Officer Down Memorial Page

It has been 35 years since you joined St. Michael's Police Patrol in heaven. A patrolman for life. It was reflected in your actions of policing while off duty. You are rememberd this day the anniversary of your assignment in heaven and everyday Sir.

July 1, 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
December 31, 2007

Protecting our freedoms here on the home front makes you a hero, no different than those who have served the armed forces protecting our freedoms in wars abroad only your battle was closer to home.

God Bless You
PO1 Duane A. Donecker
USN 1984-2005

PO1 Duane A. Donecker
USN
July 29, 2005

You gave of yourself so others could be safe and secure in our community, thank you. Rest in peace.

Ofr. Will S. Wright
Dayton Police
August 27, 2004

Danny was my partner and friend. A great sense of humor and a very likeable man. Ironically, I was the homicide investigator on his case and made the arrest of the cowardly killer. I still think of him on occasion and how he could make something funny out of every situation. I miss him.

Det/ Robert R. Keen
DAYTON PD