Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Game Warden Franklin Bruce Hill

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Law Enforcement Division, Texas

End of Watch Saturday, May 26, 1990

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Game Warden Franklin Bruce Hill

Bruce was superintendent at Somerville State Park when I was a Park Attendant 1 as a part of the Youth Conservation Corps in 1974. He was a really nice guy and I was saddened to learn of his death. My family is buried in Youngblood cemetery so I am glad he is there with them.

mark brown
Texas Parks and Wildlife - Youth Conservation Corps

July 15, 2021

Rest in peace Game Warden Hill.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 13, 2019

Frank and I graduated from ETSU together. We hunted and fished the Sulphur river bottoms around Commerce together. We had science classes together. Gwen and Frank were great people. Frank was an outstanding person. He served in National Guard out of high school and went to work for P&W after college. He stopped by to see me after he became a Texas Game Warden. He told me National Guard and college was a cakewalk to becoming a Game Warden. He was so proud to be able to serve. He was one of the most dedicated man I have ever known. I am looking forward to seeing him in heaven. God bless his family.

Rodneey Love

August 8, 2019

It is with out doubt that carrying your name is what I have the most pride of in life.

Not meeting you in life is my only regret, I can only hope I can make you proud

Bruce Hill
Family

March 2, 2019

Frank, from Palmetto State Park to Game Warden in Panola County I always considered you my friend. When I can, I stop by your grave and I place a little Texas flag for your dedication to Texas.

Kevin Wilson

May 21, 2017

Frank as we knew him, & you could always get a was an enthusiastic,hard worker, these qualities inspired us, he was a straight honest shooter who was fair to everyone & you could always get a square deal from him. Frank & I were neighbors from grade school thru high school, played sports & hung out, he will be missed. Shalom Frank

Dan Roy
Friend

April 11, 2017

I first met Bruce Hill when I worked with him at Palmetto State Park in 1970, blazing the San Marcos River Trail. I ran with him to prepare for National Guard summer camp and remember his wife Gwen and his German shepherd dog Sarge. I crossed paths later when he became a Game Warden in Panola County. We shared some memories. I was there at his funeral and was overcome with the outpouring support from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept.

Kevin Wilson Park Ranger
Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept.-Friend

August 15, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 26, 2015

Thank y'all so much for y'all's post
From the Hill family

Family-Bruce Hill

June 13, 2013

Warden Hill,
On today, the 23rd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Texas. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

May 26, 2013

Heroes live forever, Game Warden Hill, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of the great State of Texas.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

May 26, 2013

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

May 3, 2013

Rest in peace, Game Warden Hill. Your service and sacrifice to the great State of Texas are not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

May 26, 2012

Rest in peace brother and keep watch over the rest of us as we protect our nations natural resources.

Gordon Hobbs
NC Game Warden

January 2, 2009

RIP

Anonymous

September 9, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 5, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 5, 2008

Bruce it has been almost 17 years since that fatal night. My prayers go out to your family for I know better than anyone as to what they went through. I still remember the first time I met you, Gwen, and Dawn. Dawn and I were in the sixth grade and my dad was getting a new partner. I remember the excitement we all shared as a family. Keep fishing and hunting in such a Heavenly place. Your dedication to the community will never be forgotten.

Shannon Decker Hodges
Partners Daughter/friend

March 4, 2008

I would for the families to know that after 15 years the loss of these two game wardens is not forgotten.
May God continue to pour out His endless blessings and love.

Patrolman Doug Hutchison
Irving Police Department, Texas, retired.

May 26, 2005

Bruce was a dedicated employee and a valuable asset to the Texas Dept of Parks and Wildlife.There is not doubt in my mind that his loss was a very harsh blow to the TDPW.I often ran in to Bruce at the courthouse.Seems like he was always in a hurry to get out and get back in the field.Bruce was a very quiet soft spoken man.He was even tempered and very easy going.He was a very hard worker.I still remember when I first heard that he and Barry were missing.I held out hope and prayed for their safe return but my worst nightmare became a reality.May God bless and watch over the family,friends and co-workers of Warden Hill.

Anonymous

February 4, 2004

Rest in peace. God bless.


private citizen

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