Officer Down Memorial Page

Brother DeSalle, Remembering you and your family today. Nicole, your father is not a hero for the way he died, but for the way he lived. We shall never forget.

Officer William A Mays Jr
Youngstown State University Police Department
May 26, 2011

You were my Uncle and my Godfather, and someone who I admired and looked to for guidance. Although I lost you at a young age, I gained an angel in heaven for eternity.

Krissy
Niece
June 13, 2010

i love you dad!!! think about him alll the time. <3

Nicole DeSalle
daughter
April 30, 2010

As an officer that aspires to be a traffic safety officer- I admire your dedication and service. Thank you sir, may you rest in peace- we'll take it from here.

Officer
Cumberland County, PA
December 31, 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
January 8, 2008

Ralph, may you rest in peace. You were one of the best partners I ever worked with.

Retired Patrolman Lou Conti
Youngstown Police Department
June 5, 2007

I pray that you are still resting peacefully and hope that you are watching over us down here.

Cpl. Egendoerfer
Mishawaka PD
June 13, 2006

Gone from us but not forgotten. Your memories will always be with your family and friends. God bless and protect your family.

December 14, 2004

THIS IS FOR THE DAUGHTER OF PATROLMAN DESALLE

ALTHOUGHT I WAS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD WHEN THIS HAPPENED I HAVE A BOOK I HAVE BEEN MAKING FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS OF ALL THE OFFICERS FROM THE YPD THE HAVE BEEN KILLED WHILE ON DUTY, AND YOUR FATHER IS ONE OF THEM , YOU HAVE MY HEARTFELT SYMPATHY ,
AND PLEASE KNOW HE IS JUST ANOTHER ANGEL THAT HAS ARRIVED IN HEAVEN , HE IS WALKING HIS BEAT ON HEAVENS STREETS, AND PATROLING THE GATES OF THE LORDS KINGDOM.

I COULD NOT IMAGINE NOT HAVVING MY DAD AROUND.


ASHLEY HOPSON
NILES OHIO