Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Well Ken, 26 years ago today you made the ultimate sacrifice. You will not be forgotten my man. April , 16, 2021 there was a dedication in your honor. This dedication was well, made me cry, you know I don't cry, with Lt. Jim Schoeninger at the helm and the help of so many others the dedication came to be. You'd be very proud of Troy, I learned things about you "I" didn't even know about you. I know it's was a "nun ya" nun ya damn business lol. Troy told the story of your Stanley thermos with you coffee, I still have it dent and sticker and all, still use it. I'll have you know the Bell 429 is the most Sexists' Bird on the ground as well as in the air. Breath takin' beyond words. Defiantly reflection of you. Ironically, she (HE, forgot your serial number is on it so it has to be a he) is FOX 1, replacing the Fox 1 that Troy took to spread your ashes. You have no idea the impact you made on so many people, not only the ones you worked with but in the community as well. The dedication was on the news that night and after I got so many calls, text messages and emails of people who knew you. I could go on and on about the new district 2 building and the conference rooms dedicated to you. The Memorial pillars in front of the building. Can not forget "JAKE" well I call him that but the riderless horse. Blairisms will never be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all as I know you are, and if you don't mind do a lil' something to let them know your out there watchin' their backs.

Deb Blair

September 28, 2021

Ken,

Today marks the 26th year since your passing in service to the Citizens of Maricopa County, Az. Today, we again Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice. Will have not, and will not be forgotten. I'm adding a link to this post of our new Heavy Rescue Helicopter we dedicated to you in your memory earlier in the year so others can see a glimpse into the story of Who Was Ken Blair as well as see the lasting impact you made on those who knew you!

Ken Blair Helicopter Dedication and Tribute Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoyIkCwAfTU

Lt. Jim Schoeninger
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office

September 28, 2021

Dep. Blair, Today the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office dedicated our new Bell 429 Heavy Rescue Helicopter, Call Sign FOX 1, into Service! The Tail Number, N812LE, was personalized and contains your Serial Number, 812. This aircraft is a game changer for our agency and the Citizens of the County and will forever be known as the Dep. Ken Blair Memorial Helicopter. It was my absolute honor to MC this event today and we had your Wife Deb, Dispatcher Lisa and your friend and beat partner Chief Troy O. present. Several members of your old squad were also there and there wasn’t a dry eye around. Thank You for your Service, continue to Rest In Peace, and you, nor your memory will ever be forgotten!!
“Courage is being scared to death and saddening up anyway”

Lt. Jim Schoeninger
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office

April 16, 2021

Kenny, I will never forget!! You impacted alot of our lives. Know that you will live in our hearts forever.

Your Personal Dispatcher
MCSO

March 22, 2021

Well Kenneth Ray, 25 years ago you gave your all, by doing so you saved an unborn child and it's mom. Wanted to let you because of your selflessness that baby was a lil' girl, her mom married LE. The baby girl grew up married LE and has babies of her own. Because of you the family was able to grow have a future and make memories of their own.
You changed so many peoples lives , some you knew, many you did not know. Because of you, Blairism, "Courage is bein' scared to death n saddlin' up anyway" by John Wayne lives on even after 25 years and will continue into the future.
I miss you every single day, you were my Knight in Shinny Leathers and you rode an Iron steed, My Cowboy Law Man that I dreamed of since I was 16 y/o. You were my everything. God is my mountain and you were my rock off that mountain. I know your doing your peace keepers job now for the MAN. I can picture you up there at Gods pearly gates checking out the chariots to see if they are double parks and writing them a tickets.
Okay enough of the mushy stuff as you would say. You will NEVER be forgotten by anyone who knew you or by the people you encountered on and off your beat. Darn it now I have to get a bugger vault.

The War Department.
101, Better Half, Wife

February 11, 2021

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 28, 2020

Twenty-five years ago today Ken Blair was ambushed after he responded to the report of a Domestic Violence call at an apartment complex near Luke Air Force Base. After shooting Ken, the suspect turned the rifle on himself. There was no warning and no chance to react. Ken and I worked neighboring patrol beats for a couple of years before he moved to detectives. When Ken came back to patrol, he used his seniority to bump me from my beat. Ken took over this patrol area on September 1, 1995. I moved to the next beat west. We both responded to this call. Ken was seven minutes closer. Over the years, many of us have left memories and reflections in honor of Ken. Time continues to pass by but nothing erases the moments of that day from my memory. I pray the Lord keep us safe as we take on the role of protectors. Rest in Peace Ken.

Chief Troy Olmsted
King County Sheriff's Office, Seattle, WA.

September 28, 2020

I met Officer Blair two days before he was killed, he responded to a call in our o apartment complex because one of my friends saw a man in her stairwell and she was nervous because she was very pregnant. I walked over as Officer Blair showed up. I was active-duty Air Force at the time and we talked about his career in the military. He was extremely friendly, nice and comforting to my friend. Two days later as I was getting ready to take a trip I was eating breakfast at waffle house and saw his picture in the paper. I had heard the sirens and saw the lights over in the apartment complex nearby where we lived but never made the connection that it was Officer Blair that had responded there. I didn’t know him very much but I can tell you that he was a very honorable and true American. Rest easy Officer Blair.

Respectfully,

Daniel P. Ruffino MSgt, USAF (Ret.)

MSgt Daniel Ruffino (Ret.)
Aquaintance

August 28, 2020

Ken, I still remember vividly you pulling up next to me and even before you could say anything to me you got that dreaded call. You waved and then took off. Minutes later you were gone. The guilt & anguish I still feel for not being able to be there to back you up somehow. The knot I felt in my stomach when I heard of an Officer down and knew it was district 2 and it was you. I still remember when we were prepping your truck so I could paint it, when we went to church and received our pins, that "special wrapped" Christmas present I gave you the last Christmas we were all together, and the last gathering at your house when I and your Brothers were there to support your wife and grieve together. I & my son admired & respected you.

Retired, J. R. Queen
Retired

April 21, 2020

Kenny,
I remember when you reached out to me when I was a rookie (#1045). I and another deputy were being hammered by calls on the west side. You placed a call to check out an abandoned vehicle. When I arrived, there you were with a bbq grill overlooking a rusted heap at the bottom of the hill. You then offered up a burger. I will never forget your thoughtfulness and backing each other up. I heartfully regret not being on that night and I wasn't there for you. It will forever bring tears to my eyes.
I know you're in a better place. I will see you again.

Jock Retired
Fellow deputy

October 2, 2019

Deputy Sheriff Blair,
On today, the 24th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a LEO but for our Country as well when you served with the USAF. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 28, 2019

Thank you sir, and thank you Mrs. Blair for your sacrifices. The costs go even deeper than the death of a husband under such circumstance--it is an entire family which is torn. Maricopa county is a better, safer place because of Deputy Kenneth Blair.

Stan Jefferson
Citizen of Arizona

September 28, 2017

RIP Brother. We never forget a loss.

Deputy Wayne Baker
MCSO

September 28, 2015

Twenty years ago today Ken Blair lost his life serving the people of Maricopa County. The memories of that day remain fresh in my mind. The numbers who worked with Ken have diminished throughout the years but his sacrifice does not go without notice. Every day the badge is worn, those who serve and endeavor in this never ending battle continuing to give of our time, effort, blood, sweat, tears, and too often the last breath of life. Sometimes it is thankless, unpopular, and misrepresented by the media, yet we tarry on. I keep Ken’s photo displayed for all to see. I carry his favorite quote “Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway.” As I continue working in our chosen profession and as long as I live, I will never forget that day and I will continue to share his story. I pray the Lord look after those who serve, that we make a difference every day and return us safely to our families.

Troy Olmsted, Captain
King County Sheriff's Office

September 28, 2015

As your dispatcher on that day, I will NEVER forget!! RIP Kenny, you are with me always!

Lisa Leitch A3997
Maricopa County Sheriffs Office

September 28, 2014

Rest in peace, my brother...

Sgt. J. Sawyer A7979
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office

July 26, 2013

I did not know you but I have not and will not forget you brother.

Deputy Sheriff
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office

October 6, 2012

Ken, it doesn't seem possible that I turned that juvenile over to you for transport 17 years ago today. Who would have thought that the unthinkable would occur only a few short hours later. I pray for your family this day and always and await the day that we can once again get together, this time in paradise. Thanks for being a friend and mentor and helping me to be better at what I do. God bless you my friend.

Deputy Rich Shoemaker 1993-2004
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office

September 28, 2012

17 years ago today we lost a brother, mentor, partner , and friend. That scene and day will be etched in my mind forever. You are gone but never forgotten buddy, rest.

Deputy Steve Roberts
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office

September 28, 2012

9/28/95 end of watch, Ken another year has passed into the history book. I have not forgotten. My continued prayers for all those working to preserve justice. Rest in Pease partner…

Sergeant Troy Olmsted
King County Sheriff's Office

September 28, 2012

Thank your for your bravery and dedicated service to others. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

September 28, 2012

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

August 19, 2012

RIP Sir

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

July 9, 2012

I hope your family has found peace.
I know you are still on patrol.

Jeffery Butts Firefighter
Rural/Metro Fire Department

November 5, 2010

We lost another one Ken.... Show him around up there

Deputy RJ
MCSO D2

May 27, 2010