Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

No passage of time can ever erase your service and sacrifice. Rest in peace always.

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

November 1, 2020

"Ab" or "Papa Franklin" met Kate at a barn dance in Three Springs Kentucky and apparently danced all night on their first date. Papa as they called him left behind his wife and three small daughters at the time of his death. My mother told me a story of how the perpetrator's mother came to Kate's home to beg forgiveness for what her son had done to her family. As a child, I inherited a small shaker caned bottom chair he bought for his daughter (my grandmother) , strapped to his horse and made the 18 mile trip home to give it to her as a gift. My mother always placed socks on either side of it full of candy and fruit for Christmas and laid many gifts in the seat of that chair. It was a nice subliminal memorial for him every Christmas. My great grandmother had the task of raising those three daughters and apparently became quite the farm director in order to make a living for her family. She had no choice. She never remarried. I married a direct descendent of the hotel where Ab was shot (Tony Shirley). My cousin married the great nephew of the man who shot him. I've always heard a story of how he had killed a relative in self defense the day before Papa Franklin was killed. He was laid in a storefront with a mortal gut wound where he would wait for a surgeon to be brought from Louisville by train, buggy and then horseback to Edmonton where he would arrive too late to help him. He died of gangrene. Though I'm saddened about this terrible family tragedy, I've always been proud of his reputation as good and decent husband, father and law enforcement official. Thank you for posting about this on your website.

Melissa Walton-Shirley
Melissa Walton-Shirley MD FACC

April 25, 2019

Deputy Sheriff Franklin,
On today, the 105th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of of Metcalfe County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 1, 2018

This was my great-great grandfather. I have a picture with his wife, Kate Butler Franklin, my great-great grandmother, made in 1957. I am the 5th generation family member. I am also a Law Enforcement Officer. I am part way thru my 45th year as an Officer.

Chief Richard A. Clark
Utica Indiana Police Dept.

October 14, 2018

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 95th anniversary year of your death. I am privileged to leave a tribute to you. 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 Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

June 25, 2018

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

June 5, 2018