Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

God bless you brother, I have seen too many fine young officers pay the supreme sacrifice in my 36 years in Law Enforcement. Like the Troopers before you,(Cogdill, Taylor) and many others you will never be forgotten.

Commander Ken Gregory(ret)
Orange County Sheriff'S Office Florida

July 14, 2008

God Speed Brother... we commend and honor your sacrafice!!!

#101
EPPD MN

July 14, 2008

Rest in peace brother. You will be missed.

Officer David Campbell
Grover Police Dept. NC

July 12, 2008

Shawn...
Its been almost a month since you were taken away from all of us who care about you and for those of us left behind its not getting any easier. There is an empty space left in my heart for you. I miss hearing you on the radio and everything else. You were such a great person and it just doesnt seem fair. I try not to question God on things that he does but in situations like this its so hard. I cried for you again this morning and all the pain was there again. I know you are in a better place and walking a better beat but man you are so missed down here. Keep your hands around all of us who love you and keep your eyes on all your brothers and sisters who are still walking the beat here on earth.
WE MISS YOU SO MUCH!

OAIV-G4, Jennifer Hodge
NCSHP

July 12, 2008

Family of officer who was killed in line of duty. I am so sorry for you and your family. I will pray for you all and now especially your baby. Please know their alot of people who have you in their thoughts and prayers. I lost my husband back in 98 sweety, its very hard...but with the Lord you will get through this with his help. He gives you strength. Your husband was a very courageous man! He did what he loved to do. I am again so very sorry. Just know their is strength in numbers and somehow its tough, but you will get through this and God will be with you.

Online friend!
In Pennsylvania. Brenda

Brenda Stover
caring person

July 10, 2008

Our agency sends out to the members of Blanton Family our deepest feelings of sorrow and regret and hearing of Trooper Blanton's murder. We hope that you will have overwhelming support from your community and friends during this terrible time. Nothing can ease the suffering you are going through, but we stand with you.

Lieutenant James Bond
Albemarle County Police Department, Virginia

July 10, 2008

all gave some,some gave all,it was not in vain,your passion for life has been renewed in all who knew and loved you.

a friend
coworker

July 10, 2008

As I woke up today I knew this was going to be a good day. I worked graveyard lastnight and like always I woke up to several text messages. As i read the one from Rodney like everygame day i could not hold the tear back as I thought of how our little pre game warm up went evry game. Shawn I miss you more everyday. Now that deer season is coming up I know that you will be guiding me as I can hopefully take Jesse with me. Lets go get ready to play some ball. this season is yours!

William Benhart
Waynesville P.D.

July 9, 2008

I did not know you personally but I felt compelled to write this on your behalf. As an officer we put on our badge everyday and go to work knowing the sacrifices that we are willing to make. I think that deep down we all think that It won't happen to me - yet still have that little voice that won't stop saying, It has to happen to someone. Everyday I put on that badge my thoughts were often not on the day ahead but on the things in my life that might never be the same if I were to not come home. My children, my husband, my family. There is a deep fear in law enforcement that comes not only from the chances we take and the decisions we make but also the feelings of "that could have been me." Everytime I hear of a fallen officer I pray that it will be the last for even one to be taken from us is far too many.

I have heard nothing but great things about you and it saddens my heart that someone could take such a fine person from our community without thought or reservation. You paid the ultimate sacrifice for your family, your friends, your coworkers and people in your community. A lot that you didn't even know, but somehow I don't think that mattered to you at all. I grieve for you and the missed opportunities of this life that you will not know. I rejoice in the fact that you got a chance to see your son and know the joy that comes from being a parent and thinking your child is the most perfect thing in the world and by far the greatest accomplisment you ever made. I regret that your wife will have to find a way to raise your child without help from his father. She lost a husband, a parent for her child and her best friend. The wife of a law enforcement officer in me cries out for her and what she must be going through. I pray that God will bless her with peace in knowing that you are still there with her looking over her and Ty and keeping them safe. You will watch over both of them and guide them with your spirit. I also pray for her to have the knowledge that she is not alone and that there are many many people out here that are here for her in whatever capacity she needs if only she asks. I pray that God blesses your child and gives him the gift of your smile, your humility, your courage, and your grace. May he forever be a testament to you and what you stood for and believed in and carry on your memory to his children and grandchildren. I know that he will grow up knowing everything about you and I know he will be so proud to know that his Daddy was the greatest hero of them all.

Trooper Blanton may you forever be engraved in the hearts of your family, friends, and coworkers. You have served us well and it is time to hand your beat over to another and start your new assignment patroling the streets of heaven.

God bless you. God bless your wife, your son, your family, friends, and brothers in gray and blue. You will forever be missed.

SPO Laura McCulloch
Retired Asheville Police Officer

July 8, 2008

God bless the highway patrol, one night i had a (10-38, man with a gun) all other county units were busy, so i was getting ready to go to this call by myself, when i heard one of the troopers in the county come over the radio and ask where i was, so that he can meet me and we would go to the call together, even though i didnt know you, im sure if u would have been the trooper you would have done the same for me, rest in peace brother...

DEPUTY, NC

July 8, 2008

While I did not know Trooper Blanton, I was stunned to learn of his death. When a person that works in law enforcement dies in the line of duty, its something to pause and reflect that the next person to die could be me or someone I work with.

As a law enforcement officer, I know that our line of work attracts certain people and not everyone is attracted to a job to where it may take your life at any time. However, Trooper Blanton answered the call of duty and became a Trooper because he felt it was his duty. His call to arms is reminiscent of that of the prophet Isaiah, who said "Here am I, send me" when God called him into service with the SHP and the call to respond to the incident.

To the family, I wish you the peace that passeth all understanding through The Lord our God. I know its been around a month since the passing of your beloved, but always know that God is right beside you in everything you do. His arms are long enough to comfort you when you're sad, his words are still and small enough to where he speaks sweet peace at all times, and that his countenance is always bright enough to smile upon you always.

Be not too sad of heart,
God shares all your sorrows.
He will bring you peace of mind,
And brighten your tomorrow.

Lean heavily upon our Lord,
Love and comfort He will give to you.
In his arms He’ll ever hold you,
And fill you with the spirit to live.

Correctional Officer J.D. Franklin
NC Dept. of Correction - Division of Prisons, Avery-Mitchell CI

July 8, 2008

It is now almost a month since you were taken. I drive by the place where you were taken on my way to work and then back. Each time, I pray for your wife and the baby and I pray that your killer's sixth amendment right to a speedy trial will be observed, so that justice will be swift and your family can try to heal.
You will not be forgotten and your death was not in vain.

Mission RN

July 7, 2008

I received an email asking for prayer for David's wife and son that was premature. I just wanted David's wife to know that she and Tye are in my prayers. I pray for God to give you strength, understanding, comfort during this tragic time. I pray for a miraculous healing for Tye in the name of Jesus.

Through the Cross,
Lollie from Texas

Lollie
email prayer request

July 7, 2008

My daddy is a State Trooper in Franklin, NC and had met Trooper Blanton. He said that he was a wonderful young man and was possibly going to be transferring to Franklin. I pray that my dad comes home everyday that he works and I can't begin to imagine what would happen if he didn't!

Trista Michele Henry

July 6, 2008

Mrs. Blanton & Baby Tye,
My strength, prayers, Condolences, and thoughts go out to both of you. I am so sorry but hope that you both realize what a beautiful angel you have watching over you. May God bless you both and may Tye feel much better. I will continue to keep you and yours #1 in my prayers!!!
Regards,
Marina Redfearn, Hampstead, NC

Marina Redfearn & Family
Civilian

July 6, 2008

I met Tpr Blanton only once. He had truly amazing powers. Did you know he could fly? Yes, he had the superpower to stretch out his arms and sail through the air like a graceful bird. He only used a patrol car because it was required by North Carolina Statute 503.33-A-8-11.25001K.

Goodbye, little Indian Boy

Thomas Garrister

July 3, 2008

Rest in Peace Brother. We are proud to call you Brother and thank you for your service, faithfulness and dedication to duty. May God Bless and comfort your wife, son and family as they face these hard times and grieve for their loss.

Bob Johnson U.S. Marshal's (Ret'd)
Blue Knights VA-XVIII

July 3, 2008

Each night I close my eyes and here the breathtaking sound of the radio beeping and Asheville checking G540 10-42 the day I stood by your graveside with so many others.Most nights I even here that in my sleep.You are a true hero, and each of us that wears the uniform will keep you in our hearts.Thank you for the amazing life you gave for all of us.Baby Tye has so many people fighting for him, as does the rest of your family.I am proud of the man you are, and what you brought to the NC Highway Patrol.You were truely taken from the black and grey way too early.

JLH
NC Police Officer

July 3, 2008

"He Answered The Call"

Today in the sun, I bid him farewell
A man, a hero, i never knew well

Like many before him, who answered the call
Wearing a badge, he was destined to fall

Though by choice a long life and happy old age
Would he have chosen, had he written the page

But the office he chose never promised long life
Just half of his salary, for his child and his wife

He went without fear, into the darkness of night
Bringing comfort to some, to some others light

Easing their pain and calming their fears
He did his duty, never asking for cheers

A husband, a cop, he answered the call
We bid him farewell for he gave his all.

Wife of LEO

July 3, 2008

To the friends, family and law enforcement families of shawn blanton.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. i know all to well how you feel and the tough times that you are dealing with now. just remember shawn is watching over you.

Sincerely,

Wife of a LEO

wife of LEO

July 2, 2008

We thank you for all your years of service.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the friends, family, and co-workers of Trooper Blanton.

Police Wives Online

July 2, 2008

I just learned of your loss and the terrible struggle Tye is having. I don't know you but I care very much. My son wants to be a State Trooper here in WV. I respect that but I also fear for his safety. May God be with you and your son. Please know that folks all over are praying for you. I got a prayer request via Email this morning. I forwarded that to several others and I am sure they will forward as well. God Bless you give you strength and restore your little one to good health.

Shelley Stubbs
Caring citizen

July 2, 2008

I HAD THE HONOR OF WORKING WITH NC HIGHWAY PATROL AS A DETENTION OFFICER AT WATAUGA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. THE MEN & WOMEN I WORKED WITH WERE GREAT PEOPLE & IF PATROLMAN BLANTON WAS ANYTHING LIKE THEM, HIS PRESENCE WILL SURELY BE MISSED.

REID E. EMANATIAN
SARATOGA COUNTY (NY) SHERIFF'S OFFICE

CORRECTION OFFICER REID E. EMANATIAN

July 2, 2008

My heart and prayers go out to David's wife and their family and friends. We will all pray for you and especially for your son to get well soon.
God Bless
Karen Blanchette

Karen Blanchette
none

July 2, 2008

RIP Brother. God Bless the thin Blue Line

Cpl. Robert L. Padgett ( Ret. )
Charles County Sheriff's Office, Md.

July 2, 2008