Officer Down Memorial Page

Rest in Peace, Deputy Bockman. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
October 23, 2009

RIP.You will never be forgotten by the ones who love you and knew you.

Anonymous
October 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
November 28, 2007

It has been 20 years since Ray, his search dog “Kelly”, and his other two companions left us prematurely after the crash of their small aircraft. Their dedication and zest for life continues to motivate those of us left behind to do the work they so loved. Ray and “Kelly” remain in our thoughts and prayers as do those who continue to serve. Thank you for having dedicated your lives to help others. Rest in peace knowing you have made a difference.

Ken Navarre Jr.
California Rescue Dog Assn.
November 15, 2006

Rest in peace brother, your work is done. May God bless your family. The sacrifice you have made does not go unnoticed, nor will you be forgotten.

PM
KCSD
May 17, 2005

Ray, Doug, and Marvin went down in a small plane while participating in a search and rescue training mission. Ray's S&R dog, "Kelly" also died in that crash, in the middle of kern county's largest park. Ray loved Search and rescue - he knew no greater joy than to help people in distress. he was a gentle soul, and we miss him. His mother still 'clouds up' sometimes when thinking of him and the loss, but we can laugh and reminisce now, and rejoice in having known him on this earth.

Nancy
February 28, 2005