Officer Down Memorial Page

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice, sir. Perhaps you are now securing the highways and byways of heaven itself! God bless you and your family. Rhonda Gloudeman

friend
friend of the family
September 27, 2011

Special Agent Schultz, today marks the 39th anniversary of your tragic and senseless death. Working in the environment you did is full of dangers. Most of us concern ourselves with the risks of catching the bad guy; you also had the added burden of looking out for trains. It’s not easy and its actually very scary My Dad (New York Central RR PD in the late 50/early 60s) has told me some very interesting stories. Your job was to protect one of America’s most vital assets; her railroads and you did it right up to the bitter end.

You have my respect and admiration. May you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police SEpt.
June 10, 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 © 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

Rest in peace, Sir.
Shirley Roberts-Aunt of fallen Officer John Logan EOW-March 14, 2004

Shirley Roberts
June 10, 2004

Agent Schultz, I instruct a course on officer safety involving railroads. Your memory is honored by each officer in every class I teach. God bless.

Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police
February 21, 2004