Johnson County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee
End of Watch Wednesday, December 11, 1991
Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Allen Richard Lipford
I had seven minutes in Heaven
I know just what I'd do
Take a walk down those golden streets
And find a quiet corner booth
I wouldn't spend all my seconds asking God questions
'Cause He knows I'd be back soon
If I had seven minutes in Heaven
I'd spend them all with you
32 years since you traded in your badge for a beautiful set of wings!
I love you daddy!!!
Allena Chyanne Lipford-Roark
Daughter
December 11, 2023
Remembered always but especially today.
Tonya Proffitt, former Reserve Sgt JCSD
December 11, 2023
Another year has passed, the sacrifice has not been forgotten.
J. Shawn Brown
Johnson County Sheriff's Office
December 11, 2023
Remembering the sacrifice this day,.
J.Shawn Brown
Johnson County Sheriff's Office Tn.
December 11, 2022
Allen continues to reside in so many hearts and minds. He will never be forgotten.
There should not be an expiration date on our gratitude for the hero that loses his life while serving and protecting us.
I am thankful for those in our area that continue to remember Allen, like the memorial bridge named and every time his name is spoken, or his story told. Thank you, Johnson County, it is the least we can do.....Remembering and honoring those fallen heroes, not allowing their sacrifices to be in vain.
Tonya Proffitt, former Reserve Sgt. JCSD
Daughter of Allen's partner/brother
December 10, 2022
30 years doesn't minimize the greatness of a hero.
30 years does not erase the memory of that tragic night.
30 years does not resolve the hurt and pain.
30 years does not restore what was forever lost.
30 years is more like yesterday for those who were there with you that night.
30 years, and a lifetime, will never change the void in the lives of those left only to cherish your memory.
30 years
Still Remembered!
Still Honored!
Still a hero!
Thank you to all who serve and protect, as well as maintaining law and order; only an absolute idiot would ever dismiss or even minimize the importance of that.
Tonya Proffitt
Former JCSD Reserve Sgt. also the daughter of Allen's partner
December 10, 2021
When I started typing this it was still December 11th. Its just hard to find the right words.
29 years since that horrific morning ...29 years, like a vapor have disappeared but I know some hearts and minds are filled with those memories, fresh as if it was the day after.
The absolute hero that gives their all, should forever be engraved on our hearts and on our minds. Allen will be, because he is the absolute hero and he did give his all to Johnson County, Tennessee.
In memory, honor, respect and thankfulness, on this night, a blue light shines in Sink Valley for a hero.
Tonya Proffitt
December 12, 2020
Your heroism and service is honored today, and everyday.
J. Shawn Brown
Johnson County Sheriff's Office
December 11, 2020
December 2020
In 11 days it will be 29 years since Charles William Saylor robbed this world of a precious life. Although 29 years has passed, it seems so recent. "Never Forgotten" is truly accurate; the thoughts, the memories, the hurt; they all still remain. Allen is no farther from our minds today than he was in 1991. A true testament of how very much he was loved and respected. Meaning so much to those left to cherish his memories that they still fight today to ensure Saylor stays in prison where he belongs.
I can't help but wonder what this life/world missed out on by not having you in it these past 29 years. More time has passed now than how long we had you on this earth. Your 28 years of life was so remarkable that the past 29 years since your death your legacy, your memory lives on; not dulled or tarnished. Allen lives on in those that knew and loved him. That my friends is evidence of a great man, the picture of a true hero! The lives of law enforcement officers are invaluable, we need them! There has been so much hate towards these men and women that put their lives on the line. Every December, I shine a blue light to show my support for law enforcement and to remember those who have paid the ultimate price. Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of the Lord!
Thank you Allen
Thanks to all the officers who read this. I prefer peace and order and you are the most important part of maintaining both.
Honor your brothers and sisters who has blazed the path of justice before you. Keep pressing forward , continuing on, and holding the line! Be a force that can't be moved!!!
Tonya Proffitt (former Res. Dep./ Sgt.)
Daughter of Allen's partner
December 1, 2020
Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Lipford.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
May 8, 2020
28 Years has passed, Just thinking about how things have changed in the past years that I have been here. The one thing that has not changed, is the thoughts of you and others that paid the ultimate the price , continue to rest easy, we are still holding the line.,
J. Shawn Brown Chief Investigator
Johnson County Sheriff's Office
December 11, 2019
25 years ago today, still when I see certain people I can see the unforgettable pain that they continue to endure. You will never be forgotten thank you sir for your service
Shawn Brwon
Johnson County Sheriff's Office
December 11, 2016
Hoss I miss you more as time goes on! I love you bro!
Dan Lipford
Cousin Brother
October 16, 2015
It is still so difficult to face another December, even after all the years that has passed. The pain is still evident in your partners eyes, although most people don't see it, I know it is there. A testament of true brotherhood, he never let a December pass without visiting your mom. He would never even consider putting on another badge. He speaks of you so very often.
You gave your life in service to many, but you also gave it unselfishly. Mom and my pap is with me today because you was there with them on that horrific day. I am so very thankful for your courage and bravery, you are my hero! 23years does very little to heal the wounds or cloud the memory of such a tragic loss. In 2014 you are remembered as if it were 1991. NEVER FORGOTTEN!
Tonya Proffitt
Daughter of Allen's partner, Terry Gregg
December 15, 2014
I think of you often wish so many times we could all turn back time, I will never forget you my heart as many others were broken the day you left us but knowing that someday we will see each other again will be a great day for all, Love and Miss you my Friend always.
Melody
Friend
September 5, 2013
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 20th 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.
I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
Rest In Peace
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
December 30, 2011
Almost 20 years later and I still dont understand why you had to go! I love and miss you more with each passing day!
Allena Chyanne Lipford
Daughter
August 18, 2011
Allen,
Buddy it has been almost 20 years and you are still in my heart and on my mind. Love you brother. Thanks for the many times you were there to cover my back. Rest in peace.
God Bless, Jeff
Patrolman Jeff Winters
Watauga Tennessee Police Dept.
February 21, 2011
"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
January 29, 2008
You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service
Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
December 6, 2007
deputy lipford was shot and killed the same year as my faher, patrolman gary kidwell of stanford,ky. my father was also shot and killed by a felon. our judicial system is so messed up. so many good men have been taken down by felons who should still be rotting in jails somewhere. the man that shot my father was making 6.00 an hour more than my father. he had escaped from prison. the system kept slapping him on the wrist. i am 36 years old. i have had one ticket for no insurance. for the past two years i have been on felony probation due to nonflaggrant child support on a child that had only moved out 2 months before. the court was sending my papers to the wrong address and under the wrong name. i was picked up by law enforcement as i was picking my child up at the 911 comm. center. i spent 8 days in jail. i bondeed out for 500.00. for the past two years i report once a month to a probation officer. i submit a drug screening. it costs me 45.00 a month for prob. fees, 300.00 for child support. i make minimum wage waiting tables and cooking. one traffic violation and i have my probation revoked and will do a year in county jail. i was in jail with a girl who had counterfeited over 6000.00 and she has 1 year less probation than i do. when is our system going to wake up. when are they going to realize that it is about criminals instead of money? our court systems want money. they are being bought off. it doesnt matter what you have done it only matters how much money you can afford to spend. maybe someday it will change and dangerous criminals will be the ones in jail, not the poor working man. god bless you deputy lipford. you made the ultimate sacrifice as did my father. sometimes we may wonder was it worth it in this society and judicial system. the ones of us who know how an officers heart is, knowa that you wouyld do it no other way. thank you. you will always be in my thoughts, your family in my prayers.
kimberly kidwell
daughter of fallen stanford ky officer
March 4, 2007
Your sacrifice and dedication is a reflection to all officers who wear the badge. You will never be forgotten. Thank You.
Reserve Deputy Brad Sutherland
Johnson County Sheriff's Dept.
September 19, 2005
Many thanks to you for being my backup when I worked fot the city,You were always there to help,and cover my back. You Will Always Be A True Hero
To Me.
Sgt. Jeff Winters
Carter County Tn. Sheriff's Dept.
July 21, 2005
YOU ARE STILL IN OUR MIND EACH AND EVERY DAY THANKS FOR ALL YOU DONE. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN
RESERVE DEPUTY SHAWN BROWN
JOHNSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
July 8, 2005
Allen after all of these years you are still remembered as a hero! God bless you sir.
Ofcr. Dan Winger
LBCCPD, Ret.
March 13, 2005
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