Officer Down Memorial Page

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Patrolman Brackman.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL
December 17, 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
February 25, 2008

HARRY AND I WORKED TOGETHER ON THE TRAFFIC DETAIL. I DON'T REMEMBER EVER LAUGHING SO MUCH WHILE WORKING. HARRY WAS A NUT. I WAS ON THE SAME CALL AS HIM WHEN HE HAD HIS ACCIDENT WHICH I LATER HANDELED. HE WAS A GOOD OFFICER, AND A GREAT FRIEND. I SEE HIS KIDS LEFT MESSAGES. YOUR DAD WAS A ONE OF A KIND. I LOVED HIM, AND STILL TO THIS DAY THINK OF HIM. MY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

PATROLMAN (RETIRED)
SAN ANTONIO POLICE DEPT.
October 4, 2006

Hi Daddy! You are constantly in my thoughts (and in my most cherished memories too!). Thanks for keeping a close eye on me and the family. Thanks for sending Juan my way. He is a wonderful husband, father, and son-in-law. I share my memories with him as much as I can. Ariana knows who you are and how brave you were to be a San Antonio Policeman. Izabella will grow up to know your bravery too! How is Baby John doing? Give him lots of hugs and kisses from me, Juan and the girls. We know our baby boy is in good hands! I find peace knowing that one day we will all be together. As you probably know, mom is always traveling down memory lane sharing stories about you two. Be sure and keep an eye on her too and don't forget to give her a BIG spiritual hug and kiss now and then too! I love you Daddy and miss you. With love, your little ballerina...Elizabeth

Elizabeth Brackman-Paniagua
daughter
August 22, 2006

I love you dad. You da man. Rest peacefully. I can't wait for you to meet Genifer, Haley , and little Gus. I realize how proud you were of us. HJBII

Harry James Brackman II
son
August 20, 2006

rest in peace motorman.

Offc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department
June 27, 2006

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer D.Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.
June 26, 2006

Patrolman Brackman,
As one officer wrote in another fallen officer's reflection-"No fallen officer should be without a reflection." I would like to say thank you for your service to the citizens of San Antonio.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

March 13, 2005