Officer Down Memorial Page

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP now, you shall never be forgotten.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
February 25, 2012

Had Lt. Learner as a “Pubs” class instructor in VT-10 in 1987. He is the only instructor I remember because of the effective way he taught. I still remember him and some of his sayings to this day, 24 years later. Thank you Craig, for your service and what you taught me.

Dan DuByne
Former LT, USN
VAQ-137/CVW-1/CV66

Dan DuByne
USN - student aviator
October 5, 2011

Thinking of you, Craig. You were a talker, philosopher, and teacher. I miss you!

Sandra Araujo
Navy, stationed with Craig
May 30, 2011

I again think of you this Memorial Day, my friend, as with all years that have passed. I never thought that Thursday, August 23, 1990 would be the last time. I continue to hold on that I will see you again.

AO3 Sandra Araujo
Friend
May 31, 2010

"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 18, 2008

You are forever in my heart, thoughts, and prayers. You impacted my life in such a wonderfully positive way, and I am infinitely thankful for your unconditional love and support. You're beautiful soul is an indelible mark on mine. I will always love you and will always keep you in my heart Craig Eric.

Martha Jane
former spouse
March 9, 2008

Craig,
On today, the 17th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you to you and your fellow crewmembers for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Paratus

Anonymous
August 24, 2007

semper paratus

May 17, 2007

Brother Lerner,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables Law Enforcement Motorcycle
December 2, 2005

Craig after all of these years you are still remembered as a hero! God bless you sir.

Ofcr. Dan Winger
LBCCPD, Ret.
March 13, 2005