Officer Down Memorial Page

Twenty eight years later - you will never be forgotten.

Sergeant - Retired
Norfolk Police Dept
June 15, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
April 3, 2008

Thank you for your service to the citizens of the Commonwealth. You are not forgotten. May you continue to rest in peace BROTHER.........

Senior Officer D. W. Reichhardt
Waverly, Va. PD
June 21, 2007

Iv'e been retired now for a year. I had been on department for 3 yrs when Stephen was Killed. I was working the West End of Ocean View and was responding to the same pursuit headed straight for me from the East End. I heard Stephen partner hollar weve been struck by the suspect vehicle and arrived moments after the impact with both Officers still in car. It was really rough and being first I never forgot it. During time of service, I went to six memorials and none got easier. Tonight Iv'e read About every Officer in Norfolk and it just makes me sad. Thanks for being there for me when I need assistance. A brother ya always will be in blue....

Retired (patrol Officer)
Norfolk Pd
October 21, 2006

So young.May you Rest in Peace.

June 21, 2006

We lost you twenty-six years ago. You are not forgotten.

Sergeant - Retired
Norfolk Police Dept
June 20, 2006

Well Steve its been almost 25 yrs now that you left us. I retired last year and moved out west, but there isn't a day I don't think back about the fun we had. Thats when being a NORFOLK POLICE OFFICER meant you where the BEST! Well brother I will see you someday and we can trade work stories and talk about fun times.

Retired Police Officer
NORFOLK POLICE
January 27, 2005

Rest in peace, Officer Douros. You were the first officer killed in the line of duty after my husband joined the department. I promise - you will never be forgotten.

October 3, 2004

Steve was a wonderful son,brother and father. we still miss you. we are looking forward to seeing you again someday in heaven. you made an impression on so many lives.

alice douros
mom
September 23, 2004

Steve
You've been gone 23 years. You haven't been forgotten and never will be. I have made a point of making sure the new officers hear about you. Watch over us until God decides it's time for all of us to meet again.
To Steve's family, I want you to know he will never be forgotten by those of us who had the honor and pleasure of serving with him.

Anonymous

Hello steve I just wanted to say I miss you uncle..You were so great taking me shooting and whatever I wanted to do you would be there and take me places , and I had so much fun. The whole family misses you very much and I will always be thinking of you. You were my inspiration to become and police officer for the same department, and then move on to become a federal agent..I will miss you and I will see again some day..From your little nephew Ray.

federal agent raymond rottler
us govt