Sergeant James D. Shepherd Oregon State Police Oregon Thursday, May 22, 1980  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

Cousin Jim helped teach me to walk and I have a sweet photo of that and some home movies. Then when I was 16 and going to take my driver's test they came up to WA to visit. My dad thought it was a great idea to have Jim go for a ride with me and get his opinion of my driving. That must have been about 1964. (This was before driver's ed). I was driving a huge '57 Chevy wagon, stick shift and no power steering. We lived on the water and had a very steep drive way that entered a busy highway. He said afterward that if I could make it out of that driveway I would be able to drive anyhwere! Getting the thumbs uo from a real State Trooper made me very confident as I was very shy. I am not five feet tall, but I felt like a giant! I got my license and made sure I never gave a trooper any grief.

That was the saddest Memorial Day weekend after we got the call about Cousin Jim. I still meet people from OR that knew him.

Thank you for this tribute page.
Kathi in Poulsbo, WA

Kathi Jenkins Trostad
Cousin
2008-06-24

"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
2008-01-14

You were fearless, Jim. A good cop and so respected. You are missed by family, friends and community. Rest well, you are in good hands.

Sgt. Scott Ryon
Washington County Sheriff's Office
2005-04-13

You will not be forgotten, Rest In Peace. God Bless.

Police Officer
Chicago, IL. Police Depart.
2004-08-04

Rest In Peace brother, You will not be forgotten, You are a real HERO !!

Paul S
Portland Police
2004-06-04