Officer Down Memorial Page

I did not know you but not many days go by when I do not think of your name, since that day. I am not a police officer yet, but I will be proud the day I can carry the same badge you did. I wish this person could have learned this lesson about DUI/DWI without taking a life.

Benjamin Hernandez
Soon to be: Austin Police Department
April 30, 2012

You died for the law a day before I was born, I thank you for your service; may you rest eternally in heavan with almighty god!

C/SMSgt Justin Stone
Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.
March 2, 2012

I wrote an article titled, "In the line of fire: the making of a texas peace officer." I dedicated to Debby Bolin, Drew's mother. She wrote me a lovely thank you note that I treasure. "Drew, you are gone, but not forgotten!"

linda lafayette daniel
freelance writer
March 12, 2011

To Drews family. I often think about that night, and your son. The two words that a Police Dispatcher never wants to hear are "Officer Down". Unfortunately, I have heard those words. Drew was enjoyable to work with, although I did not know him personally, the loss of him is greatly felt to this day. In my life I have not worked another job that gave me such pride, and honor as I felt working with the men and women of APD. I was unable to attend Drews service, however I was asked to pay tribute to him in another way. For you see it was my voice that you heard on that sad day, over the radio retiring Drews badge. I was touched and forever changed that the Honor to do this last thing for Drew was given to me. I hope that I served you, and Drew well. My heart will always be with you.

Jamie (1766)

Anonymous
August 24, 2010

To Drews family, Ive often thought of that day. The 2 words that a police dispatcher never wants to hear are "officer down". Unfortunately, I heard those words. In all my life and the many jobs Ive had, none other could compare with working with the wonderful people at APD. Drew was such a pleasure to work with, although I didnt know him personally I was asked to be the one to pay him a tribute. Mine was the voice you heard over the radio that sad day, retiring his badge. I have always hoped that I served you and drew well. And wanted you to know what an honor it was for me to be able to do that for him. God Bless you and Drew. He will not be forgotten.
Jamie (1766)

Anonymous
August 24, 2010

It seems a lifetime ago, yet you stay with me. Your smile, wry humor, and chuckle are welcome companions at the oddest times, you just appear.
Yet I am so angered and saddened that you don't get to be here turning to middle age with the rest of us. That you never got the wife, the kids, the full live, instead you a trapped at 25 forever. I am thankful for your company, but would so prefer it to be a call or a visit. I miss my very dear friend.

Jocelyn Reardon Keegan
Friend
January 15, 2010

Your forever in my heart and I miss you dearly!!

Marcy Baron
June 20, 2009

I just wanted to let your family and friends know that there are many out there who know the pain that you feel today. My brother Roger was killed 4 years ago today on June 2nd. You are in the thoughts and prayers of many folks who care. I pray that God will bless you with many precious happy memories to help fill your heart "especially today".

Judy Coleman
Sister of Roger Lynch
June 3, 2009

Tho I did not know you I think of you whenever I go to the main or get on 35 in my unit. You are still missed brother.

6127
June 30, 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
January 30, 2008

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see;
When the sun will rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn't cry, the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things, we didn't get to say;

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
and each time you think of me, I know you'll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
that an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready, in heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind, all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
for all life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for, so much yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday, just even for awhile,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized, that this could never be,
for emptiness and memories, would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things, I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home,
When God looked down and smiled at me, from his golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity, and all I've promised you."

Today for life on earth is past, but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,
and since each day's the same day, there's no longing for the past.

But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things, you knew you shouldn't do

But you have been forgiven and now at last you're free.
So won't you take my hand and share my life with me?

So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,
for every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart.


YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED OFC. BOLIN...

APD 111th
August 28, 2007

May you Rest safe with Our Lord and may He give your loved ones many Blessings.

July 14, 2006

GOD BE WITH YOU BROTHER.

J.CISNEROS
LOS ANGELES SCHOOL POLICE
July 28, 2005

Drew, as I regulary drive past where we had your last service, I always utter your name to everyone with me. You now live on with several agencies both local and federal. It cannot heal your family's loss, but it does keep you warm in our hearts. Sometimes I feel guilty that it was you that was lost and not me.
When I think of you, I also think of your family. I will not forget you all. God Bless you Drew Bolin...

July 27, 2005

I attended Drew's funeral and met his fiancee while my husband was in the Academy. Drew graduated in the class before my husband, and although I didn't know him, I saw a community come together to honor him. We have since moved North and my husband is now a Captain..we've never forgotten that day, and on our way to San Antonio every time we pass that spot we say a little prayer for Drew, his mom and dad, and the future wife he left behind. In sorting through some things from a recent move I found the program from Drew's funeral, looking so young and ready to jet ski on the front. What a great loss..it's been almost 10 years. Just know there are still people out there who remember him and the sacrifice he made.

Wife of a former APD Officer
November 18, 2004

Drew was the kindest, most remarkable Officer you could ever meet. His was the first Officer funeral I ever attended, and the memory will always remain with me. Drew, we want you to know that we will not forget you, and I know that you look out for us whenever an Officer is on the side of a busy highway inches from the tragic death you suffered. Your life was taken from us before you could marry and have kids, but as long as Austin has a department your spirit lives on within us. God Bless You My Brother.

Senior Officer Tim
Austin Police Deaprtment
November 5, 2004

It is because of you and other officers like you that I enjoy arresting drivers under the influence.

Rest In Peace

September 30, 2003

I hope that Officer Bolin's family is doing well since their tragic loss. Police officers are our only protection from drunk driving, while the crime seems almost acceptable to many ordinary people. I plan to strongly enforce against drunk driving when I become a police officer in a year, and wish I could thank Officer Bolin for his service. Another hero has been lost, but there will be those of us who always remember the heroes and are greatful for their lives.

Pat
Former Police Explorer, MD

Ive heard many things about Officer Bolin, all positive rememberances of a fine police officer. Rest easy brother.