Officer Down Memorial Page

On this the 24th anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today. Rest in Peace, Richard. I am praying for solace for your family today and each day of their journey as survivors.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Richard gave to his community and the citizens of Maryland, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 8, 1985.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous
October 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
February 11, 2008

Officer Lear walked a foot post in Hampden for many, many years. All of the kids in the neighbor knew him. He was a good officer and someone who we could look up to. We also knew that he would keep us in line, when we needed it. He was killed just days away from his retirement. Bless you, Officer Lear.

"Kid" from the neighborhood
October 15, 2007

Today on the anniversary of your death we remember you and thank you Sir for your service.

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better manchester, NH
October 8, 2007

Good-bye Richard.

Rob

534 Post
Formerly BCPD
February 2, 2006

We ask Thy blessings and eternal rest to all our brothers and sisters
Who have sacrificed their very lives in the performance of
their duties. Give their loved ones the peace and
Strength to bear the anguish of their loss. Remove all
resentment from their hearts, knowing that eternal
peace and rest will abide their departed loved ones
forever. This we beg, Thy name forever and ever,
Amen.

Ret. Officer William Hackley
Baltimore Police
November 21, 2005

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

Rest in peace.

October 20, 2004

God bless you always.

PO Doug Eatherton
St. Louis City Police