 | Trooper First Class John Edward Sawa
Maryland State Police
Maryland
Tuesday, March 10, 1987 |
YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2008-03-13
"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
2008-02-18
Thank you for your service to the state of Maryland and to Harford County. I've had the pleasure of serving with your son who has made a fine Maryland State Trooper. Rest In Peace.
Cpl. Donald Gividen
Harford County Sheriff's Office Cpl. Donald Gividen
Harford County Sheriff's Office
2007-03-26
Rest in peace TFC Sawa. God bless you & your family. Boomer
Maryland Resident
2007-03-10
Twenty years ago today we lost you far too young serving the people of Maryland. Know that you will never be forgotten and always rest in peace. Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
2007-03-10
God bless you and your family. You are not forgotten. DE
St. Louis City Police
2005-07-11
Thank you
2004-12-25
God bless you and your family at your tragic loss. You will never be forgotten by your police brothers and sisters. DE
St. Louis City Police
2004-09-18
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