Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Arizona
End of Watch Thursday, September 28, 1995
Reflections for Deputy II Kenneth Ray Blair
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Lincoln 225...Code 20......Station is 45.
D2 Deputy
MCSO
October 29, 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 26, 2007
As we prepare for a day of reflection upon our fallen comrades, I want to say thank you. I came along 4 years after your sacrifice. I see your picture everyday at briefing. It is a reminder of my oath and my duty to my partners that I will do everything in my power to ensure my partners go home at the end of shift. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. Thanks Ken.
District II Deputy
MCSO
April 19, 2007
I was a member of the Posse back then. I remember seeing you on your last day of watch at the substation. I'll never forget the way you used to say "thank you" to me when I would transport your prisoners while woking jail wagon... you would turn on the side alley light and give a wave. You will be missed sir, and sacrifice never forgotten.
W. Smith, NREMT
Southwest Ambulance
April 5, 2007
Rest in Peace, Deputy Blair. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
March 14, 2007
My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 11th anniversary of your tour of duty ending. Keep watch over them and know that you have not been forgotten and are a true hero.
Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father
September 28, 2006
I still remember what you had taped to your locker... "Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway" We will never forget. Your friend
Reserve Deputy (Ret.) BD Moore
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
August 31, 2006
You are not forgotten. We continue on in your memory. Rest in peace. To your family, I hope that time has helped to ease the pain. God Bless you.
Sergeant
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Yuma, AZ
July 12, 2006
In loving memory of D.S. Blair: Your
story was hilighted today on the
website. Even though it has been
10 long years, we are remembering
your sacrifice today. Thank you for
your years of service and condolences to your friends and
families.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA
November 4, 2005
Every day you are in our thoughts.
Detective - GID
MCSO
October 3, 2005
To the family and friends of Deputy Kenneth Ray Blair and fellow deputies in the Maricopa County Sheriff's Dept., and most especially to Deputy Blair:
Today has been ten years since the brutal murder of Deputy Blair. His valor and bravery will never be forgotten. His memory is being honored and revered today.
This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of distinquished service Deputy Blair gave to his community and the citizens of Arizona, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 28, 1995.
Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05
September 28, 2005
It isn't very often we as law enforcement officers get to pay this kind of tribute to other cops around the nation that have made the ultimate sacrifice for their community. Deputy Blair is an absolute hero and on the ten year anniversary of your passing, I salute you for all you did for the people you served. God bless you!
Sergeant
San Bernardino Co. Sheriff (retired)
September 28, 2005
The clock has continued to turn and time rolls on each day turning into the next. Ten years gone and the routine of life cannot be denied. So many names, places and events have faded without thought or care. There is along the way markers for the memory. For all the changes the future has brought, that day continues to be my marker. Though it can still be difficult it is never a burden to share. Those who know me know your story. I salute you and all my fallen brothers in arms.
Deputy Troy Olmsted
King County Sheriff's Office
January 27, 2005
The urgent calling of nature longs to be tested, seeks to be challenged beyond itself. The warrior within us beseeches Mars, the god of War, to deliver us to that crucial battlefield that will redeem us into the terrifying immediacy of the moment. We want to face our Goliath so we may be reminded that the warrior David is alive, in us. We pray to the war gods to guide us to the walls of Jerrico so we may dare the steadfastness and strength of our trumpet call. We aspire to be defeated in battle by powers so much greater than ourselves, so that the defeat itself will have made us larger than when we arrived. We long for the encounter that will ultimately empower us with dignity and honor....Be not mistaken: the longing is there and it's terrible and beautiful and tragic.
November 18, 2004
Ken,
Your Academy classmates still remember you and your sacrifice. God bless you and your family.
Officer Ron Swart
Mesa Police Dept
October 21, 2004
On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.
A hero never dies.....
Rest in peace, hero.
September 28, 2004
God bless your family and thank you for your sacrafice
September 28, 2004
One brave man. My God bless you and watch over your family.
N/A
MCSO
June 27, 2004
Deputy Blair, you are not forgotten, your friends and co-workers make sure of it.
Lieutenant
MCSO
April 1, 2004
I did not personally know Deputy Blair however I worked in the neighboring District at the time of the incident. I just want to leave a reflection and let his family know that he is not forgotten. He gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, not only him but his family as well. God Bless, a brother Deputy
Anonymous
February 19, 2004
It makes me sad to come here and see a name and no reflections to honor his/her memory. There are people out there that love and miss Deputy Blair and don't even know this page exists. Deputy Blair, you gave your life in the line of duty...you were just doing your job. Thank you for all you did. God Bless You!!!
A 911 Dispatcher
Anonymous
December 31, 2003
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