Officer Down Memorial Page

This was truly the sadest days of my life, I felt that a part of me died when you left us, you taught me alot about law enforcement on the "small town" scale, just as a lot of it was beginning to sink in, most importantly you taught me about life, for that I will allways miss your guidance and wisdom!! We truly made a differnce slowing the flow of Narcotics in from Georgia. We will see each other again one day.

Corporal SB Muhammad
ACSO/Friend Mentee and Co-Worker
August 10, 2009

"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 Couty Sheriff's Dept.
July 9, 2007

This was the first funeral that I attended for an officer killed in the line of duty. It was early in my career and was very sobering. I did not know Chief Deputy Smith but will always be mindful of his sacrifice to his community. God bless his family and co-workers.

PSO CW Edwards
North Augusta Dept. of Public Safety
December 8, 2006

Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables
August 24, 2006

GOD BLESS THIS HERO. GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.