Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Frankie, just wanted you to know we all still miss you very much. You have precious grandchildren and I love them dearly. One even acts and does things like Little Frankie did. You will always be in my heart

Gracie Mats
Friend/ former co-worker

September 26, 2024

Rest in heavenly peace on this your 18 anniversary in heaven

Mark Mottola

May 17, 2020

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 17, 2015

I didn't know Frankie but his wife Mary was our family's veterinarian. This happened just a couple miles from her office, it was a terrible day. I remember seeing thousands of police cars lined up on 58 during the wake and funeral. He was a good man and didn't deserve to die like this.

Parish family
friend

March 29, 2014

Today on the 11th anniversary of your sacrifice, "A" Shift honors you Deputy Betterton by dedicating our watch to you. You will never, never be forgotten. R.I.P. brother.

Sgt. Jason Slaughter
Radford Police Department, VA

May 17, 2013

My son, each day I talk to you,hoping you will answer.The love we had for each other helps me make it though the day.
Each day I see or feel some thing that you played with or used.You know, I am so happy that you always knew how much I loved you.It was such a wonderful life you and I had together,I will never be with out you.Every where I go you and were there at some time in our life.You know I still play golf with you.I Thank God for our time together.Love Dad and Mom.

Ocie Betterton
Dad.

March 15, 2011

Oh I miss you sooooooooooooo much, I have so much I need to talk to you about!! It still hurts every day!! Missing my big brother terribly!!

Kathryn Burnette "muffin"
sister

March 13, 2011

Frankie we still miss you! I go by and share laughs and memeories with your Mom and Dad. We got some new guys and girls in the SO that remind me of you. They have alot of excitement about being a member of the SO and serving the public and the same get up and go attitude that you carried. I know one day I'll see you again and we'll stroll down those streets of gold until that time rest brother and know that you still unit 64 in our hearts and memories.

Investigator Larry Dockery
Pittsylvania Co. Va. Sheriff's Office

April 15, 2010

I MISS YOU SOOOOOO MUCH FRANKIE!
FRANKIE WAS AN AWESOME PERSON AND BEST BROTHER!!
I LOVED HIM SO MUCH. THESE ALMOST EIGHT YEARS HAVE BEEN SO EMPTY WITHOUT HIS LAUGH AND BEING ABLE TO TALK TO HIM!
EVERYONE WHO KNEW MY BROTHER I CONSIDER THEM TO BE BLESSED!
Your baby sister "Cat"

Anonymous

April 8, 2010

MISSING MY BROTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4/8/2010

Anonymous

April 8, 2010

7 Years ago today you were taken away from us. This is a day that many will never forget. Many lives changed the day you left. Today your memory is still impacting many. Yesterday Scott told me he wanted me to quit my job in the cable business and become a policeman. Just like you. He still does not know that you are no longer with us. But the good memory of you that he has is going to stay like it is.

Gracie
Friend

May 17, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the seventh anniversary 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 hold your family in thought and prayer today and pray for their solace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

May 17, 2009

Today is Frankie's 50th birthday. I haven't been to this site since his death. Our family continues to struggle with the loss of such a precious friend,father, and husband even though we know that Frankie is in a better home. Selfishly we long to have him back laughing with us,celebrating Lauren's graduation from college, planning her wedding, anticipating Little Frankie's high school graduation,and on and on and on... I would have given him a hard time today (turning 50) and can even now hear his laugh and feel him squeeze me like he used to do.Thanks to all for your kind words and thoughts. Please continue to remember us in your prayers and all law enforcement officers as they risk so much to serve and protect. mb

Mary Hardy Betterton
wife

August 5, 2008

Thinking of your loved one on the 6th anniversary of his EOW. He followed his
heart and realized his dream. I don't think the judge did him justice, but he will
answer to the True Judge some day. Thanks, Frankie for glorifying the Lord with your life and for all the people you impacted with your presence and spirit.
You are in a better place, but that doesn't mean we don't wish you were still here.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

May 18, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 3, 2008

Sir
I agree with the writings of Chief Gordon for i to have rarely heard of a Judge overturning a jury's verdict and now even though its Life in prison we all know the chance remains he will walk out again one day. I ask the Lord to continue to watch over your family and co-workers as time slowly passes and know Sir you will never be forgotten. A greatful nation will be forever in your debt.

Public Safety Super. Gary Mintz
Warren Wilson College Dept of Public Safety

September 19, 2007

I visited the Memorial behind the Sheriff's office on 5/17/07. I sat there just looking at the slant that has your picture on it. I think of you all the time. Each Day I miss you more and more.

Someone Who Misses You

May 20, 2007

Five years have passed and you have not been forgotten. I personally don't agree with the judge's decision as the individual caused nothing but pain for those that love you so much. He still has his live even though he is sitting in prison. I hope that he never gets out and every day that he lives that he things of the devastation this has caused to so many. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones. You are a true hero. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

May 17, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Betterton on the anniversary of his passing. He continues to look after each one of you.
May God continue to give you comfort.
Rest in peace. Heros are never forgotten.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

May 17, 2007

May you and your loved ones be ever blessed.

May 17, 2007

At the beginning of every shift I work, myself and the other officers on shift, dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, May 17, 2006, we dedicated the shift to the memory of Deputy Sheriff Frankie Lynn Betterton, who died in the line of duty on this date four years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls we all stumble for awhile, but we will carry on.

Deputy Betterton's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

May 17, 2006

A man so remembered with love and respect never dies but continues to live on in the hearts and minds of others.May you Rest in Peace.

May 17, 2006

I can not understand the Judge's decision to give this individual a life sentence when the jury demanded he be put to death. Does this Judge realize the daily pain and suffering your loved ones must face every single day? How their lives have changed forever? I know their pain and I ask that you keep watch over them and help them with their grief. You have not been forgotten and you are a true Hero.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired
Riverside PD, IL

May 13, 2006

Mary, although we didnt know your wonderful husband, we hold him close to our hearts and in our prayers.

May you find solace somewhere.

Everyone should have a chance to live their dream and I think Frank did that. How lucky for him.

Friends of Larry R Cox EOW 4/21/05
Chillicothe Ohio Police Department

February 27, 2006

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service. God bless.

Shannon
Collins Fire Dept. (Mississippi)

February 18, 2006