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
November 13, 2007

Rest in Peace, Sergeant McKelvy. Your sacrifice if not forgotten.

Officer 11169
October 26, 2006

TODAY IS 16 YEARS SINCE OFFICER MCKELVY GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.
TODAY WE WANT TO REMEMBER HIM AND HIS DEDICATION AS A OFFICER.
HE IS NOT FORGOTTEN.

MOTHER OF A FALLEN OFFICER

September 27, 2006

It has been 16 years since your end of watch, you have not been forgotten and are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon
September 26, 2006

To the family and friends of Sgt. Herbert Keith McKelvy and fellow officers in the Marshall County Sheriff's Dept., and most especially to Sgt. McKelvy:

Today has been fifteen years and one day since the tragic death of Sgt. McKelvy. His valor and bravery will never be forgotten. His memory is being honored and revered today.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Sgt. McKelvy gave to his community and the citizens of Alabama, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 27, 1990.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

September 28, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I thank you for your service and salute you for your sacrifice.

A grateful citizen.

September 27, 2004