Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

J.D. was my classmate during our DPS Training Academy Class 79. During one of our classes, one of our training instructors mentioned that because of our profession, it would be a matter of time during our career when we will lose a classmate in one form or another. That became a reality on October 5, 1980. When I heard of his murder, I couldn’t believe it all I could think of was why anyone would want to hurt J.D. He was a kind and likable person but only the good die young. Forty-three years later his killer is still alive and breathing good air I pray I live long enough to hear that he died in prison.

Corporal (retired) Jose Ricardo Castro
Texas Department of Public Safety

September 30, 2024

Jerry Don is my cousin .Us as a family write letters when the murderer comes up for possible parole ..Billy Wayne Alexander you deserved to die just like JD did ..

Deana S Johnson
Family

July 27, 2024

I think this may be a family member that I do not know about my name is Melissa Rae Davis.If you can help me I appreciate it

Melissa Rae Davis
May be family

March 13, 2024

I never knew you J.D., as you were killed before I was born. My father was your friend, fellow officer, and co-worker at TxDPS. I grew up with your story, told so often. I tell your stories to other officers when I can. You are not forgotten.

Deputy K. Turner
Harris County Sheriff's Office, Homicide

April 3, 2022

Jerry and I attended the Academy together A-79.......He was really a gentle type person who served the state of Texas with pride.......I see his memorial stone 3 or 4 times a year passing through Slaton. He was a really good man.
RIP- JD
Jack Meredith

Jack Meredith
Fellow recruit A-79 Texas DPS

October 5, 2021

I was 21 at the time, my friend who was 20 were traveling together in his sister's car that we had just picked up in Long Beach, CA following her relocating from Hawaii to NJ. This particular day we were in the middle of rural TX on our way to Austin from Pueblo, CO. We traveled with our own personal firearms, and when word came over the country music station out of Lubbock that we were listening to that there had been a TSP killed in Austin and a manhunt was on, we pulled the car over in a well lit area, allowed the magnitude of this tragedy to set in for a moment and quickly relocated our weapons (UNLOADED and in their transport cases) to the trunk of the car. My friend at the time was planning to arrange an interview with a recruiter from either the PD in Austin or Houston- he hadn't made his final decision. Our vehicle was never stopped that October 5, in 1980 but we were on "high alert" whenever headlights approached us from behind. We weren't officers but had several friends who were in our hometown of Charlotte, NC. My friend had a change of heart and chose a different career, however his decision was not solely based on the death of Trooper Davis.

Carl Rosen
civilian traveling to Austin on night of the incident

December 29, 2020

Every year on this date I still think and pray for Jerry Don Davis. I attended the same highway patrol class in 1979. I also pray for his mom and dad. God's blessing.

Texas ranger retired
Texas Department of Public Safety

October 5, 2020

Highway dedication takes place for trooper killed in 1980
Posted On KCBD November 21, 2019

SLATON, Texas (KCBD) - A special highway dedication ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. inside of the Slaton High School Gym at 105 N. 20th St. in Slaton for Jerry Don Davis, who was killed in the line of duty in 1980.

Davis was a 25-year-old Department of Public Safety trooper when he was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Sunday, Oct. 5, 1980.

DPS will now dedicate a section of Highway 84, where his murder took place.

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

November 21, 2019

Trooper J.D. Davis came to Slaton PD from Texas Tech PD. There was never any question of his desire to be a DPS Trooper and we arranged his schedule so he could achieve his associate's degree and qualify. His original assignment was in the Drivers License division at Lubbock and as soon as he served that obligation, he transferred into Patrol and was stationed at Slaton. I never knew a person who took greater pride in being a DPS Trooper. J.D. was a fine young man and dedicated law enforcement professional.

A DPS patrol boat was named in his honor, and a segment of highway US-84 where he was murdered has recently been dedicated as the J. D. Davis Memorial Highway.

Chief R. J. Estes (ret)
Slaton Police Department

June 17, 2019

Rest in peace Trooper Davis.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 30, 2019

I had been with the Slaton Police Department for a year, when you were killed, but I enjoyed the talks. I just want you to know I still have your hat. I created a wall at Slaton Police Department for you and there used to be a J D Davis Memorial Award that honored an outstanding law enforcement officer in the area. You would have been proud of the honorees. I am trying to get Slaton to start it back up. I think about you on your anniversary and proud to have known you.

Barbara J Fowler Retired
Slaton Police Department

December 22, 2018

I'm pretty sure I saw Trooper Davis working the drivers license facility in Lubbock back around December 1979. I was stationed at Reese AFB and had just arrived. My wife and I went there to get Texas drivers licenses. I was just about to leave the Lubbock area to go overseas when a bulletin flashed on the tv about Trooper Davis' death. When I saw his picture I'm pretty sure it's the same trooper we saw at the DL facility. If I remember right the loser who killed him was caught in Oklahoma. It just broke my heart to hear about that. I was an AF security policeman at the time.

MSgt Thomas Canfield, Ret.

October 3, 2017

I first met Tropper Jerry Davis when he was a patrolman with the Texas Tech University Police Department, Lubbock, TX. He was a dedicated professional who shared with me his ambition to go to work for Texas DPS. Those of us that knew Jerry knew that he would realize his goal. His memory lives on in the hearts and minds of those he touched. I am honored to have known him.

Steve Watkins
Friend

February 23, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 33rd 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.

I pray for the solace of all those that call you beloved.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

September 18, 2013

well partner,,you must have been so glad to see your mama..i was sad at her passing but i know she wanted to see you and your daddy..miss you every day bud..rest well ..

gary morrison ret.
texas and oklahoma

February 27, 2013

32 years bud...does not seem possible..still miss you as we always will. wish we could drive around and smoke a travis club senator..as you do your jack impression and a do my booger redwine..love you bud

gary morrison/retired
west texas and oklahoma

October 12, 2012

I guess fate made me stubble across this website. I think of you often. You were the officer that handled my first wreck in Slaton when I was. You said I acted like a chicken with his head cut off. That was after we became friends. I still have the poem your Mom wrote when you graduated from DPS trooper school and when I was in Washington, I went to Memorial to honor you. You made an impression on my life. (I remember the lectures of driving,drinking, etc.) Thank you for sacrifcying your life to protect us. R.I.P.

Debra
Friend

February 12, 2012

Jerry Don.......Today was the dedication of the gunboat named after you!!! It was an amazing day & I know that you are so proud!!! While we would rather have you here with us, this is another great memorial in your name!! We love & miss you so much, but know that you are up there watching over all of us!! Please keep watch over Jeff & all of your other brothers & sisters in blue! I Love You!!

Wendy Davis Campbell
Cousin of Trooper Jerry Don Davis

December 8, 2011

On 12-08-11 I am attending the dedication of a gun boat in your name, the Jerry Don Davis, how wonderfull. You died when I was just 17 and you at the young age of 25 the prime of your life. I miss you cousin and wish we would have had more time to get to know each other better. Let it be known that you had inspired several lives and your memory lives on.

Sgt. Kenneth N. Davis (Retired)
(First Cousin) Texas Dept. Criminal Justice

December 7, 2011

Another year has gone by my friend. It has been a long time but I think about you often. You were one of those friends and fellow officers that I never had to turn around to see if you were there to back me up, you were usually climbing over the top of me to get at the bad guy. You were one of the best andi will always remember you and your friendship. I miss you brother. Tell Jesus hello for me and Keep an eye on all of the men and women still on the street.

GOD BLESS YOU JD

Mike Crawford (retired)
co-worker @ Slaton PD

October 5, 2011

well bud i cant believe it has been this long since we have seen each other..i think of you daily and miss you still a great deal. i think about tahoka and slaton and the good work we did and the fun we had. law enforcement ceased to be much fun after you left...we all check on your mama from time to time..i will see you on the other side partner..i love you man...until then. g

officer gary morrison
hockley county s.o.

April 10, 2011

I do not remember J.D., I was only 2 yrs old when he was killed. My father was a friend & fellow policeman. I have heard about J.D. my entire life - I wish I could have known him. I know that his life & death still affect many people 30 yrs later. God bless his family & friends.

Altah (Morrison) Badger

October 17, 2010

I trained JD when he was a police officer for Slaton PD and he was a good officer and a good friend. I have thought of you numerous times since 10/5/1980. I still remember that night and will never forget you and will never forget your service to the law enforcement. Rest in peace my brother until we meet again. You will never be forgotten.

Captain Joe Hester
Waller County Sheriff Office

October 12, 2010

As this date rolls around, I say a prayer for you and your family. You will never be forgotten Old Friend. "Until We Meet Again"

Mike Crawford
Old friend from Slaton PD

October 5, 2010

I will always remember you and the fun we had. You were a wonderful friend and I think of you often. Annie

annie lee
friend

January 3, 2010