Officer Down Memorial Page

Sgt. Barrett - thank you for your service and dedication. Neither you, nor your sacrifice, have been forgotten.

Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of US Marshal
October 22, 2009

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
March 5, 2008

SGT BARRETT, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
October 10, 2007

I was just starting my career when you were taken from us. Even after 31 years, you are STILL a hero, and will NEVER be forgotten. Thank you for your deication and your sacrifice.

DET SGT Mark, Retired
AR
June 12, 2007

Roger was my first patrol sergeant. The first "rookie" arrest I made was a huge man trying to kill his wife. When I got to the salley port Sgt. Barrett was waiting at the booking desk and said "Boy, why don't you pick on the big ones", of course my head and chest were so big from the arrest, I replied something to the effect of "I try Sgt". I loved Roger as a Sgt. and as a friend, he never gave up on me and told me one day I would have a long career in Law Enforcement behind me..well I did 33 years in the profession never forgetting the friend that encouraged me when I got discouraged. I believe his wife has the same first name as mine..Shirley...Rest in peace my brother..see you soon...Bob Lester Badge #147

Bob Lester, retired police officer
Midland PD
April 13, 2007

Today, 29 years after his death we honor Sergeant Roger E. Barrett for his service, dedication and sacrifice for his fellow man. He will always be remembered as a true American hero.
I did not know Sergeant Barrett but it makes no difference. We are indebted.
May God continue to bless and keep safe the men and women of the Waco Police Department.

Patrolman Doug Hutchison
irving Police Department, Texas, retired.
June 12, 2005

Sarge, I was a Cadet at the time of your murder. I was on the roof doing some repair work when I heard it on the radio. My heart sank and I was sick. I can remember the funeral, my first of many police funerals to attend. There were so many cars and officers that attended. May you be resting in peace sarge... You and Kelinski were my favorite two sergeants...It has been a long time and many years since I was there at Waco PD but memories will always exist

Steve Grube Chaplain
Grand Prairie Police Dept.
July 29, 2004