Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You will always be missed Daniel. I’ve had the pleasure of being your friend for 4 years. You died way too young

CPT Caleb Andujo
US Army

September 25, 2023

Officer Bristol, I had the privilege of going on a ride-along with you about three years ago while I attended a nearby university. I remember our conversations, our notable calls, and how much I came to admire you in such a short amount of time. Though I was only with you for one shift, you made an immense impact on my life.

Thank you for your service, Sir. You will never be forgotten.

Douglas Shaw

November 14, 2020

Thank you for your service sir. Your courage despite the danger will always be remembered. May you rest in peace, and your sacrifice and memory will not be forgotten.

Rick Lobato
Pomona Police Department, Explorer Post 160

March 10, 2020

Wife of fallen Hendersonville officer Spencer Bristol talks life without her husband

Posted: Feb 7, 2020

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – It was 40 days ago that Master Patrol Officer Spencer Bristol with the Hendersonville Police Department was killed in the line of duty.

Officer Bristol was struck and killed while chasing a suspect, who ran across I-65. He left behind a wife and a little girl who will turn 4 on Sunday.

Friday, in her first sit down interview, the officer’s widow, Lauren Bristol, told News 2 the last few weeks have been exceedingly painful.

“This has been absolutely the hardest time of both of our lives,” Bristol says in a somber tone.

On the night of Dec. 30, her husband, Master Patrol Officer Spencer Bristol, died in the line of duty. That’s the night Lauren Bristol’s whole world changed.

“I was so scared. I didn’t know how I could do my life without Spencer. I didn’t know how I could take care of Eloise. I didn’t know what our life would be like. And within 48 hours I realized we were not alone, that we had not just the police department and our extended family but a community behind us.”

While still in shock, with so much grief, with so many uncertainties filling her thoughts, Lauren had to tell her baby girl – Eloise – that daddy wouldn’t be coming home.

“I just keep telling her daddy’s in heaven and he loves her. He always loves her. I never want Eloise to forget the person Spencer was. I always want Spencer to be a part of our home, he’ll never leave. The absolute hardest part of that night was telling Eloise that Spencer was not coming home.”

Lauren and Spencer were together for 10 years. Though he’s gone now, when she closes her eyes and looks in her heart, she’ll always see the man she loved who lit up a room and cared about others.

“Spencer was truly a bright light in any room he walked into. He was always kidding, smiling, always joking. He has taught a lot of that to Eloise, and that has come through in her personality.”

Lauren says she sees her husband in her baby’s eyes.

“100%. I use to be angry that she looked nothing like me. She has my sister’s coloring and Spencer’s face. And 100% of Spencer’s personality. And now I am 100% thankful that he has in her, a legacy, I know that she will do great things. And that’s just who I will always remember. 10 years wasn’t enough to have with him.”

While there is still pain in her heart, Lauren Bristol also wants to thank the community for lifting her and supporting her and making it possible to move forward.

“The community support and the support from the police dept has been truly incredible and that’s the biggest thing that I want to do is say thank you. I know that I have not been able to personally say thank you to every person who has reached out to us and prayed for us and given to us as we weather this, but I am incredibly thankful. I am thankful that Eloise has hundreds of stand-in fathers since her’s can’t be here with her.”

Moving forward, Lauren sees only positive energy associated with her husband’s legacy.

“I would love in the future to create a scholarship fund for kids from our community to go into criminal justice careers who would not otherwise be able to pursue those. We can never bring Spencer back, nothing will replace him, but moving forward we hope to do something better out of what came from this.”

Currently, the Spencer Bristol Act is working its way through the legislature. The bill would increase the penalty for evading arrest that results in an officer’s injury or death. The bill would make the crime a Class C felony if the officer is injured and a Class A felony if the officer dies.

“I really wanted to be something that makes people think before they run. the purpose is to be more of a deterrent than a punishment you could say. And that’s what we want. I don’t want this to ever happen to another law enforcement family.”

In May, Lauren, her family, and many officers from the Hendersonville Police Department are going to Washington D.C. for the National Fallen Officers Memorial where officer Bristol’s name will be added to the wall of fallen heroes.

Hendersonville Officers confirmed the City of Hendersonville will help subsidize that trip for families that plan to attend.

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

February 7, 2020

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers during this difficult time. Your service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Thomas H. Kelly Jr., ASAC
Federal Air Marshal Service

February 6, 2020

Never to be forgotten; RIP sir.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired, NYSP

January 26, 2020

Master Patrol Officer Bristol, if only the suspect had met the end that you met, the world would be a better place. He will be caught, there is no doubt in my mind and he will pay for his crimes and face true justice, if not in this world, then in the next.

Your family at home and all who know and love you best are feeling the pain we all feel, the most and we can never really know their grief, but so long as they keep you in their hearts and minds and always remind your little girl what a hero and loving father and person in general you were, you will never truly be gone from them.

Thank you also for your service to this nation as a whole, Brother.

God Bless and may you forever Rest in Peace.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

January 22, 2020

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest In Peace Master Patrol Officer Bristol. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters at Hendersonville Police Department.

Postal Inspector Scott Horne
US Postal Inspection Service

January 21, 2020

Officer Bristol, your life was totally dedicated to keep others safe while putting your own safety in harm's way.
This will not go unnoticed by our good Lord who knows and sees everything. Your reward in heaven will be abundant. May He immerse you and those you've left behind in His Divine Mercy. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.

Jess Espinosa
Civilian

January 14, 2020

Thank you for your service sir GOD BLESS.

Mrs.C Singleton /Concern Citizen

January 13, 2020

RIP Ofc. Bristol. Prayers and condolences to your family and friends.

Emergency Medical Technician Rose Pauls
Ambulnz Nashville

January 13, 2020

Rest In Peace brother. Class 1787 strong.

Deputy Ryan Showalter
Rutherford County Sheriffs Office

January 12, 2020

I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,

Abraham Lincoln

Lieutenant E.Kemmer
Nevada Department of Public Safety

January 8, 2020

REST IN PEACE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. PRAYERS TO YOUR FAMILY AND TO YOUR FAMILY OF BLUE.

MOTHER OF A DALLAS POLICE OFFICER Linda
None

January 6, 2020

Rest in peace young brother, we'll take it from here. Thank you for your service, you will not be forgotten. God bless the family, friends, and co-workers of Officer Bristol during this time of tragic and senseless loss.

Sgt Donnie Meaders
Wetumka (OK) Police Department

January 6, 2020

Rest in peace Brother.

Arrend Hoopes
Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office Va.

January 6, 2020

I am sorry for your loss to the Family, Fellow Officers, and Friends. I will keep all of you in my prayers. RIP.

Retired Fire Lieutenant Frank J Corasan
Baltimore City Fire Department

January 6, 2020

RIP Brother. God Bless...

OFC/ Detective Carlos Selvi
Balto. Co. P.D.

January 4, 2020

Rest in Peace my brother.

Captain Bernard Flint
Department of Defense Police Division

January 4, 2020

My condolences to Officer Bristol’s family and my brothers and sisters of HPD.

May he rest in eternal peace and continue to watch over us.

Officer Steve Morrison
Metro Transit Police
(Former HPD)

Officer Steven Morrison
Metro Transit Police (DC)

January 3, 2020

May Our Lord have a Special place in His Heavenly home for Officer Bristol. He is a True Hero!

My Deepest sympathies go out to the Bristol family and his department.

Michael T. Sullivan, Retired Patrolman,
Chicago Police Department, 9th District

January 3, 2020

On behalf of the Klamath County Sheriff's Office in Klamath Falls Oregon, we send our sincerest sympathy in the recent loss of your Master Patrol Officer, Spencer Bristol, in the line of duty. It is always a huge loss when a fellow Master Patrol Officer makes the ultimate sacrifice. His bravery and courage to protect and serve your community has not gone unnoticed. We also thank Mater Patrol Officer Bristol for his service as a United States Navy Veteran.

Sheriff Chris Kaber
Klamath County Sheriff's Office

January 3, 2020

So saddened to hear the news.

May you rest in peace after having served those around you. My thoughts are with you, your family, fellow officers and friends.

Reserve Police Officer G. Krystof
Los Angeles Police Department

January 3, 2020

God Bless You, Your Family, & Friends.
Thank you for your unselfish service.

James P Waggle
Civilian

January 2, 2020

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and co-workers.
Rest In Peace my brother in BLUE.

D.A. Investigator
Deaf Smith County District Attorney’s Office

January 2, 2020