Officer Down Memorial Page

Your 75th birthday just passed and today is 31 years since we lost you. I still miss you so much. I wonder if you would be proud of the woman I have become. And I often wonder what my life would have been like if you hadn't been taken from us. I love you Daddy.

Joann Hall Doyle
Daughter
August 14, 2011

Joanne - Thank you for your beautiful note on my Dad's reflection page. I will think of you as well and keep you and your family in my prayers. No one can understand the tragic loss until they have gone through it, the pain never goes away. Unfortunately my family and I are reminded every 2 years when my Dad's three killers come up for parole.. The pain of reliving that day and all of the should have beens is so hard. Even after 30 years you would think it gets easier but it doesn't.
Take care....Janet Ryman

Janet Ryman
August 27, 2010

It's hard to believe that it's been 30 years since we lost you. I love and miss you Daddy.

Joann Doyle
daughter
August 14, 2010

Happy 74th Birthday Daddy. I love and miss you every day of my life. I wish you were here to see your grandsons and your two great grandchildren. You would be so proud.

Joann Hall Doyle
Daughter
August 6, 2010

We just passed your 73rd birthday and the 29th anniversary of your death and i still cry on those dates. i cry for the little girl who lost her daddy, i cry for my sons who never knew their grandpa, and i cry for your two great grand children who will never know you. to all of you who risk your life to keep us safe..thank you. and to all who have fallen while pursuing that goal..may the lord comfort your families and my deepest gratitude.

Joann
Daughter
August 18, 2009

Scott,
I would very much love to have that badge. My oldest son, who would be my daddy's oldest grandchild, is now in the USN and I would love for him to have that. .

Joann
daughter
February 1, 2009

Joann,
I went to school with your dad's stepson (If I remember correctly). I have a shore patrol badge that was your father's. Please reply on here and I will leave my contact information. I would love to get your dad's badge back to the family.

Scott Burgess
Old Friend
January 27, 2009

It's been over 28 years since we lost you and I still think about you every day. I wonder what you would think about your grandsons and your great granddaughter who never knew how wonderful you were. I love you daddy and miss you so much.

Joann Doyle
daughter
January 8, 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
January 19, 2008

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION TO OUR CHOSEN PROFESSION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT. YOU'RE THE TRUE HERO.......

CPL. JW LOWDER
UNION COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
January 12, 2008

Major Hall,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Bell County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

August 14, 2005