Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Nelson F. Bell, Jr.

Baltimore City Police Department, Maryland

End of Watch Friday, October 27, 1978

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Nelson F. Bell, Jr.

Dear dad I need you

Colleen bell
Daughter

April 22, 2024

R.I.P. Officer Bell

GOD please hold these Heroes in your arms, and bless their Families and heal their pain.
They lay their lives down for us everyday. Thank you !!

August 5, 2021

Rest in peace Officer Bell.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 27, 2020

I had the honor of working with Nelson in the Tactical Division out of the downtown Baltimore City Police Headquarters building, being paired with him in a two person vehicle on numerous occasions. I have long described him as one of the nicest and most professional officer's I ever served with. He was dedicated to the job, and to my personal safety, admonishing me on more than one occasion to roll my windows up when leaving work at the end of one of our night shifts. He described his young family often, always in loving and glowing terms. He lived the standard every department strives for to this day.

Tactical Officer William A Burton
Baltimore City Police Department

July 25, 2020

Officer Bell,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served in Vietnam. And to your Family and loved ones ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 27, 2018

Nelson was my big brother whom I looked up to all my life. We shared a very special bond and watched out for one another. We had the honor of being raised in a loving Christian home and that molded Nelson to be an outstanding father/servant leader. What made Nelson so 'real' was his personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was kind, loving and caring for the needs of others always. Nelson was also very patriotic and after serving a year in Vietnam decided he wanted to do more in making a difference in this world. That's when he decided to go into law enforcement. He loved God, his country, his family and he loved his dog, Prince. All these years later, I miss him terribly but rest in God's Sovereign plan for Nelson's life. His mission on earth was complete. What peace we have knowing that Nelson is in the presence of our Savior! What a privilege and honor it was for me to be his younger sister!

AUDREY PAULETTE MYERS
Loving Sister

April 12, 2018

RIP Officer Bell...

"Blue Lives Matter"

Steve Van Slyke, Retired K-9 handler
El Cajon Police Department

October 27, 2015

Colleen
Your father Nelson and I were paired together for the nine months I worked in TAC. There will never be a finer Police Officer then Nelson Bell. I'm proud to have been his partner. I loved the man.
Stephen J. Weiner

Officer Stephen J. Weinet
TAC partner

May 11, 2015

Dad,
Sometimes I wonder if I look like you. You must of been a brave and strong and loving man. I never got to hear you call my name. I have been told you held me every moment you were not on the beat. I was born September 22,1978 you were shot October 22,1978. I often think of how my life would be ...
Your daughter,
CFB

Colleen finney bell
daughter

August 8, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th anniversary year of your death. I am privileged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service.

My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

January 27, 2014

I am very sorry for the lost of your father and grandfather. I knew Nelson very, very well. In fact, I was standing 20 feet away from him when he was shot at the Trailways Bus Station that night and I helped put him in a police car so they could take him to the hospital. I even took control of his dog after they took him to the hospital. Nelson was assigned to the Southeast District, and knowing that I had just been promoted to Sergeant out of K9, he asked me many, many questions about going to K9. He was a very dedicated officer and an asset to our Department. He is sorely missed. God bless you and your family.

Philip Gonyo, Lt. (retired) BCPD.
Baltimore City Police Department

February 13, 2013

Nelson was/is my dad. I am writing today because, just over 34 years after he died, his father, my grandfather passed today. I know you are up there dad, waching over me Tim, and Colleen. It warms my heart to know that Pappy is now there with you. I love you both.

LCDR Randy Bell
United States Navy

November 21, 2012

Det. Randolph Wynn, (B-297) in my 44th year with BPD.
At the time of his death, we were both K-9 Officers.
Just 20 minutes earlier we were in the Lord Baltimore Hotel coffee shop, talking and drinking some bad coffee. We left and went back on foot patrol, with our dogs.
My foot post was Hopkins Plaza; Nelson’s was Charles Plaza which put him very close to the Trail ways Bus Station. In the blink of and eye, Nelson had been shot. I got to go home to my family, he did not. I remember Nelson as a very energetic Officer with a real dedication to his job. I had not known Nelson very long, he had not been in my squad very long. It was a tragedy that he lost his life at such a young age. If he had my foot post, he may have not met his fate. We had a very verbal Sgt.
when it came to staying on your post. I often wonder why so many of my fellow Officers have passed, and I’m still on the job. Life is rarely fair. I wish I had known Nelson better. Nelson was the rookie K-9 Officer in our squad.
Rest in peace K-9 Off. Nelson Bell !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Det. Off. Randolph Wynn
Baltimore City Police

August 1, 2012

Hey Air Force, I will never forget you. You inspired me to join the Military Police so I could get on the Police Department.

I remember getting a letter with the news article in it while I was in Korea. The mail was so slow that it took 2 weeks to find out how you were. Bad news travels slow.

I ride past Trailways all the time and think about you and that awful day. I wish I had been there to help you.

Well rest in peace buddy. It is an honor to be able to say that I knew you.

Police Officer Richard L. Waybright II.
Baltimore City Police Department

September 28, 2011

30 yrs. ago today, never to be forgotten! God Bless Ofc. Bell's family, friends & Dept. Praying for you Ms. Karin S. Bell Spears. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holly Spirit be with you all.

Ret. PO
City of Miami PD Fla.

October 27, 2008

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

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 28, 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

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 26, 2007

My dad Pastor,yours Elder. Your friend/my brother, my friend/your brother. Miss you and near to Greyhound often. Hebrews 12 NLV
Christ The Perfect One
1 All these many people who have had faith in God are around us like a cloud. Let us put every thing out of our lives that keeps us from doing what we should. Let us keep running in the race that God has planned for us.

Rev Jonathan Woodworth I
childhood/church friend

April 9, 2007

We ask Thy blessings and eternal rest to all our brothers and sisters
Who have sacrificed their very lives in the performance of
their duties. Give their loved ones the peace and
Strength to bear the anguish of their loss. Remove all
resentment from their hearts, knowing that eternal
peace and rest will abide their departed loved ones
forever. This we beg, Thy name forever and ever,
Amen.

Ret. Officer William Hackley
Baltimore Police

November 21, 2005

Nelson, I often speak to K-9 Officers about our last conversation as we stood by the civic center just prior to the signal 13 you bravely answered. You left me just as your smiling face lit up as you spoke of the great time you had in school with your new partner. You have been an inspiation to me thoughout my 30 year career. I know you are smiling now and always will be.
Ira

P.O. Ira Roth
Cape Coral P.D. / NYPD/ B.P.D.

October 26, 2005

you are a officer of courage and will never be forgotten

citezen

February 28, 2005

May God use me to help others by way of this life I have had with you and without you. You are greatly missed to this date and will always be loved by me and the kids. Yes, you would be proud. They have grown into fine adults. They are the blessings you gave me. Thank you!

Karin S. Bell Spears
Wife and Widow

January 23, 2005

Nelson we never met but your wife has been a great help to me after my husband was also killed in the line of duty. Turns out we are neighbors and now friends. I'm just sorry we all never got to meet, but you and Don are now together meeting while Karen and I are getting to know each other and go for rides together. She is a wonderful person. I have also met one of your sons and some of your grandchildren. You would be proud of all. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Lisa Schultz wife of Phoenix Police Off

January 22, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, hero.

October 27, 2004

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.