Officer Down Memorial Page

Trooper Blanton Jr,

The past two days I've had the privilege to sit in class and learn about Officer Safety from Trooper Kirk Hensley of your agency. Trooper Hensley shared many stories with us but yours really touched my heart. My body turned numb as he described what happened and your current situation at that time. I’ve never met you, but as I read all the past reflections you were an amazing Trooper. God bless you and your family. Thank you for serving.

Officer Pete Picciurro
Fairview Township Police, Pa
May 23, 2012

You are not forgotten

Trooper Kevin G Barringer
NCSHP
March 22, 2012

Rest In Peace Brother Blanton.

Sgt. Jarrod Wilson / K9 Officer
West Virginia Division Of Corrections
March 6, 2012

Every time I pass the spot where you were taken from your family I can't help but think of the time I heard of your passing. I was sitting in a BLET class with some of your dear friends, thinking this could easily happen to one of us someday. But we must serve and find strength in those who have passed before us. Rest in Peace Trooper Blanton and Baby Tye.

Detention Officer
MCSO
December 17, 2011

I was at Trooper Blanton's funeral service and what a powerful service it was! I myself was in my second year as an officer and his death just reiterated to me the dangers of the profession. His death also hit so close to home being that it happened fairly local to where I work. I pray that all is well with the family after 3 years now and that God has blessed them. RIP our brother!

Patrolman Chris Shepherd
Spindale Police Dept.
September 7, 2011

Well my brother tonight is the first night I have had to work in 3 years and it just plain f!@#$%g hurts. I have fought tears all night wondering when I am just gonna break down and let lose. It has been a long time since I have had a night this bad. I know you are holding Tye looking down on me LAUGHIN cause I am at the point of tears but I just miss you my brother. I miss you badly Shawn! I know we will be together in heaven one of these days but I really just wish you were here. I know I am being selfish, but we just had tooooo much fun brother. Okay enough of my sobbing it's time to do some arrest reports. God speed Shawn Blanton I love you my brother!!!!

Senior Patrol Officer William Benhart
Best friend
June 18, 2011

"Me Minus You"


Nothing can change that one fateful night,
For once in our lives, we lost the fight.

We spoke about this, and it somehow came true.
I was hurt pretty bad, but nothing like you.

The night should have ended like the rest of them did,
With a pat on the shoulder and a farewell bid.

We didn't have a chance to say our goodbyes,
I knew you were gone when I looked in your eyes.

What brought us together is what ripped us apart.
I can't keep my mind straight, and it's hurting my heart.

From two different worlds we came to be Blue.
It's hard to move on, with me minus you.

Not much at all feels the same anymore,
Each day I wish you would walk through the door.

My wounds have all healed on the surface it's true,
Yet it tears me apart just thinking of you.

I couldn't go to your service that day.
The world's not allowed to see me this way.

You were my partner then, and my angel now.
I need to carry on, I'm just not sure how.

Give me the same strength you did here on earth.
Your weight in gold is what you were worth.

I beg you to help me from Heaven above.
Please send me a piece of your brotherly love.

Written by:

Eric DeRenzis;

I love and miss you my Brother. I still hear your laugh in the back of my mind and feel your hand on my shoulder when i need it. I still think about the great idea we had to breed my Malinois with your pitbull, and chuckle about it as I watch the Big Man swing from his firehose! Words can't describe the miss thaty I have for you at times. I know you are looking down on me and watching my back and I thank you. I love you Blanton!!!

Senior Patrol Officer William Benhart
Waynesville P.D./ Best Friend
June 8, 2011

Shawn we just returned from washington dc, just wanted you to no you are still remembered in our prayers.

honor guard
buncombe county
May 16, 2011

You was such a nice person as an officer and as a freind god bless u always mate x

Anonymous
November 20, 2010

shawn,your killer was sentenced today.the outcome was not what it should have been.he will spend life in prison without parole.therefore he is still a threat.i know that the good lord has a reason for everything,but i am still asking myself why things happen like they do.you have touched the hearts of so many people and you are still missed by so many.maybe now you can rest in peace.FOREVER G540! dispatcher and friend

Anonymous
November 9, 2010

I am bitterly disappointed that justice was not served for your brutal murder. My lady of justice weeps today for the travesty of justice that occurred in my home state of North Carolina and in the city of Philadelphia where a jury deadlocked in the penalty phase portion of the trial of the murderer of Officer John Pawlowski.

I hold your family and fellow troopers in my heart's embrace, and pray for their solace. I am also upset because people alwasys comment about closure. This isn't like finishing a book and putting it down. It is always with you, both the pain and pride. When you compound it with the denial of justice, it is salt in the wound.

Shawn, your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, who was NC native
November 9, 2010

You are remembered every day Shawn. We are all heartbroken over the outcome of the sentencing, but know that the ultimate punishment for your murderer will come in the afterlife.

Love you and miss you!

Marti A. Ingle
November 9, 2010

Trooper Blanton, the jury of "peers" failed to serve justice properly. Although Wong's judgment day clearly wasn't today, I hope his day comes sooner than later. Mrs. Blanton, I hope you know that despite the spineless jurors, there are many of us who will support you, and think of you every day as you continue to heal.

Jessica Davis / 911 Dispatcher
Raleigh-Wake 911
November 8, 2010

To my friend Shawn, finally through a dear friend I found a place to leave you a note. You know that almost daily I have said how sorry I am to you, for not doing enough or for not doing something sooner to prevent the tradgedy all together and for not holding your hand that night... that weighs the heaviest of them all on me. I have cried so many times for not giving you that bit of comfort when I had the chance. So many times I have looked at my own hand since that night and wished I could see your hand in mine, to let you know that some one was there with you. I dont know if you could hear us but we were there with you, you were not alone. After meeting your family and all the talk I've heard about you I know that you are a great guy, oh how I wish we could have met a different way. Your Mom and Dad are incredible parents and their love for you is beyond measure. Everyone draws there strength from your beautiful wife, she is so strong and so proud of you. It has been an honor to meet them all. The Troopers in your state are so great, and you have made them all proud also, you are so dearly missed. Although I was only with you for a very short time, you have been with me every day ever since that night. I pray that you are with your son and playing ball and doing what you love most. Please know that your family loves you and every one miss's you always. I know that I will never forget you... I will never forget that night... I will never forget the impact that you have made on my life... YOU, TROOPER DAVID SHAWN BLANTON ARE MY HERO. G540 NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN.

Gary Bowes
Former Owner/Operator
October 23, 2010

Well Brother your killer has been convicted of your death. Our D.A.'s office that we bitched about all the time came through and did one hell of a job. I have thanked the team from the bottom of my heart and I know each day when I strap up you're looking down on me protecting me. I miss you dearly and I still have bad days where all I think about is why. I talk to your Mama about everyday and alot when we are both having bad days. As I pack up my hunting or fishing gear I always shed a tear wishing you were going with me. I love you Blanton and I miss you Justice will be served My BROTHER!!

Senior Patrol Officer William Benhart
Waynesville P.D. N.C./ Best Friend
October 16, 2010

Shawn
You were taken way too soon. You still had so much to offer your family, friends, co-workers, community... The youth's have lost a valuable mentor. Yesterday your heartless murderer was convicted! Justice!! but we know it doesn't bring you back. I pray with all of my heart that as you drew your last breath you knew that your death was not in vain. Shawn you even in your physical absence brought to justice a drug dealer, an officer killer, a human without morals. Stopping Wong on that faithful night you not only got those drugs off the streets, but who knows how many lives you saved by getting that man off the streets... Im so sorry that you are not here... but your life meant so much more than what you were aware of. While you lived you were a dear dear friend and I love you so... and I know you are waiting at Christ's feet for all of us you left behind. Your family has been through so much, but never lost sight of who you were and how by bringing justice to Wong made it all worth it to you. You will never be forgotten Shawn... and you are loved as dearly today as ever before... It was an honor to share this Earth with you

Judy Hester
Friend
October 15, 2010

10-14-10 GUILTY of 1st degree murder....YES!!!!!!!!
My prayers are with your family as the healing process continues.

Denise
Survivor of Calvin Taylor - G530
October 15, 2010

G-540-- I have been following the trial daily. So many people have been touched by your death. Today, Oct 14, 2010 JUSTICE WAS SERVED. Guilty on all counts. I know you are looking down on Michaela, your Dad, your Mom and all those who loved you. I never met you but have had and still have a Trooper in my family. BLACK AND SILVER FOREVER David Shawn Blanton, Rest In Peace. You will forever be in our hearts.

Aunt Pat
retired
October 14, 2010

10/14/2010 Your killer has just been found GUILTY. Now may you rest in peace!! G540, gone but never forgotten1!! Continuing to send prayers for your family and friends!

Anonymous
October 14, 2010

I read an article to day about the last few moments of your life and became upset. I pray that you found peace on the shoulder of the interstate that night and I know God was with you the entire time. May God continue to bless your wife and family!

Anonymous
September 22, 2010

I did not know you G540 but you are my hero i remember the night i was at home waiting on the news to come on and they said a trooper had been shot but he would make it i prayed for you that night and when i heard the next day you had died i cryed i still cry to this day i hope i will get to meet you in heavn one day i would like to thank you for all you did and the sacrifice you made for the people of north carolina

R.I.P G540

Kevin
MCSD Office Worker
September 12, 2010

I think from what the local news is saying Trooper Blanton -justice will probably be served to your killer shortly...I sure hope so - no more tax dollars need to be spent for such low life scum. From what the report says you were heard pleading for your life because of your wife and child (I will leave my true thoughts to myself) - but hopefully your killer want get that opportunity. I hope JUSTICE is served for you and your son. Rest in peace.

Former LEO
NC
September 10, 2010

Just drove past your memorial on I-40 brother. Keep watch over us and know you won't ever be forgotten.

Ptl. N. Cevasco
Rutgers University PD
July 13, 2010

Hard to believe it has been 2 years already. Thinking about you & your family. Hope they are finding the strength they need to help them through each day!

Denise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin Taylor
June 17, 2010

It's weird how we remember the exact details of things when they are related to a tragic event. I can't remember any details of the conversations we would have at the Sunoco in Dellwood other than it usually revolved around how our respective softball teams were doing. However, I can remember with great detail the night that I was working the part time job at 911 and took the call from Asheville telling me that "G540 has been involved in a 10-50 around the 14mm and he's not answering his radio". I can also remember in great detail this very day two years ago when I received a phone call telling me that a police officer had been shot in Canton. The first thing that went through my mind was is my Dad working tonight. The next phone call informed me that it was you and that you were alive and on your way to Mission. And I knew that you had one of the best Paramedics in the county with you. There were four people in my house that night and for the most part it was complete silence waiting on the next call telling us that everything was ok. Unfortunately the next call came as a complete shock. And today as I was ironing my uniform for work tonight and another for your bridge dedication in a couple hours I was thinking about the last time I talked to you. I never thought the brief conversation I had with you in the parking lot of the Sheriff's Office about Tye and that I was going to be a Daddy in January would be the last time that I would ever speak to you.

Officer Robbie Carter
WCU Police Department
June 17, 2010