Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My family was from Monroe county where I now live and was deputy sheriff. When deputy Blevins was killed I was deputy for Richland county sheriff department in Ohio and my lieutenant brought telatype to me

Rick Weikle Deputy
Federal bureau of prison ( retired)

January 1, 2021

I haven't been to visit here since 2012. I made it; retired early but finally finished. I never got to make any child's eyes pop wide open by driving in the driveway and turning on the lights like you did for me once but I did make it through some close calls. I want to thank you for that.

I hope you can see from these reflections how much you've done to help us all. No one should die in vain and while I'm sure your family knows you didn't I wanted to make sure that others know that too.

D/S J.E. Coulter (ret)
Mercer County S.O.

May 2, 2015

Today, 39 years after his sacrifice, “A” Shift honors Deputy Jesse James Blevins Jr. by dedicating our watch to him. God bless you, R.I.P. brother. You are not forgotten.

Sgt. Jason Slaughter
Radford City Police Department

February 21, 2014

I was just 6 years old, but distinctly remember that day. I got home from school and saw my Mom crying. Her brother had been shot. This terrible crime and the aftermath changed our family forever in ways most people will never know.

I am now a Virginia State Trooper. I never approach a vehicle or person without thinking that they might want to kill me. What happened to Uncle James so many years ago reminds me to always be careful. Always assume there is a gun. Always assume a person is a threat. Always go home to my family.

Senior Trooper
Virginia State Police

October 15, 2013

I have vague memories of Jessie as I was only about 4 yesrs old when this tragedy and resulting injustice and insult from the court system occurred. I recall being at the home shortly after this occurred and only knowing that something wrong had happened. People always assume working in a small town as a "safer" place to work. I know better and I can thank D/S Blevins for my attitude on the street and likely my survival in several instances.

I can also thank his family for supporting me when I worked in that same small town. When politics and small town drama rolled my way I could count on them to always know where I was coming from. I can thank D/S Blevins for that as well.

Like many officers in the past 17 years I've been attacked by an idiot with a knife and shot at. I've survived due to training and the vague childhood memories of this hero.

NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN.

D/S J.E. Coulter
Mercer County Sheriff's Dept. (WV)

May 14, 2012

I am the middle child of nine and I was with my brother Jessie (James) Blevins Jr. the day he was shot down. He has now been dead longer then he lived, but my memory of him is as fresh today and it was that day he was taken from his family, he was a man so full of life and he was loved by so many people. James your family loves you and we miss you and I pray that I will see you again in Heaven some day.

Sister, Maxine Blevins Sparks
sister

May 5, 2012

Jessie ( the family called him James) Blevins Jr. was my oldest brother. The day he passed away is a day we will never forget. My mom is 90 years old now, and still cries for her oldest son. Time helps, but the pain will never leave our hearts. We still LOVE you James, your smile will never leave our minds. Geraldine Blevins Farley ---May 3, 2012

Family , Geraldine Blevins Farley
sister

May 3, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 37th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your family for sharing their memories of you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 21, 2012

"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
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

March 2, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE, GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSE THAT LOVE YOU.

AS ALWAYS THIS WRITER IS DISAPPOINTED THAT JUSTICE WAS NOT FULLY SERVED ON YOUR BEHALF.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 12, 2008

Rest in Peace. Always Remembered.

Dy M. Martin
St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office LA

February 21, 2007

No man goes unnoticed before G-d.Thank you for your service.

February 21, 2006