Officer Down Memorial Page

Dad: Twenty years ago today was the worst day of my life, and I remember it like it was yesterday! I can only imagine what you would think of your ten grandkids. We still miss you and our hearts go out to all those who put their lives on the line every shift.

Thomas M. Herron
son
March 6, 2011

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH
March 5, 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
January 24, 2008

OFFICER HERRON, YOU HAVE BEEN GONE 16 YRS, THE SAME AS MY FATHER. I WANT TO THANK YOU AND TELL YOUR FAMILY THAT THEY ARE IN MY PRAYERS. I KNOW THEY MISS YOU. I KNOW THEY ARE SO VERY PROUD OF YOUR SERVICE. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS THOSE THAT LOVE YOU.

KIMBERLY KIDWELL
DAUGHTER OF FALLEN STANFORD KY OFFICER GARY KIDWELL
March 6, 2007

To the family and friends of Officer Thomas Herron, and most especially to Thomas himself:

On this the fifthteenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered. Rest in Peace, Officer Herron.

May his loved ones continue to be comforted and supported by your law enforcement family, and by other police survivors who share this painful journey with you.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

March 6, 2006

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer. Today, March 6, 2003 we dedicated the shift to the memory of P.O. Grill & Herron who died on this date years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Officer Grill's & Herron's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC