Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thinking of you today, tomorrow, and always. Miss you!

Jennie Tomlin Phipps
Sister of Michael T. Blanton, EOW 1/29/03

January 29, 2012

Think about you all the time. Can't believe tomorrow marks nine years already. Miss you. You are not forgotten.

Maj Todd Talbott
USAF Security Forces

January 28, 2012

When I heard of Trooper Blanton's passing, I was in awe! I had just driven through that area about an hour and a half earlier where he would lose his life. I often wonder if things would have turned out differently had the timing of this event paralleled with my ride through that area. I know that things happen for reasons that are sometimes unknown to us but I will always have to wonder if the events would have unfolded differently if our timings had coincided. Even though I did not know him on a personal level, I knew of him. I recall seeing him in Booking, processing an arrest while I worked the control room of the Henrico jail. I attended the funeral in full uniform which was quite overwhelming. The sea of various colored uniforms representing agencies from coast to coast was astounding. I felt so honored to be a member of law enforcement and to be part of such a large family. This tragedy has ultimately affected my life more than I would admit on many levels. Rest in peace Trooper.

M. Martin
Former Henrico County Sheriff's Deputy

July 15, 2011

When I heard of Trooper Blanton's passing, I was in awe! I had just driven through that area about an hour and a half earlier where he would lose his life. I often wonder if things would have turned out differently had the timing of this event paralleled with my ride through that area. I know that things happen for reasons that are sometimes unknown to us but I will always have to wonder if the events would have unfolded differently if our timings had coincided. Even though I did not know him on a personal level, I knew of him. I recall seeing him in Booking, processing an arrest while I worked the control room of the Henrico jail. I attended the funeral in full uniform which was quite overwhelming. The sea of various colored uniforms representing agencies from coast to coast was astounding. I felt so honored to be a member of law enforcement and to be part of such a large family. This tragedy has ultimately affected my life more than I would admit on many levels. Rest in peace Trooper.

M. Martin
Former Henrico County Sheriff's Deputy

July 14, 2011

Rest easy brother, you will not be forgotten.

Deputy Alan Pennington
San bernardino county sheriff's dept

May 17, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 8th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

January 29, 2011

Mike,

I can't believe it's been eight years. Hardly a day goes by that I don't think of you. Thanks for your service, you are missed and not forgotten.

Capt Todd Talbott
USAF Security Forces

January 28, 2011

Michael:

I was honored to have known you! Spenser is growing up to be a fine young man. Maggie and I talk about you often and what you meant to so many young lives. Rest in Peace.

Emily Mitchell Skinner

October 19, 2010

Happy Birthday Brother, you are not forgotten. Miss you.

Capt Todd Talbott
USAF Security Forces

June 6, 2010

We pause to remember you and your family in honor of National Police Week. Your service and sacrafice will never be forgotten.

Tony & Kelly Chambers
Neighbor

May 11, 2010

Hey Mike,
Well another year has gone by...everybody still misses you. We had another good turn out for your rememberance today. I'm sure you were watching. Spencer is turning out to be a fine young man and appears to be doing well and will go far. All of us old guys were there today to lift you up and there were some new faces there that you should look out for too. As i said out there today, as long as I'm in this county I won't miss your day. Tell the big man I said hello and we'll see you when the time comes.

To Dana,
We missed you out there today but I completely understand. Just know that your extended family will always be there for you if you need us, and we are just a call away. God bless.

Marcel

Sgt. M.J. Cloutier
Henrico Police

January 30, 2010

Mike, we will never forget. We miss you everday!

Specail Agent Allen Cooke
Virginia State Police

January 28, 2010

Happy Birthday brother. Thinking of and missing you. You are not forgotten...

Capt Todd Talbott
USAF SF

June 5, 2009

Forgive me for missing the anniversary of your E.O.W., but I felt as though I could not continue to read about so many tragedies. I now realize the visit each day to leave a word of encouragement and hope to the loved ones of others, helps me to remember that I am not alone with my pain and heartbreak. So may I say to your friends and loved ones that my thoughts and prayers are with them now and always. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol and may they know you will never be forgotten.

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

February 23, 2009

You did alot in your young life and I hope that you knew Jesus
personally. There is none greater than Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We don't get to Heaven based on what we do,but what He did for us!! AMEN! Thank you for your fine example to those that worked with you and knew you. There is now a huge void that cannot be filled, but as you are remembered, thoughts will turn to your exemplary life and we will be filled with pride and respect and love for the man you became. You were a wonderful testimony to the Lord you served. God be with all those who mourn and may His promises lift all those with heavy hearts for many years to come. May the Lord watch over Dana and Spencer as they trust in Him.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

January 29, 2009

Thinking of you on this day and all of your loved ones and those close to you. Continue to keep watch over all of them. You are a true hero and your memory will never be forgotten.

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

January 29, 2009

Each time I pass that spot I think of you and your family. Please know that you will not be forgotten.

A VA Citizen

Anonymous

January 29, 2009

6 years has gone by so fast. I still remember that morning. I hope that you have found peace and that your family finds some comfort in the memorial today. Although we never met in person, I will never forget you.

ER Nurse

January 29, 2009

Mike,

I still think of you daily and fondly remember all the laughing we did and good times we had together. I know you are looking after all of us down here. I miss you brother!!!

Capt Todd Talbott
USAF SF

January 28, 2009

Mike,

I was leaving another reflection for a fallen brother on the 7th anniversary of his death. As I completed it, it got me thinking of you. I know it's a few months away from your anniversary, but I just wanted to say to you that I haven't forgotten about you. Thanks for being a hero of mine Mike! I miss you and I love you. God Bless.

Off. Brian A. McEwen
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department

September 16, 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 8, 2008

Mike,

Was thinking about you today. I miss you bud. I often wonder if your with me while I'm on patrol during the evening, watching out for me. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't wish that you were out there as well, but I know that you are now on eternal patrol, looking out for us. Thanks again for your sacrafice and your service.

To Dana and Spencer: Please know that Mike was the best, not only in the USAF where we served together, but in his job and everything he chose to do. I hope and pray that you are doing well.

God Bless You Mike

Officer Brian A. McEwen
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department

February 20, 2008

Mike,

Hey brother, it's hard to believe it has been 5 years already. I think of you every day and pray that Dana and Spenser have found peace without you. I drive by your old place often and remember the good times we had while you and Dana were living here. Know that you are not forgotten and you are greatly missed.

Capt Todd Talbott
USAF Security Forces

February 1, 2008

Hello Brother,

It's been 5 years now but still not a day goes by that I don't think about that night. Thanks for looking out for all of us down here in the trenches.

To Dana & Spencer,

I'm sorry that I could not be there today for you and the VSP family but please know that you all are still in our thoughts & prayers. Stay strong.

Marcel Cloutier
Henrico PD

Sgt. M.J. Cloutier
Henrico County Police

January 29, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 26, 2008