Officer Down Memorial Page

You arrived after my accident and said you couldn't take the report because I was someone you knew quite well. I will never forget your sympathic face that day. Rest well Red.

Jerry VanDusen
December 16, 2011

KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY

To the amazing family I left behind

I walked into Grace Bible Church today
To see the people standing in a line
Saying they’re sorry to family members left behind

I didn’t understand,
Why were all of these people here?
Shaking hands, hugging and
all of them in tears
What was everyone looking at?
So I walked up to see
But what I saw was horrifying.

There I was. laying right before my eyes
fallen before my time
And I knew I would never again rise.
I wanted to comfort my family and dry their eyes.

Lying there a police offcer
my fellow officers all by my side
It was such a shock to me, so young at heart
and with so much more to see
On august 22, 1989
I exited this earth
to the most amazing heavens above
I always hear the words
"Killed in the line of duty,"
but serving was an honor to me.
I died doing what I loved
so to family I had
and the family
I didnt get to meet
say your prayers and again someday we will meet.

written by: Jamie Van Dusen Baumgartner
I love you grandpa, I wish you could have met my awesome daughter. she is named after you and you would have loved her. she has your fiesty side.

Jamie Van Dusen Baumgartner
Grandaughter
December 15, 2011

KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY

To the amazing family I left behind

I walked into Grace Bible Church today
To see the people standing in a line
Saying they’re sorry to family members left behind

I didn’t understand,
Why were all of these people here?
Shaking hands, hugging and
all of them in tears
What was everyone looking at?
So I walked up to see
But what I saw was horrifying.

There I was. laying right before my eyes
fallen before my time
And I knew I would never again rise.
I wanted to comfort my family and dry their eyes.

Lying there a police offcer
my fellow officers all by my side
It was such a shock to me, so young at heart
and with so much more to see
On august 22, 1989
I exited this earth
to the most amazing heavens above
I always hear the words
"Killed in the line of duty,"
but serving was an honor to me.
I died doing what I loved
so to family I had
and the family
I didnt get to meet
say your prayers and again someday we will meet.

Written by: Jamie Van Dusen Baumgartner
I love you grandpa, I wish you could have met my awesome daughter. she is named after you and you would have loved her. she has your firey fiesty side.

Jamie Van Dusen Baumgartner
Grandaughter
December 15, 2011

Dad, I sure wish you were still here, our family has not been the same without you. I will always love and miss you, from your favorite daughter, Brenda.

Brenda
Daughter
October 5, 2011

From your neighbor county to the east, Thank you for your service!

Reserve Deputy
Kent County Sheriff's Dept
March 31, 2009

From one Reserve Dep to another, Thank you.

952
Ottawa County Sheriff's Department
January 30, 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
November 26, 2007

Thank you for choosing to serve and protect the citizens of Ottawa County Deputy Gort.

Rest Peacefully Sir

August 22, 2007

Another anniversary date of your EOW has arrived and your loved ones will think of you as they have done every day since you were called away 18 years ago. I only wish you could have retired and spent a little time with those grand kids. I lost my youngest son in the Line of Duty and believe me, the grand kids have helped me along the way. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. Continue to keep watch over that big family of yours. Stand at their sides and protect them from harm and also those still out on patrol. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
August 22, 2007

Thank You for your service. Rest in peace.

I.Dukic
CA Reserve Ofc

I.Dukic
May 7, 2007

Grandpa, I was only five when you were killed. I don't remember much of you but I still miss you. Mom tells me that you were a great man and a great father. I love riding motorcycles and always wished you were here to ride with - but I bet those streets are pretty smooth up there.

Mike Van Dusen
Grandson
April 13, 2007

On behalf of the citizens of Ottawa County I would like to thank you for your service.

Go rest high on that mountain...

August 14, 2006

Dad, I came across this on wood-tv's site. I think this is so cool. Kind of sad to see this memorial after 16 years. We all still miss you. We talk about you often. Ryan is 20 now, Jakob is almost 18 and Alexis (whom you never met) is 12. I think you would be proud of them, they are great kids. Kathy, Scott, Ryan, Jake & Lexie

Daughter
May 15, 2006

Dep,
Rest easy in the Lord's presence. You have done well here.

You took time out of your life to assist those that needed assistance. You did what others would not do or what others want people to do for them. All of this on your time.

For that I am thankful.

Brother, remember "Heros Live Forever". God Speed...

SGT Phil Abdoo
Macomb County Sheriff's Office (MI)
August 22, 2005

Deputy Sheriff Gort,
On today, the 16th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Ottawa County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

August 22, 2005