Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Flinchum. A hero who never backed down from peril!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 13, 2019

Deputy Sheriff Flinchum,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served in Korea. And to your Family and loved ones I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

March 4, 2019

it has been 35 years today no one has been charged with the crime . I love and miss you
love Rita

rita cole
daughter

March 4, 2014

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 23rd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was murdered on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your daughter and your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 5, 2012

Thanks for your services.

David

March 4, 2012

Deputy Flinchum, you will not be forgotten! R.I.P.

Deputy Sheriff
Livingston County (Il) Sheriff's Ofc.

March 4, 2010

God bless you Claude. A cowardly act shall never diminish the hero that you are.

Matthew 5:9

An Ohio brother...
Montgomery Co. Ohio

July 22, 2009

Thank you for your service to the community. Your sacrifice for the citizens of Wolfe County should never be forgotten. I am hoping the citizens of Wolfe County will honor you and my cousin Jimmy Ray Tolson this year remembering that you both died in the line of duty for them. I have written Judge Executive Hurst hoping some sort of celebration of your lives and ultimate sacrifices will be declared. Regardless I appreciate your dedication and send my sympathy to your family.

Beverly Wallace
Cousin of Jimmy Ray Tolson EOW 6-26-1978

May 26, 2009

Dad it has been 30 years since you paid that ultimate sacrifice that was a awful day the persn that done this did not realize what they took away a great dad and grandfather you are gone but not forgotten so rest in peace I Love you.

Rita Cole
daughter

March 14, 2009

I honor your sacrifice today. You are a true hero.

Dr. Mike Crain I, D.Min.

March 4, 2009

Let's not forget that this Good Ole' Boy had a nickname: ROOSTER.

He was a good fellow and we still tell stories about Rooster at family get togethers.

His grave isn't forgotten and bears his brass plague from the US Army.

MAJ (RET) Mark S. Ballard

January 2, 2009

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

March 3, 2008

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND ULTIMATE SACRIFICE!!! REST IN PEACE!!!!!

DISPATCHER GRETA M HUFF
KY STATE POLICE POST 13 HAZARD

January 31, 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

October 30, 2007

I'm sorry that I never had the privelige of knowing you,
but you left before I came. I would have really liked to get to know you but I can't. Thank you for all your dedication to the police force and your family,

Rest in peace Sir

Wesley Cole
Grandson

July 24, 2007

Dad you have been gone for 28 years, but never forgotten
you will always be in my heart. you were a great dad & a
great sheriff, and a man of honor.
love you always!
Rita

Rita Flinchum Cole
Daughter

July 22, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

March 15, 2006

Claude Flinchum was my uncle and he found his calling as a peace officer. May he rest in peace. Additionally, Claude received a purple heart for service during Korea.

Mark S. Ballard
MAJ, OHARNG, RET

MAJ Mark S. Ballard
Ohio Army Guard, Retired

October 28, 2005

Deputy Sheriff Flinchum,
On today, the 26th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Wolfe County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

March 4, 2005