Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Officer Bolton.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 6, 2022

I was only 4. My friends and neighbors, dad didn’t come home. My little memories will never forget. I tried comforting them (somehow knowing at that age) as I remember walking our dogs together. Tinker bell. And my Cinder. My parents still live there and I saw just now on Spectrum News Eau Claire police department has named their new German Shepard Bolt. What an honor. I loved Bob Bolton like a dad. And I will never forget. ❤️

Stephanie Lang
Friend of the family

April 8, 2022

Never Forgotten. You and your family are in my thoughts.

Survivor G. Birkholz
Mother of Officer Craig Birkholz EOW 3/20/2011

September 21, 2017

Hey Bob, it's been a long ride. I still remember talking with you all the time in high school gym and when you asked about my job with the S.O. and finally at accident school. I haven't forgotten dude. I have to say, it was a struggle for me after it happened but I chose to remember the good times over the bad one. My ride is over now and I have put down the badge, but I will always remember the great guys that I knew and worked with and you were one of the best. There's not much more I can say, but who knows, maybe later there will be a time we can meet again and have a few laughs over life.

J. R. Rizzo ECSO (Retired)
Friend

April 23, 2015

Rest in Peace Officer Bolton. I was a 20 year old college student in Eau Claire when this tragedy occurred. I was witness to the procession of squad cars going by me during your funeral, and that inspired me to become a Police Officer. Thank you for helping me find my calling. May you forever protect and serve with God.

Detective Mark Johnson
Janesville WI Police Dept.

March 25, 2015

As I read your story and the reflections, I find you are a true hero and inspiration to others. RIP Officer Bolton, thank you for your service and sacrifice protecting and serving. Gone but not forgotten.

surviving mother
of a fallen Wisconsin Officer

May 8, 2013

A True Hero Sir, RIP

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

April 9, 2012

I have heard your story so many times over the years, and still, today on the 29th anniversary of your death, I am brought to tears by your heroism and sense of duty. Your photo hangs proudly in the lobby of Bolton Refuge House, your story is told to every staff member and volunteer who comes into the building. We will never forget you and we will always remember what you gave so that so many others can have refuge in our community. Thank you, Officer Bolton. May you always rest in peace.

Victim Advocate
Bolton Refuge House

October 6, 2011

I was a recent client at Bolton Refuge House. The irony is that I remember you. You and your wonderful family were friends with my family when I was a little girl. Although you were killed when I was three I remember your gentle spirit to this day. The refuge house saved my life and the lives of my children. Your death left a lasting impact on my family and my life. I have never forgotten you and it is because of your families loss that I knew where to go to save mine. Thank you. You will never be forgotten.

family friend
Bolton Refuge House Client

July 5, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 28th 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.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

October 7, 2010

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten. You would be proud of the work your wife does on your behalf.

Wisconsin L.E.O.

October 6, 2008

Officer Bolton, at only 26 years old, I never knew you, nor met you. But as the son of a battered mother growing up in Eau Claire, I heard your courageous story and felt your shelter in the Bolton Refuge House. I will never forget your impact on me, my mother, and this community. you did not die in vain. God bless. john 15:13

C. Senn
thankful citizen

September 15, 2008

"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

February 22, 2008

Officer Bolton,

I wonder if you know what your blood has watered? A tree grows, and thousands now sit in the shade of your sacrifice. Thousands yet to come will also find that tree, even if they do not know Who planted it.

I am reminded of a verse from the Old Testament:

"This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain...I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches."


Thank you for your shelter. Thank you for your protection.
Thank you for the inspiration to others who have made good come from evil.

You did not die in vain.



paul

January 16, 2008

Today on the anniversary of your death we wish to remember you and thank you Sir for your service

Van DenBerghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchaeter, NH

October 6, 2007

25 years and I still miss Bob. He was the best big brother in law and the kind of police officer who truly believed in "protect and serve".

Sister-in-law

September 15, 2007

I worked with Bob bolton and remember him as a fun loving professional. He was dedicated to his family as well his career. All in law enforcement could do well to emulate Bob.

Rick Meyer, Captain, Retired 1997
ECPD retired

February 21, 2007

Upon checking the events of this day in history, I realized that your life ended on the day my only son's started. So long ago, yet remembered as if it were yesterday. As a fellow police officer, I know the pain of such a loss. Thank you for the time you gave, remembering the sacrifice you made.

Lt. Rick Bruner
Lake County (Indiana) Sheriff's Department

October 6, 2006

May you rest in Peace and may Our Lord Bless your loved ones.

October 6, 2006

Sir may you Rest in Peace.

July 14, 2006

I met your family during police week a few years ago and wanted to let you know you are not forgotten. You will always be remembered and honored.

Ofc. D. Garber
Alexandria, VA Police Department

May 15, 2006

Rest in peace brother
You're gone but not forgotten.

Deputy
Walworth SO

December 19, 2003