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
July 31, 2007

thank you for your services.

deputy
fairfield county s-o lancaster,ohio
December 26, 2006

I started my career with the MCSD one year and a month before your death. I had the honor of wotking with you, you were the first officer to die in the Line of Duty, with our depatrtment after I came on, it was certainly a great honor for me to know you, and I know GOD will always keep you in his safe arms.

Capt. Cliff Durham
MCSD

Capt. Cliff Durham`
MCSD
November 15, 2006

Jim was my good friend. His sister, Lila, is my wife of 41 years. I was in the first car to arrive after the shooting and heard his last words. I took Jim's father, mother and two sisters in to see him for the first time in the funeral home. His father, Albert Russell Wingate died in January, 1998. He never truly got over the loss of his son. The entire family is the poorer for not having Jim with us all these years.

I served as a reserve police officer until 1988. I was on the Hancock County Sheriff's Department for the last nine years. I remember the loss of Jim and the others I've known over the years. The last, a fine man and great officer, was Malcolm Grass, Captain (former two-term sheriff.) I have photos of these two men in my den where I see them daily.

Reserve Deputy Norman Sharp
former Marion County Sheriff's Department
September 10, 2005

You were married to my mother at the time of your death. I am taking good care of her. Please rest in peace.

Christina
August 27, 2005

Deputy Wingate,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Marion County. It's a crime that your murderer was let off on a technicality.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

June 14, 2005

I was three weeks old when you were murdered. Now I am a Reserve Deputy Sheriff and I hold I deep appreciation for your service and sacrifice. You will not be forgotten.

Reserve Deputy
Indiana
April 11, 2005

May God be with you and rest in peace brother. God speed. I want discuss what I think about the court system. God please forgive me for my thoughts.

Sgt Ross
Baker County Sheriffs Office
February 20, 2005

Most people would not go where we go for one million dollars
A Police Officer goes there for almost nothing
A Reserve Officer goes there for free

God bless you and your family. We'll take the watch from here.

Anonymous

You live on.

Dep
MCSD