Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

January 18, 2021

Officer Bluhm,

You are not forgotten...I remember waking up on 29 December, 1970 and reading about you and Officer Stone in the Arizona Republic. It has been 50 years since we lost you...As with most people, we remember your sacrifice and honor your memory.

ASH
Common Citizen

December 29, 2020

Officer Bluhm,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC during the Korean War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO; former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 28, 2020

50 years ago today you and your partner gave the ultimate sacrifice for the residents of Phoenix. Your memory has been honored by your son and the men and women of PPD who often go to your EOW marker to pay tribute. As a fellow motor officer I realize the danger you faced that day as did Ofc Stone responding as your 907. We honor the fallen.

Chris Moore
Chief of Police
Palomar College Police Dept. CA
Phoenix Police Retired #5545

December 28, 2020

Rest In Peace brother LEO. Thank you Hero and your family for your sacrifice and service to this country. Always remembered.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

December 28, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Bluhm.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 4, 2019

I was the Mesa Police Department Patrol Officer who found the suspect vehicle parked in an east Mesa apartment complex and secured the scene until detectives arrived to commence investigations. I vividly remember seeing all the expended 22 caliber brass shells lying on the rear bumper of the vehicle. I understand that the two suspects had made a pact, sometime earlier that if they were stopped by police they would execute the officer. It is strange that I was assigned the beat which included the western mall at Dobson and Main the prior month when they were in the Mesa area. It suddenly struck me that I could have been that targeted office had I made any attempt to stop them for some reason. The Lord was really watching over me during those days. My most heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Bluhm and Stone families. May the Lord bless their lives and family for ever.
C.W . Donham

CW Donham
Mesa PD Officer

April 30, 2019

The men who killed Officer Bluhm dumped their truck at our Mesa apartment not three feet from our back door. I was only ten but remember detectives interviewing me. I didn't know the full story until today. Rest In Peace. <3

Cheryl

April 18, 2019

When I was just a kid, my father was a police officer. In 1970 when Bluhm and Stone were killed, it was the first time I realized that my father could fall victim to evil. It left quite an impression on me.
Seven years later (1977) I was sworn in and became a police officer. 39+ years later, I retired (2016).
Each time I go to the AZ Peace Officer's Memorial, I go and find the names of Bluhm and Stone on the wall. I stand in saddened amazement of the names of those who have given it all since this incident. This always has, and always the benchmark for me. Rest in Peace, thank you for your service.

Det. Kelvin A. Helmick; Retired
Chandler AZ PD

July 26, 2017

I was checking out different websites this memorial day and came across this one. I entered a name from the past (Al Bluhm) and here I am. In December 1970, I was a 20yr old young man who was considering a career as a Phoenix AZ police officer when I heard about Officer Bluhms tragic death. I followed all the news reports and saw how the law enforcement community all over AZ and the nation expressed their support to Officer Bluhms family and friends. This strength of unity and support, cemented my decision to pursue a position with the Phoenix Police Dept and on Dec 11th 1971 I graduated from what was then known as the Phoenix Police Academy and started my career as a patrolman with the 91 squad under Sergeant Ed Routh out of the old Sky harbor substation at the west end of the airport runway. I am leaving this memory to let friends and loved ones of Officer Bluhm know that after 46 years, this old man still remembers the story of officer Albert R. Bluhm.

Patrolman Forrest M Suggs (retired)
Phoenix AZ police department

June 6, 2017

My name is Pamela Ketchum, and my father, Robert Q Hudson, was the CO State Highway Patrolman who single handedly captured the men who killed your father. My brothers and I, who were very small at the time, grew up on the stories of the young men who shot your dad as well as shooting a Utah State Trooper, and the high speed chase that ended the manhunt. I know my parents prayed for your family for many years and I have added my thoughts and prayers as well. This morning, I was going through some of the old newspaper clippings my mother had long saved (and gave to me a couple of years ago.) I was glad to find your fathers name on this site and see that he was remembered well. God Bless.

Pamela Ketchum USN vet
CO Highway Patrolman's Daughter

July 6, 2014

I want to thank all of the people who remember all the good times they had with my Dad. It brings back a lot of emotions for me around Christmas every year since his passing, as well as, having the knowledge of hearing another officer going down. I feel for every family having to go through the pain of losing a loved one. A little bit about me personally, in 1975, I moved back to Arizona after getting out of the Army(82nd Airborne). In 1988, when my grandma died,Cecilia, I moved back home. In 1990, I got married and have two wonderful kids. My son is currently in the marines and my daughter works in the medical field. For the past 29 years, I have driven over 2 million miles as a truck driver for the same company. All the miles I have driven I miss my Dad each mile, but with the help of my great wife and kids they continue to keep me going forward and being strong. I want to thank you all again for keeping me in your prayers and helping me cope with my fallen hero. The 100 club and c.o.p.s. organization has been very helpful to me and my family with all the love they show helping with problems that have occurred. I have met many (old timers) fellow officers at outings and want to meet more. You can look me up on facebook, if you want to get in touch with me.

Donald Bluhm
son

June 2, 2013

Warrior, today, the Marines of the Phoenix Police Department, have purchased a brick which will be placed in the walkway at the Marine Corps Museum, Quantica, VA.

You are not forgotten. We few, we proud few, do not forget our own. Rest easy Marine, we have the watch. Semper Fi!

Lt. Steve Soha PPD / (MGYSGT USMC)
Phoenix Police Dept / US Marine Corps

May 3, 2013

The ending of the 1973 film, Electra Glide in Blue was inspired by this tragic killing.

Me
none

March 15, 2013

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

December 28, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 41rst 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 who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. 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.

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

December 28, 2011

It's been nearly 41 years since Al died. I found this site yesterday as he was on my mind. I first met Al as a young boy when we lived in Bloomington Minnesota. Al was a truck driver then and I remember him breaking his neck as a result of a truck driving accident, and his having to wear a neck brace while recovering. My mother Phyllis was engaged to marry Al. After his applying and accepting a job with the Phoenix Police Department we moved to Phoenix in 1963. I was ten or eleven years old. A few years later my mother and Al broke up. I remember the sadness we felt surrounding the circumstances of Al's death. My mother passed away in 1974. I recall attending Phoenix College in the mid seventies and at some point hearing what I remember to be a tape of Al's officer's down call (999) during which time I was taking Administration Of Justice classes. I was once again reminded of the sadness and sorrow I felt for Al, Donny, and Al's mother. I later graduated from ASU with a degree in Criminal Justice. My knowing Al undoubtedly strengthened my resolve to finish college. I recently retired as an adult parole officer out in the midwest. Thanks Al for the influence you had on me, and the time you spent with me as a young boy growing up. I too hope Donny is doing well. You were never forgotten Al. Michael W. Athey Friend/Retired Parole Officer June 18 2011

Michael W. Athey
Friend

June 18, 2011

Al was my next door neighbor as as a child- I ran across this just today as he was on my mind as a young female co worker asked me to be a reference for her to start her career as a police officer. I lived next door to him in Edina Minnesota - I grew up with his son Donny. I wanted to go into law enforcemant but not a big move for a female then. I graduated in 1972 with a strong desire to follow my mentor Al. Was not easy for a female then. I am strongly encouraging this young lady as she reminds me of him. To Donny I hope you are doing well. Still remembering Al.

Rita Kruzel
my neighbor

March 26, 2010

Rest in Peace buddy, save me a bike on the traffic squad in Heaven.

Brother in Blue, aspiring Motor
Phoenix Police

February 5, 2010

Brother Al it has been 38 years since I last partied with you. As I grew in our department and in our FOP lodge you were always with me in spirit. I will never forget the day I got the call of your transfer to Gods kingdom. Know your son Danny has grown to a loving and intelligent man. I look forward to the day when I see you again in His lingdom and we can laugh together once again. Until that day rest in peace, enjoy the company of all our brothers nad sisters who have also given of themselves to protect Gods children in our communities. God bless.
In Christ. Tom Bradley Arizona State Chaplain FOP

Tom Bradley, Retired
Phoenix Az PD

September 2, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 27, 2007

"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

July 26, 2007

Rest in Peace, Officer Bluhm. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 15, 2007

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

December 28, 2006

Al and his mother were raising Al's son Donny when this poor dear man was shot off his police motorcycle. My late wife Carolyn & I were watching TV12 news when the bulletin came on TV of "a police motorcycle officer's" having been shot. We looked at each other and somehow knew....

Al loved motorcycling so much that he had his own personal Harley-Davidson cycle. Carolyn & I were privileged to be among his many off-duty riding friends. We were stunned. A gathering in memory of Al was held not long after and filled the huge ballroom at Mr. Lucky's club. I and some others wrote and read tributes into the microphone on the stage.

About ten years later I had another honor, it was to meet and shake hands with one of the Utah State Policemen who was in on the "take down" of the boys who took Al's life.

Al was a very kindly man. He had a great sense of humor. Al was the senior trainer of the motorcycle riding course for police officers who aspired to become "motor officers." Because he was older than most of them, they called him "Pappy Bluhm."

What a tagic loss this was. Now it is 36 years later and I have not, and will not, ever forget Al Bluhm.

Stanley E. Rocklin, Ph.D. Show Low & Apache Junction, AZ.

ex-USAF Stanley Eliot Rocklin, Ph.D.
Friend - rode w/ Al Bluhm on motorcycle trips

December 6, 2006