Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Another year older today Happy Heavenly Birthday and come July will mark 40 years ago I lost my daddy / hero you may be gone but you are certainly not forgotten. I know that my heart aches but I now truly understand the weight of the Badge more clearly than ever.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

February 12, 2022

Hey Dad I have to say that today makes 39 years ago that you went to be with the Lord. We are so much a like in looks, character, and beliefs. The reflections over the year signify you are not forgotten and that you will be my hero. I am so thankful for the legacy you left. God has blessed me knowing that you have had a great impact on others.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

July 3, 2021

Happy 75th Birthday Dad I would love to talk to you today. You will always be my hero and I am so thankful that God allowed me to be your son.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

February 12, 2021

Today is so difficult as I reflect on the impact you made in my life and now as I part of a wonderful group Alabama Chapter of Concerns Of Police Survivors and honored to serve as the Police Liason to handle those who give themselves in the LODD. I continue to serve the community and 38 years later you and Cody are together as his struggle is over. I am praying that I honor you daily dad.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

July 3, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest In Peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 3, 2020

Rest in Eternal Peace. You did your Duty Well LT Bentley!

To Honor You today!
On behalf of
The Heflin Police Foundation
Charles H. Merchant, Sr.
Member

Charles H. Merchant, Sr.
Chief Advisor
Randolph County Sheriffs Department
Wedowee, Alabama

June 3, 2020

Looking back, you made it there before me. Good to know you are now patrolling Heaven. Heaven is in good hands. I’ll see you one day and thank you for a job WELL DONE!

Rest on That Mountain,
Heflin Remains Proud of You LT Bentley

Chief Advisor Office of Sheriff
Randolph County Sheriff’s Department

June 3, 2020

Well as I reflect on your space here, I think about all that has happened from year to year and since last year even. I am active in COPS now and feel honored to help others who have lost their family members.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

February 12, 2020

37 years today Dad, and there is not a day that goes by I don't reflect on you and our relationship. You will always be my Hero. I am hope that you can look down and see the seeds sown and the legacy from you. ♥️ Dad how I wish I could have 1 hour just to talk and reflect on life with you.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

July 3, 2019

Lt. Bentley, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 13, 2019

Happy Birthday Daddy I have now gotten both your granddaughters through college and have established the Byron Bentley Memorial Scholarship Program. I pray daily I can continue to bring honor to our family name. I so miss talking with you about life. Rest in peace dad with all my love.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

February 12, 2019

Approximately 36 years ago at this moment you took your last breath and went to be with God. You have been in heaven as long as you were here on Earth. The grief process has been a struggle because I often think of who I am and where I would be if you were still here? To say I love you and so proud of the man you are just doesn't seem enough. God bless you dad and I am so honored to be your friend and son.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

July 3, 2018

Happy Birthday

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

February 12, 2018

Dad Saturday morning a portion of HWY 78 was named in your Honor from Mile Marker 175 to 180 is the Lt Ralph Byron Bentley Memorial Hwy. You touched so many and had a true Hero's turn out. God bless you as you are my Hero. 35 years later I hope i have done you the honor you so deserved. Myself, Cody and your Granddaughters Madison and Brooke are so proud of you. ♥️

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

July 3, 2017

What a wonderful day this would have been 71st Birthday. So much has happened since you left. I just want to say thank you for instilling in me family values that I carry forward today. I pray that you can see what a lasting impression you left on those close to you.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

February 12, 2017

It was 34 years ago when you left us physically. The impact you made has made me the man I am today. I would like to take just a moment to say thank you dad for serving selflessly. I miss you and love you so dearly. God had bigger plans for you and now you are on a much bigger watch. I salute you sir.

Son Bryan R. Bentley
Related to fallen LEO

July 3, 2016

I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT I MISS MY DAD BIG TIME. I DONT REMEMBER ABOUT MY DAD MUCH BECAUSE HE DIED WHEN I WAS VERY YOUNG. I WISH HE COULD SEE ME NOW OF HOW MUCH I HAVE GROWN IN TO A MAN. HE WAS GREAT MAN AND GREAT DADDY TO ALL OF US.

CODY BENTLEY
IM THE SON

February 13, 2016

Bryan, I am sure that you are very proud of your father as you should be. I very much appreciate his public service and I have you and your family in my prayers.

Civilian
GPM

February 12, 2016

Hey Dad I just wanted to say Happy Birthday and thank you for helping me to become the man and father I am today. You now have 2 Granddaughters Madison and Brooke that you would be so proud of. We all want to tell you how much you are loved and missed.
Cody is now close to 40 and because of your commitment to saving his life when he was just a baby has allowed him to grow into a fine man.

Dad you left a lasting impression on this world and you touched so many lives that still talk about you today. So it is my honor to tell you that you are loved and missed..
All of my love
Bryan Ralph Bentley

Bryan R Bentley
Son

February 12, 2016

My Father and I will be working to have his page updated by Feb 12 his birthday. Thank you to all who have stopped by in the past. I just found out about this wonderful site recently.

Bryan Bentley

February 7, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 4, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th anniversary year 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

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phylllis Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) Officer Larry Lasater

December 28, 2012

"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

November 12, 2007

Rest in Peace, Lt. Bentley. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 23, 2006

Sllep safe with Our Lord.

July 3, 2006