Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Trooper Blanton. Our hearts go out to your family.

Officer Dave Carroll
Yukon P.D. Yukon, Oklahoma

June 19, 2008

"Angel In Blue"
a fallen hero
an angel in blue
strong and brave
his heart ever true

He vowed to protect
no matter the pain
men women and children
in sunshine and rain

His badge was more
than a shining pin
it was honesty, sacrifice
glowing from within

He gave of his time
his love and his life
adored his children
worshipped his wife

Never counting the cost
he never gave up hope
even when all seem lost
between guns and dope

his time on the streets
came to an end
now he was leading
the men from within

as chief of police
upon his officers impressed
the importance of
giving their best

his time in office
came to a close
now he and his bride
retirement chose

with kids grown and gone
they now had the time
to serve up tequila
with salt and lime

a gun blast rang out
his chest felt tight
he was fading fast
losing his fight

as his life slipped away
an angel appeared
"your time here is over
you've served many years

it's time to come home
we here have need of you
you won't be forgotten
you're an angel in blue.

i will be praying for your family everyday

Reanna Rowan
Fiance of pso W. Edwards Morganton Dept. Public Safety

June 19, 2008

On behalf of the Los Angeles Police Department, I would like to thank Trooper Blanton for his service to the citizens of North Carolina. You are a true hero. It angers me to know that your baby will never have the chance to know you, or that your wife can no longer grow old with you. I pray that justice will be served and the suspect who took your life will burn in hell. May God give your family, friends, and co-workers the strength to get through this tragic time.

Police Officer Garcia
Los Angeles Police Department

June 19, 2008

My heart breaks for your wife and newborn son.

VK
Dispatcher/Indiana State Police

June 19, 2008

God Bless Trooper Blanton, his family, friends and co-workers. Truely a sad time you must endure, but please remember the good over the bad.

Officer
Daytona Beach Police Department

June 19, 2008

Trooper Blanton may GOD rest your soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We have the watch now.

VPO M.L Buckley
Fredericksburg Poice Dept

June 19, 2008

I miss you so much. Late night running radar together on the bypass. Your smiling face...and that laugh I could never forget. I love you brother...but I know you will be there with me with every car I stop. RIP.

Officer Tanya Evans
Waynesville Police Depart

June 19, 2008

Our prayers are with you and yours.

Sr Trooper Jeff Leighty
Oregon State Police Officers' Association

June 19, 2008

"When Tomorrow Starts Without Me"

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me,

I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
and each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me to;

But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand that an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand,

And said my place was ready, in heaven far above, and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye, for all life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.

I had too much to live for, so much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.

So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart.

Communications Supervisor
Louisiana

June 19, 2008

I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and the North Carolina Highway Patrol for the loss of Trooper Blanton. May God be with you all during this very trying time. A senseless death that now leaves a small child who will grow up without his father. I appreciate all law enforcement officers who leave home everyday without guarentees that they will return home safe to us. You gave the ultimate sacrifice Trooper Blanton...God Bless you and your family.

Jennifer Bell Huntsville AL
Mother of a Police Officer

June 19, 2008

Rest in peace and thank you for your faithful service. Your state is proud to call you son!

Randy Davis
Asheville Police Dept.-Retired

June 19, 2008

Thank you for your service, Trooper Blanton. Your family, friends and co-workers are in my thoughts and prayers in the difficult days, months.... years... that follow.

Angela Tucker
Niece of Investigator Mark Tucker, EOW 2-1

June 19, 2008

I cannot imagine the pain this family is going thru. My heart breaks for them and for all families of the LEO's that are killed. I personally say, Thank you to all LEO's for watching over me and my family so we can sleep in peace each night. God bless you Officer Blanton, and God bless all our officers.

Nancy B
private citizen

June 19, 2008

Rest in peace,And may our prayers and thoughts bless your family

DEPUTY J.H.SMITH
WAKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

June 19, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family Trooper Blanton.

Thank you and Rest in Peace Brother.

Officer
Suffolk VA

June 19, 2008

To Shawn's Wife, Mother, Father, Brother, and family; Find comfort in the Lord Jesus Christ and know that Shawn was not alone that night, but that the Lord walked with him and led him home.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Psalms 23:4
Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Matthew 5:4
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

John 14:18

To Ty,
I know we can never replace your father, but know that every man who wears the grey and black will be there should you ever need us.
I know you will come to know your father and know he is and always will be in our hearts and he was a proud proud father. You were truly the crown upon his head and know that your father gave his life so that you may live:

Children's children [are] the crown of old men; and the glory of children [are] their fathers.

Proverbs 17:6

We all make choices and sacrifices in life. Those who are truly chosen to be a peace officer are rare. Shawn was chosen. As peace officers we accept the sacrifices that are often made and we understand that each night we leave home it could be our last. Shawn, you gave the ultimate sacrifice, and like the 58 Trooper who gave their life before you, we will honor you as we do them by doing what needs to be done and continuing the fight. May you rest in peace. God Bless your family and give them comfort in knowing that they will see you again. Love you brother,

Trooper C. G. Harris
G-4 Asheville, NC

Master Trooper Craig Harris
NCSHP G435

June 19, 2008

Rest in peace by brother. You have done your job well. You are trully loved, and will be greatly missed. My condolence to your family and to the members of Troop G.

Trooper B. Johnson C-534
North Carolina State Highway Partrol

June 19, 2008

Rest in peace brother, you will not be forgotten.

Patrolman Shaun McCready
Altoona (PA) Police Department

June 19, 2008

REST IN PEACE BROTHER, YOU WILL BE SORELY MISSED.

OFFICER JAY SOESBEE
MCAS BEAUFORT SC H&HS/PMO

June 19, 2008

Go now my brother, your duty to the public has ended here on earth, but it has just begun in heaven. God must have needed another Angel in Blue. Shawn will be truly missed, he was a dear friend to me and could always make me laugh no matter what, he had the talent of putting people at ease and making them feel good about themselves. Michaela you had an amazing husband who truly is a hero and Tye will always be reminded of what a wonderful person his father was, he touched many lives and they will always remember that. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Trooper Shawn Blanton’s family, friends and fellow Brothers in Blue. I know you are in heaven watching over everyone and wanting them to continue to protect and serve the citizens just as you did. Final words “Tickle It”.

Amanda P.
Friend and Sylva PD Clerk

June 19, 2008

Rest in peace. You are a true hero and will always be remembered for your dedication and bravery.

Andrew / Detective
Baltimore City Police

June 19, 2008

May God take care of the things you can not and may you watch over the ones that were left behind. As the Bible reads God giveth life and God taketh life and as you giveth life to your son Tye God taketh your life this was the reason for your son to be brought into this world so soon he knows you are watching over him. To the family, our prayers go out you and Tye may God be with you.

Former Officer Cherokee Police Dept.
Friend and Family Member

June 19, 2008

Carolina becomes one in times of need. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless

Lance Corporal Todd Proctor
South Carolina Highway Patrol

June 19, 2008

To the family of Trooper Blanton, my heart greives for each and everyone of you. It wasn't that long ago that we brought my Drew home to the mountains to bury him in Canton. The troopers in that area attended the funeral and I remember then standing in a small group in front of Well's funeral home. When I walked over to introduce myself, of course I'm sure they already knew who I was, I insisted on hugging each of them. They wore the uniform that Drew had dreamed of wearing since he was a young boy. His family has lived in that area since he was a small child. To hear of your community losing one of your own tears my heart apart. To hear of this young brave man, protecting my family, giving his life. Then to hear of his sweet baby boy struggling to find his own strength. I can't imagine what his family is going through. I wanted to thank you, all of the troopers, for all that you do everyday to make our world, our community, a better, safer place. To Trooper Blanton, thank you for getting one more criminal off the streets. I hate that you had to give your life for it, but he will not be able to hurt anyone else ever again.

To your beautiful young wife, be strong for yourself and your baby boy...you are not alone. We are all out here praying for you and crying with you. You will survive...you will get through this...it may not seem like it now, but you will make it...I promise. Know that your Shawn is in good company...there are many heros who have gone before him and will greet him with open arms...I know my Drew is one of them...their spirits will fly together..

Much love and prayers,
Chrissy Henley, Surviving Spouse
William A Henley, Suffolk VA PD, EOW 3/19/05
forever living in the mountains of Canton,NC

June 19, 2008

"I have always believed that the Great Creator had a great design for my people, the Cherokees. I have been taught that from my childhood up and now in my mature manhood I recognize it as a great truth. Our forces have been dissipated by the external forces, perhaps it has been just a training, but we must now get together as a race and render our contribution to mankind. We are endowed with intelligence, we are industrious, we are loyal and we are spiritual but we are overlooking the Cherokee mission on earth, for no man nor race is endowed with these qualifications without a designed purpose... Our Mixed-bloods should not be overlooked in this program of a racial awakening. Our pride in our ancestral heritage is our great incentive for handing something worthwhile to our posterity. It is this pride in ancestry that makes men strong and loyal for their principal in life. It is this same pride that makes men give up their all for their Government."
-- Redbird Smith, stated in early 1900.
(Grandfather of Principal Chief Cherokee
Nation, OK, Chadwick ''Corntassel'' Smith)

Rest well Trooper Blanton with the knowledge that you truly served your Nation and ours with designed purpose and that you’re tour of duty here is done.

Chief C. Jeff Augram
Asheville Regional Airport Police

June 19, 2008