Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To this day, my heart still breaks at the thought of losing one of the most terrific, respectable people this Tribe has ever known. Shawn was a great friend to me and many others. He is truly missed by us. He was the most beautiful person, inside and out. I will always love him for all that he ever did not only to me, but to hundreds of other people around. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, God Bless all of you guys! I love yunz! Shawny will be truly missed.
As Always, Thoughts and Prayers,
Sissy Lossiah

Anonymous

September 12, 2008

To the family and friends of Trooper Blanton and the members of the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Trooper Blanton was tragically murdered.

To Shawn's family, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in the Bay Area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I know you will receive the same support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace.

I first read about Shawn a few days ago, and his death affected me a lot emotionally. Michela, as I watched your interview, tears streamed down my face because what you are enduring with such strength and grace is almost beyond comprehension. My family is praying for Baby Tye, another little warrior engaged in a difficult struggle.

To Shawn's parents, I share your anquish in the loss of a beloved son, and know that it is like no other grief you have experienced. My son Larry was fatally shot and died on April 24, 2005, a day that our lives changed forever. Larry was a proud North Carolina native, and we still have a lot of family there. You, along with the Cherokee Nation, must have been so proud of Shawn's many accomplishments.

Heaven may have another hero, but how I wish it wasn't so. In reading his reflections, I can see that Shawn was an amazing man, and his memory will be forever honored and revered.

I also pray for justice for Shawn, his family and friends, and his agency for this brutal murder.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Shawn gave to his community and the citizens of North Carolina, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on June 17, 2008.


Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD (CA), eow 4/24/05

Anonymous

September 10, 2008

Shawn,
I sit here at work and have had you on my mind alot these past few weeks. We lost another brother in grey yesterday and it really hit close to home again. Although this loss came from different circumstances it still brought up all the greif that I thought I had delt with from you being taken from us so quickly that night in June. I sat at home last night and could not get you off my mind so I wrote a poem about your sacrifice. Called Troopers Last Night. Welcome your brother in Grey, Trooper Stokes with open arms and keep watching over all your brothers and sisters here on earth who still wear the badge.

Troopers Last Night

He put his gun on his side
and polished all his brass
made sure his shoes were shining
and his car was full of gas

He's not your average person
there's a badge upon his chest
he walks out of home at night
knowing he may have to arrest

He checks on by the radio
that’s always on his side
he doesn't know the voice he hears
but starts his evening ride

His car is black and silver
to him its not a toy
he earned it the day he graduated
it is his pride and joy

He offered to take the call
that no one else would take
it was a reckless driver
that he thought would be a fake

He stopped that truck tonight
not knowing it was his last
the driver just went crazy
but this trooper stayed steadfast

He didn't get to say goodbye
to the family that he loved so dear
the only thing his family got
were words of sorrow and drear

He was killed in the line of duty today
and walks a different beat
it’s in a set of streets
where he will never face defeat

If you are not in our brotherhood
you may not understand
the kind of pain we feel
when we loose a special man

Written By Jennifer Hodge ©
In Memory Of Fallen NC Trooper David Shawn Blanton EOW 06-17-2008

Jennifer Hodge-OAIV
NC Highway Patrol, G4

September 10, 2008

Trooper Blanton - You have a wife with extreme strength and a son with strength to match. We read today that Tye made it through his surgery at Duke - Praise God! We will continue to pray for your wife, Tye, your entire family and your SHP family. Thank you for your service to the community in which we live. Blanton family - you are continually in our prayers.

The Houston Family
WNC Citizens

September 9, 2008

My heart truly goes out to your family Trooper Blanton. My family prays for your baby boy Tye every night. My heart aches for your wife. As a mother of a young baby, and a wife of a patrol officer... I feel her pain. Please RIP and know that the LEO family is looking after your wife and son.

God Bless you.

Wife of LEO, NC

September 9, 2008

Today I thought of you like I do nearly every day. I see your picture and think why?? But I can't do that. I was in Edneyville when I heard about what happened. Someone said you had just been there a few weeks prior. Being a wife to a Trooper and an officer myself it hit too close to home. I did not know you but being apart of the NCSHP family it hurt and hurt bad. I think about your wife often. She is being so strong for Ty. I will not ask why any longer and just think about your sacrifice. Thank you for that. I pray that you watch over my husband and all the other Troopers and officers out there. Let you protect us each day as we have to still fight the fight. It is sad and pathetic that there are people out there with such hate in them to want to hurt one of us. Your wife and son will be in our prayers daily. She will forever be apart of the NCSHP family. Rest assure.
God Bless the Blanton's. Shawn you are a true hero.

Anonymous

August 30, 2008

IT IS A TERRIBLE SHAME THAT SOMEONE DECIDED IT WAS TIME FOR YOUR LIFE TO END. WE ALL FACE THE SAME DANGER EACH TIME WE CHECK-ON DUTY, BUT WE DO IT BECAUSE IT IS IN OUR BLOOD. THIS IS THE TIE THAT BINDS. GOD BLESS!!

OFC. J.M.CARTER
BENSON,NC P.D.

August 26, 2008

To you and your family,
First may I say that Trooper Blanton, you are a true hero that has made the ultimate sacrifice. You have left behind so many that will honor you now, and for many years to come. Tho my family and I did not have the pleasure of meeting you in person, we know that you were a very brave man with a strong zest for life. To your brother, I as a sister to a fallen officer, feel your loss. I wish I had some magic words to ease your heart. I still, every day, speak of Jeff, think of him, and miss him more than I could ever explain. So I will think of you and your brother and pray for you to feel better. To your Mom, Dad and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I know it is so hard to be without someone that you love and admire so very much. To your wife and baby Ty: God is with all of you and Ty is a fighter. I know that Shawn is with you guys every second of every minute. May God Bless and keep you all. Again, you are in our thoughts and prayers. "No greater a love is there, than of a man who lays his life down for another". I leave you with these words, because they are true and deserved. Shawn please tell my brother, we miss him. I know the two of you have already met, for heaven holds a place for all heroes like you.
Thinking of you and your family
Susan,Bill and Pat Hewitt

susan hewitt

August 20, 2008

Through out my career Ive watched my fellow brothers die for "our" cause. Its what we do. Being a father and a husband, the only thing that scares me about leaving this world is leaving my family. Not death nor the pain associated with it. I heard of Trooper Blanton, (G-540) and it enraged me. Rage still burns inside for the loss of a dedicated brother, and for a child who has to live without their daddy. I am alot like Trooper Blanton. Ive spent 8 years of my life as a Police Officer and not too long after Trooper Blanton was slain by a scumbag, I decided to apply for the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Right now G-540's death drives me, anger or pride dont know which one it is right now, but he will live on at least through me. I pray that its God's will is for me to be a Trooper. I "WILL NEVER FORGET" when that scumbag took one of our brothers in such a cold hearted way. G-540 the following years are for you as I train to fill a very big set of Patent Leather boots. Failure is not an option and I pray that you can see that you are not forgotten and will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Brother, the fight here will continue, "Give Them Nothing But Take From Them Everything"...............

Police Officer
Brother in Arms, upcomming Trooper

August 20, 2008

I can't help but remember the sadness that I felt the morning I came in to work and learned of your senseless murder. I remember the anger and hate that I felt for your killer and the sense of revenge that I needed but then I said that Shawn wouldn't want that. He would want me to make sure that justice was done and his killer be brought to trial. We always backed each other up and I am sorry that I wasn't there for you that night. I know that God has a plan for you and your family and that your time had come, no matter if I had been there or not. I am glad that He let you see Tye before He took you Home, now we are here to help bring Tye up in this world. You are greatly missed by everyone and especially by your friends and family. Godspeed my Brother.
Jeff

Officer Jeff Howell
Clyde Police Dept

August 14, 2008

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATED SERVICE TO OUR CHOSEN PROFESSION.

SINCERELY,
CPL. JON LOWDER
UNION COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
MONROE, NORTH CAROLINA

CPL. JON LOWDER
UNION COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

August 10, 2008

Well Brother for some reason today has been one of those days where I cant get you off my mind. I miss you even though I know your in the car with me looking over my shoulder and guiding me as I approach a car. Today has been a hard day and I miss you Shawn oh so much.

William Benhart
Waynesville P.D.

August 2, 2008

Shawn,
Tomorrow I will again ride my motorcycle in support of Michaela & Tye and in memory of you. You would be so proud of your lovely wife. She has been forced to endure more emotional/mental stress in the last month than someone should have to deal with in most of a lifetime and she still is able to smile that beautiful smile when she talks about you! I know you are doing your best from heaven to comfort her & guide her. She & Tye are always in my prayers. Give Calvin a hug for me!

Denise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin Taylor

July 25, 2008

My heart and prayers go out to Trooper Blanton's family as well as to the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Rest in Peace.

K-9 Officer Scott Oelke
Broken Arrow Police - Oklahoma

July 24, 2008

I remembered you from working part of your patrol school. The news of your death saddened me and reminded me of the danger we face doing this "job" you have to love to do. However nothing hit home like hearing you had a newborn still in the hospital. My daughter was born three weeks before your son. I thank God you were able to see your son born before you were taken. I will pray for your son's health and his release to go home with your wife. Rest in peace.

Trueblood Family
NC Highway Patrol

July 23, 2008

You paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting the people you served and it will never be forgotten. To the family, friends and fellow officers, my prayers are with you.

Shanna
Tulare County District Attorney's Office and wife of a police officer

July 21, 2008

My thoughts and prayers go out to Michaela and Tye and the rest of Shawn's family, you are often in my thoughts and always in my prayers. I dont think I ever had the chance to tell Shawn but He made the family proud and I myself had the greatest respect for him in doing the job he did, and not only his job as a Highway Patrol Officer, Shawn did many jobs and he did them all equally well from what I am hearing from a wide range of people from co-workers to Ball Players he coached to people he played ball with. He will always live in our thoughts and prayers.

Kenneth Randall Owle
Family

July 20, 2008

My families thoughts and prayers are with you Michela,Tye and all of Shawn's family and friends. I know you are so proud of Shawn. I did not know Shawn but I have heard so much good about him through my close family. My nephew was a good friend of Shawn's. When I have lost someone close to me the following poem written by Mary Frye in 1932 has helped me.

"Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep"

Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow;
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain;
I am in the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush;
I am in the graceful rush.
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I do not die.

I will continue to pray for all of law enforcement along with all who have jobs that put their lives on the line. Michela, Shawn gave the ultimate sacrifice and I know it is so hard for you but know his death was not in vain. God has his reasons and we may never know why, but take comfort in the love you have.

Caryn Kovac
Haywood Couty Resident

July 18, 2008

Junior,
It's been over a month now and myself and Jeff talk about you every night, you always would come through the County and we would always talk about how you were trying to get one last one before you went home. I will admit that it has took some time for me and Jeff to get back in the swing of things. But slowly we are and everytime I stop a car there is always a though of you goes through my mind and it makes myself even more cautious and now our person policy is no one stops a car without one of us being close by. You have made a difference in our lives and I when things don't feel right about a car you are right there in the car looking over my shoulder helping me settle down and keep focused on the most important part of the job.. Going home... Junior you are home keep looking over our shoulders....Miss you Junior.

K-9 Deputy

July 17, 2008

My Thoughts and Prayers go out to you and your family. Shine down on those officers of Haywood County and surrounding areas keeping them safe. Not only them but all service members whether it be in Waynesville or in IRAQ. We are all one big family. Rest IN Peace!!

Ryan Cutshaw
Department of the ARMY

July 17, 2008

Although we never had a chance to personally meet, you are a brother who paid the ultimate price. Your sacrifice was not in vein and you will not be forgotten. Our prayers are with your family.

May you rest in peace.

Lieutenant
A NC Police Agency

July 17, 2008

Although we never had a chance to personally meet, you are a brother who paid the ultimate price. Your sacrifice was not in vein and you will not be forgotten. Our prayers are with your family.

May you rest in peace.

Lieutenant
A NC Police Agency

July 17, 2008

I did not know Trooper Blanton, but my heart and prayers go out to his family. To his parents i say it is very hard to lose a son, i know because my died in 2000 and was only 35 years of age. it has left a big hole in my heart and you will never get over it but you will be able to live with it. keep him alive by talking about him to every one that will listen. it helps you to do so and remember the good and funny things he said or did. To his wife and child i will keep you in my prayers for Tye will be a blessing to you and will keep you centered on him right now. Bless you and my God put his loving arms around you and keep you safe.
lay all your problems at his feet and leave them there as the Lord will take care of them, you and your precious son.

Ms. Jerry B. Lewis
none

July 16, 2008

May God give you rest and your family peace.

Special Agent
Virginia State Police

July 16, 2008

Your sacrifice is not forgotten. May you rest in peace brother.

FCO R.J.Pike
Raleigh Police Department

July 16, 2008