Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the family of Trooper Blanton, my heart greives for each and everyone of you. It wasn't that long ago that we brought my Drew home to the mountains to bury him in Canton. The troopers in that area attended the funeral and I remember then standing in a small group in front of Well's funeral home. When I walked over to introduce myself, of course I'm sure they already knew who I was, I insisted on hugging each of them. They wore the uniform that Drew had dreamed of wearing since he was a young boy. His family has lived in that area since he was a small child. To hear of your community losing one of your own tears my heart apart. To hear of this young brave man, protecting my family, giving his life. Then to hear of his sweet baby boy struggling to find his own strength. I can't imagine what his family is going through. I wanted to thank you, all of the troopers, for all that you do everyday to make our world, our community, a better, safer place. To Trooper Blanton, thank you for getting one more criminal off the streets. I hate that you had to give your life for it, but he will not be able to hurt anyone else ever again.

To your beautiful young wife, be strong for yourself and your baby boy...you are not alone. We are all out here praying for you and crying with you. You will survive...you will get through this...it may not seem like it now, but you will make it...I promise. Know that your Shawn is in good company...there are many heros who have gone before him and will greet him with open arms...I know my Drew is one of them...their spirits will fly together..

Much love and prayers,
Chrissy Henley, Surviving Spouse
William A Henley, Suffolk VA PD, EOW 3/19/05
forever living in the mountains of Canton,NC

June 19, 2008

"I have always believed that the Great Creator had a great design for my people, the Cherokees. I have been taught that from my childhood up and now in my mature manhood I recognize it as a great truth. Our forces have been dissipated by the external forces, perhaps it has been just a training, but we must now get together as a race and render our contribution to mankind. We are endowed with intelligence, we are industrious, we are loyal and we are spiritual but we are overlooking the Cherokee mission on earth, for no man nor race is endowed with these qualifications without a designed purpose... Our Mixed-bloods should not be overlooked in this program of a racial awakening. Our pride in our ancestral heritage is our great incentive for handing something worthwhile to our posterity. It is this pride in ancestry that makes men strong and loyal for their principal in life. It is this same pride that makes men give up their all for their Government."
-- Redbird Smith, stated in early 1900.
(Grandfather of Principal Chief Cherokee
Nation, OK, Chadwick ''Corntassel'' Smith)

Rest well Trooper Blanton with the knowledge that you truly served your Nation and ours with designed purpose and that you’re tour of duty here is done.

Chief C. Jeff Augram
Asheville Regional Airport Police

June 19, 2008

To the Family of Trp. Blanton.

As a retired officer of over 30 years I have seen death in so many ways, but it hurts deeply when it takes a brother officer from the law enforcement family. My thoughts and prayers to the Trooper Blanton's family and to the brotherhood that he served. May God Bless each and everyone of you as he keeps you wrapped in his loving arms.

Tom Johnson
Oak Island PD, NC-Retired

June 19, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with our brother Trooper Blanton. Thank you for you service and dedication to our state, your agency and the citizens of Haywood County. To your family, my thoughts and prayers are with you also during this time of great loss. My thoughts and prayers are also with the law enforcement community here in North Carolina. God Bless the service of all our police officers who give and who have given their life to our cause just like Trooper Blanton. Rest in Peace Brother.

J.M. Shrader
Inspector
NCDMV License And Theft Bureau
District 5-Salisbury, NC

Inspector J.M. Shrader
NCDMV License And Theft

June 19, 2008

My prayers go to this family. Such a sad and tragic loss.

Faith Turner, Civilian
SCHP

June 19, 2008

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. May God bless you and help you through this trying time. Remember God makes no mistakes. David is patrolling the streets of Heaven as we speak.

Cpl. Shawn Byrd
Lumberton Police

June 19, 2008

Such a young age to give his all. Please accept the condolences of the Genesee County Michigan Sheriff's Office.

Captain Michael Becker
Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Flint Michigan

June 19, 2008

AS A TOW COMPANY OWNER WE MEET OFFICERS ON MANY OCCASIONS.IT WAS MY TRUE HONOR TO HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY
TO GET TO KNOW OFFICER BLANTON.HE ALWAYS GREETED YOU AS A
FRIEND.AS I LEARN A TROPPER HAS LOST HIS LIFE AND HEAR HIS
CALL NUMBER I REALIZE I HAD LOST A FRIEND.
ANYTIME TOWING
CHRIS & JUDY

ANYTIME TOWING

June 19, 2008

Rest IN PEACE TROOPER: Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Sugar Mountain Police Dept.

June 19, 2008

We are so very sorry for your loss.

W. Beyer, T. Leal
Fla. Dept. of Corrections

June 19, 2008

Trooper Blanton, My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and all the brave members of the North Carolina Highway Patrol. May you rest in peace.

Sergeant
Connecticut State Police

June 19, 2008

To Micheala,
I am so sorry to hear the sad news of your wonderful husband. I know this is a horrible time for you, when it is supposed to be the most wonderful time in your life. Please know that there are people you don't know praying for you and Tye. May God help you through this difficult time. Shawn thank you for your service to our area and your dedication to North Carolina, you will never be forgotten.
Sister of A Kentucky State Policeman
Canton, NC

Sister of Kentucky State Policeman

June 19, 2008

Rest in peace brother. Your in a better place now.

Patrol Officer, Kent Hair
McLean Police Department, Illinois

June 19, 2008

Rest in Peace Brother

Trooper
NYSP - Binghamton

June 19, 2008

My heart goes out to Mrs. Blanton and their new baby who I am praying for. This loss is all of ours, but especially to his family and friends. He will be missed for a very long time. I pray for him and for all of you who are grieving for this wonderful man. God will keep you in his loving care and in time the pain will subside, but for now, know that all of us grieve for him and for his family too. God bless you all, Rusty Cox

Rusty Cox, CID Secretary
Asheville Police Department

June 19, 2008

Thank you, your service and dedication will NEVER be forgotten. RIP

POLICE OFFICER
Philadelphia PD

June 19, 2008

Such a shame. Its another reason why so few do this job and so many can't. My heart goes out to your family pal. I lost a friend to this job too. Most will never know the price paid for them.

William Horn
Memphis Police Department

June 19, 2008

Shawn,

Though I never met you, we are family. You gave what we all hope not to, but are willing. My heart goes out to your family, especially your wife and son. Someday we will meet in heaven and for that I am blessed. In the meantime we will all be here for your loved ones.

Det Janice Hawkins
Asheville Police

June 19, 2008

God Bless you my Trooper Brother and the Maryland State Police thank you for your service and courage.

Trooper C. Smith
Maryland State Police

June 19, 2008

The Florida Police Chiefs Association would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Trooper David Blanton, Jr., and the North Caroline Highway Patrol. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great sadness. Please take comfort in knowing that your extended law enforcement family grieves with you. Trooper Blanton, we thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten.

Members and Staff
Florida Police Chiefs Association

June 19, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Trooper Blanton and his extended family,the North Carolina Highway Patrol.May God be with all of you during this difficult time and give you the strength and comfort needed.

L/Cpl J.E.Kimbrell
South Carolina Highway Patrol

June 19, 2008

I was working on the night that Trooper Blanton was murdered. It was a terrible feeling responding to a call of an officer down and one that no one wants to experience. I never met Trooper Blanton but his death will take tolls on law enforcment officers and communities everywhere. To his family: you have a large group of people supporting you and praying for you. Stay strong and remember that heroes live forever.

Officer D.W. Plyler
Woodfin Police

June 19, 2008

Trooper Blanton, it is with much deep grief that I leave this reflection. Thank you sir for you ultimate sacrifice. You are a hero. If there is any good in your death, it is knowing that your murderer will pay, and that your family will be taken care of by your trooper family. To Mrs. Blanton and your newborn, know that you have my deepest sympathies and my prayers. To all the NCHP family, you are loved and appreciated. Thank you for all your sacrifices. I will pray for you as you continue your patrol. Romans 13:4!!

Traffic Officer Tom Williams
City of Los Angeles DOT

June 19, 2008

Rest in Peace my brother. Thank you for your service.

Detective Kevin Kratz
Buena Vista Twp Police Department (Michigan)

June 19, 2008

Rest in peace brother, our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Officer J. Olguin
Laguna Vista Police

June 19, 2008