I will never forget him telling me... Son, when you write a man a ticket, you take bread from the mouth of his child. Respect that and him because its no small thing.

Trooper G. Hamilton
FHP

March 2, 2021

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

October 2, 2020

Rest in peace Sergeant Baxter.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 3, 2019

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 28th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

April 27, 2013

Continue to rest in peace Sgt Baxter, heroes live forever, and you sir are a hero.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

October 2, 2012

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Baxter. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

We will never forget... May you continue to rest in peace Sgt. Baxter and thank you sir for a job well done.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Deb

October 2, 2011

We will never forget the heroes ....

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler FL

Anonymous

October 2, 2010

"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 12, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for you service.

vandenberghe
nh

October 14, 2007

He has a place that can never be filled.
Look after Linda. Fay and Sandra

Fay Baxter
widow

May 13, 2007

I worked as a Duty Officer at Venice and met Jack many times. He always had a good word for everybody, and always had a smile on his face. May God bless you and your family.

CR
Florida Highway Patrol

October 26, 2003

Jack,
As a young trooper your words insired me, your love for the job gave me courage. I often think of you and our fellow troopers who have fallen in the line of duty. Those thoughts give me strength by knowing that "in hope there is valor."

Lt. Tommy Moore
Florida Highway Patrol

October 1, 2003