Sergeant John M. Blaser Arizona Department of Public Safety Arizona Friday, August 31, 1990  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

I met Sgt. Blaser when he was stationed in Wikieup. John was truly my inspiration in becoming a law enforcement officer. I will always remember his terrific smile and kind nature. I had the opportunity to speak with John three weeks before the tragic accident that took his life and I will always be thankful for that opportunity. John rest in peace brother, you will always hold a special place in my heart.


Sheila Reitz
Former Deputy Sheriff/Dispatcher
Pershing County Sheriff’s Office
Lovelock, NV

Dispatcher Sheila Reitz
Pershing County Sheriff's Office
2008-10-15

Sgt. Blaser,
On today, the 18th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow DPS Officer for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Arizona. And to your families and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

2008-08-31

I first met Sgt. John Blaser in the DPS Academy in 1981. His badge was 2916 and mine was 2955. John was posted to Wikiup, AZ and I went to Bullhead city AZ. I left DPS in 1985 and after the fact found out aftyer the fact of John's passing via the AZ DPS Digest. I did email Jan a few years back and I have been to the memorial in Tucson. Suffice to say John's sacrafice was not in vain. Rest in peace 2916- you have not been forgotten and you are missed.

Victor Velasco CIVILIAN
FORMER AZ DPS # 2955
2008-07-09

Rest in peace, my brother....we won't let you be forgotten.

PN and FF

2008-03-08

"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
2007-11-14

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Blaser. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

2007-03-14

Brother Blaser,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables LE Motorcycle Club

2006-01-19

John A.L.E.T.A. class #70 misses you brother. you inspired me with you positive attitude and kindness. We lost a good one when you fell. god bless you!!!

J.B.
S.P.D.
2005-06-24

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

A grateful citizen.

2004-09-23

Now facing the loss of a dear friend, I reflect back on others I knew who meet the same fate while serving their public. John was my neighbor and he made my dear friend Jan so happy. I was very sad to hear of his being taken in the accident. I still think of it now and reading Jan's reflection know that the pain never goes away when you lose someone like this. Another John "Big John" came to join the ranks in heaven on Christmas Day. Take care of each other, you are not alone and never forgotten.

Chris Tilly, former Dispatcher
Kenai Police Department
2003-12-28

Drinking and Driving has cost so many people so much ... where does it end. Rest easy blue angel, you are not forgotten.

Anonymous

2003-11-11

John,

I recently found this site, it's hard to believe it's been so long since that terrible day. I remember working with you when you were assigned to the Kingman DPS district 1 station, and I used to "poach" on I-40, as a KPD Officer.

Rest in peace Brother, you made a difference.

Officer Don Hurley
Eloy Az. Police Department

Friday, August 31, 1990 the worst day of my life. This past Saturday marked 12 years since, my beloved husband, was killed by a drunk driver. It's been a lifetime and yet it still sometimes seems like only yesterday when Jim and Frank came to my door to tell me the news that John wouldn't be coming home again. It still seems so unbelieveable. Each year when this anniversary comes around, it's not only the day, but the whole week, that comes back to me. It's all so very very sad. The loss and sadness never really goes away, but I've learned to live with the ache and scars on my heart and soul. I will always remember John's laugh, dry sense of humor,wonderful smile, and his dedication to his job. I was always so proud to be married to him. I will miss him always.

Jan

Jan Blaser-Upchurch