Deputy Sheriff Gary Douglas Blackwood Dorchester County Sheriff's Department South Carolina Sunday, February 7, 1988  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

To Deputy Gary Douglas Blackwood and his loved ones:

On this the twenty-first anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

Gary, you rescued us, saved our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Gary. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Gary gave to his community and the citizens of South Carolina, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 7, 1988.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

Phylllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
2009-02-07

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
2008-02-05

"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
2007-11-16

Gary you will always be remembered for your kindness and love of life. You were like a brother to me, you will always be in my heart.
Smokey

Smokey (Det. Sgt. Smith
D.C.S.D Retired
2006-08-22

Your kindness will be remembered in heaven. Your heart was sincere and honest!

Connie
cousin
2006-03-29

I remember the day you left. I can not describe the pain I felt. I knew I lost a great friend. I miss you dearly and you will always be in my heart. See you again my friend, on the streets of gold.

cheryl

MY BROTHER, YOU HAVE NOT DIED IN VAIN.GONE BUT TO BE REMEMBERED FOR YOUR SERVICE TO YOUR GREAT STATE. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. REST IN PEACE, MY BROTHER.

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