Patrolman Charles Grady Sheppard Anderson Police Department South Carolina Sunday, April 20, 1975  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

"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
2007-11-16

My Daddy is served 28yrs. with the Anderson City Police Dept. Traffic Division T-4

I was 15yrs old when this happened. I can still feel the quiver in my stomach when I think about it.

My Dad, CC {Winky} Chambers came home from his shift told Mama about the crash, Charles Sheppard and Daddy were very close. But not long before this Mama was fixing dinner, hot-dogs, Daddy always came home at 6:30 for supper, but instead that night we received a call from the Captian saying that Daddy had been hit by a "drunk driver". That was the WORST "supper time" of my life!

Daddy and his partner were both slung to the back seat, they were knocked unconcious. when they awoke they crawled out the back window just seconds before the vechile exploded.

We don't talk about the crash, but the memory of the pain and vision of the photographs are still there tucked away in the back of our minds.


So you see that everytime I here of an officer dying my heart hurts and I get a "quivery" sick feeling in the pit of my stomach! But, at the same time I am SO VERY thankful that my Daddy got to come home that night.

So I Pray that the Lord Blesses all The Officers and their
oved ones, also gives them strength, and bring them home safetly.

Thank you,
Celina Chambers-Dutton
September 15, 2006

Celina Chambers-Dutton
My Father is retired from Amderson PD
2006-09-15

Thank you for your service to the citizens of Anderson and the State of South Carolina. Rest in peace my brother. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables
2006-04-20

I was only 13 years old when you were killed. I could not concieve of how anyone would intentionally want to harm a Police Officer.

When I came to work at the A.P.D. in 1988 I saw your picture on the wall. Everyone I spoke with that worked with you had very fond memories to share.

Thank God we have not lost anymore since you were killed. I only pray it stays that way.

Your memory will continue to be honored. Thank You

Sgt. Wes Barnes - Patrol Division
Anderson Police Dept. Anderson, S.C.
2005-07-09

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace. God bless.

2004-09-29

REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. MAY GOD BLESS.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.