Officer Down Memorial Page

I knew dick when he was in the USAF stationed at Hill AFB, UT. We had some great times together going to a few races and just hanging out before I left for Vietnam.

Ron Cooper MSgt. USAF Ret
April 21, 2012

God bless this HERO and the "survivors" he left behind. YOU will never be forgotten.

Kathy Smith, "surviving" spouse,
Saint Christopher, please stand watch over our baby girl "Caitlin"..I can't do it alone.
March 4, 2012

"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
March 31, 2008

I believe I served with Dick in the USAF at Hill AFB Utah in 1966 - 67. I think the last time we saw each other was 1982 or 1984. I was surprised to learn of his passing. Dick was always a family favorite and he will be missed.

Ron "Coop" Cooper

MSgt Ron Cooper
USAF (Ret)
December 18, 2007

R I P sir.

Mike C
Boston MA
July 11, 2007

Agent Cleary,
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 our Country.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

June 16, 2005