Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Happy New Year Craig,

Here we go into 2007, you will be remembered this year as you were the past years. I hope everyone has a great 2007 as I know we will with you watching over us.

Your Chicago Bears are going to the playoffs except they let the Packers whip their ass this weekend, it will be interesting as this year was so unpredictable, alot of upsets and yes the 49 er's beat my Bronco's but wait until next season.. Take care of you, Love and miss you.

Momma Sue

Penny McManama
mother in law

January 2, 2007

Craig Allen, Hello my love it has been a while since I have been on here to write to you. It is very hard for me to do this right now. I had a very hard time with your birthday and X-mas. We went to see you on your b-day. Your dad and Bev were there also Cindy and Kevin were there. I let the kids put two dozen orange roses out there and we let go of 30 balloons that said Happy Birthday!!! They were all full of bigs kisses and hugs and a couple of them I'm sure had our tears on them. Tonight is New Years eve and this just sucks!! I hate spending News Years alone and I dont enjoy drinking. I guess I just miss you. Its still so hard. I dont see how things get easier as time goes on. To me they are getting harder. Well any ways the kids had a good x-mas. They are very happy with santa!!! Declan is already telling me what he wants next year. Kylie is barbie and babys. She is getting so big and she is our little princess!! She loves pre school and she is very smart. Declan got in trouble for taking a toy gun to school. We are back out in the country and we love it!! In town people were always into my business and now they dont see me so that makes it a little better. By the way Hartman won the election!!!! I'm so happy about that and I know that you would be to! Well my love I guess I should get going I love you and I miss you!! K

Karen Blann
Craig's wife

December 31, 2006

CRAIG YOU HAVE NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN WE THOUGHT OF YOU YESTERDAY ON YOUR BIRTHDAY AND REMEMBERED SOME OF THE PREVIOUS BIRTHDAYS THAT WE WERE ABLE TO HELP YOU CELEBRATE YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SPOT IN OUR HEART THAT NO ONE ELSE CAN FILL THINGS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME THINK OF YOUR OFTEN

RO3
NEWTON CO SHF

December 24, 2006

My thoughts are with your loved ones during this holiday season as I know every day is tough to get through but holidays are even harder. I have decorated the outside of my home for Christmas in all blue lights. One of those lights will be lit in your honor every night until New Years as my way of saying you are a hero and have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones.

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

December 19, 2006

Happy 30th Birthday Craig and Merry Christmas,
I really miss you! To think that you will be 30 on the 23rd is unbelievable, I remember you in junior high,you were a very sweet kid then as you were when you grew up. You made a very special place in my heart that can never be occupied by anyone else, it's your space. You were a very special person with alot to offer this cruel world. Not a day goes by that I don't relate something or someone to you, you were very remarkable. I love you and really miss you. Rest in peace and keep watching over us all, you will never be forgotten. Once again Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas.

Love "Momma Sue"

Penny McManama
mother in law

December 19, 2006

I WANTED TO LEAVE THIS POEM FOR YOU ESPECIALLY AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR. I THINK IT IS VERY APPROPRIATE BECAUSE OF "PROJECT BLUE LIGHT".

A HOLIDAY MEMORY

AS WE LIGHT THIS CANDLE IN HONOR OF YOU,
WE LIGHT IT BECAUSE OF OUR GRIEF, OUR
COURAGE, OUR MEMORIES AND LOVE FOR YOU.
THIS CANDLE REPRESENTS OUR GRIEF; THE PAIN
OF LOSING YOU IS INTENSE. IT REMINDS US
OF THE DEPTH OF OUR LOVE FOR YOU.
THIS CANDLE REPRESENTS OUR COURAGE, TO
CONFRONT OUR SORROW, TO COMFORT EACH OTHER,
TO CHANGE OUR LIVES.
THIS LIGHT IS IN YOUR MEMORY, THE TIME WE
LAUGHED, THE TIMES WE CRIED, THE TIMES WE
WERE ANGRY WITH EACH OTHER, THE SILLY THINGS
YOU DID, THE CARING AND JOY YOU GAVE US.
THIS LIGHT IS THE LIGHT OF LOVE, AS WE ENTER
THIS SEASON, DAY BY DAY WE CHERISH THE
SPECIAL PLACE IN OUR HEARTS THAT WILL
ALWAYS BE RESERVED FOR YOU.
WE THANK YOU FOR THE GIFT YOUR LIVING BROUGHT
TO EACH OF US.
WE LOVE YOU!

LORRAINE BOND (MOTHER)

December 13, 2006

Hello Craig,

Now we are into November, Thanksgiving is next week, Happy Thanksgiving to you. I am thankful for everything I have in my life, ie; family, friends, and for the wonderful years I had you in my life. You will always be here but just in a different way. Memories are something that can never be erased. Karen and your children are doing the best that they can, they miss you and there is not one time that I talk with Karen that she does not focus the conversation around you, I am proud of her for all that she has been through and is still coping, at times she scares the hell out of me by her actions but she always comes around and does the right thing. She is wonderful on how she keeps your memory alive with the kids, she knows where her heart is. Your Dad and Bev really enjoy their visits with the 2 of them.
Take care my friend
As always you are in my thoughts and prayers. Miss you

Momma Sue

Penny McManama
mother in law

November 16, 2006

Hi Craig,

Just was thinking of you (as I always do) and wanted to say hey. Denny and I are going to be going over to the east coast of Florida soon to the Law Enforcement Hall of Fame. I want to pay my respects to you and all of the other fallen officers. I will let everyone know how it is so they can plan a visit also.
My this year is going so fast , it is October already, everything has been such a blur for the last 2 years, Dec is in the 1st grade, soccer and doing great, Kylie is in preschool and dance lessons, Karen is still really confused but she is getting "alittle" better, time heals all wounds. I miss you and our talks but listen as I say my prayer everyday to God and you can hear me.
Love ya buddy, Penny

Penny McManama
mother in law

October 20, 2006

craig,
I seen kylie yesterday. shes getting so big, i can't believe she's already 3. Dad and bev brought her down. I miss you so much. It seems like only yesterday we were up in minnasota, seeing who could catch the bigger fish. That day when you were taken away from us was such a blur. It hurts not to have you with us, over the holidays especially. Dad got kylie a a horse last year and declen an easel. I remember when we were little we had one of those horses, and you used to ride it with barely any clothes on. Mom misses you so so much. well i will go for now keep a watch over our family, until we meet again in heaven.
love you and miss you,
Mandy(bearRuckus)

amanda hinson sister

October 16, 2006

Hi Craig,
Your son and daughter were at our house yesterday helping to celebrate Mason Craig's first birthday. My goodness how they all have grown! I think the kids (and adults) had fun. Declan, Elliott and Jacob all play well together. Mason is growing up so fast. I really believe he was given to us for a very special reason. We lost you in Sept of '04, four months later we found out we were pregnant (a big surprise) then little Mason Craig joins the family Sept '05. He definatly was a gift from above!
Please continue to look down on your family. Keep all of us save and healthy. Remind us to make time to be with family & friends. The time passes so quickly. I can't believe my baby is a year old. I can't believe you've been gone for 2 years. So, much has happened in that short time.
Your reminders are every where... always in our thoughts, forever.
We love and miss you!
Mike, Angie, Sydney, Elliott, Jacob, Mason

Angie Blann
Aunt

October 2, 2006

It seems like only yesterday, maybe a hundred years ago, since you left us. Thought Uncle Steve was going to pay you a visit this Spring when we didn't know what was wrong with him. Guess you were watching over him, huh? Kylie is growing so fast, and has become better aquanted with her other cousins. We are really thankful for that.
Not a day goes by that we don't think of you and miss you.
Love , Uncle Steve and Aunt Janet

Janet Blann
Aunt

September 21, 2006

Craig Allen, Hello my love. I just want you to know that we love and miss you sooo much. We were out to see you on the 6th and we let two dozen balloons go for you. We gave each balloon a kiss before we let them go. I would do any thing just to have you back home again. Just to be able to touch you and be able to look at you and tell you that I love you. I still ask myself why. You would think by now I would have given up. I just can't let go. I never want to let go. This just all sucks. I miss you and love you so much and I always will. Love you and miss you, Karen

Karen
Craig's wife

September 11, 2006

Craig is still missed around the dept. He was a good officer. I remember he was just getting started out in police work. He was so excited and he putt 100% into his job. One day , he proposed a idea to get all the reserve units and a couple of the deputys to serve a alot of warrants. That day, we serve 18 warrants. He helped me out when I was just getting started on the road as a special deputy. He gave me some good advice on traffic stops.
we have alot of new officers now. I am now in the courthouse. I miss you razzing me. I remember, when you brought a inmate in, you would be smiling at me. Later you would say, I just had to give you some work to do. You used to love making work alot.
Craig your still in my thoughts, you will never be forgotten. I know your looking down at me , probably saying get to work homer. ha,

God sped my friend, Say hello to Steve Gulley. Tell Him Homeboy said hi. Let him know that he is missed too.

Gregg Hamilton Court Security
Newton County Sheriff dept

September 7, 2006

Craig Allen, Well today is the 2nd year that you have not been with us. I still miss you. I really don't think that missing you will ever go away. I know that I will always love you that will never change. The kids are getting big and they are a handfull. We let orange balloons go today for you and we gave each balloon a kiss so when you would get them you would have all of our kisses!!! The kids miss you so much and we still wish you were here with us. We love you!!!!! Love always, your wife

Karen
Craig's wife

September 6, 2006

Thinking of you today.

~Michelle

September 6, 2006

TO THE FAMILY OF DEPUTY BLANN:
HE IS REMEMBER TODAY FOR HIS "ULTIMATE SACRIFICE".
YES, YOU ALWAYS WILL LOVE AND MISS HIM. YOU WILL THINK OF HIM EVERY DAY AND WISH FOR "YESTERDAY AND YOU".

HERE IS A POEM THAT SOME ONE GAVE ME AND I THINK IT SPEAKS VOLUMES OF HOW WE FEEL WHEN OUR LOVE ONE IS TAKEN SO SOON FROM US:

DEDICATION TO A FALLEN OFFICER

A MILLION TIMES WE HAVE MISSED YOU, A MILLION TIMES WE'VE CRIED,
IF LOVE COULD HAVE SAVED YOU, YOU NEVER WOULD HAVE DIED.
THINGS WE FEEL MOST DEEPLY, ARE THE HARDEST THINGS TO SAY,
OUR DEAREST ONE, WE HAVE LOVED YOU IN A VERY SPECIAL WAY.
WE OFTEN SIT AND THINK OF YOU, AND THINK OF HOW YOU DIED,
TO THINK WE COULDN'T SAY GOOD-BYE BEFORE YOU CLOSED YOUR EYES.
NO ONE CAN KNOW OUR LONELINESS, AND NO ONE CAN SEE US WEEPING,
ALL OUR TEARS FROM ACHING HEARTS, WHILE OTHERS ARE SLEEPING.
IF WE HAD ONE LIFETIME WISH, A DREAM THAT WOULD COME TRUE,
WE'D PRAY TO GOD WITH ALL OUR HEARTS, FOR YESTERDAY AND YOU.
AUTHOR UNKNOWN

MAY GOD GIVE THE COMFORT AND STRENGTH YOU NEEDS TODAY AND ALWAYS. AND REMEMBER HE IS NOT FORGOTTEN. HE IS A HERO.

LORRAINE BOND (MOTHER)
HAMILTON COUNTY, TN. DEPUTY SHERIFF:
DONALD K. BOND, JR.
EOW:09.06.01

September 6, 2006

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 2nd anniversary of your end of watch. I know the pain is still there and they think of you every hour of every day. You have not been forgotten as heroes never die and you are a true hero. Watch over your loved ones and stay close to them this day and help them with their broken hearts. Also, keep watch over those still out on patrol. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

September 6, 2006

Proverbs 3:5 and 6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge God
And He shall direct your paths.

Åfter reading all these reflections it's easy to see that
Craig was highly respected and well liked by all. It's
also easy to understand why Karen is having such a
difficult time accepting the unfairness of this and the
void his presence has left in the lives of those who loved him most. You were truly blessed to have such
a special person in your lives. Had I known him my
heart would be broken too. May God heal you as you
look to Him and take His precious promises to heart.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

September 6, 2006

Hello Craig,
I cannot believe that 2 years have gone by already. You are still and always will be in my heart and prayers. I can honestly say I have never felt such sorrow, the hurt is getting easier to deal with but it is still there. The memorial sticker on my car is still there, the colors have faded but your name is still bold, it is on my left window close to my heart. Karen and the kids are still having hard times coping, Kylie is asking alot of questions lately to Karen about her Daddy, what a tragedy this has been for the 3 of them. Karen says Kylie still kisses your picture and tells you she loves you. You would be so proud of your 2 children, they are getting "So" grown up, Declan is in the 1st grade now, Kylie might be starting dance lessons, she was so adorable showing me how she was a ballerina, she has got the sweetest little voice and when she hugs you can feel the love she has, she puts her little head on your shoulder and just puts her heart into it.
Please know that you will always be special to me, you were a one of a kind, you were my bestest son in law.
Love you Craig and miss the hell out of you. Keep watching over us all, until we meet again, Rest in Peace

Love Momma Sue

Penny McManama
mother in law

September 3, 2006

Craig,
We think of you often. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. GOD bless!

Sgt. Nate Jazyk & K-9 "Rocky"
Lake County Sheriff's Department

August 27, 2006

Craig, it has been a while since I visited this site, I have been very busy getting reqdy for the birth of Scott and my second child. She is just beautiful. I am sure you would have loved to met her. Her name is Allea. She was born one year after my miscarriage, so she is pretty special. I get to see your kids when your dad has them, but I do not get to their house as often as I should. We all miss you still so much. It does not seem possible that it has been almost 2 years since the accident, but then again, it has been 5 years since 9/11 and 10 years since JonBenet Ramsey was murdered. I better get back to the girls. Take it easy up there until we can all be reunited.

love, Mandi

Mandi
cousin

August 23, 2006

Craig Allen, It's been a while since I wrote to you. The kids are getting big and they keep me busy. I have finally excepted the fact that you are not coming home to us. I could say it but now my heart feels it. I miss you so much you and our kids are my life. I wish that there really were wishes. If there were I would of never of let this happen and you would still come home to us. I dont think anyone will ever be able to make me as happy as you did. The other night I came across the songs from our wedding. I remember when you got down on your knee and sang to makee you feel my love. I would love to feel it now. Its so sad to say but there are things that are starting to fade in my mind. But one thing is so true and thats I will never quit loving you.Some times it feels like i've lost everything but then I look at Kylie and I see you. She sure does love her daddy. Declan misses you and he says when he grows up he wants to be just like his daddy. It is so hard to keep up with all the everyday stuff. Some times I think how do I do all this. but things get done when they get done. I never knew how lucky I was to have you as my wonderful husband. On the other I know what its like to have the love that you gave me. I was so lucky and when I think about that I get a big smile one my face. I love you so much you are my sweetheart and always will be. I miss you and love you so much. Love you,Karen

Karen
Craig's wife

July 7, 2006

Happy Father's Day Craig,

I just wanted to let you know that you are very missed and loved down here in Florida, not a day goes by that I don't think of you, I am making scrap books for your children, yes the tears are flowing at times but the laughs are coming out also, when the two of them get old enough I will give them the books, and tell them the story behind every page. Your Dad took Dec to a fishing tournament today he won 2nd in his age group, you would of been so proud of him. Bev spent the day with Kylie. they both love those children with all their hearts and are very good to them. Happy Fathers Day Craig, keep watching out for us. All my love, Penny

Penny McManama
mother in law

June 17, 2006

Dear Daddy,

We both miss and love you, we both are wishing you a very Happy Father's Day. Love, DeClan and Kylie

DeClan and Kylie Blann
Son and Daughter

June 17, 2006

Happy Memorial Day Craig,
Just wanted to say hello and let you know you were very well remembered on this day, God bless my friend, watch out for us all. Love you and think about you alot, miss you as well.
Momma Sue

Penny McManama
mother in law

May 29, 2006