Officer Down Memorial Page

Hi Damon. It has been awhile since I've written my thoughts to you so I'm thankful your Dad and Sister showed me this.. I think back on the many memories we had growing up in school and after we graduated HS. I sit here today as I write this with my eyes filled with tears but still a big smile on my face because you were such a big part of my life growing up. I'll never forget the day my parents drove from NM to Texas to tell me the news in person and it broke my heart :( When we moved a few years ago my son who was 7 at the time opened an album of pictures of you along with many letters. One letter he opened had the lyrics of the George Straight song check yes or no. He was bothered that I never gave back the letter to you with the Yes checked. So he and I sat down together and stamped and sealed it with a kiss and mailed to you in heaven. Hopefully the postman gave that to you :) My husband and both kids have heard many stories about you and how much you meant to me. I got to see your sweet sister and your niece a few months ago at a cheer compeition in Dallas. I had to fight the tears back when I saw your sister because it has been so long and I felt like I was starring at you..you guys have always looked so much alike! I love you like crazy, I miss you even more and hope to hug your sweet neck again someday. Love, Amanda

Amanda Marling Walls
Dear Friend
May 15, 2012

Hi cousin. I bet you have a beautiful view where you are. I think of you so often, but today I can't get you off of my mind. It feels as if it was just yesterday that I was feeling the loss I am feeling today. I have told my husband so much about you. I wish you two could of met. Tristen reminds me of you from time to time. So tall, slim and handsome. Thank you for all the joy you brought to every single persont that knew you. Thank you for all the talks we had. You were younger than me but we were always able to talk for hours. Everytime I see a river it reminds me of duck hunting with you and even more it reminds me of you attempting to be a gentleman and carry me across to keep me from getting wet, but instead you dropped me in. OOPS. I know you are watching over everyone from heaven and smiling down proud. The last time I talked to you you said I love you and I said I love you too Damon. So that is how I will leave this today. I love you.

cousin
Kimberly
May 15, 2012

Damon, I never knew you, but I know your Dad. Kim and I went to school together. I knew your grandfather too. I am sure, without a doubt that you were a fine young man whose life was cut short far to soon. I wish I had known you, but I know one day we will meet. A very good friend of mine came to heaven in June of 2007. Tell my brother Chris Jaramillo I said hi and I love him and we care for Martha as much as we can. I will continue to pray for your family.
Peace

Kelly Corbitt
Roswell
May 15, 2012

I didn't know Damon well, just remember him as a kid at Monterrey Elementary, he was in his last year when I started. He was always such a nice young man, even back then. I continued to hear about him from his grandmother, my coworker, until his tragic death. The world lost an amazing young man that day.

Becky Thomas
Family friend
May 15, 2012

U.S. Hwy 70 mile post 325 to 329 has been named in Memory of Officers Damon Talbott and Raymond Robert Solis, New Mexico State Police Officers killed in the line of duty.

You will now be remembered by every motoring citizen who travels this highway.

God bless you and your family now and always!

Stephen Cary - Lieutenant
New Mexico State Police
October 26, 2011

Good Morning Damon. Well you name was flying over Roswell this week end. Hope you saw it. We sponsored the Hot Air Ballon again this year for the old timers ballon rally. We had NMSP officer Mike Williams and his son ride on Sunday and RPD officer Kim Northcut ride on Sat. Good flying. I know you alwasy liked to fly. Still trying to get the sign in honor of you on the highway. Just seems like people do not want to remember you. You will always be remembered as long as I am Mom are still here. yesterday was kind of hard form Mom as it was Mothers day. We love you and miss you so much Damon. Love Dad

Kim Talbott
Father
May 9, 2011

Happy Birth Day Damon!! You would be 31 years old today. It has been 9 years since God called you home and it seems like an eternity since I heard your voice. We miss you so much. Love Dad

Kim talbott
Father
November 5, 2010

Man so I already messed this up and submitted without out saying anything go figure? I'm writing this simply for,I don't know exactly what for except to help me let out. I have known Damon and his entire family for my whole life. Kim was an umpire in little league baseball which I talked to nearly everyday Bonnie was always beautiful Bonnie. Damon and I had always been friends we went to elementary school together and lived one block away from one another. I never knew that small ties could develop such a strong bond between two people. Though there were times we didn't speak it seemed as though each time we came in contact we couldn't tell that time had passed. We became very close friends prior to him moving on. We shared things together that at that time I didn't think friends could share. Although he was only one year older than me he taught me things about life, how he knew them I have no idea. Damon was and is my best friend, he knows things about me as well I know things about him that will only stay between us. I'm writing this because it has been nearly 9 years since my friend went on a trip and I think about him everyday. However he helped me see things in a different perspective and appreciate things that a lot of people would over look! He is truly the best person I have ever met in my life and the years we spent together I hold very true to me. I want to say to those who read this,you are my friends also because we share something dear with one another. On the lighter side with him being up there it sure makes it easier for me with girls because I was no match for him he dominated me "he must have got those from Bonnie". I really hope everyone can enjoy this. He is such a great man and can't wait to see him again!!

Chris Hutchins
brother
September 30, 2010

Damon, What a sad day for us. Y9our mentor and friend, Sgt. tingwall as come home to see you. Is he calling you "Swim Boy" It is now your turn to show Andy the way around heaven as he showed you aroung during your training. Help Sgt Tingwall out. We miss you so much here on earth but know you are in a better place and we will get to see you soon. I love you Damon. Love Dad.

Kim Talbott
Father
June 11, 2009

Damon,
I find myself thinking of you on this day, seven years after you have gone. As I prepare for some changes in my life, I can only imagine how it would be if you were still around. I will return to NM soon, and I know you will watch over me, as you watch over your family, while I continue to serve. For now my friend, vaya con dios, and remember that you are not forgotten.

Wes Davis - U.S. Ranger
Bureau of Land Management, Law Enforcement
October 19, 2008

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE,

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE
March 12, 2008

Damon,

I never had the privilege in life to know you. However, I have had the honor of knowing your father for a very short time, your father has been helping my family through what we thought was the worst thing we would ever live through. However, on December 31, 2007 I learned what your fathers pain is with your passing. Just like you Damon my Son Cayden was taken too soon. My heart will always know how your father feels, from reading his comments and just knowing your father spirit I can see he loves you more than anything in this World. Damon, you and your family will always have a place in my heart and in my family.

Levi L. Crook
Las Vegas, NV
January 11, 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
December 17, 2007

The same year 2001, a few of the officers were taken. How ironic, all in NM. Such a tragedy, how you were all taken, but it was you all's time. God called you all home that year. Imagine, the peace and joy you're all in but sadness on our hearts. That can only be changed knowing you all are there with God. How awesome can that be! Thank you so much for your service to this great state. Our prayers are with you all's family. We bond together and stick together thru the end. No, wait, there is no end. For we will all see each other again someday and live in eternity, free of all this wickedness. God Bless.

NM Citizen

October 19, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Patrolman Talbott on the anniversary of his passing. Another hero taken too soon. God Bless

911 Dispatcher
Virginia
October 19, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
nh
October 16, 2007

Patrolman Talbott, thank you for your service. Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO
October 15, 2007

Well Damon, you now have another NMSP brother with you. Help take care of Chris. I know right now that his family is missing him like we miss you. You sit on my desk and watch over me every day. I love you son. Dad

Kim Talbott
Damon's Dad
June 14, 2007

Rest in Peace Brother.

Officer Cameron Reeves
Clovis NM Police Department
April 13, 2007

Thinking of you and those who are missing you. Life is
too short, especially when it ends at 21.
The Absent One
As we gather at the table and watch each smiling face
The heart fills with emotion to see the vacant place.
We may strive to hide our longing in the midst of mirth
And fun
But we're thinking, thinking, thinking
Of the loved- the absent one.

When we gather 'round the fireside with merry laughter
And jest
How we wish the absent dear one was here with all
The rest.
Still we join in all the frolic, but we wish the day was done
For we're thinking, thinking, thinking
Of the loved- the absent one.

Yet when the day is over and they all have gone to rest
We feel the Heavenly Father does all things for the best
So we cheer our drooping spirits with the rising
Of the sun
But we can't help thinking, thinking, thinking
Of the loved- the absent one. author unknown

Lynn Kole
Washington State

October 20, 2006

It has been 5 years since this tragic accident occurred. I am certain your family, friends and co-workers have grieved much in this time. I hope that God grants peace and comfort on this most difficult date.

God bless, rest well warrior. Your brothers and sisters in blue will take it from here.

Thank you for your service to New Mexico.

LEO Wife, APD
October 19, 2006

A man so remembered with love and respect never dies but continues to live on in the hearts and minds of others.G-d Bless Damon Talbott and May He also Bless his loved ones and give them His comfort.

October 19, 2006

It has been almost 5 years since your tour of duty ended and I know your loved ones think of you every single day. I know the pain your parents feel, especially your Dad. I read somewhere that when you lose your parents you lose your past, but when you lose a child you lose your future, how true. There is no greater loss than to lose a child and you never fully recover from the loss, you just learn to take one day at a time and continue on. There are no magic words to help with your loved ones grief except that they are not alone. They will keep your memory alive by telling great stories to the children and I'm sure some great stories that they didn't know have come to light. You are a true hero and will never be forgoteen. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father
August 13, 2006

Hi Damon, I just want to tell you again how much we miss you. We went to the Flying J last night for Garrett's 5th birthday. You would be so proud of him. He talks about you all the time and he prays for you a lot. I Love you so much.

Love Dad, Kim Talbott

Kim Talbott
June 20, 2006

Hi Son, Well it has now been 4 long years. I miss you so much each and every day. I look forward to the day that I can be with you again. Until then, please watch over me,Mom,Sabrina, Levi, Garret, and your name sake, Kylee. We all love you. Love, DAD

Kim Talbott
October 24, 2005