Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I worked at Uop in Chickasaw but worked ambulance for TriCity and Newmans and Jims on my off days John would come by Tri City on Lee St and get a cup of coffee and just talk stories I came home off night shift and heard the news Couldn t believe it John was so nice Billy Possum Colburn Gulf Shores Al.

Billy Colburn

December 19, 2022

The killer of Officer John Dotson (Donald Lewis Owen) died in prison on February 15, 2021. He died of natural causes after serving more than four decades for his crimes. Our prayers go out to the friends and family of Officer Dotson. Many thanks for his service to our country.

John Haseltine
Civilian

February 18, 2021

Officer Dotson,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our the citizens of Chickasaw. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 8, 2020

Officer Dotson,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chickasaw. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 8, 2020

I Think of John every time I'm on I65 at the Chickasaw Exit. He was a friend of mine through the Brewer's. Never knew he had kids. The way his life ended was not good at all. That was the same place I was stopped one night coming home from work and you could not see your over the hood of the car. A store in had gotten robed and my car was the same color as the car the police were looking for that night. Everybody from Prichard to Satsuma and State Police were looking for that color car that night. Well seems like all of them surrounded me about 1130 that night as I came home from the 3 to 11 shift dirty with dust from the grain elevator. John was one of the Chickasaw Officers that night. That was the last time a saw him. God be with all of his family.

Retired Army / Work at Corps Engineers
Teen Friend

June 20, 2017

John, I often think back of yesteryears when all of us were at Plateau Christian School back in 1960-1961 those were our gentle years forming who we were to become in years to come. I remember Alisa as a young little freckled girl not knowing she would later in years become your wife. Knowing all your family and remembering your Mom (Mrs Dotson) driving all of you to school in that station wagon. I do have fond memories of all of you still. I try not to dewell on that tragic nite, but to remember the officer who serve Chickasaw with Pride & Service to the citizens of the City. I know Mike misses you very much. But I know one day we will cross each others path again one day my friend. We will never forget you!.

Rosemary & Michael Thornley
Childhood Classmates/Friends

April 13, 2016

John, my friend, I think of you and your family often. I miss you brother.

Former Sgt. Larry Harris
Chickasaw Police Dept.

February 3, 2015

MR. & Mrs. Dotson and family, your son and brother was my swimming coach at Chickasaw pool in 1973, 74, 75. A more easy going, easy to like person God has never created. My mother, sisters and I reflect upon and cherish our fond memories of John.

WG-10 Jim Revette
NADEP Cherry Point John's Teammate

June 21, 2014

JOHN, KEEP SMILING. YOU WERE HONORED TODAY AND WAS INTRODUCED TO A NEW GENERATION. KEEP SMILING!!

CAPTAIN JERRY SCARBROUGH
CHICKASAW POLICE DEPT.

August 24, 2013

Today at 4:00 p.m. there will be a redidcation of John W Dotson Park. Dad your son, Daughter in law and Grandson will be there... We love and miss you ... Today our family and the City of Chickasaw honor you.....

Jonathan Blakely Dotson
John's Son

August 24, 2013

As a Chickasaw city councilman, on this the week of Officer Dotson's mother's passing, I continue to honor his service to our city. We are all praying for the family.

Councilman Adam Bourne
City of Chickasaw

August 15, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd 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 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. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections,


.Rest In Peace.

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

April 9, 2012

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 8, 2010

I found this page by accident. I never knew Mr. Dotson, but about a year ago I was introduced to his family. And on May 31st of this year, in less than a week, I will be marrying his son. His son never got to personally meet his father because his mom was pregant with him at the time of the death. But as me and his son are making wedding plans, thoughts of Mr. Dotson have came up often. I wish he could be there in body to stand next to his son that day. I understand God had other plans and we won't question God on why things had to happen the way they did. We trust God that there is a purpose and plan for all things that happen. Mr. Dotson's son is a great person, whom I love with all my heart. I promise to love and take care of him as much as I can. Mr. Dotson you would be so proud, he's a youth pastor now. He's investing in the lives of young people. God is doing so many awesome things. From what I've heard Mr. Dotson loved God with all his heart, so I want to say thank you for leaving such a heritage behind for your son!

Brandy Sullivan
future daughter-in-law as of 05/31/08

May 26, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 8, 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

July 11, 2007

A GOOD OFFICER, A GOOD MAN, A CHRISTIAN MAN THAT I WILL SEE AGAIN IN ETERNITY

CO PAUL JARRELL
OBPD/FELLOW OFFICER AT TIME OF DEATH

April 24, 2007

On the anniversary of his death, we paused to honor and remember Officer Dotson and acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice he paid.

Our thoughts and prayers to out to his surviving family members.

May he never be forgotten.

Major D.W. Warren
Montgomery P.D.

April 9, 2007

REST IN PEACE BROTHER YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.

CPL.CHUCK RICHARDSON
CHICKASAW POLICE DEPARTMENT

March 16, 2007

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

Officer 11169

October 22, 2006

I was in high school when your life was taken away. I remember thinking how sad your family must feel. I did not know them at the time of your death, but in the last few years I became acquainted with your brother. Now 26 years later your lost is still deeply felt. I know you are keeping watch over your loved ones. You are a hero. Thank you for protecting the community in which I grew up in.

Family friend

May 16, 2006

Rest in peace fellow brother in blue,we will continue the watch.

Watch Commander/Alvin Dumas
Bishop State Community College Police Dept.

March 6, 2004