Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

June 18, 2008

My condolences to the family of Trooper Blanton. May God bless you and your family.

Tfc R. Owens
South Carolina Highway Patrol

June 18, 2008

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO TROOPER BLANTON'S FAMILY, FRIENDS AND THE NORTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY PATROL FOR THE LOSE OF A TRUE HERO.

GOD BLESS YOU, BROTHER IN BLUE.

DEPUTY RUTILO QUEZADA
SMITH COUNTY SHERIFF - TYLER, TX

June 18, 2008

I guess it is at times like these we whom are dedicated to this profession wish we could reutrn somehow to our rookie days, when we knew very little about it and had not the time to form the most sacred of bonds people will ever know. I met Trooper Blanton once. A short time ago I had the distinct priveledge to interact with him while picking up a prisoner from him at the Haywood/Buncombe County line. Trooper displayed that image which the NCSHP is famous for and indeed made me somewhat envious that I never made the transition from Marine to Trooper. Fastforward to the night of June 17. The latest in a deluge of gut wrenching radio traffic that one hears in a career was Robbie G453 key up over the county net "Theres a Trooper down on I 40 with shots fired if you guys can assist." I know that Ill never forget standing in the Mission ER and hearing his wife scream. It pierced the silence and I think we knew before it came from official channels. G437 stepped around the corner and about three mins later returned with the statement " He didnt make it."
Shawn - I think we did what honored you probably more than anything in that we took a few moments to recognize the loss and then we saluted your sacrifice by returning to work just like Im sure you'd have done for any one of us.
Michaela Ive never met you but from this day and all others that will pass before us, your needs are mere phone calls away. You are being remembered right now in our prayers and have been lifted up to the God that both giveth and taketh away. Please find rest and hope in that and know that you are on our minds and have etched a place within our hearts forever.

Sgt. Jonathan L. Scruggs
Buncombe County Office of the Sheriff

June 18, 2008

Heroes are not forgotten, rest in peace brother! To your family, may each day help you get stronger as your in our prayers.

Deputy Sheriff Stuart Sussman
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL

June 18, 2008

Rest in Peace Troop.

Trooper
Florida Highway Patrol

June 18, 2008

May the love of an almighty God wrap his arms around your family, friends and fellow officers in this time of sorrow, and may he give them the vision and dedication he gave you. Rest in peace brother we will take it from here.
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his boots were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?
The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who wear a badge
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was rough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills just got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among these people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you have a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

Tim Jones FTO/Warrant Officer
Chandler, Texas Police

June 18, 2008

We are grieved and saddened over the loss of such a young and courageous young officer. To his wife and young son, we offer our prayers and love as you deal and come to terms with this great loss. Your North Carolina Highway Patrol family will forever be your family and your support. We have experienced this sudden loss and pain first hand and know that only the Lord Jesus Christ can sustain you during this time. We will pray for His grace, strength, and love to surround you and your young son and provide comfort that only He can give.
Many Blessings to you and your family,
Patrick and Kellee Cogdill

Patrick and Kellee Cogdill
Brother and Sister in Law of Senior Trooper Anthony Greg Cogdill

June 18, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Trooper Blanton's family and co-workers. Trust in God for guidance through this difficult time. Remember that God has a purpose for everything. Rest in peace Sir, for you have fought the good fight and now you have finished your course.

Officer A. H. Roebuck
Greenville, NC Police Dept.

June 18, 2008

Though it is now time

For me to rest,

To put away

My badge, gun, and vest,

When you feel

The early morning frost,

Know that I am here

I am not lost.

Life has a rhythm

Every man writes his own song,

To those left behind

His music will play on.

NCSHP
Troop E communications

June 18, 2008

When God Made Peace Officers
Unknown Author
When the Lord was creating peace officers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one"

And the Lord said, "Have you read the spec on this order?" A peace officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn't touch, and not wrinkle his uniform."

He has to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses and testify in court the next day."

He has to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half-eaten meals. And he has to have six pairs of hands."

The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands...no way."

"It's not the hands that are causing me problems." said the Lord, "It's the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have."

"That's on the standard model?" asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. "One pair that sees through the bulge in a pocket before he asks, 'May I see what's in there sir?' (When he already knows and wishes he'd taken that accounting job.) Another pair here in the side of the head for his partner's safety. And another pair of eyes here in the front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say. 'You'll be all right ma'am.' When he knows it isn't so."

"Lord," said the angel, touching his sleeve, "rest and work on this tomorrow."

"I can't" said the Lord, "I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident, and feed a family of five on a civil service pay check."

The angel circled the model of the peace officer very slowly. "Can it think?" she asked.

"You bet." said the Lord. "It can tell you the elements of a hundred crime scenes; recite Miranda warnings in his sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five learned judges to debate the legality of the stop...and still keeps its sense of humor."

"This officer also has phenomenal personal control. He can deal with crime scenes painted in hell; coax a confession from a child abuser; comfort a murder victim's family; and then read in the daily paper how law enforcement isn't sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects."

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her fingers across the cheek of the peace officer. "There's a leak." She pronounced. "I told you that you are trying to put to much in this model."
"That's not a leak," said the Lord, "it's a tear."
"What's the tear for?" asked the angel.
"It's for bottled-up emotions; for fallen comrades; for commitment to that funny piece of metal called his badge; for justice."
"You're a genius." said the angel.
The Lord looked somber. "I didn't put it there." he said.
Why isn't it that some people have no respect or value for life of another.
Trooper Blanton Jr. died a hero and will always be a hero
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Canon City, CO

Marilyn Robinson
KWLF internet radio

June 18, 2008

Shawn,
My heart breaks for your family as I know how hard last night & the days ahead are for them. As I heard the news this morning, it felt like 10-3-01 all over again...I-40 Haywood County near Exit 31. You never knew Calvin but he died just a few miles down the road from where you were shot on a pretty day much like yesterday was. You both are heroes & never will be forgotten. I know he has welcomed you in heaven and yall are sharing stories about the SHP and he's probably got you laughing at his jokes! I know the Lord will wrap his loving arms around your family & I pray that your little boy will go stronger each day & will come to know his "Daddy" through everyone around him. I will be in touch with your wife to offer my support. Thanks for your service to Haywood County, W.N.C. & the NCSHP. God Bless You young Trooper!

Denise
Survivor of Calvin Taylor

June 18, 2008

North Carolina is safer today because of your service and sacrifice. May the Lord be with those close to you. God speed, Brother. Your watch is covered.

Officer B. Evans
Arlington, TX. PD

June 18, 2008

I did not personally know Trooper Blanton but cringe to the depths of my soul when I hear of something like this.I have his wife and beautiful child in my prayers,as well as his Trooper brothers and sisters.I can only hope justice will be done and his killer will be brought to the FULLEST extent of punishment befitting to this horrific crime.God Bless you,Trooper Blanton.You will be missed.

Bambi Shepherd
Friend of a fallen officer

June 18, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for your service. Your child will grow-up knowing the sacrifice his daddy gave that night.

S. Lilyquist
CCBI-Raleigh, NC

June 18, 2008

thanks for protecting us and giving your life for all of us. we will never forget. thoughts and prayers with your family.

Lana

June 18, 2008

My heart goes out to you and your family. It could happen to any of us at anytime. You will always be remembered by your friends, brothers and sisters in the law enforcement family. Thank you for your service and dedication. Rest in peace brother.

Assistant Chief Jerry Adams
UNC-Asheville Campus Police

June 18, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and co-workers of Trooper Blanton. Rest in peace our brother.

The Patrol Men and Women of
Sylvania Township PD (OH)

June 18, 2008

You've fought the noble fight and now God has called you home. Return to Him in honor, my brother, and rest forever in peace. Thank you for your selfless sacrifice. You are my Hero!

Jeff
Former GPD Officer

June 18, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends. I am sure your N.C. Highway Patrol family will do all they can for your wife and child to help them through these tough times. Rest in peace.

Trooper First Class
Georgia State Patrol

June 18, 2008

I have known Shawn for close to 4 years. You could not have asked to meet a finer young man with unlimited potential. I never met a person who had anything negative to say about him. Shawn was the first enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian to be hired by the NCHP. His family and brothers at the Cherokee Indian Police Dept. were extremely proud of him for this accomplishment. For those of you who did not know Shawn, you have truly missed out knowing a fine person. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, his brothers at the CIPD and NCHP. What a true and unfortunate loss they have suffered.

Special Agent Ronnie Brown
FBI

June 18, 2008

My sincere sympathy to Shawn's wife, baby and family.
Words cannot express how I feel.

From a mobile radiology technologist who travels
Western North Carolina.

Eileen Wilkerson, R.T.(R.)
mobile radiology company

June 18, 2008

Trooper, I don't have the words to convey how I feel about your murder.

I wish your wife and child the strength to get through this.

June 18, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and the department during this time. May the peace of the creator be with each of you as you deal with this tragedy. I share condolence also with the Cherokee Nation on the loss of their warrior Trooper Blanton.

Michael Pitts
Law Enforcement Specialist FLETC

June 18, 2008

We would like to extend our most sincere condolences to the Family, Friends, and Co-workers of Trooper David Blanton Jr. You are all in our hearts and prayers during this most tragic and difficult time. May god bless each and everyone of you.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department -Communications Division

June 18, 2008