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
January 7, 2008

Hoppy, I enjoyed working with you and think well of you as everyone who worked with you did and does. You have been missed by your co-workers and friends. Rest well in peace.

Retired Patrolman Jack L. Loy #169
Joliet Police Dept.
March 5, 2007

Thank you Officer Hopkins for your sacrifice and God bless you. You will never be forgotten.

Officer Pete Van Gessel #114
Joliet Police Department
April 1, 2006

Those of who knew you, and were young officers and worked with you, still miss you even after all these years.
Hoppy, we think of you often.
JR

Sgt. R. J. Mau, Sr #54
Joliet IL PD
January 28, 2005

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

A grateful citizen.

September 29, 2004

rest in peace....

skip roberson
August 19, 2004

Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. God Bless.

Police Officer
Chicago Police
August 10, 2004

05/30/04

Rest in peace Officer Hopkins. You are not forgotten.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.
May 31, 2004

may god bless you

anthony
west haven pd
May 29, 2004

May he rest in peace and never be forgotten

PJN
POMFCC
May 27, 2004