Officer Down Memorial Page

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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 whose 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

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 (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
January 24, 2011

Great Granddad; Although I never got to meet you, you will always be remembered. Blessed are the peace makers, for they will be called sons of God. Mathew 5:9 Love You.

Kenneth R Brown
Clay Co Sheriffs Office (RET) /Great Grandson
January 6, 2011

Officer Brown thank you for your service.May you rest in peace.

Cpl.Chuck Richardson
Chickasaw Police
December 5, 2009

Officer Brown thank you for your service to your fellowman. Rest in peace.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables
September 9, 2009

Officer Brown,
It has taken over 88 years, but you are finally being honored. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Columbia.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
September 7, 2009

OFFICER BROWN, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
September 7, 2009