 | Lieutenant Lester Amos Pagano
New Jersey State Police
New Jersey
Tuesday, July 19, 1983 |
R.I.P. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN P.O.
RUTGERS POLICE
2008-10-16
Rest in peace my Brother. Kevin T Ryan
NJ
2008-07-20
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
2007-12-12
God bless you and your family on this 24th anniversary of your tragic death Detective
Cranford Police Dept (NJ)
2007-07-19
Twenty four years today but never forgotten. Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
2007-07-19
Thank you for your dedication to justice. Rest in peace. Patrolman Brad L. Reider #185
Jackson Twp Police (NJ)
2007-02-08
Lt., your pursuit of justice for your fallen brother Trooper will never go unnoticed or forgotten! Thank you for your service and dedication always! Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
2006-08-16
Thank you for your service and dedication. Rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten. Police Officer
Tennessee
2006-02-27
God bless you and your family for your tragic loss.
Anonymous
2004-04-14
Your many years of dedication are admirable. Rest in peace. Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.
2004-03-19
Lieutenant Pagano, I as a Trooper greatly appreciate your sacrifice in the pursuit for justice in the murder of a brother Trooper. We thank you for your service to your community and fellow man. May God be with you and your family. Rest in peace. Trooper - Troop M
Pennsylvania State Police
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