Officer Down Memorial Page

Think of you often friend and fellow Police Academy class mate.

OFFICER JOHN CHILLERI
MOOSIC POLICE
March 6, 2010

"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 15, 2008

Never forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
May 27, 2007

Miss You everyday Uncle Rick!! Wish you were still here!

Vicki
Godchild/Niece of Ricky
May 15, 2007

You are a true hero and may you encounter your cowardly killer again someday. God bless and rest in peace.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
October 3, 2006

I salute you.. a brave man who gave his life for his country. god bless you and your family

Ptlm.Frank McBride
Moosic Police Department
August 24, 2006

We miss you every day. It's hard to believe it's been 20 yrs.!!

Sheri
Niece to Ricky
May 14, 2006

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies.....

Rest in peace, hero.

September 28, 2004

Thanks for keeping the streets safe brother. Avoca PD is a good dept. I am about 8 miles north of avoca.

soon to be policeman : Matt D
scranton pa police (hopefully)
June 7, 2004

Thanks Brother for serving. You are a Hero, Blessed are the peace makers.

Officer G. Long
ACPD
January 28, 2004