Police Officer Calvin M. Rodwell Baltimore City Police Department Maryland Saturday, September 22, 1973  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

He was the grandfather I never knew. He shaped my life from afar. His mark on me is as indelible as my name. I learn more about him every day, but I will never know everything. I feel that I will never learn all about my grandfather, but this will be the best way to express my feelings toward him. I feel his presence whenever I pass the school named in his honor.

Madison Rodwell
Grandson
2008-03-04

I'm proud to see my father's memorial is still being remembered. He was one of the greatest men I've ever known. My one and only brother passed away the same day three years ago. I'm sure they are in heaven looking down on this family. My 13 yr. old son brought this website to my attention. He was named after his grandfather. It was a blessing for the both of us. Thank You ODMP. God Bless You.

Dino Rodwell
Son
2008-03-03

"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
2007-11-07

I have very fond memories of Officer Rodwell and Officer Decker talking to our class in school about safety. I was so sad to hear about his death and this sadness has always stayed with me. Bless you, Officer Rodwell.

Dan S
student
2007-10-31

See you on the other side.

Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen Retired
Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee, WI
2007-10-13

Happy 4th of July hero! Keep a look out over the skys of Baltimore tomorrow night.

2007-07-03

Officer Rodwell, thank you for your service. Neither you nor your sacrifce will be forgotten.

Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

2007-04-26

One of my earliest memories was of Officer Rodwell speaking to our class at St. William of York. He came in to speak about traffic safety. For some reason I always remembered him and also the day the nuns told us he had passed. He was a very good man and I still remember him to this day.

Paul Fletcher

2006-06-05

Uncle Calvin, I never got to know you for you passed before I was born. But your memory is live and well in our home. Thank you for helping to keep the city a safe place for me to grow up. Love your niece, Denise.

Denise Rodwell
Family/Niece
2005-12-30

Brother Rodwell,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables LE Motorcycle Club

2005-12-16

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
2005-11-21

A hero never really dies.....RIP

Mike C
Waltham MA
2004-11-28

30 years have passed. You are not forgotten nor is your sacrafice. God bless.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)
2003-09-22