Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Shawn,
It's been 7 years dude and let me tell ya it still stings! I have been reading the reflections on this page since the night after it happened and I have never been able to leave my own. I've never been able to find the words...I didn't know you as a Trooper. I knew you as the super sweet, silly guy in high school that was friends with literally EVERYONE! I remember us being silly and goofing off at Health Occupations Students of America competitions and at pep rallies! You were always there. You were always smiling and laughing. I still treasure the silly graduation card you gave and the little notes. I am only one of so many, many people that are so proud to have called you "friend". I am proud beyond words of the person that you were! Please know that you have not and will never, ever be forgotten. The light that you shined on every person that knew you continues to shine. I love you my dude! Rest in Peace #5, G-540

Tina Morris
Friend

June 16, 2015

I never knew you personally but I heard so many great things about you from Jason. You were taken away from us way too soon but your amazing wife is still here and is an absolute inspiration to everyone she meets!!! I can't believe it's been 6 years but I know you and Tye are doing great things up in heaven and watching over all of your brothers and sisters that are still down here. FOREVER G540 !!!!

Valerie Singalevitch
NCSHP, WSO & Trooper Wife

June 17, 2014

REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND

MASTER TROOPER/D-142
NCSHP/ D142

June 3, 2014

Missing you always, Shawn.

Barbara Jones
survivor

May 9, 2014

I had never met you
But I knew well, your family name
Tonight, I cried for you
And I didn't feel ashamed

I was on patrol that night
40 miles away
When came the awful news...
Trooper Down, I heard the radio say

I hit the Highway hard and fast
Not really knowing what to do...
In all the chaos over the radio
I heard "suspect 10-72 (in custody)

I stopped the car, at wounded knee bridge
My anger raged inside
I felt cold, I felt hot, I felt numb
As I sat there and cried...

I tried to make some sense of it
As I sat there all alone
Why you were taken from us?
Why now, were you gone?

It came to me in an instant
Like a flash of silver light
God must have needed a Trooper
To patrol the streets so bright

James G Jones Asst Police Chief
Bryson City Police

September 22, 2013

My wife and I were honored to visit and remember my Brother at his roadside memorial on I-40 this past Thursday. We will never forget!

Rest in Peace Trooper Blanton (G-540)

Sergeant Ricky Parks
Rocky Mount Police Department, NC.

April 20, 2013

Thank you Sir for your Heroism, I know you are with your son in hevan doing father things. May both of you RIP and never forgotten.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

September 10, 2012

I am a nurse, and am honoring you and your fallen hero on this day. Even though we'll never meet, I feel a connection to our public service comrades, having met so many of them thru emergency room duty. Especially sad to learn of your loss of Tye, so young, so much promise. I know that David and Tye are together in heaven, and sharing this Father's Day in a special way. I hope that you and your families have found peace. Jeanne Craig, MSN in Michigan

Jeanne, MSN, RNC
Only in recognition of public service

June 17, 2012

Tonight we dedicate our shift to you brother. You will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Jason Slaughter
Radford City Police Department

June 17, 2012

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones and close friends on this day. Continue to keep watch over all of them. You have not been forgotten.

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

June 17, 2012

rest in peace and may god bless you trooper

Lt. J.P.
B.P.D.

June 17, 2012

Trooper Blanton Jr,

The past two days I've had the privilege to sit in class and learn about Officer Safety from Trooper Kirk Hensley of your agency. Trooper Hensley shared many stories with us but yours really touched my heart. My body turned numb as he described what happened and your current situation at that time. I’ve never met you, but as I read all the past reflections you were an amazing Trooper. God bless you and your family. Thank you for serving.

Officer Pete Picciurro
Fairview Township Police, Pa

May 23, 2012

You are not forgotten

Trooper Kevin G Barringer
NCSHP

March 22, 2012

Rest In Peace Brother Blanton.

Sgt. Jarrod Wilson / K9 Officer
West Virginia Division Of Corrections

March 6, 2012

Every time I pass the spot where you were taken from your family I can't help but think of the time I heard of your passing. I was sitting in a BLET class with some of your dear friends, thinking this could easily happen to one of us someday. But we must serve and find strength in those who have passed before us. Rest in Peace Trooper Blanton and Baby Tye.

Detention Officer
MCSO

December 17, 2011

I was at Trooper Blanton's funeral service and what a powerful service it was! I myself was in my second year as an officer and his death just reiterated to me the dangers of the profession. His death also hit so close to home being that it happened fairly local to where I work. I pray that all is well with the family after 3 years now and that God has blessed them. RIP our brother!

Patrolman Chris Shepherd
Spindale Police Dept.

September 7, 2011

Well my brother tonight is the first night I have had to work in 3 years and it just plain f!@#$%g hurts. I have fought tears all night wondering when I am just gonna break down and let lose. It has been a long time since I have had a night this bad. I know you are holding Tye looking down on me LAUGHIN cause I am at the point of tears but I just miss you my brother. I miss you badly Shawn! I know we will be together in heaven one of these days but I really just wish you were here. I know I am being selfish, but we just had tooooo much fun brother. Okay enough of my sobbing it's time to do some arrest reports. God speed Shawn Blanton I love you my brother!!!!

Senior Patrol Officer William Benhart
Best friend

June 18, 2011

"Me Minus You"


Nothing can change that one fateful night,
For once in our lives, we lost the fight.

We spoke about this, and it somehow came true.
I was hurt pretty bad, but nothing like you.

The night should have ended like the rest of them did,
With a pat on the shoulder and a farewell bid.

We didn't have a chance to say our goodbyes,
I knew you were gone when I looked in your eyes.

What brought us together is what ripped us apart.
I can't keep my mind straight, and it's hurting my heart.

From two different worlds we came to be Blue.
It's hard to move on, with me minus you.

Not much at all feels the same anymore,
Each day I wish you would walk through the door.

My wounds have all healed on the surface it's true,
Yet it tears me apart just thinking of you.

I couldn't go to your service that day.
The world's not allowed to see me this way.

You were my partner then, and my angel now.
I need to carry on, I'm just not sure how.

Give me the same strength you did here on earth.
Your weight in gold is what you were worth.

I beg you to help me from Heaven above.
Please send me a piece of your brotherly love.

Written by:

Eric DeRenzis;

I love and miss you my Brother. I still hear your laugh in the back of my mind and feel your hand on my shoulder when i need it. I still think about the great idea we had to breed my Malinois with your pitbull, and chuckle about it as I watch the Big Man swing from his firehose! Words can't describe the miss thaty I have for you at times. I know you are looking down on me and watching my back and I thank you. I love you Blanton!!!

Senior Patrol Officer William Benhart
Waynesville P.D./ Best Friend

June 8, 2011

Shawn we just returned from washington dc, just wanted you to no you are still remembered in our prayers.

honor guard
buncombe county

May 16, 2011

You was such a nice person as an officer and as a freind god bless u always mate x

Anonymous

November 20, 2010

shawn,your killer was sentenced today.the outcome was not what it should have been.he will spend life in prison without parole.therefore he is still a threat.i know that the good lord has a reason for everything,but i am still asking myself why things happen like they do.you have touched the hearts of so many people and you are still missed by so many.maybe now you can rest in peace.FOREVER G540! dispatcher and friend

Anonymous

November 9, 2010

I am bitterly disappointed that justice was not served for your brutal murder. My lady of justice weeps today for the travesty of justice that occurred in my home state of North Carolina and in the city of Philadelphia where a jury deadlocked in the penalty phase portion of the trial of the murderer of Officer John Pawlowski.

I hold your family and fellow troopers in my heart's embrace, and pray for their solace. I am also upset because people alwasys comment about closure. This isn't like finishing a book and putting it down. It is always with you, both the pain and pride. When you compound it with the denial of justice, it is salt in the wound.

Shawn, your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, who was NC native

November 9, 2010

You are remembered every day Shawn. We are all heartbroken over the outcome of the sentencing, but know that the ultimate punishment for your murderer will come in the afterlife.

Love you and miss you!

Marti A. Ingle

November 9, 2010

Trooper Blanton, the jury of "peers" failed to serve justice properly. Although Wong's judgment day clearly wasn't today, I hope his day comes sooner than later. Mrs. Blanton, I hope you know that despite the spineless jurors, there are many of us who will support you, and think of you every day as you continue to heal.

Jessica Davis / 911 Dispatcher
Raleigh-Wake 911

November 8, 2010

To my friend Shawn, finally through a dear friend I found a place to leave you a note. You know that almost daily I have said how sorry I am to you, for not doing enough or for not doing something sooner to prevent the tradgedy all together and for not holding your hand that night... that weighs the heaviest of them all on me. I have cried so many times for not giving you that bit of comfort when I had the chance. So many times I have looked at my own hand since that night and wished I could see your hand in mine, to let you know that some one was there with you. I dont know if you could hear us but we were there with you, you were not alone. After meeting your family and all the talk I've heard about you I know that you are a great guy, oh how I wish we could have met a different way. Your Mom and Dad are incredible parents and their love for you is beyond measure. Everyone draws there strength from your beautiful wife, she is so strong and so proud of you. It has been an honor to meet them all. The Troopers in your state are so great, and you have made them all proud also, you are so dearly missed. Although I was only with you for a very short time, you have been with me every day ever since that night. I pray that you are with your son and playing ball and doing what you love most. Please know that your family loves you and every one miss's you always. I know that I will never forget you... I will never forget that night... I will never forget the impact that you have made on my life... YOU, TROOPER DAVID SHAWN BLANTON ARE MY HERO. G540 NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN.

Gary Bowes
Former Owner/Operator

October 23, 2010