Officer Down Memorial Page

I so miss Scott Deaton. He was one of my classmates at the Memphis TN Police Department in 1993-94. What a good friend and precious man. He is very badly missed. John 15:13

Chaplain Jeff Billingsley
Badges that Care United
Oklahoma City OK USA
Survivor 1994; Former Police Officer, Memphis TN
April 21, 2012

The pain doesn't go away but now I can laugh and smile at the memories. Let's see. You wore that crazy hat that we got for you in Florida with your shorts and cowboy boots. You also often wore your cowboy boots on the wrong feet as you played football! You were a loyal "father" to Hermann. You were afraid to put a crawdad on the hook but you sure enjoyed fishing with them. You were the only kid that knew how to play baseball on your team according to your Grand Dad (I'm sure the parents of the other kids really enjoyed hearing that one!). You were Miami Vice all the way in high school. You were a United States Secret Service Agent!!! You were simply the best. I still love you kiddo.

Anonymous
October 3, 2011

I am sorry that it has taken me all this time to leave this posting but I never knew what to say or how to say it. I have been grieving for Scott inside myself for the past 9 years. Scott, I miss you every day and would do anything to bring you back to us. I was Scott's roommate in Memphis. We went to the University of Alabama together and were on the Memphis Police Department together. We were also in the Secret Service together. Scott was the big brother I never had. He was and continues to be a driving force in my life. When a difficult decision faces me, I always think to myself what would Scott do. I will never forget the day that I was pulled out of training and informed of Scott's death. At that instant, I felt that a part of me passed away with Scott on that interstate in Arkansas. The funeral was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. To Scott's parents, I am truly sorry for your loss and not a day goes by that I don't think about your son and my best friend. There are so many things I wish I could share with Scott. I often talk about Scott with our friends in Memphis. To this day, even the mention of Scott's name and the many good times we had together puts a smile on my face along with a tear in my eye. I will forever miss you my friend.

Geoffrey Rice
January 13, 2010

Oh Scott *sigh*

Thinking about you still hurts. I miss you so much, even after all this time. After being partners ridng together in the same car for better than a year, it is like losing a brother. My biggest regret is folding to my mother's pressure about how "that just isn't done!" and not having you in my wedding as my Man of Honor!! That would have been such great fun, and created such great memories. But I have plenty of great memories to fall back on. You were so much fun and made the shifts fly by. You were truly the best partner I ever had...I never had any doubts that I could count on you, or that you would be there to watch my back when my mouth would get me (or us!) in trouble. To Scott's family, I am sorry I wasn't able to be at Scott's services, because I would have moved Heaven and Earth to be there, but to this day I am still flummoxed by the fact that no one told me about Scott's death until nearly two months after the fact. I was off work for a while for some reason (I can't even remember any more) and I just never heard about it. The part that still bothers me is that no one called me. Everyone I screamed and cried at after finding out said the same thing "I'm sorry, I thought you knew". Well, I didn't. And it still hurts that I didn't get to say goodbye. I had JUST TALKED TO YOU on the phone not two weeks before that, and then suddenly you were gone. Sorry, I know I am rambling. I don't know what prompted me to Google your name today and find this site. If I don't stop now I'll be typing all night, saying all the things I never got a chance to say. I love you, and miss you.
Shellie

Lt. Rachelle (Shellie) Barham
Memphis Police Department
September 3, 2008

Scott,

I have come to this site several times a week for a long time. I feel it is a tribute to the men and women who do the "job", and make the ultimate sacrifice. I read every single story, and then spend a few moments flooding God's ears with prayers for the family of the Hero that I just read about.

God spoke to me today, Scott, as I was reading the newest additions to the page, and I was reminded of a brief conversation I had with my mother today. She told me she talked to your mom today, and I asked her how she is doing. Being on the ODMP page, and recalling that conversation, I realized I had never visited your page. I have heard your story many, many times, and I know how proud your mom is of you. I certainly know how much she loves you and misses you. Tonight, I felt that I needed to do more that just say a prayer. I wanted to do something personal.

Scott, you and I have never had the chance to meet, but God saw fit to bring the lives of our mothers together many years ago. Through my mom, I have had the pleasure to meet your mom. I consider her to be another "mom" to me. I have introduced my wife and family to her, and they love her just as much as I do. As I spoke with my mom today, I told her I wished we could convince her to come move up by us. I say a prayer for her every year on the 11th of June, asking God to flood her heart with peace, cuz I know how much it aches missing you.

Although we never met each other in this life, Scott, I look forward to meeting you when it is my turn to come home. There is no doubt that you were proud to be serving the people, and there is absolutely no doubt you loved your family and friends. From everything that I have heard from your mom, Scott, you serve as a role model for me, as I wear my uniform each day.

Scott, God bless you. Thank you for being you. Thank you for sharing your mom with me. I am humbled and privileged to know her. I promise to keep her in my prayers.

Shawn
July 6, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
March 31, 2008

You are truly missed and I think of you often. I had my yearbook out and I laughed out loud at your entry. You are one of the funniest people I have ever met. Thanks for all of the laughs. You really did end up in the profession that you wished for all of those years! I fell into law enforcement by chance. If you see Tami, tell her I said "Hi". So many of us have gone, but the ones of us here will never forget you guys. Thank you for being a great friend and public servant.
Love you too...

C.P.
Classmate
April 16, 2006

Thank you for your service to your community and our nation. May God continue to bless your family, friends and agency.

chesterfield County Police
June 11, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace. God bless.

September 29, 2004

Hey big guy it is another year gone by that is hard to believe! We have been going thru all the stuff trying to get your Mom ready to move and ran across so much stuff of yours, she has done good and not so good. I keep telling her you are in a better place that we are at!!! Now tell me what about the deal with the locket, I know that you had something to do with that or we would of lost that forever. Then I know the whistle was yours I could feel it!I am sure you made such a cute crossing guard, and probably always used it only in emergencies. So what about your Mom wanting to move, we all think that is for the best.If you were here I am certain you would too!!! You are missed and thought about often.

June 6, 2004

Below is an article I wrote about Scott in 1999 after his tragic death.  He was a wonderful friend and is missed on a daily basis.

June 11, 1999 was a sad day for the 69th Basic Police Recruit Session of the Memphis, TN Police Department.

It was on this day that we learned that our classmate and friend, Scott Deaton was killed in a traffic accident on Interstate 55 in Arkansas.

The rest of the police department seemed to read the newspaper accounts of the accident and say "Deaton? I don't remember him.  When was he here?"

To those of us that knew him this wasn't a big surprise.  If you missed Scott Deaton's tenure with the Memphis Police Dept you missed a great person who would do anything for you and a great partner.  A quiet professional that would support you until the very end.  While my friend was quiet, by no means did he let escape an opportunity to have fun and share a smile.

I witnessed this during the time I was in The Med after my shooting in September 1994.  Friends from all over the department came to visit and left signs all over the place.  One of the signs said: "See if I write another ticket!!!!"  The fact that I didn't shoot back because of some children in the background was well known but Scott felt he knew the rest of the story.  He left a sign so I wouldn't have to explain any more.

That sign said "I didn't shoot because there were all of these kids, older ladies with walkers, a van full of pregnant women, all kinds of cute little puppies and kittens, and my mom walking arm in arm with Elvis in the background."   Not quite the same statement I gave to the Security Squad but this funny story sure did make a tragic incident easier for me to deal with.  For his humor I will always be thankful.  Scott spent several years with MPD on the East "D" shift and then bid to the Downtown "C" shift.

Finally, in 1997, Scott achieved his dream of joining the US Secret Service and after training was assigned to the Memphis office.  Scott continued to serve our citizens and our department as the Secret Service liasion to the MPD.  The quiet professionalism and dedication he displayed at MPD continued to be quite evident during his relatively short time with the Secret Service.

On the day of the accident Scott was driving up to St. Louis to stand a protective duty post for a visit by First Lady Hillary Clinton.  It was just the law enforcement agency and just the duty that suited Scott.  In the background, watching over others, before himself.

On June 11, the citizens lost a good friend.  And so did a lot of Memphis Police Officers and Secret Service Agents.  Most of us couldn't get to Kentucky for his funeral but we look forward to the chance of seeing him again in another place.   Others will maintain your watch.

Signal C, my friend.

Your encouragement during my shooting was truly a gift and I have decided to recall some of that encouragement and apply later this year to the Secret Service myself.  As you would say, you'll never know until you apply.

With my love from a friend,

Jeff Billingsley
Memphis Int'l Airport Police

Scott's goal in life was to become a Secret Service Agent.

He worked long and hard to achieve that goal.  The outpouring of remembering him has been incredible.  The SS agency has been wonderful in helping a grieving mother to get through this.  It will never be better, but with time, I hope it gets easier.  He considered the SS Service a family and I have learned that too.  He was a wonderful young man and will be greatly missed.

Eva R. Deaton
Jessamine Co. Hospice

I just drop by to check on things on the ODMP really need to make contribution this is such a great web site. I know you were around while painting the kitchen. Yellow can you believe it, Eva Rae needed to brighten up some and it does!!Well we made it thru that and were still speaking you know how she paints!!!!!!!I guess you and Charles have talked over a few things, tell him we all said hello, still waiting for you to come by to check out the dishes since my clock don't work right half the time. Think of you all the time tell all hi

Anonymous

Dear Scott,
Another year gone by and it does not seem at all possible, Eva Rae did okay this year, I keep telling her she is tough and she don't like hearing that! I don't think you would want her to be any other way! Your never forgotten, your always in our minds and in our conversation. Guess you'll probably stop by for dinner one nite and eat on my lovely dishes,(just don't break them) I still think you enjoy the tricks with my clock, keeps me on my toes. Scott tell Charles we said hello I am sure you two keep on checking on us, Lord knows we need that. Till next time.

Anonymous

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see, if the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today, while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say. I know how much you love me, as much as I love you, and each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too; but when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand that an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand, and said my place was ready in Heaven far above, and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But as I turned to walk away a tear fell from my eye, for all my life, I'd always thought I didn't want to die, I had do much to live for, so much yet to do, it seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad, I thought of all the loved we shared and all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday, just even for awhile, I'd say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.But then I fully realized, that this could never be for emptiness and memories would take the place of me. And when I thought of wordly things, I might miss come tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow. But when I walked through Heaven's gates, I felt so much at home. When God looked down and smiled at me, for His great golden throne, He said "This is eternity, and all I have promised you." Today for life on earth is past, but here it starts anew. I promise no tomorrow, but today wil always last, and since each day's the same day there's no longing for the past. But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true. Though there were times you did some things, you knew you shouldn't do. But you have been forgiven and now at last you are free. So won't you take my hand and share my life with me? So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right here in you heart!

Anonymous

Scott,

Today (June 11th) was especially hard for your Mother, you know how she hates to see this day roll around. She still has a hard time wondering why? Why my son? But of course we all got together so she wouldn't be so all alone, we ate, we talked alot about you of course, your Mom told Scott stories, and that is something we never get tired of hearing. You was something else!!!!Regardless you are never forgotten, you're always with us, and there is sometimes I am sure you would rather not be if you know what I mean!

Another year has gone by and it is still hard to believe, the older we grow the quicker the years. We will all be with you one day. You are missed as much today as you were three years ago.

Anonymous

Scott,
There is not a day that goes by that you are not thought of, or your name mentioned. We talk about what a wonderful agent you were, the great son, the best friend, the sweetest nephew, and a #1 cousin. Those who didn't know you loved you just the same! The holidays are upon us and we miss you much and would give anything if you were with us; but we know you are in good hands. If there is a law enforcement agency in heaven we know you are working hard. Take care of everyone there.

Anonymous

I hired Scott Deaton as a special agent with the Secret Service. He initially interviewed with me when I was Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Field Office. He was with the Memphis PD. I was impressed with Scott's desire and demeanor the first time I saw him. He was a steady, capable police officer and agent. I will never forget when the Arkansas State Police called my office and asked if he worked for the Secret Service. I had detailed him to a protective assignment in St. Louis, MO. Normally, he would have flown but this event was so close to Memphis it was appropriate to use an automobile. He was killed when his car apparently hydroplaned during a rainstorm. He was killed instantly.

I would like to thank all the law enforcement officers who provided sympathy to the Memphis Field Office and Scott's family. It was a terrible time. I would especially like to thank the Memphis Police Officers who worked with Scott and traveled to Lexington, KY for his funeral at their own expensive. Finally, the Lexington PD provided the most impressive police funeral for Scott I have ever seen. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of Scott and his parents.

Steve Rutledge

Steve Rutledge
U. S. Secret Service