Officer Down Memorial Page

Not a day goes by that I do not remember my friend. I named my only son after him.

Jack Holcomb
Personal Friend
May 11, 2010

Officer Flora, thank you.

Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO
April 1, 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 County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
July 25, 2007

God rest your soul. You will always be missed. We were friends, and the memory of your smile still warms my heart. God bless you John.

Officer Dan Bogdansky, Retired
A friend, and brother in arms.
November 16, 2006

Rest in Peace, Officer Flora. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
November 2, 2006

Oficer Flora,

Today on the anniversary of your leaving us in the physical sence, we continue to pay tribute to your spirit. The Evening Watch of Henry County Georgia Police Department's North Precinct will hit the street tonight in your honor. Please watch over us as we continue your fine work.

For the entire shift,
Sergeant V.T. Rosen

Sergeant V.T. Rosen
Henry County Police Department
September 8, 2006

Officer Flora your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Care now. May you rest in peace brother.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee
March 29, 2006

APD's canine unit was founded because of Ofc. Flora's death, shortly after the incident. Canine fund raising still goes on in his name. His sacrifice is not forgotten. Rest in peace.

Sgt. Bill Richardson
Anchorage, Alaska PD
January 4, 2005

thank you officer, rest in peace sir.

October 22, 2004

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

(Formerly of Seward Alaska)

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)
April 6, 2004

You Are Not Forgotten... God Rest

Robert Arrington
Just someone who cares
November 7, 2003