Officer Down Memorial Page

To all that have left reflections my brother and I would like to thank you all. We surly miss our father would have loved getting to know him better.But the kind words that all you say are very much welcomed.We love learning that people knew him and loved him.
AGAIN THANK YOU ALL FOR THE KIND WORDS
HE WAS GREATLY LOVED AND IS EVEN MORE GREATLY MISSED
HIS FAMILY
WE LOVE YOU ALL

Jana Oldham Davis
daughter of John David Oldham
October 11, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Patrolman Oldham.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL
December 17, 2008

I was 17 years old when this happened. I remember sitting and drinking coffee with John in Clyde Tx. He was friendly but you knew he could take care of bussiness. My own son is in the police academy in Fresno Ca. I came here to remember and say thank you for all you gave, I didn't realize the sacrafice at the time. With great respect to you John and all those that lost you I salute....

Jesse Hall
March 27, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
March 3, 2008

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten sir. Rest in peace.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
July 7, 2007

Rest in peace, sir! You are not forgotten


dhs

December 14, 2005

John,

I am now serving my community as you once did, I answer the calls, knock on the doors, take the tongue lashings and sometimes even get hurt, yet I would not trade it for the world. There is something in the spirit of a police officer that burns as fire, nothing can put it out, I think you knew that. As the years have gone by, I have never forgotten you or Hambrick, I have a family connection in Baird, have for 20 years. rest in peace brave brother, you are missed today as yesterday. Till we meet again I salute you and miss you!

Scott Parker Police Officer
Pelican Bay Police Dept. Tarrant County Texas
July 6, 2004

As my Son enters the Texas DPS academy this February 2003, my thoughts turn to my childhood friend John. We played little league together & went to school together. He serviced my car when he owned a small Texaco station in Arlington. I remember the day he told me he was joining the DPS; he was so excited. I don't remember having any feelings other than I'll sure miss my old friend as he leaves Arlington for Austin. I didn't know at that time his departure from Arlington would be permenant. I have always thought about John from time to time, however his fate takes on a new meaning now. We all still miss you John but we didn't know how much. GOD bless our country and our law enforcement officers!

Phil Weldon