Daughter of Slain Officer Reflects on "DADDY"

http://www.odmp.org/reflections.php?oid=17836 ^ | 17 August 2005 | Carla Morgan Keeton

[davidosborne]

My dad was my hero! He never waivered in anything he ever attempted to do. He never "shirked" a duty when it called. He done anything for everybody even when he physically couldn't. He told me and my brother to always give 100% at anything. Most of all, he took me to church and brought me to know Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour. He will definitely be missed in our beat here on earth. But he is now walking his beat on the streets of pure gold. Dad your legacy will live on through the millions you touched here on earth.

Carla Morgan Keeton Cotton's daughter 2005-08-17

I love you daddy!!!

Carla Morgan Keeton

2005-08-17

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[davidosborne]

Correctional Officer Wayne (Cotton) Morgan Tennessee Department of Correction Tennessee End of Watch: Tuesday, August 9, 2005

Biographical Info Age: 57 Tour of Duty: 28 yrs Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details Cause of Death: Gunfire Date of Incident: Tuesday, August 9, 2005 Weapon Used: Shotgun Suspect Info: Apprehended

Officer Wayne Morgan was shot and killed outside of the Roane County Courthouse.

Officer Morgan and his partner were loading prisoners into a transport van after a court appearance when one of the inmate's wife drove up and opened fire with a shotgun, striking Officer Morgan in the abdomen. Officer Morgan's partner returned fire as the escaping prisoner climbed inside.

The woman and her inmate husband, who had served two years of a 35 year sentence for aggravated robbery and aggravated assault, fled the scene in the vehicle but switched cars a short distance away. The were apprehended the next day in Ohio.

Officer Morgan was flown to the University of Tennessee Medical Center where he succumbed to his wounds.

Officer Morgan was a Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Tennessee Department of Correction for 28 years. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter. He is also survived by a brother, niece, and nephew, all of whom work for the Tennessee Department of Correction

[davidosborne]

Passing it on with tears in my eyes...

[Larry Lucido]

Bump.

[Alamo-Girl]

Prayers for this hero!

[GloriaJane]

They just had a memorial in Whitehall, a Columbus subburb, for my husbands cousin, Officer Terry Mcdowell yesterday. He was killed in the line of duty Aug. 24th 2001. So we can understand their pain and their loss.

My prayers are with the family.

[359Henrie]

Bless you and your family.

[Theresawithanh]

"Passing it on with tears in my eyes..."

Mine, too! BUMP for a moving tribute to a father.

[FreedomHasACost]

So sad. Prayers for the family at this time.

[apackof2]

I lost my daddy suddenly when I was 12, I know how Karla feels....prayers for you Karla

[msnimje]

The arsehole woman who shot him needs to fry.

[Marauder]

When I was young, my Dad would say
Come on, Son let's go out and play
Sometimes it seems like yesterday

And I'd climb up the closet shelf
When I was all by myself
Grab his hat and fix the brim
Pretending I was him

No matter how hard I try
No matter how many tears I cry
No matter how many years go by
I still can't say good-bye

He always took care of Mom and me.
We all cut down a Christmas tree
He always had some time for me

Wind blows through the trees
Streetlights, they still shine bright
Most things are the same
But I miss my Dad tonight

I walked by a Salvation Army store
Saw a hat like my daddy wore
Tried it on when I walked in
Still trying to be like him

No matter how hard I try
No matter how many tears I cry
No matter how many years go by
I still can't say good-bye

I miss you, Dad.

[1lawlady]

What a wonderful tribute to a man who "laid up treasures for himself in heaven where moth nor dust do not corrupt, nor thieves break through nor steal." One glad morning his little daughter, whom he brought to Jesus, will fly into his open arms and be with him and her Lord for eternity. Mine are tears of joy for this family and all others who have this blessed hope. This incident certainly does make you want to be be prepared for the "suddenlies" of life.

Suddenly last Monday, a dear friend who was 5 months pregnant with their 5th child was killed in an auto accident here in Santa Maria. They all know Jesus as their personal Saviour and Lord, so as much as it hurts--there's that blessed, life-sustaining hope of seeing them again forever. I should be very lost without my Lord.

[Coldwater Creek]

She will never die from the death penalty in Tennessee.

Even if that is the sentence, she will die from old age.

[roughman]

My the peace of our loving lord be upon you and yours.
i am a retired pa state trooper, ive been there and understand

[E.G.C.]

BTTT!!!!!!!

[Guenevere]

BTTT!

[Jet Jaguar]

Great poem.

Will repost.

[BamaAndy]

The death penalty should be used often and quickly.

[Marauder]

I should have credited it to its true source. I forgot how obscure it is.

That was a tune recorded by the late great Chet Atkins, who, when it comes to a pure heart as well as magnificent guitar technique, was my main idol, right up there with "Dutch" Reagan. Words cannot express my admiration for him, even after all these years since his passing.