Officer Down Memorial Page

Papa, even though I never got to meet you, you have no idea how much I love you. I feel a connection with you thats indescribeable. I feel your presence sometimes, and although it's scary sometimes, it's comforting. I have so much anger built up because your life was cut short. You barely had time to be my mom's and pip's dad, nannie's husband, and down the road, my grandfather. I'm mad at God for allowing this to happen. I firmly believe everything happens for a reason, but absolutely nothing good came out of your death. I don't know if I'll ever have closure or accept what happened, but my love for you and your life may help ease the pain. Hearing all the stories about you makes 100% positive we would have been as close as possible. Nannie has told me so many funny stories and it warms my heart to imagine what it would hve been like to see you two together. It breaks my heart however, knowing all the wonderful memories we could have shared together will never happen. I know Nannie will never be the same, and neither will anyone affected by this. Just know, if you can somehow read this.... that I love you more than anything. I think about you all the time; you're constantly on my mind. You will never be forgotten. I have that police teddy bear and your picture in my room (which I know you already know I have them). I'm definitely taking those to college in the summer. I even have a hat and a pocket knife of yours I may give back to Nannie. I feel like she needs them more than I do. Even though you're gone, you're still a huge part of my life and you will always have a special place in my heart. That is why I plan on doing what Pip did, and somehow fitting either the name Clem or Curtis into one of my children's name one day. I can't wait to see you in Heaven someday <3 I love you papa.

Elizabeth Thompson
Granddaughter
February 27, 2012

Uncle Clemmie, you are always loved. Thank you so much for your service. You will never be forgotten.

I came across this page today by doing some soul searching and to see the words that people have left here I feel has allowed me to get to know you a little more. Your name carries on with my youngest son. I named him Curtis to carry on the name of the whole family...in honor of Papaw, Mammaw, Uncle David, Mom, and You...the strength, resolve and love the family has taught the younger generations that your lives have touched.

Anonymous
May 3, 2011

It is hard to believe so many years have passed since your life was taken. Family and friends will never forget the wonderful professional, person, friend, husband and daddy you were, Clem. Love, kindness, humor and thoughtfulness are things we all cherished about you. I think about that awful day when August rolls around each year. Closure never really happens as Paula remarked, but I hope her pain has lessened with each passing year. Rest in peace, dear friend, and keep a watchful eye on us till we meet again someday!

Mary Ellen Coleman
friend
August 6, 2009

10-42 They finally tied one of your killers to the child they had killed. I know Azel Bryant took your death with him wishing the HPD had found your killer.

Christopher Clagg
December 16, 2008

It's becuase of men like brother Curtis that we serve today. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. You will never be forgotten by the HPD.

Ptlm. Adam S. Roberts
Huntington PD ,WV
May 6, 2008

Thank you for your service Patrolman Curtis. It is because of men and women in your service that my family may sleep with the full knowledge that people like you stand between us and the killers of this world. I am sorry that your life was taken in this manner just know that concerned people do care for what you do. My utmost well wishes to your family may you rest in God's care as I know your fellow officers have the watch.

Citizen
March 27, 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
March 2, 2008

Clemmie, you have always been a friend. I remember you from high school. You always cared about people. God bless you.

chief of police Mike Floyd
seminole pd
March 3, 2005

No officer should be without a reflection. Thank you for your brave service.

A citizen
August 3, 2004