Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My Dearest Calvin,
It's been raining today...I'm sure the angels are crying for Michaela Blanton - baby Tye went to be in his father's arms in heaven today - exactly 4 months from when Shawn was murdered. I don't even pretend to imagine the pain she feels and how tired she must be.
Last weekend, I walked 25 miles in the COPS WALK in memory of all officers killed in the line of duty and in special memory of you. I thought how you would have been running that beautiful trail in MD, WV & VA in your "wild" running shoes. It was touching to talk with many other survivors and share memories of our loved ones...only they can relate to so many things we go through. It's a special group that knows its ok to talk about "how you heard the bad news", how it happened, details around the trial & sentencing, what happens as you move on in life. Seems like there are so many similarities no matter what stage in life the survivors are and what their relationship to the lost officer is. I made it through all 25 miles and of course with the little competitive spark in me that you & I shared when we ran together in Burnsville, Canton & Lake Junaluska I wanted to be one of the first ones to finish. The first day, the girls I walked with finished as #4,5&6. Was hard to tell the second day because we started last. I know you were there with me the entire time. I love you Sweetie!

Denise

October 17, 2008

To Master Trooper Calvin Taylor and his loved ones:

On the seventh anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

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 your family and 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, Trooper Taylor.

To Ann, his Mom: I share your anquish in losing a beloved and cherished child. It doesn't matter how old they were or what responsible position they held, they were our babies. I understand the meaning of lives forever changed. Although we are thousands of miles apart, you are in my heart's embrace today.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Calvin gave to his community and the citizens of my home state of North Carolina, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 3, 2001.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
(Larry and I were born in Durham, N.C.)

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

October 4, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this day. Rest in Peace Troop.

Sergeant
Connecticut State Police

October 3, 2008

This week my family and I was traveling through and observed the beautiful marker left for Calvin. I did not know Calvin, but knew someone had paid the ultimate sacrifice. I also observed fellow Troopers working the road diligently. Please know every time a fellow officer travels that highway, no matter where he or she may be from, They to will think of Calvin. Our lost, is Calvin's gain.

Corporal Jason Burch
Alabama State Troopers

August 11, 2008

Bad news Sweetie,
One of your co-workers that came on after you, was shot & killed last night just down the road from where you died. Please welcome him with open arms as he enters the gates of heaven. Haywood County has lost 3 wonderful officers in less than 7 years...my heart breaks for his family. I know you will show Shawn around up there & watch over his family. It hits so close to home...........I Love You!

Denise

June 18, 2008

Hey Sweetie,
Another officer and a firefighter were killed in N.C. today when a tractor trailer hit them. I know you will watch over there families from your heavenly home. It makes me so mad that supposedly "professional drivers" don't pay attention to what they are doing when they are driving something so big and heavy. I wonder, how do these drivers feel knowing that their inattentivness has taken lives and destroyed other people's lives. I wonder if they think about the lives they took (and their families left behind) everyday like we think of you everyday. They don't have that eternal empty feeling in part of their heart that I have everyday I'm sure. Even when you go on and try to be happy with what life deals you, there is always that part missing. Remember the picture we had hanging on our wall that said "without hope, the heart would break"? All through 2000-2001 you and I both had hope but my hope for us was taken away from me on the day you died! I miss you so and will never stop loving you. Good night!

Denise

June 14, 2008

Hey Sweetie,
I wasn't able to leave a message on your birthday but of course you were in my thoughts (like everyday). It still is funny to think how you & Darryl used to tease each other about who was older...of course we know he was! Thousands of people will again pass by your name on the wall in DC this week...I sure wish your name wasn't there! Miss you & love you on this - Survivors Day! Thanks for all your love through everything.

Denise

May 14, 2008

May 4, 2008

Forty-eight years ago today, a beutiful baby boy was born. There was always something very special about this handsome lad. He was always a loving son , brother, uncle, and a faithful friend. He was someone who could make you laugh until you cried. So many lives have been touched by the short life of this great man. We miss him so much. Mom (Wham), Dad, Pat, Chuck, Dorine, and families.

mom, and family

May 4, 2008

Hey Calvin, Hard to believe its been nearly eight years since that fateful day when I was still in BLET and got the news. All your family extended and immediate still miss you every day! I'll never forget the morning we were working a wreck together and you went after some poor teenager who had the unfortunate bad judgement to go speeding by a scene where the F.D. was working at over 70 mph.. But he couldn't be that angry when he saw that big ole' smile of yours! Enjoy the view from Heaven Master Trooper Taylor. We Miss you down here!

Phillip Caldwell, Former Deputy
Buncombe County Sheriff

April 17, 2008

Even after death you are able to help other officers. Today 2-11-2008 Fox Carolina News Channel 21 in Greenville SC did a news story on your death and how it lead to a revision of NC Move Over Law. It was a very well done news video story. It also mentioned NC Trooper Anthony Cogdill's death along the same stretch of road years later. God Bless you and your family

Driving Instructor R.A. Porter
Pickens County, SC

February 12, 2008

Ann,
That doesn't sound right because I always called you Whamster or Mom Taylor. I hope you are doing well - as well as the rest of your family. I continue to keep all of you in my prayers. You've had a lot of losses in the past 6 1/2 years and my heart breaks for you. I want to thank you for everything you did for me while you were my mother-in-law. I'm so sorry things ended up the way they did. I know how happy Calvin was to be able to move back to Canton & live on the river and I'm so grateful that he was able to be so close to you for his last 8 years. Take care & God bless you.
With love & prayers

Denise

February 6, 2008

Hey Sweetie,
I'm sure by now you have welcomed to heaven a dear friend of mine - Susan Thompson. I'm sorry that you never knew one of the most beautiful (inside & out) ladies I've ever known while she & you were on this earth. I'm sure you noticed things a little brighter in heaven last night as that lovely angel arrived. I know she doesn't need any help up there but give her a hug & show her around. Here are some bible verses I'd like to share with you:

Happy is the person whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned.
Happy is the person whom the Lord does not consider guilty and in whom there is nothing false. Psalm 32:1-2

If we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done. 1 John 1:9

And after you suffer for a short time, God, who gives all grace, will make everything right. He will make you strong and support you and keep you from falling. He called you to share in his glory in Christ, a glory that will continue forever. 1 Peter 5:10

We know that our body - the tent we live in here on earth -will be destroyed. But when that happens, God will have a house for us. It will not be a house made by human hand; instead, it will be a home in heaven that will last forever. 2 Corinthians 5:1

Thanks again for being you & loving me...if we could just go back and work on some things again. My memories of you keep me going and help me keep smiling. Oh, I hope you liked the snowbaby I left for you before Christmas - it was only fitting that I give you one in return! "If kisses were snowflakes, I'd send you a blizzard"
Love you forever

Denise

February 6, 2008

A MESSAGE FROM MOM

I am 76 years old, and i have recently put internet into my home, and I finally got up enought nerve to read some of the messages.
I want to thank each of you that have taken the time to pay tribute to my son. It has been heart warming to read the messages from his fellow law enforcement officers, his friends, and complete strangers. I knew my son better than anyone! He was very much a mama's boy. He would have been so proud to know that he had touched so many lives. It has been 6 years since I had to say good-bye to my baby, and it is not any easier today than it was 6 years ago. Please keep his memory alive by all that you do, and the lives that you touch.
Thank you, Calvin's very proud Mom (Wham, the nickname that Calvin gave me years ago)

ANN (WHAM)
MOM

January 18, 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

December 27, 2007

Merry Christmas Sweetie,
Once again, you are missed by all of us here in Columbia. Momma & Daddy celebrated their 50th anniversary on Saturday the 22nd and we sure missed having you there to celebrate with us/them. I know you would be so proud of them making it through so many years....we had laughed several years ago with Momma about planning for it so far ahead of time. We know you were there in spirit though as you always are. Thanks again for spending that last Christmas with me and my family - you probably never knew how much that meant to me! I know Christmas has to be so much prettier from your view in heaven....but I wish I could have one more with you here. I'll never stop loving you. Merry Christmas with love!

Denise

December 24, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

vandenberghe
nh

October 15, 2007

TROOPER TAYLOR, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

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

October 3, 2007

Trooper Taylor,
Six years ago, you were called home. As the years continue to pass, please know that you will stay alive in the grateful hearts of citizens everywhere. Thank you for giving ALL.

Pennsylvania citizen

October 3, 2007

Hi Calvin,
Just think how shocked Denise will be to see this here, but I, too, thought about you yesterday, September the 25th. That little chapel, and how you grinned and winked when I came down the aisle just before your beautiful bride. Wow, the two of you were so much in love and so very happy. You couldn't have stopped grinning if you'd tried!! I remember how she wanted me to fix her hair, but was so impatient that she decided that she could do it faster and ended up burning her own neck. Calvin Taylor, you were my friend and someone I always admired. I love your Denise and I always will. We don't talk as often as we once did for one reason or another, but it doesn't mean we don't care. I'll be here for her until you can take over again. In the meantime, be her guardian angel. I still hold dear that last Christmas card you sent me. Yes, I gave her the CD you asked me to give her. She knows that everywhere she is there you are.
Linda

Linda Ambrose
Friend

September 26, 2007

My Dearest Calvin,
Today will always be very special to me. Sept. 25 was the happiest day of my life. Thanks for making me your wife on that day. Sorry things worked out like they did but I never quit hoping for us until Oct. 3, 2001 when our Lord took you home to be with him. You are in my heart today as everyday and will be on Oct. 3 (you know I'll be gone that week). I miss you as much now as ever and I've learned the reason for many of my feelings. There will never be another like you sweetie. I LOVE YOU!

Denise

September 25, 2007

Hey Sweetie,
I was at Lake Junaluska 4 days ago walking around the lake and of course couldn't help thinking about all the special times we shared there. When I was living there we went through the Blizzard of 93 together (remember the photos we took of us outside), we walked/ran many times around the lake & fed the ducks & geese my bread whenever it got too old to eat (or just whenever we wanted to feed them). I spent the best day of my life there with you (when we got married at the Chapel) and the second worst day of my life there (your funeral at the auditorium). I say the second worst day because October 3, 2001 (when you were killed) was the worst. As I walked there, it was peaceful, almost like you were walking along beside me. A guy ran past me and his stride so reminded me of how you ran except it seemed to be taking much more effort on his part. You always were such a good runner - maybe it was the flame-color of your running shoes!!! I have been through some dark valleys and weathered some bad storms and I know life is not promised to be all sunshine but I can't wait until the day that all my storms are over and I only walk in sunshine like you are doing now. I know the Lord will continue to help me along & carry me when needed until then. I would give anything to again feel like I did on 9-25-93...thanks for making that happen! I'll love you always!

Denise

September 9, 2007

Hey Denise,

It was so nice to meet you at the COPS meeting a few weeks ago. I read your reflection left on Heath's page and I wanted to let you know that I found comfort in what you wrote. You know what I'm going through. It's a struggle everyday. We are still trying to find our "new normal" , whatever that may be. Take care and I'll hopefully talk with you soon.

SHELLY HARDIN
WIFE OF SGT. HEATH HARDIN , EOW 01-11-2007

September 1, 2007

Hi Sweetie,
Yesterday a group of us survivors got together at a water park to share fun & sun. It's so hard to see others going through the same thing, especially those who had the unfortunate luck to join this group in 2007. I remember being there....not wanting the world around me to go on because my world had been shattered. But now, almost 6 years later, I can tell these survivors that life can/and does go on. You do eventually go through a full day without crying. I'm glad I can offer a hug & a listening ear to someone else. You did that to many people (including me) for many kinds of things. I know how important just a hug or someone saying they care means, as I was denied that by some people due to our circumstances. But I kept remembering things you told me and knowing you like no one else did, tried to do what you would want. So I can say I'm dancing the dance of life now the best I can because that is what you wanted me to do! I miss you as much now as ever and love you with all my heart! Continue to watch over me from your beautiful seat with our Lord until I'm lucky enough to be there with you.

Denise

July 22, 2007

MY HEART AND SOUL GOES OUT TO THE WHOLE FAMILY. I, MYSELF, HAVE 3 BROTHERS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND ONE WITH THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. I PRAY, SOMEHOW YOU CAN BE WITH YOUR LOVED ONE!!

AGAIN, MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU!

WENDY H. CROW
NONE

July 1, 2007

May you rest in peace my fellow brother in law enforcement.
God Bless your family !

Sincerely,
Cpl.J.W. Lowder, Union County Sheriff's Department

Cpl. J.W. Lowder
Union County Sheriff's Department

May 14, 2007