Twenty-Eighth Annual Peace Officers' Memorial Service

On Friday, May 15, 2009, Carter and I attended the 28th Annual Peace Officers' Memorial Service on the west front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

In 2008, four Law Enforcement Officers from North Carolina died in the line of duty. Those officers were honored during the service and their names added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial.

The names added to the wall included two Troopers from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, David Shawn Blanton, Jr. and Andrew James Stocks.

***************************************************

DAVID SHAWN BLANTON, JR

NCSHP G-540

EOW JUNE 17, 2008

Trooper Shawn Blanton (G-540) died on June 17, 2008 when he was shot by a suspect during a traffic stop on I-40 in Haywood County. (Click here to see entry on Officer Down Memorial Page)

**************************************************

ANDREW JAMES STOCKS

NCSHP C-352

EOW SEPTEMBER 9, 2008

Trooper A.J. Stocks (C-352) died in a vehicle crash on September 9, 2008 while he was responding to a call in Wake County. (Click here to see entry on Officer Down Memorial Page)

**************************************************

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Revelation 21:1-4 (NIV)

**************************************************

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 23 (NKJV)

**************************************************

May God bless the families, fellow officers and loved ones of Shawn, A.J. and all the other officers who have died while serving us.

**************************************************