Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Another year has gone by 43 to be exact and yet I still find people who not only remember you but share stories of lasting impacts you made in their lives. Today 1 of your best friends will be laid to rest and it's ironic that it is on the your left this world. So I believe you are both enjoying the best friendship ever still today. Dad I will always say you are my hero and I miss you more than anything.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

July 3, 2025

Heavenly Father, I come before You today grieved in heart over the divisions in our country; the United States of America. I grieve for every life lost to violence, regardless of color or creed. And I especially grieve this day over the senseless deaths of America’s Peace Officers whose sworn duty is to protect us from harm. Please grant comfort and hope to their families. I know from the Holy Scriptures in Romans 13 that Peace Officers have a sacred task, to enforce laws that protect the innocent and punish the guilty. I pray that You will protect them as they serve us. Give them wisdom, discernment, and a deep desire to serve You. Please surround every Peace Officer in our nation, the United States of America, with battalions of warring angels to protect them from harm. I stand in the powerful and mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ against every work of Satan intended to inflict injury and death on our Protectors. May Satan’s power be thwarted, in Your mighty and holy name, and his plans exposed by Your Light. In the mighty and holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, our Redeemer, and the Mediator between us, Heavenly Father, in prayer, and by His authority, I pray! Amen.

Please find Encouragement, Comfort, Support, and Hope from God's Word:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
[Matthew 5:9 ESV];

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 ESV];

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
[John 15:13 ESV];

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 ESV];

"And he [Jesus] said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." [Luke 23:43 ESV], and;

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." [John 3:16 ESV].

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NACM, NCCA
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

July 3, 2025

Today marks your 79th Birthday. I really miss you dad as you are always my hero.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

February 12, 2025

42 years ago we talked for the last time. What I wouldn't give to have 1 more conversation with you. You touched so many others with your selfless acts of kindness. I am so proud of you.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

July 3, 2024

Happy Heavenly Birthday Dad you would be 78 and relaxing doing hunting or fishing and singing all those songs you would listen to while driving. I sure miss those days as a boy riding around with you. I often wonder how different my life would be if you hadn't lost your life? You stood for truth and justice and how to be a better man. This world needs more men like you. Always know you are my hero and I love you so dearly. With love your son Bryan.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

February 12, 2024

Dad you are always on my mind and I ask myself how different life would be if you were still here? So much to be proud of both your granddaughters have been working hard to be successful in life. Madison having recently graduated from Alabama Law School is a Lawyer... Brooke has been a very wonderful RN who found her passion in Labor and delivery has kept the Blue Line

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

July 3, 2023

Well Today is your 77th Heavenly Birthday

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

February 12, 2023

Well today 40yrs ago you went 10-42 for the last time. The world is a crazy place now and our blue family has been attacked like never before. Dad I miss you terribly but I know that God had His reasons. You have been my Hero my inspiration and I would give anything just to talk to you 1 more time. You are gone but not forgotten I am so proud of what you accomplished. God bless you.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

July 3, 2022

Another year older today Happy Heavenly Birthday and come July will mark 40 years ago I lost my daddy / hero you may be gone but you are certainly not forgotten. I know that my heart aches but I now truly understand the weight of the Badge more clearly than ever.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

February 12, 2022

Hey Dad I have to say that today makes 39 years ago that you went to be with the Lord. We are so much a like in looks, character, and beliefs. The reflections over the year signify you are not forgotten and that you will be my hero. I am so thankful for the legacy you left. God has blessed me knowing that you have had a great impact on others.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

July 3, 2021

Happy 75th Birthday Dad I would love to talk to you today. You will always be my hero and I am so thankful that God allowed me to be your son.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

February 12, 2021

Today is so difficult as I reflect on the impact you made in my life and now as I part of a wonderful group Alabama Chapter of Concerns Of Police Survivors and honored to serve as the Police Liason to handle those who give themselves in the LODD. I continue to serve the community and 38 years later you and Cody are together as his struggle is over. I am praying that I honor you daily dad.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

July 3, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest In Peace always.

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

July 3, 2020

Rest in Eternal Peace. You did your Duty Well LT Bentley!

To Honor You today!
On behalf of
The Heflin Police Foundation
Charles H. Merchant, Sr.
Member

Charles H. Merchant, Sr.
Chief Advisor
Randolph County Sheriffs Department
Wedowee, Alabama

June 3, 2020

Looking back, you made it there before me. Good to know you are now patrolling Heaven. Heaven is in good hands. I’ll see you one day and thank you for a job WELL DONE!

Rest on That Mountain,
Heflin Remains Proud of You LT Bentley

Chief Advisor Office of Sheriff
Randolph County Sheriff’s Department

June 3, 2020

Well as I reflect on your space here, I think about all that has happened from year to year and since last year even. I am active in COPS now and feel honored to help others who have lost their family members.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

February 12, 2020

37 years today Dad, and there is not a day that goes by I don't reflect on you and our relationship. You will always be my Hero. I am hope that you can look down and see the seeds sown and the legacy from you. ♥️ Dad how I wish I could have 1 hour just to talk and reflect on life with you.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

July 3, 2019

Lt. Bentley, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 13, 2019

Happy Birthday Daddy I have now gotten both your granddaughters through college and have established the Byron Bentley Memorial Scholarship Program. I pray daily I can continue to bring honor to our family name. I so miss talking with you about life. Rest in peace dad with all my love.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

February 12, 2019

Approximately 36 years ago at this moment you took your last breath and went to be with God. You have been in heaven as long as you were here on Earth. The grief process has been a struggle because I often think of who I am and where I would be if you were still here? To say I love you and so proud of the man you are just doesn't seem enough. God bless you dad and I am so honored to be your friend and son.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

July 3, 2018

Happy Birthday

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

February 12, 2018

Dad Saturday morning a portion of HWY 78 was named in your Honor from Mile Marker 175 to 180 is the Lt Ralph Byron Bentley Memorial Hwy. You touched so many and had a true Hero's turn out. God bless you as you are my Hero. 35 years later I hope i have done you the honor you so deserved. Myself, Cody and your Granddaughters Madison and Brooke are so proud of you. ♥️

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

July 3, 2017

What a wonderful day this would have been 71st Birthday. So much has happened since you left. I just want to say thank you for instilling in me family values that I carry forward today. I pray that you can see what a lasting impression you left on those close to you.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

February 12, 2017

It was 34 years ago when you left us physically. The impact you made has made me the man I am today. I would like to take just a moment to say thank you dad for serving selflessly. I miss you and love you so dearly. God had bigger plans for you and now you are on a much bigger watch. I salute you sir.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

July 3, 2016

I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT I MISS MY DAD BIG TIME. I DONT REMEMBER ABOUT MY DAD MUCH BECAUSE HE DIED WHEN I WAS VERY YOUNG. I WISH HE COULD SEE ME NOW OF HOW MUCH I HAVE GROWN IN TO A MAN. HE WAS GREAT MAN AND GREAT DADDY TO ALL OF US.

CODY BENTLEY
IM THE SON

February 13, 2016