Officer Down Memorial Page

This happened a long time ago, but I know the pain runs deep. I'm so sorry for
this huge loss. I feel for the officer who shot him accidentally. What a burden
to carry. Only God can heal the hurt. Trust in Him to do what He promises to
do.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous
August 30, 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 11, 2008

What a terrible accident!!!

Rest in peace Offiver Cook.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO
October 10, 2006

To the family and loved ones of Officer James Boyd Cook and his fellow officers with the Westlake Police Department:

On this the fifteenth anniversary of James' tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. James' professionalism and dedication will never be forgotten.

I know that he was very loved, well respected and is sorely missed. I hope that God is holding him in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

No doubt that Heaven has another hero in James, but I am so sorry you had to lose your beloved James. To his parents, I too share your anquish of having lost a cherished son in a line of duty death. May you all continue to be comforted by your faith and your law enforcement family and other police survivors.

I am so sorry that James was robbed of his life so young and so tragically, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service James gave to his community and the citizens of Louisiana, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 30, 2005.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 30, 2006

god bless you and family and friends.you will never be forgotten.

dep.hummell
fairfield co s-o lancaster,oh
January 15, 2006

What a painful ending to a promising
life. My heart goes out to all who loved you.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

August 30, 2005

I just wanted you to know that I was thinking about you, even though I didn't know you. I met your father in Washington this year at the National Police Memorial and he is such a wonderful person. Rest in peace James.

Shirley Roberts-Oakdale, La.
Aunt of Fallen Officer John Logan EOW-3-14-04
June 11, 2005

No one is forgotten. Rest easy, brother and know a hero never dies and is never forgotten.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)
August 30, 2003