Officer Down Memorial Page

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
April 9, 2012

Rest in peace. Thank you for your bravery. You have not been forgotten. Blessings to those who still mourn you.

RLM
December 27, 2011

God Bless you Uncle ! You are dearly missed here with us, always, and especially when the lakes begin their spring thaw, and when the leaves of fall begin to show their glorious colors! Until we meet again....God Bless!

Matthew Young
Nephew
May 14, 2010

I'm sorry you were taken from your loved ones. Your service will not be forgotten Trooper Pederson. May you find peaceful rest.

Chris
Wisconsin
October 23, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
February 24, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Former N.H. Police Officer
Fauquier County, Va
February 12, 2008

We will never forget!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your Mary & your girls are dear to our hearts!

August 29, 2006

YOU HAVE NO MORE WORRIES TROOPER PEDERSON GOD BLESS YOU TO YOUR FAMILY WE KNOW THE LOSS IS GREAT NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN. OUR SON A RICHMOND POLICE OFFICER ENDED HIS WATCH JULY 30 2003. BE STRONG. PARENTS OF DOUGLAS E. WENDEL RICHMOND PARENTS FROM PORT ORANGE FLORIDA

August 24, 2004

Don
It was just like any other shift for you when you ran down to that car with your first aid kit in hand. Your first thought was to make sure the driver was alright.
You are not forgotten Trooper.
Rest in peace.

Deputy
Walworth County S.O.
December 13, 2003