Knight Blaze plays final gigs and pays tribute to fallen member
Knight Blaze plays final gigs and pays tribute to fallen member
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Dayton, Ohio - The final performance of a famous Dayton rock band was bittersweet for all involved. Knight Blaze played their final two shows on September 30th during the safety expo at Sinclair Community College. After 15 years of rocking and rolling, April Thomas, founding member and vocalist says, "Knight Blaze has had a wonderful run, but, all good things must come to an end."
Knight Blaze is not your ordinary band. They were united for a purpose and also united as a profession. See, all members of Knight Blaze were police officers and firefighters from various departments across Montgomery County.
Kendra Bryant, Moraine Police Department
Vocals, Band ManagerDon Parker, Centerville Police Department
Bass Guitar, Equipment ManagerRichard Palmer, Washington Township Fire Department
Guitar/Guitar Synthesizer/Vocals, Music DirectorApril Thomas, Huber Heights
VocalsGerry Gustin, Huber Heights Police Department
Drums/Percussion/VocalsMike Schuder, Huber Heights Fire Department
Guitar/VocalsThey performed for area children while promoting a "substance free" lifestyle. Not only do they offer rock and roll as an alternative to using drugs and alcohol, they have also been an encouragement to kids to avoid peer pressure and other negative actions.
Dale Huffman wrote a review of Knight Blaze in his Dayton Daily News column on April 15, 2005.
The final performances were dedicated to a long time bandmember, Jamie Faulkner, Trotwood Police detective who lost his battle with cancer earlier this year. The band members were honored to have Jamie's wife on hand during a special tribute where they wrote messages to Jamie on balloons and then released them into the air.
Jamie was a 13-year veteran of the Trotwood police force, first starting as an auxiliary officer with the Madison Township Police Department. During his career he worked as a dispatcher, community affairs officer, patrol officer, evidence technician, school resource officer and as a detective investigating sexual assaults against children. He had an amazing voice and was very talented on the keyboards and many other instruments.
The last time I saw Jamie play was at the funeral of Trotwood Captain Wiley Sampson, who passed away in 2000. I am sure Wiley and Jamie have shared some fun times since they met back up in heaven.
It was Jamie's duties as a school resource officer at Trotwood-Madison High School where he met a young man that would soon change his life forever. Jamie had been summoned to a fight between students and found 14-year old Robert. Robert had become upset and punched his hand through a window. Jamie drove Robert to the hospital and found out that Robert had been passed around from foster family to foster family. After praying for several days, Jamie decided to adopt Robert. Jamie
gave Robert the stability that he needed and Robert gave Jamie joy beyond belief.Jamie had also met another love of his life. He married Jessie this past year after being diagnosed with liver cancer. During the tribute and balloon release, Jessie Faulkner wore Jamie's Trotwood Police badge around her neck, along with his official police identification card.
Jamie believed whole-heartedly in the mission of Knight Blaze. He had a passion for helping all people, but children were especially close to his heart.
April Thomas echoed this sentiment when thanking the numerous people who have supported and been touched by Knight Blaze over the years.
"To all who have been along for the ride and been our moral support, thank you isn't enough. We all hope that there has been, however small or great, some positive impact on the youth of our community," Thomas said.
Sgt. Jay Phares, Miami Township Police Department was not in the band, but was a fan. He added, "I think it is great that Knight Blaze was able to send a positive message to the Miami Valley for 16 years."
Lt. Gerry Gustin, drummer and vocalist said, "I will play Hang On Sloopy and Jailhouse Rock for the last of 10,000 times. Thanks to all of you who clapped for us. It was a blast!"
Nice article in tribute to our last performance and to our great friend Jamie Faulkner.
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