Officer Down Memorial Page

"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
October 29, 2007

DET.PHELPS WAS A GIVING PERSON WAS WELL LIKE IN THE CO. THAT HE WAS ASSIGN TO ,WORK HARD FOR HIS FAMILY IT WAS A SAD DAY 9-17-81 I REMENBER THAT TO WELL. HE WAS LOVE BY MANY.

jailer gerry rip wright
ohio co detention
December 27, 2005

vendel was my dads 2nd couisn too, and now my bro is a cop down in North Carolina and wanna follow Phelps Footsteps....from others i heard from, He was a good man

Jasper Johnson
June 13, 2005

The words we should all strive to hear and you so deservingly earned:

"Well done good and faithful servant."

A Retired Trooper
Kentucky State Police
June 2, 2005

BLESSED BE THE PEACE MAKERS FOR THEY SHALL BE CALLED CHILDREN OF GOD.

Anonymous
February 2, 2004

Trooper Phelps was my dad's 2nd cousin. Although I did not know him I'm sure he was a great person. Rest in peace.

Sherrie Phelps Snow
December 4, 2003

They say Marijuana doesn't harm anyone. It destroyed this man's family! Troop, as you now know, Jesus Loves You, so do we!

Ret Officer RB Wade
Richmond,VA Police
October 18, 2003

I am what others did not want to be.
I've went where others feard to go, risk and danger my constant companion.
I have seen the face of terror, felt the sting of cold fear, and enjoyed the sweet tast of a moments love.
I have helped people in times of stress, and subdued others in times of trouble.
I have cried, loved, and hoped, but most of all have honored my commitment to serve and protect for which I have paid the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE in the name of service above self.
I AM A KENTUCKY STATE TROOPER!

Trooper
Kentucky State Police

On January 12th, 2003 Trooper Daren Phelps followed in his father's footsteps and joined "The Thin Gray Line" His father would have been proud.....God Speed

On 08/07/2002 in MOrgantown,Butler Co.,KY a memorial will be dedicated in memory of KSP Det. Darrell V. Phelps and KDFW Officer John C. Martin. Both officers are from Morgantown and both paid the "ULTIMATE SACRIFICE" on August,07
Officer Martin in 1947. Det. Phelps,my father,in 1981.

The Morgantown City Council and Butler Co. Physical Court made the necessary funds available for this memorial.It will be set in Butler Co. Court House lawn.

PTL. Daren G. Phelps
Morgantown Police Dept.