Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper John R. Clinton

South Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina

End of Watch Tuesday, May 24, 1983

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Trooper John R. Clinton

Always remembered brother!

Judge / Magistrate Sheridan Lynn (former
Aiken County, S.C.

May 24, 2020

Rest easy brother

Judge /retired SC Trooper Danny Lynn
Aiken County, SC

May 24, 2017

Rest easy brother! We never forget

Magistrate and former SC Trooper Sherida
Aiken County, SC

May 24, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 25, 2015

Thank you for your service sir. RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

May 24, 2012

John, it is like yesterday that you and I sat in your kitchen on Christopher Lane in Chester, SC in August 1978, as we discussed the decision I was about to make, continue as a Trooper or reenter active duty with the military. I have always cherished the advice that you gave. After I reentered the military, you continued to stop by to see my mom and dad. Dad always called after you left and told me of the time you guys spent and of the things yawl discussed. You did this up until the day of your death. For that I am always thankful. That was the way you were. Always looking out for the other guy. I believe that to be true on the day of your death. I will never forget the phone call I received from my mom, telling me of your death. Brother, know that I will go to my grave with your name on my lips.

They shall grow not old
As we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them
Nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun
And in the morning
We will remember them

If we speak their names, they will not be forgotten,
Corporal John Clinton, your brothers will never forget.

Patrolman First Class R.D. "Chuck" Starnes, Former SCHP

CTTCS R.D. "Chuck" Starnes, USN (Ret)
Former SCHP Trooper Sep74-Dec78

July 19, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

May 24, 2010

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

October 9, 2007

"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.

July 11, 2007

John just to let you know it like yesterday you were here and I for one missed the things we did at work and off..We had a great time..I will all ways think of you..May God Bless you..

Sgt. E. C. Butch Liles
SCHP

June 19, 2006

Trooper Clinton you are a hero and are still remembered twenty-three years after the end of your watch. Rest in peace my brother. May God continue to bless your loved ones.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

May 24, 2006

I remember when you used to go to the Wagon Wheel in Fort Lawn to eat while you were working. You were a great guy. I am sure your family misses you a great deal.

January 12, 2006

Rest In Peace, Your sacrifice shall not be forgotten. God Bless.

Police Officer
Chicago Police Dept.

November 15, 2004

I work with someone you were playing cards with a few days before this happened, and he speaks highly of you, both as an officer and as a person. I appreciate the sacrifice you made.

Patrolman
Fort Mill Police Department

August 28, 2004

JOHN, IT DOES NOT SEEM LIKE IT HAS BEEN 20 YEARS SINCE YOU GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE. AFTER WORKING IN MCBEE AND JEFFERSON AROUND THAT MANY YEARS, PLACES YOU WORKED WHILE IN CHESTERFEILD COUNTY, PEOPLE STILL TALK ABOUT YOU AND IT IS ALL GOOD TALK. NO DOUBT YOU WERE A GOOD TROOPER. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS. YOU ARE GONE BUT NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER. HOPE SOMEDAY TO MEET AND SEE YOU IN HEAVEN.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.