Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Butch was a great man he was my mothers Anna Sue Nelson cousin I remember when I was young he would let me play in his police cruiser sad to know the suspect only got 10 years for his

Tim Gooch

January 3, 2016

Trooper Jerome Scott Clifton better known to me and the rest of his family as little Butch. You went to the Kentucky State Police and I went with the Army, I miss you Butch!!!

Bobby O. Chapman

July 18, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 33rd anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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 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 that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

April 26, 2013

I'd forgotten your nickname was Butch. But I never called you that anyway, I always called you Cliff. Some of my favorite memories of you have nothing to do with being a state trooper. I remember you playing guitar on the dock at Trooper Island. Singing while the rest of us fished. How young we all were! You were yet to wear the uniform then, just a 'lowly cadet'....ha, ha! I remember you were very patient with the campers and such a cutup. They all liked being with you and I feel sure some of those young boys were inspired to become like you in their own lives.
Now almost 40 years later, every Trooper Island Dedication Day especially, I remember you again so fondly. I remember my friend and I cry for you...for the life you never got to live and at the same time so proud of the life you did live.

A friend from the Island

May 15, 2012

I live in lincoln county, ky. Today i was on a daytrip into the mountains of eastern ky. It was such an enjoyable day, the mountains being such a peaceful place. I crossed a bridge that was dedicated to Trooper Clifton. I thought of my own father who was gunned down in 1991. The blue knights dedicated a marble bench to my father and Trooper Bush. It is comforting when i see that communities honour their fallen. Rest in peace mountain man.

kimberly kidwell
daughter of a fallen officer

September 17, 2009

"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

October 29, 2007

Upi are remembered today and thank yo Sir for your service.

Pat Van Den Berghe

October 13, 2007

God bless you Jerome. The Commonwealth was a better place for your service and sacrifice.

Matthew 5:9

An Ohio brother
Montgomery Co. Ohio

July 30, 2007

I WAS HIRED INTO THE KY STATE POLICE FAMILY AT POST 9 PIKEVILLE IN 1998 AS A DISPATCHER. I AM PROUD TO WORK THE KSP AND TO HAVE TROOPERS LIKE YOU WATCHING OVER ME FROM HEAVEN. I USE TO CLEAN THE FALLEN TROOPERS OF POST 9'S PLAQUES THAT HUNG ON THE WALL IN THE HALLWAY FOR ALL TO SEE. I WAS AND AM PROUD OF ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE!!!!

DISPATCHER GRETA M HUFF
KY STATE POLICE POST 13 HAZARD

February 10, 2007

Rest easy brother.

Killed a day after I was born.
We have the watch!

JH
Glendale CO PD

February 5, 2007

Rest IN peace fellow brother..

Ptlm. Amy Elswick

October 1, 2006

Butch, I came to see you off. I saw the honors you recieved. I cannot think of a fallen Trooper that deserved it more my friend. From Class 44 to the end, you were an example of what it is all about. I missed seeing you at in-service and talking on the phone and still do. Rest easy, the young ones have it well in hand.

Tpr. Pat Bell 318R
KSP

August 13, 2006

I miss you Butch. Didn't know you for long...but I'll see you again.

981 - Ret.
KSP

May 19, 2006

The words we should all strive to hear and you so deservingly earned:

"Well done, good and faithful servant!"

A Retired Trooper
Kentucky State Police

June 1, 2005

Troopers will always remember Troopers. God bless you brother and thanks for standing the thin blue line for the rest of us.

Sgt. Mike Edes
Maine State Police

March 22, 2005

I also agree with the other reflection left. Although some time has come and gone, you will not be forgotten. Rest well my fellow troop......

Trooper McGuckin
Michigan State Police

November 16, 2004

WE AT POST 9, REMEMBER TROOPER JEROME SCOTT CLIFTON, FOR GIVING ALL. GOD BLESS!

DISPATCHER BILL CROW R11
KSP POST 9 PIKEVILLE

August 16, 2004

Hey Butch,
Its Ernies boy. Dad broke down one day and told me about your death. I was sad but proud that my dad was one of the three who finally arrested your assailant. Hope the weather is great up there and I know that your still wearing gray.

Ernie's Boy

April 19, 2004

Bless the peace makers for they shall see Heaven. God be with you TROOPER.

Anonymous

December 9, 2003

I agree with a previous writer who wrote “No officer’s death should be without reflection.” It is an honor to be the first to leave a reflection in your memory. You made the ultimate sacrifice. May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. We are proud of you and thankful for all of your service. May God bless you and your family. AC

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

September 10, 2003