Officer Down Memorial Page

Thank you, Sam, for showing this rookie the ropes.
Every day working with you back in '77 was filled with wonder following an old school beat cop around.
You knew every shop owner in Towson.
Thank you, Sam, for letting my wife and me use your beach house.
Thank you, Sam, for giving your life for our community at the age of 71.
There are none like you.
No, Sam is not forgotten but lives in treasured memories.

Rev. Patrick H. Winkler
Ex-BCPD
November 26, 2011

Today, I found this site... a wonderful tribute to the men and women, like my grandfather, who have given their lives for others. Pop Pop, you are gone, but never forgotten. Your spirit and selflessness live on.

Amy Gallagher
Grandaughter
October 19, 2011

Today I read your story to my Officer's in roll call. We wore our memorial ribbons in honor of you. Thanks for your years of service . You were thought about today. Keep watching over us Corporal Snyder.

Sgt. Mickle
Baltimore County Police
August 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
November 7, 2007

Rest in peace, you are never forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
August 23, 2007

Corporal Snyder your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Care now. May you rest in peace brother.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee
May 13, 2006

Thank you for your service to the citizens of Baltimore County. You are not forgotten.

a Maryland citizen
August 3, 2004