Officer Down Memorial Page

I was a young officer and I had the privilege to work with Don for about a year. He was a role model for all law enforcement officers. Never to be forgotten.

Seth Blodgett
past Lt and Det Sgt. Lincoln SO
July 27, 2011

"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 11, 2008

My father died when I was just five years old. I have always been proud that he served the people of his county and his state and made the ultimate sacrifice when he responded to that call in the middle of the night, July 30th, 1984. Through the years I have gotten to know him and a little about his character through the remembrances of others. Even though I don't recall much of his life, I am so honored to be able to call him my father. Thank you to all of you who work to protect and serve your community as he did.

Cecily K Havener
November 9, 2007

I still recall the smile that almost always emanated from Don's face when we would exchange war stories about the job. He left a beautiful wife and two cute daughters; all knew that he would forever be smiling down on them from Heaven.

Don was a professional and fair police officer and was well thought of by the community. His co-workers and friends still recall the smiles.

Jim Prouty, Patrolman
Boothbay Hbr. Police Ret.
September 18, 2007

We will never forget!

Matt Lyons
OPD, Ca.
May 24, 2006

05/20/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Sgt. Davey.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.
May 20, 2004