Officer Down Memorial Page

Sergeant Bouchard, thirty eight (38) years later, you are still remembered.

Thank you for your service.

Citizens of Virginia were well protected under your watch.

A tragic and unnecessary loss.

Anonymous
April 22, 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
April 3, 2008

SGT BOUCHARD, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. GOD BLESS.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
February 11, 2008

Thank you for your many years of service and for your sacrifice, Sergeant.

Norfolk Citizen
April 28, 2006

Your sacrifice was so great, but not in vain. You are gone but not forgotten. Never forgotten. Years replace tears, but you remain in our hearts forever; and we continue on for you and all of our fallen brothers and sisters.

Telecommunicator Vicki Hare
Salisbury NC PD
April 27, 2006

Brother Bouchard,
As a rookie Norfolk Police Officer I recall that terrible Friday night you made the supreme sacrifice. I was turning in my paperwork at the Fourth Precinct when the 10-1 call went out "Officer Down". I wanted to hit the street again but the Desk Sergeant didn't think it was a good idea. I didn't ever get to work for you or with you, but I never forgot you. You are missed. God Bless.

Cpl. Jerry P. Edwards (Retired)
Norfolk Police Department
March 29, 2006

I heard of that tragic night though my father, a former Norfolk police officer Bernard Willis, who happened to be there on that night. Thank you for all you done for my father and the City of Norfolk, you made it a safer place for me to grow up in. This past week I lost a dear friend on the department. It hit me as hard as yours hit my father. I hope one day I would become at least half of the officer you and my father were. Thank you again to you and your family.
Officer Rick Willis, son of
Det. Bernard Willis Norfolk Police

Officer Rick Willis
Portsmouth Police Department
December 1, 2005

Sgt. Bouchard,
On today, the 34th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Norfolk. What I don't understand is how a piece of scum can murder a police officer in cold blood and only servce 14 years in prison.


R.I.P.
Anonymous

September 3, 2005

Rest in Peace, Sgt Bouchard. You won't be forgotten.

October 3, 2004

God Bless you brother...rest easy now

Cleveland Police, Retired Ohio