Officer Down Memorial Page

Daniel thanks for your service that night. My dad was also working that night of the flood. I was only 12 years old but remember that night as well. This was the first time I saw my dad cry when he finally made it home after that night.

You are always remembered in my heart along with the fireman that lost their lives that night. God bless you for your service. I hope you have rested well....I do remember the time we met...You were introduced by dad to us. Take care

Senior Deputy Ron Nordell
Pennington County Sheriff's Office
September 5, 2008

My father (James "Jim" Rurode) was working with Daniel on that fateful night, and we remember him each year this day (June 9th). I made an etching of Daniel's name from the Law Enforcement Memorial wall in Washington, D.C. for my father. I love the fact that this web site exists and that his service is not forgotten. The flood was a terrible night, and although I was not yet born it has become a part of my life as well.

Michelle Stanek
partner's daughter
June 9, 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
January 24, 2008

Officer Wickard died trying to save others. God Bless him for his service. He is not forgotten.

Sgt. Jim May
CMPD Charlotte, NC (ret)
December 29, 2007

Officer Wickard,

Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice.
I remember the flood very well, and I can attest to the nobility of your duty.
You undoubtedly saved lives that day, and for that, you will always remain a hero.

Rest in peace, sir.

Paul G.
Brother, William P. Davis, EOW 11/03/2003

March 16, 2005