Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Tuesday marks 32 years since I received the phone call from my Mother. You’re as much in my heart and prayers today as you were those many years ago. You’ll always be in my heart and mind.

Dan Johnson
Family Friend

March 19, 2018

I was working at Oak Cliff Bank and Trust Company at the time with Garys' mom, Violet Steward. Through this lovely lady I was able to meet Gary and found out that he was a collage roommate of one of my high school classmates, David Black.

The Blair and Steward Family will always remain in my memories.

Clarence Nash
Friend

September 6, 2016

Today marks 30 years since the tragic murder of our beloved brother and brother-in-law. Each time we hear that an officer has been injured or killed in the line of duty, we are reminded of the sacrifice they and their family make each day protecting and serving. We are proud that Gary influenced our son to become a police officer and for him to marry an officer. Rest in peace Gary. We miss you.

Jim and Darla Ziegler
Bother-in-law and sister

March 20, 2016

30 years ago I received the most horrible news of my life. Even though I've been able to "visit" you in Grand Prairie and DC, its as hard today as it was that day. I've never forgotten you...I never will.

Dan Johnson
Childhood Friend

March 20, 2016

Gary.... I think of you often. You have not been forgotten. I will always remember that horrible day I received the news. God speed my dear friend.

Kristie Scarbrough
friend

June 23, 2015

39 years Gary, but I'll never forget you...nor will anyone else that ever knew you. I think about you often...and always will...RIP.

Dan Johnson
Childhood Friend

March 19, 2015

Gary Blair was a member of my Sunday School class and we played on the church softball team together. I often think about Gary and how he served all of us. I greatly appreciate Gary Blair and all of the men and women that serve as police officers. The police officers have to do their best to control the situation during an arrest. If they die during an attempted arrest, who will then protect us from that criminal that has a gun except for another police officer? I want the police officer to be able to go home to their family every day. Thank you, Gary Blair! May God Bless Your Family and Bless Your Soul! Thank you!

Randy Miller
Friend

January 19, 2015

It is hard to believe it was so long ago that you were shot down in the prime of your life. I worked with you at First Texas Bank and you were a good friend and a good person. After you were killed I learned that you grew up with my husband's family in Grand Prairie the Johnsons. Your mother and my husband's aunt were best friends and attended the same church. I visited with your Mother at several functions we attended.

I always have spoken about you to my children who were very small when you died. We were in Washington DC last year and my son and his fiancé said they had a present for me. They handed me a scroll of paper and on it was a pencil tracing "Gary Reeves Blair" from the police memorial in Washington DC. I broke down in tears, to everyone's surprise and even to myself. They had no idea it would have meant so much. It is wonderful to see you honored and I will never forget you.

Nikie Coston
Friend

October 30, 2014

Gary, another year has come and gone. I will NEVER forget the day Mother gave me the news. It's bee a tough year...lot's of officers lost...I know you are looking out for them. I'll never forget you...RIP my friend.

Dan Johnson
Childhood Friend

March 21, 2014

Another year, and you and your family are in my heart today as much as they were that afternoon on Zang and in the sad days that followed. Dan, Sean and I still talk and remember you and your sacrafice. God bless you and yours.

Steve Scholl #4459
Dallas Police Dept. 1980-1986

March 20, 2014

Gary Blair was a close personal friend. As a private investigator and Supervisor for Consolidated Security's Dallas Office, as well as a First Texas Bank part-time employee, I not only had a professional working relationship with Gary, who worked security at the bank, we had a very good friendship as well. On more than one occassion i went on approved ride-a-longs with Gary when he was on duty. Never, not once did Corporal Blair exhibit non-professional behavior. It is a fact that Gary had a sense of humor, enjoyed pranks and laughs, and having a good time..... gary was also a very ethical and principled man. On one ride-a-long call, an armed suspect somehow ended up in a position where he was 15-20 feet behind Gary who was searching for him on the premises. As an observer, I was required to remain in the vehicle for my safety, per protocol. As a commissioned private investigator, i was licensed to carry a concealed weapon and handcuffs ( I was a cop-wanna-be), which I had worn to the ride-a-long....in direct violation of policy... In fear for Gary's safety, i exited the vehicle and approached the suspect from behind. In short, I cornered the suspect,disarmed, and cuffed him while Gary approached from the other side. I do not know what "could" have happened that day, had I not done so......but I know this.....Gary filed the appropriate reports, I admitted my violations to police supervisors ( which resulted in my Police Academy Application withdrawal) and everyone went home alive that day.
Gary, although a very good friend, do NOT cover for me, nor make excuses for me. He acknowledged my actions probably avoided injury to someone....namely him....and he apologized for a very long time for reporting me. He had heart, compassion, and ethics which made hid badge shine greater than anything else. The day he died, I could not fathom the loss and to this day, I cannot figure out how Gary ended up in the position where he was shot with his own gun.....then I remembered one thing about him. His compassion and big heart PROBABLY caused him to attempt to be caring and considerate, and therefore not apprehensive towards his assailant. He PROBABLY was treating his assailant as a friend and totally off guard, when the assailant grabbed his gun and shot him in the neck.
Crime-Scene details bear this out to some degree. If Gary had been "dirty/corrupt" or whatever......the would have been a dead assailant with a few hard to explain facts. Gary gave him the benefit of the doubt, and it failed him...... Failed us. This still haunts me, bothers me to no end.....that Gary was even ACCUSED, when EVERYONE who knew him even a little, could tell you....Gary was an exemplary officer and friend.

Cdr Dale Biddy
Homeland Security-FEMA

March 11, 2014

I went to the Dallas Police Memorial this year - so many years since you died. I had my two middle children with me, Dalton Pasley 22 and Tara Pasley 19, both of whom want to wear the same badge you wore. I took a photo of your name and badge number on the memorial wall – again as well as others whom I had survived their deaths. Today, Dalton asked me a question about you. I found myself thinking back to so many years ago. I was 19 when I went to work for the Dallas City Jail. It was an eye-opener. The year I began was 1973. I knew you well. Many times officers did not really care much for the non-sworn employees; sometimes with good reason because they did not seem to love what they were doing. Gary, I loved what I did. You and so many hundreds of others helped a young, naive girl grow up. You were always so kind to me and never came to the jail w/o spending time talking. Now, all these years later, I am telling my kids about you - my friend - and how much you always meant to me. Your life will always matter. In our home we do two things - we serve our Lord and Savior and we honor our police. Thank you for being a part of the world that taught me a way of life I wanted to pass on to my family. I have my daughter Jennifer who is 33, and married to Justin Stewart. We were blessed with Dalton, Tara and 12 year old Colton nearly 13 years ago. I also have 2 grandchildren; Keaton and Zayla. They all know my loyalty and love for the Dallas Police Department. I spent 25 years there. It wasn’t always kind to me, but I never stopped loving it. I just wanted to come to this site and let you know that today, my friend Gary Blair was on my mind all day thanks to a 22 year old young man who wants to be a cop. But, you have been on my mind off and on for all of these years. The years when we were friends; and the years since some lowlife thugs cheated you out of your life. You will always remain alive and well in our home and hearts and one day, let’s get together and laugh in heaven. I hope you will watch over my kids who ultimately wear the badge. You will always be my hero.

Laura (Mae) Pasley non-sworn
Former non-sworn employee DPD 1973-1999

May 31, 2013

My thoughts and prayers remain with you and your family. On this 27th anniversary of your death, I sit here looking through my window lost in my thoughts when I hear your assist officer call in my mind like it is happening now...I relive the race to reach you, and Mike Gifford, Pat Genovese and I arriving to find you. I trust you rest in peace knowing that you and your sacrifice are not forgotten; and, that you continue to inspire we who were left behind.

Steve Scholl, Cpl. of Police #4459
Dallas Police Dept. 1980-1986

March 20, 2013

Another year come and gone...always in my heart, in my thoughts, and in my prayers. You will NEVER be forgotten.

Dan Johnson
Childhood Friend

March 20, 2013

Gary, twenty seven years ago you were cowardly attacked by two thugs. You put up one heck of a fight, and even though you were in great physical shape, its difficult to win a fight when one thug is kicking you and the other is fighting you and trying to take your weapon at the same time.
You are an inspiration to many and I will keep your memory alive for as long as I am alive. I hope your family, including your daughter who was only seven years old at the time, find comfort that Gary's memory is being kept alive. Rest in peace Gary.

Corporal Sean DeGrilla
Orange County Sheriff's Office, FL

March 20, 2013

Warrior and Hero!!!

Inspector

April 21, 2012

I can only echo the comments of Sean...there isn't a day that goes by that you aren't with me...I thank the Heavens above that there are those that keep the memories alive...

Dan Johnson
Family/Childhood Friend

March 20, 2012

Gary... I just received an email from Steve and Dan. In fact, I just spoke to Steve on the phone. We were talking about you and remembering your sacrifice. Unfortunately, most officers who were murdered 26 years ago rarely have those that actively keep their memory alive. I hope you and your family can rest assure that we will never forget Gary the man, the officer and the friend. You would have no doubt been retired and a grandfather by now, enjoying what life had to offer you and what you had to offer life. We honor you and thank you on this 26th anniversary of your sacrifice. You will never be forgotten as long as there is air in our lungs, hurt in our hearts and hope in your spirit. [email protected]

Corporal Sean DeGrilla
Orange County Sheriff's Office, FL

March 20, 2012

Gary, today marks 26 years. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, your friends and colleagues. I think of you, and them often. You continue to inspire and humble all of us.

Steven S. Scholl
Dallas PD #4459 (1980-1986)

March 20, 2012

You have not been forgotten. Thank you for your dedicated service to others. You are a true hero.

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

March 19, 2012

Thinking of you Gary on this Holiday...

Corporal Sean DeGrilla
Orange County Sheriff's Office

September 5, 2011

I have thought about you over the years, and reflecting back to our days in the academy. That was one wild ride, but we all made graduation. Sorry to say we lost contact being in different departments and then you were transfer to S.W. You had just arrived and this tragic incident occurred. Hope all is going well for your daughter. Rest in Peace.

Corporal Joyce B. Dudzinski
Dallas Police Department #4501

January 22, 2011

Gary, I just talked to Sean DeGrilla about his young deputy, Brandon Coates. I am typing this through tears....Your life and example continue to shed light and hope. God bless you and your family, and God bless you as you keep your Celestial Watch over those of us left here. Until we meet when I "double 6", know that you, our shared friends and your family are always in my heart and on my mind.

Steve Scholl
Dallas Police Dept. #4459 (1980-1986)

January 7, 2011

Gary,
I'm sure you know by now that a member of my squad, Brandon Coates, was shot and killed on 12/08/10. I was the first on my squad to reach Brandon after he was killed on his traffic stop. I'm also sure that Brandon is sitting next to you now. Brandon was an awesome deputy and I am very honored to be his supervisor. Please take care of Brandon up there and please watch over my squad and Brandon's wife, Virginia. We need you and Brandon now more than ever.

Corporal Sean DeGrilla
Orange County Sheriff's Office

December 17, 2010

Hey Gary....I was working the International Association of Chiefs of Police convention and I had an opportunity to talk to the current Dallas Police Chief. He was extremely surprised when I mentioned your name and Steven Scholl, the officer that tried in vain to save you. A smile and a look of surprise came to his face when those old memories came back to him. I could tell he was grateful that you are still being remembered so far away from Dallas. You are still not forgotten my friend. Rest easy.

Corporal Sean DeGrilla
Orange County Sheriff's Office, FL

October 25, 2010