Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My thoughts are with your loved ones today. Continue to watch over them and protect them from harm. You have not been forgotten.

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

August 9, 2007

Officer Taylor, it is clear you died a brave hero. All of those who worked with you must have been honored. I hope your children are being told what a wonderful father you were and are... RIP Officer Taylor

Deborah

January 31, 2007

Though I did not know him, he was part of my law enforcement family and I will mourn this deep loss the rest of my life. God is our only real comfort and strength after such a loss, no matter how much time passes. My prayers continue for the family & friends of this beloved officer & may they continue to be comforted by His unfailing love.

Vicki Hare
Salisbury NC PD

January 14, 2007

I had the pleasure of not only knowing Eric Taylor but, was afforded the opportunity to work with him side by side when we served as patrolmen for the Twinsburg Township P.D. I would always kid with Eric about his shaving habits because everytime we worked together he had a beard. Eric and I met at the beginning of our careers and I can remember running into him at B&J's Lounge shortly after our department contracted with Summit County. It was then that I learned Eric had continued his career with the Massillon P.D. God Bless You "E",God Bless your family and all who had the pleasure of knowing you

Deputy J.A. Sampson
Summit County Sheriff's Office

November 10, 2006

To the family and loved ones of Patrolman Eric Taylor and his fellow officers with the Massillon Police Department:

On this the fourth anniversary of Eric's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. Although I never had the privilege of meeting Eric, I feel as if I know him through the loving reflections left by loved ones and friends. His valor and courage will never be forgotten.

I hope that God is holding him in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

I am so sorry that Eric was robbed of his life so tragically, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Eric gave to his community and the citizens of Ohio, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 9, 2002.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 9, 2006

My thoughts are with your family today.

August 9, 2005

As Eric contemplated becoming a Police Officer, he inquired of me as to what I thought of Police work. With my 14 years of sevice I saw him as a dignified 'youngster', hungry and eager to serve the community. Later I remember him telling me that he had a chance of becoming a Massillon Police Officer. I wished him well. He served well as he maintained his dignity and morals, all traits of a true hero. I miss him much and pray that his family is well cared for until they are joined together once more. God Bless you and keep you and yours.

Detective Fred L.Stevens
Akron Police Department Akron, Ohio

May 31, 2005

I was there that fateful day and was with you when you took your last breath. I will always remember it like it happened just yesterday, although it has been over two years now. It is still fresh in my mind. I think of you every day and the kind of person you were and how admirably you performed your job. As I think of you and the way you left us, it makes me sad, but then I remember how you were, so full of life and laughter, and I just can't help but smile. You left a lasting impression on me personally and I am honored that I knew you and even more so that you called me your friend. Rest in peace my brother, for you don't have to worry about your family. We will watch them here until one day they can be reunited with you and then they will understand how really special you are. You will be in my thoughts and prayers always, until I myself leave this world, and then it is I who am looking forward to laughing again with you.

Kenneth W. Smith (Patrolman)
Massillon P.D.

September 16, 2004

Two years ago today Patrolman Eric Bradford Taylor lost his life in the service of his country and community. His tragic and senless loss is a reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers each and every day. All of our shifts today are dedicated to memory of Patrollman Taylor hoping that in some small way this might bring some peace to those who knew and loved him.

OMY/COP/WPD
8/9/04

Chief of Police / Olen M. Young
Wauneta PD Nebraska

August 9, 2004

I did not know you but I thank you and you fellow police officers for what you do and risk your lives for others. God Bless You and all other police officers.

Nathan King
Future Police Officer

June 25, 2004

ET, I did not know you but you are a Street Warrior where I grew up, a city I dearly love, and still have family. I thank you for your dedication to that city, community, and family. You are truly an example for those of us in law enforcement to follow. When I attended your going home ceremony, I thought; "There by the Grace of God go I." When we lose "ONE" it is a lost to all. Rest in Peace my brother and one day I look forward to meeting you in heaven. In Prayer, God watch over us all. Sgt. Anthony (Ojay) Floyd

Sgt. Anthony (Ojay) Floyd
Kent State Police- Kent, Ohio

May 11, 2004

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 4, 2004

I was one of the first officers in our department to officially meet Eric Taylor when I conducted his employment background investigation. After he was hired he fast became known for his being ornery, dedicated to the job and wanting to make a difference in the city he patrolled and lived in. He was to join our tactical unit (Western Stark County Special Tactics And Response Team-START) the Wednesday before his death and would have been a great addition to the team. Many of us attended the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in D.C. in 2003 and we are proud to have served with him. Our deepest sympathies and heart-felt prayers go out to his wife JuWanna, children Ty and Lauren and to "Mom" Taylor. Our loss is Heaven's gain, he now patrols Heaven's streets...see you again one day my friend.

Officer Kenneth R. Hendricks
Massillon Police Dept.

February 10, 2004

Rest In Peace!

Darin L. Paul, Special Agent
FBI Agents Association

EVEN THOUGH HE LIES SILENTLY IN THE GRAVE
HE WAS A COMRADE WHO WAS VICTORIOUS AND BRAVE
CHARACTERIZED AS A TRUE HERO
NO ONE EVER THOUGHT THAT HE HAD ONE FOE

UPHOLDING THE LAW IN EVERY ASPECT
LOVING HIS FAMILY WAS A GREAT ASSET
ERIC TAYLOR, A WARRIOR OF GALLANTRY
FELLED BY THE HANDS OF BIGOTRY

HIS LIFE IS A SYMBOL OF LOVE AND PEACE
FOR HE WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST OF POLICE
HIS MEMORIES LIVE ON IN THE LIVES OF ALL
FOR A GREAT MAN LIVES IN GOD'S FAMOUS HALL

GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY IN THIS TRYING TIME
MAKE NO MISTAKE, HIS LIFE WAS NOT SUBLIME

BY: MILDRED E. ENGLISH
SUBMITTED BY RETARD WDC OFFICER GRIFFIN
[STATE OF OHIO POLICE]
I WORKED WITH ERIC FROM "96 TO 98"

REST IN PEACE MY DEAR FRIEND

STATE POLICE
WARRENSVILLE DEVELOPMENTAL CTR

MY FORMER COMRADE AND FRIEND, OFFICER ERIC TAYLOR
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE MY DEAR FRIEND, AND MAY GOD'S BLESSING REST UPON YOUR FAMILY, AND FELLOW OFFICERS.
YOU ARE ONE OF GOD'S GREATEST ERIC.
FORMER WDC OFFICER GRIFFIN
WORKED WITH OFFICER TAYLOR "96,98"

FORMER STATE POLICE
WARRENSVILLE DEVEOPMENTAL CTR

On May 15, 2003, I had the opportunity to meet and speak with 2 of your partners as we waited for your name to be called at the memorial service. They spoke highly of you and told me the events of that fatefull day. You would have been proud of them as they represented you and your department very well. As they walked away, I remember feeling as though I actually knew you. Officer Taylor, you will long be remembered as a hero, your partners will see to that. Rest in peace.

Detroit Police Department

I rode(bicycled)along with 26 police officers from The Chapter 5 Police Unity Tour out of Indianapolis,Indiana. Eric Taylor's photo was proudly displayed on the side of the support van with other Fallen Heroes for the 600 mile journey to Washington,DC. Indiana State Police Sgt. Gary Dudley,placed Eric's photo near the area where his name is forever etched into the NLEOM Wall. During the Candle Light Vigil,I had the great honor of meeting and standing with the Aunt (Janet Lewis)of Eric's wife,(Juwana)....Eric...she is so very proud of you and her heart aches at your loss....She was there that night to honor you and to support Juwana and the children...She was reassured that the extended family of Police Officers(C.O.P.S.) would be there to help Juwana and the children. You are dearly and deeply missed by your family, friends and fellow Officers....Eric...you shall never be forgotten....Rest in Peace....

Ranger Steve Ranz
Hamilton County Ohio Park District

On behalf of the Struthers Police Department our thoguhts and prayers go out to Officer Taylor's family, friends, and co-workers.

Rest in peace Brother Taylor.

Patrolman Michael L. Faith
Struthers Police Department

I did not know you, but God bless you. Massillon is proud of you.

Anonymous

I still miss Eric Taylor a great deal. Sometimes I find it hard to leave my family and go to work. When I imagined an officer losing his life in the line of duty, an officer like Eric doesn't come to mind..initially. Eric was couregous, quick witted, and one of the fastest men on two feet I've ever seen. I'd love going on high risk calls with him, because if the suspect was ever stupid enough to run, Eric was going to catch him. If there was a fight, I wanted Eric to be there. I don't know why the Lord decided to take him when he did. I do know that his brothers will continue to look after his wife, Juwana, and two small children, Ty and Lauren. Rest easy my brother, I love you!

Ptl Paul Covert
Massillon Police

Mrs. Taylor, Eric's children, and our comrades in Massillon: everyday I pause to remember you, but especially this first holiday season without your beloved Eric.

Patrol Officer Thomas Ross
4th District Cleveland Police Department, OH

Officer Taylor and I both started our tours of duty four years ago, and although we never met, his life and his passing reminds me of the priorities in our career. Serve the public and be ready and willing to do what must be done to uphold that trust, no matter the cost. I hold my children closer these days and I kiss my wife before I leave for work; even when she's asleep. I always remember that despite our best efforts to always come home to them, there is that chance that one day, the service we render will cost them our life. To my brother Eric, thank you for your service, your inspiration and may God hold you close and bring you home in His mercy. God bless and hold your family until they can be with you again.

Ptl. Jonathan Bastock
Stow Police Department

An only child. Beloved son. Cherished husband and father. Part of the thin blue line. I did not know him. But I love him. Rest in Peace in the arms of God. We will carry on.

Patrol Officer Hollis R. Burkes
Canton, Ohio P.D.

To the family, friends, and co-workers of Officer Taylor. I am sorry for the loss that you have taken. After being at his funeral I know that he died a HERO. Not for how he died but for how he lived. You will always remember him that way because that is how he wanted to be remembered.

atroilman Spencer Salyers #58
Whitehall P.D. Whitehal Ohio