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
December 27, 2007

OFFICER SIGMON, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
September 1, 2007

My recollection of Wildlife Officer Troy M. Sigmon, brings back warm memories of childhood. As a Columbus County native, I remember my Father and I visiting with "Mr. Troy", from time to time, and talking about the outdoors. He patiently answered any questions I had, regarding any number of things...nature, boats, hunting, fishing, baits, wildlife, the laws, and, of course, being a Wildlife Officer.

I was a young man of 16 years, when we lost "Mr. Troy" in the line of duty. I still recall the emptiness of loss I felt, when I heard the sad news. However, to this day, I also remember how proud I was to have known him, and the kindness and patience which he had graciously shown me, as a child.

Though I have long since grown from my youth, his patience and kindness have not been forgotten, and it seems like yesterday. I believe I am a better man for having known him. Though it has been many years since the tragedy that took him away from us, I convey my condolences still to his family, and hope this reflection will show that Wildlife Officer Troy M. Sigmon may be gone, but is truly not forgotten.

Mark G. Rabon
Vice President - BB&T Special Assets
EMT-Paramedic - Wilson County EMS
Assistant Scoutmaster - Troop 671 BSA

Mark G. Rabon
Friend
September 8, 2006

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)
April 5, 2004