Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Uncle Dale,

I was thinking about you a lot today. I recounted to a friend the time on the roof at Aunt Carolyn's when you were building that house and how you told me you wanted to do something where you felt you could make a difference. Next thing I know you were in the academy. You followed your heart and finally did what you loved, until that Friday morning when you were taken away from us. It seems like just yesterday. You have made such a difference in all of our lives. Joe, Colton, Corbin, all of thier lives center around the inspiration that you gave them for a life in law enforcement. I know I have done good for people too, but I know I probably fall far short of the example of strength and integrity that you gave us. You also followed your heart, even though it wasn't easy or convienient, and made the changes in life that you knew you had to make. I wish I had the courage to follow my heart about some things right now. I wish you were here to give me some guidance. I miss you more than I can put into words, but I know that some sweet day I will see you again, and Grandma and Grandpa too.

Jason Claxton Taylor
nephew

February 10, 2010

Dale,it is September,and soon I will be facing the fact that Emilio, your little "Smiley-O" will be deployed for the first time as a Naval aviator,and I wish so badly that you were here to comfort me and make me look on the bright side as you did for the 35 years that I had you here as my brother.Please watch over my boy, give him some of your strength and courage to add to his own.In July,I watched as Caitlin was walked down the aisle at her wedding by her grandfather,and all I could think was that it should have been you there,nobody else.I think about you every day,and I know I will never stop missing you.I hope that now that Mom has been reunited with you and Dad and all her other dear ones,she can rest and be happy.Dale,you were always my protector,my hero,my best friend,and the best brother any sister could ever hope for.I love you,and thank you for all you did for me.I know some day I will see you again.Peace be with you brother,until next we meet. With Love forever, Carolyn

Carolyn Valdez
Dale's younger sister

September 2, 2009

Dale and all of your loved ones thank you for your service and sacrifices. Very seldom does a day go by that I don't think about the sacrifices you have all made and the hurt and longing that the surviving family members are feeling. I also have lost a loved one in the line of duty (Larry Eugene Smith, Otero County Sheriffs Office). As the days past my pain was replaced with pride, encouragement and a true understanding of the sacrifice that was made freely.

I now understand that we can't repay Dale or Larry for their sacrifices because those sacrifices were not made for us. They were made for the ideas and principles that define this country. We can not show ourselves worthy of the blood these men shed because it was not shed for us. We can however, honor that sacrifice by remembering and devoting our lives to the ideals and principles for which they laid down their own.

It was a great honor for me to be one of the many men and women that were involved in the manhunt for the men that caused this. I believe God has a special place of honor for men like Dale and Larry and I also believe there is a very special place where the killers will truly find justice for their actions.

Deputy, Charlie Nichols
Otero County Sheriff Office (former Deputy)

June 28, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 11th 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

Anonymous

May 29, 2009

Rest in Peace Ofc. Claxton. I rememer getting the nationwide broadcast about this as I was a fairly new part-time officer. I'm glad all the suspects parished and it was done so in a cowardly act as they did to you. God Bless you for your service, it will never be forgotten by any of us!

Ofc. Aaron P. Sparks
Newbury Police Department N.H.

May 27, 2009

Officer Claxton,

I caught an article about the memorial service your department held in your honor this year and that it was a little more special since it was the first one since all of the cowards that took you from your family have been dealt with. I hope they have found some peace in their lives and that you have been able to rest easy.

Thank you for your service

Erin Gibson
Wife of a CSPD Officer

June 2, 2008

Uncle Dale,

Today I was writing the date on some paperwork, when it hit me like a ton of bricks. I can't beleive its been ten years now. I still remember your voice so clear the last time I saw you. There is none other like it. All of us are taking time out today to remember you, but I want you to know I take part of every day to remember you. Time may make it easier, but I never will nor do I want to forget you, and the impression you made upon me growing up. I never did get to tell you how much you meant to me. I guess I took it for granted you would always be there, because you were so strong. So when I catch up to you in heaven some day, I have a lot to tell you. Until then I'll just go over in my mind, your laugh, your smile, your stern determined demeanor, your sense of humor, and your words of encoragement you gave me at times. You'll always be close in my heart. I'll see you someday when its my time. Until then, know I love you and miss you.

Jason

Jason Taylor
Nephew

May 29, 2008

Well here i sit On our countries front line against the war on terror. All of sudden that horrible day came into deepiest parts of my mind, heart, and soul. It made me realize that you actions on that day doesn't only give courage to those people in and around your commumnity. Your courage that rare type of courage. Can be felt all around with the world. Bringing courage and hope to all types of people. Dale Claxton's light was not snuffed out on that terrible day. His light was just starting to shine streching as far as the sun. Bringing his courage into the darkest places. As a light for those who are lost to follow. So if you find your self in the dark, alone and fearful. Listen and look for that blinding light of courage. Listen for the voice of our angel. And you will find your self in a blinding light. Light that brings up to face your demons head on... Dale Claxton lifes on. Through those people who find his courage there own courage in there darkest hour...

A1C Fox USAF

Airmen First Class
United States Air Force 66 Security Forces Squardron

April 4, 2008

Uncle Dale,
It's been almost 10 years now since you were taken from us. I couldn't even imagine getting this far back then. I couldn't even imagine getting thru the next day. Your two great neices are 8 and 4 now, and still have only seen you in pictures and video. We will see you in heaven some glorious day, when God appoints us our time. Until then you will always be an icon of strength, love, and family values that I could only hope to come close to following in my life. I am glad that the third fugitive was finally found, in his cowardly state as the others were, but that doesn't change what they took from us. I guess only you and God will know why it happened, until someday that my be revealed to us in the midst of paradise in Heaven. Only then will we understand the significance of that day, beyond our obvious tragic loss. It will bother me till the day I die, but I know what happened wasn't for nothing. You interrupted some terrible plans that day, and who knows how many others you may have saved. You are and always will be my Hero, and to many others as well. I love you and miss you, and will see you soon in Heaven.

Jason Claxton Taylor
Nephew

March 29, 2008

I thank you, Sir, for your bravery, dedication, and sacrifice. I came across your tragic and brutal murder while surfing the net and am relieved the killers will never threaten another living soul. May your friends and family take comfort in knowing you will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten!

DET SGT, Retired
AR

October 31, 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., Columbia, SC

September 24, 2007

I just read about this story in the news because of the discovery of Jason McVean. What a horrific story. I know finding the 3rd killer may bring some sort of closure for the family. Even though it was 9 years ago, the pain of losing a husband, father and grandfather is still there. May your family be blessed in the future and may God give you His overwhelming strength and peace to continue forward.

Warmly,
Shea Harris

Shea Harris
fellow American

June 14, 2007

It is good to know that last of those accused of killing Patrolman Claxton has been found. I can only hope this brings closure to the family and friends. Still remembered and honored each and everyday.
Rest easy, your killers will not be able to harm anyone else.
wife of a leo

June 13, 2007

Rest, Sir, knowing they now face The Lord's justice.
G-d bless you and your loved ones.

June 8, 2007

We finally get to see that all 3 of them left this world as cowardly as they lived. As much as I personally would have liked to have seen them all die lonely in a prison cell, or by the hand of another, I hope knowing that they are all dead will bring some peace to the friends and family of Officer Claxton.

June 7, 2007

Officer Claxton,
I saw on the news today that they found the remains of the last suspect in your case. I hope that his can bring a little bit of closure to your family. Rest in peace sir and thank you for your service.

Police Officer
WRPD, CO

June 6, 2007

Well DALE, the news is reporting that the body of your third killer has been found. Now may you truly rest in peace sir.

PKT
Aurora PD (Colo)

June 6, 2007

Dale it appears a little more justice has taken place or at least some questions answered for your family with the remains of your killer being found. You have not been forgotten, nor your family.
Trudy M
survivor 1998

Trudy Meyers
survivor

June 6, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 9th anniversary of your EOW. You have not been forgotten as you are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

May 29, 2007

9 yrs. ago today and you will never be forgotten! God Bless the Claxton family, friends & the Cortez PD.

Ret. PO
City of Miami PD Fla.

May 29, 2007

Officer Claxton thank you for your service to your fellowman. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones. Rest in peace my brother.

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

May 29, 2007

Rest in peace for His Justice will be done.G-d Bless.

May 29, 2007

Brother Claxton,

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 Law Enforcement Motorcycle

December 2, 2005

Never had the honor to meet Cortez Police Officer Dale Claxton, but I know that his fellow brothers and sisters miss him very much. Assist, protect, defend.
-Specialist Travis F. Bateman
U.S. Army Military Police and Cortez native

“FALLEN COMRADE”
-Author unknown

Taking cover….shots fired,
Then you hear that sound.
The unmistakable crackle of the radio,
Those feared words, “Officer Down.”

One more fallen comrade,
The number continues to grow.
Sorrow fills one’s heart,
Trying not to let the anger show.

Waging a daily battle,
Out there tryin to win the war.
Never knowing what you’ll encounter,
On this stop or from behind the next door.

One more fallen comrade,
Is gone and out of our sight.
Yet guiding us from up above,
Always riding on our right.

SPECIALIST TRAVIS F. BATEMAN
U.S. ARMY MILITARY POLICE

December 30, 2004

We don't always meet our heros face to face. All officers lost in the line of duty is a loss from my family. My brother. My sister. God bless Dale Claxton, his family, his friends, his collegues in Cortez. I've always known you though we've never met. May our Lord accept the promotion of Dale Claxton. My God comfort those in his family yet to meet him in heaven.

Officer Darrell L. Robertson
Houston Police Department, TX

September 24, 2003