Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My wife and I lived across the street from you on and your family in Massillon. We used to wave at each other while we were outside mowing the lawn. I used to see you hop on your motorcycle and go for a ride occasionally. I will never forget the morning I left for work and saw all the cars parked in front of your house and still did not know what it happened.

Citizen
Citizen

November 11, 2024

May you rest in peace in Heaven, Officer Taylor. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Patrolman Kenneth Collins
South Amherst Police Department

August 10, 2024

May God and St. Michael watch over you in Heaven, Officer Taylor. You are not forgotten.

Patrolman Kenneth Collins
South Amherst Police Department

August 9, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Eric Bradford Taylor of the Massillon Police Department, Ohio and the additional 76 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

August 9, 2022

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Eric Bradford Taylor of the Massillon Police Department, Ohio and the additional 76 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

August 9, 2021

Rest in peace

Nick mottola
None

August 9, 2020

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

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

August 9, 2020

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Eric Bradford Taylor of the Massillon Police Department, Ohio and the additional 72 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

August 9, 2019

Patrolman Taylor, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 6, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Eric Bradford Taylor of the Massillon Police Department, Ohio and the additional 71 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

August 9, 2018

Your funeral was the first I attended after becoming an officer. I still remember the words your wife spoke about wishing she would still find your whiskers from shaving in the sink. Her personal stories hit me hard that day. I did not know you personally, but you are never forgotten.

Patrolman Amy Dansizen
Beachwood Police Department

May 22, 2016

Teaching about sovereign citizens and the danger they present to officers today at the University of Akron. Eric was one of us and just took a moment to think about him.

Pat Millhoff
University of Akron

November 6, 2015

RIP warrior

Badge 28179 Nathan S
CTPD

August 9, 2015

Attended grade school with Eric. He was a good friend and we had many laughs. We lost touch when I went back to NY but I still consider him one of my best childhood friends. I was shocked and could hardly believe this happened when I returned to Akron and tried to look him up. Fireman Joe!!! (a joke we had among our friends) RIP my friend

Forrest Webb

Owner, Forrest Webb
Calhoun Record Shop

February 18, 2014

You are missed and still in all of our memories Eric! May God Bless your family!

Lieutenant, Kyle Weygandt
Magnolia Police Department

February 5, 2014

Eleven years ago today our community lost a great Hero. I never had the honor of knowing you personally, but I now work with the men and women that you too called your brothers and sisters. I often hear stories of your boisterous laugh and your infectious smile, and I can't help but feel sad that I will never get to know you the way that they have. I want you to know that I will do my best to watch over your brothers and sisters at the Massillon Police Department, and ensure that we always make it home at the end of the watch. Your memory still lives strong and the impressions you left on the hearts and minds of others remain everlasting. Rest in Peace my Brother.

~anonymous
Massillon Police Department

August 9, 2013

Having lost a child myself, I know the pain suffered by Eric's parents. What makes this more tragic is the fact that Eric was doing his job and he had many more potential productive years ahead of him, not only in law enforcement but also as a husband and father. It is sad and frightening that there are so many ticking time bombs existing in our midst. May all fellow law enforcement officers maintain their vigilance in their daily routines, even in their mundane activities.

Joe McMullin, Special Agent (Retired)
FBI, Cleveland Division, Akron RA

January 25, 2013

I think bad to that day and remember how utterly shocked I was. I, along with Ptl. Solinger and Ptl. Rogers, was involved in the gunfight that ultimately took Ptl. Taylor's life. It was a turning point in my career. It made me more aware tactically of what was going on around me. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about Eric. He was a good friend, a great officer, and most importantly, an awesome father. I miss him more than words can say. God Bless you Eric.

Sgt. Kenneth Smith
Massillon PD

January 4, 2013

I did not know about this site until today. Ptl. K. Smith, Ptl. T. Rogers, and myself were involved in this shootout with Eric. The description of the event is a little off, Eric was not able to fire a shot, he was murdered after the suspect shot at Eric's cruiser and he jumped out of the passenger window of his cruiser landing on his hands and knees. We never saw Eric during the shooting until the suspect was down and my heart sank when I saw Eric's blue uniform lying face down. I remember Ptl. K. Smith telling dispatch that an Officer was down. I will never forget that day or Eric Taylor. Eric took his last breath when the ambulance arrived on scene. His son Ty looks just like him, I saw Ty a few months ago and it brought back a ton of fond memories about Eric. I really miss joking around with Eric, man I think back and smile wide. Miss you brother! God speed and God bless.

Detective Tom Solinger
Massillon PD

October 20, 2011

i never really knew u but u kept me and my family safe so thats why i can call you a friend youll always be in my heart and prayers rest in peace my friend
carl gatewood

Anonymous

August 22, 2009

Even today you remember where you were standing when you heard the call and arrived on the scene. He is still missed.

Detective Bobby Grizzard
Massillon Police

May 12, 2009

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion
Proverbs 28:1

God bless you and all who mourn you. May God give them the strength to carry on. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

March 12, 2009

on the day that eric taylors life was taken from us so unexpectedly. me my brother and friend were walking home from the movies. when we heard that a massillon police officer was shoot. we rushed home and woundered who it could be. when we found out that it was officer Taylor. I was shocked because i had just talked to him a few days before and told him i hope to see him at the fun fest. tragiclly he had to lose his life the day before it. i just wanted to say i wish i could have got to know him better and also his family. eric if you can hear me im sorry that you had to leave us like that and i miss u buddy! you will never be forgotten rest easy everythings fine down here.
sadden citizen of massillon
Brandon Kemp

citizen
citizen

June 6, 2008

I happened upon this site while searching the web and thought of you. The last time I saw you was at a holiday picnic at a mutual friends house. I remember you telling all of us that you joined the Massillon PD and that you were having a child. I also remember your excitement as you spoke of your family and your new truck....lol!!. Even though we only had a chance to be in each others presence briefly over the years I want you to know that I appreciate you and all your Brothers at Arms (Police Officers) for your sacrifice. I also want you to know that you will be sorely missed. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. R.I.P.

D. Robinson
Friend of ET

January 26, 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 3, 2008