Officer Down Memorial Page

14 yrs since you gave your life. RIP brother. I'm sure Koz has found you by now in heaven. Continue to watch over all of us as we continue your watch.

Officer GRPD
May 31, 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 14, 2007

G-d Bless.

May 30, 2007

I remember Dan as a cocky, fun-loving young rookie with the Mason Police Department. Dan and I used to tease each other and "fight" like brother/sister. Vickie, I loved getting to know you and being friends. I remember when you were pregnant with your first daughter, and how we laughed when you complained about being sick in the mornings and not knowing why. Even though Dan left our department after only a short time, I shall never forget him or the family that I learned to love. My thoughts and prayers are always with you.

Love from Jann

Jann (Bement) Lifsey, Secretary
Mason Police Department/City of Mason
April 19, 2006

I started at GRPD after you passed, but knew your family. You and your family are in my prayers.

Godspeed!

S/A
U.S. Department of State
March 28, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir!

Police Officer
March 6, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir!

Police Officer
March 6, 2006

Dan,
Your girls have grown to be lovely young ladies, you would be so proud! Your parents keep you alive each Memorial Week with their presence, prayers and their gifts! We miss you!

Captain Pam Carrier
Grand Rapids Police Department
October 4, 2005

Dan,

You are missed. My prayers are with the Duyst family.

RIP.

Former GRPD
December 1, 2004

We will never forget you sacrifice and dedication. God Speed Brother.

Comrades of the GRPD
Grand Rapids Police Department
September 16, 2004

Rest in Peace...................

Don Mathers
September 4, 2004