Officer Down Memorial Page

"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
December 6, 2007

THE CREDIT BELONGS TO THE MAN WHO IS ACTUALLY IN THE ARENA, WHO STRIVES VALIANTLY; WHO KNOW'S THE GREAT ENTHUSIASMS, THE GREAT DEVOTIONS, AND SPEND HIMSELF IN A WORTHY CAUSE; WHO AT THE BEST, KNOW'S THE TRIUMPH OF HIGH ACHIEVEMENT; AND WHO, AT THE WORST, IF HE FAILS, AT LEAST FAILS WHILE DARING GREATLY, SO THAT HIS PLACE SHALL NEVER BE WITH THOSE COLD AND TIMID SOULS WHO KNOW NEITHER VICTORY NOR DEFEAT.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT

Det. Larry Hopper
Joplin Mo. PD
October 26, 2005

You saved my life that night. I'm sure God moved you to the front of the line in heaven.

det. larry hopper
joplin mo pd
October 25, 2005

I never thought much about being a police officer until the night this happened. my uncle was one of the other officer's wounded that night. I know it put my family in pain to see my family that night. My heart and prayers are still with the family of all the ones that were there that night and always will be.

patrolman hopper
cushing police
May 21, 2005

I WORKED FOR HIM DURING 1980/81 AND WAS SADDENED TO HEAR THIS. REST IN PEACE

DISPATCHER KEVIN REYNOLDS
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE / YOSEMITE
March 3, 2005

Rest easy brother. You are not forgotten You are a hero and shall live for eternity through those who continue the fight for freedom; justice. Thank you for your service.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)
September 7, 2003

Rest in peace blue angel. May 2, 2003

Shannon
concerned citizen