Trooper Bernard D. Skeeters Illinois State Police Illinois Thursday, May 20, 1982  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

Rest in peace my brother.

Ofc. Ortiz
Middletown Police Dept. CT
2008-01-08

"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
2008-01-07

I Finally got to meet A Brammer (friends of my father) I must say what a terrific woman, she and her family new my dad well and what a fun time we had together, it just goes to show the reflection that my father left on all of us and he to this day is my guardian angel and i hope someday that i get to know the brammers well, we the Skeeters appreciate everyone of you who take the time to remember our father, and we will certianly never forget anyone of you and we thankyou for all your memories, he was quite the character and prankster, lol and i love him. Sincerely Tom

Bernies Son Tom
2007-11-25

I worked with Berny in District 9. Although he worked mostly in Sangamon County and I in Logan County our paths crossed occassionaly while on duty. He was a good guy and a good Trooper.

I do recall the incident that took his life very vividly. Whenever I am on I-55 near Williamsville and near the place where the horrible accident occured, I do think of Trooper Skeeters.

I know he is missed by his family and his friends even to this day.

Tpr. T. N. Little #1102 (Retired)

Trooper Tom Little (Retired)
Illinois State Police - Dist 9 and 13
2007-09-08

TROOPER Skeeters-My stepfather worked with you in Dist.9.
He was a TROOPER from 1955-1985 in Dist. 9. I remember everytime we drove ( he has since past on to be with you)on I-55 by the truck weight station he would show me the location where you were taken from us. To this day when I come back to the Lincoln/Springfield area I always think of you at that location. I am dedicating my next shift in your honor (7-23-07) 2PM-11PM. I printed your picture and department patch as I will carry them in my shirt pocket for this patrol. Thank-you for your service. RIP Brother in Blue.

Patrolman D. Kirk #309
Round Lake Heights PD (IL)
2007-07-22

A quarter of a century has passed and you have not been forgotten by those that love you nor will the Blue Family ever let you be forgotten. Continue to keep watch over that big loving family of yours and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
2007-07-07

Theres not a day goes by that I don't think of you and miss you. You were number 15 in the family & the baby. All of us was so proud of you & everything you accomplished in the 35 short years you were on this earth. Today is the 25th anniversary of your death and it hurts just as much today as then. I know you are having a great reunion with Mother, Pop, and all the brothers and sisters that have joined you in heaven. You can be very proud of your boys Ron, Tom, & Andy. They have grown into fine young men & are taking good care of Marie. Until I see you again Bernie, God Bless You

PATTY CHAMBERS
SISTER
2007-05-20

BERNIE, WAS THE YOUNGEST OF FIFTEEN CHILDREN AND THE FIRST TRADEGY TO HAPPEN TO OUR FAMILY AND AFTER TWENTY FIVE YEARS HE IS STILL MISSED VERY MUCH.He was the first of link of our circle to be broken,since then we have had many links broken,i'm sad to say.

JUDY a SKEETERS-butchek
BERNIE'S SISTER
2007-05-20

Theres not a day that doesn't go by since that horrible day, that i dont think about my father. I was only 12, i remember him well and miss him deeply. I had never known that this site existed, but i will be here more often, now that i know. I am extremely proud of my father,his life was taken way to soon he was only 35. He was everything that the Illinois state Police is suppose to be, he was a great Trooper, friend and father and i will never forget him as long as i live. I also want to thank you all who takes the time to tell your story for what my dad stood for. I love him, miss him and he is always in my heart.Even though he hasn't been here on earth do what he has done best, he has done the most awsome job being my Guardian angel. thanks for listening and writing.

Tom Skeeters
Bernies middle son
2006-12-19

Andy - I was working the day your Dad was killed, it was a terrible shock to all who knew him and worked with him on a daily basis. I remember having just spoken to him the previous afternoon - he was on another diet and quite proud of the fact that he'd lost a few more pounds. Bernie was a terrific guy and a good cop. You should be very proud of him.

Former D-9 Telecommunicator

2006-10-17

Berny was a great friend and practical jocker. One time he managed to break into my squad car, turned the raidios up full blast, had the siren turned to the on position. When I started the car up it scared the hell out of me. Berny really love his family!
Vic Morris

M/Sgt. Victor B. Morris (retired)
Il State Police
2006-03-22

To Bernies family, We grew up with him and think of him often. He will be in our hearts forever.

The Brammer Family/West Jefferson Street

2006-02-22

Even though I had only met you a couple of times I still remember you. I feel passionatly that the State should erect a memorial tribute at the scene just North of the Scales in rememberence of your Ultimate Sacrifice for the Safety of others and if they never do, I hold one in my heart for you and your family.

911 Dispatcher Asst. Supervisor
Logan County
2006-01-16

Dad,
You will never know how much I miss you. I think of you every day, every time I pass the cemetery I always say something to you. You are always on my mind and in my heart. I hope I make you proud, I know you are looking down upon us. Please continue to look after Mom and the family. We miss you and love you...
P.S. Thanks to those who have left kind words here, and never turned their backs on my family after my fathers death. It is GREATLY appreciated, God bless you.
Your son,
Anthony (Andy) Skeeters

Andy

2005-08-15

Trooper Skeeters,
On today, the 23rd anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service to the citizens of the state of Illinois. It's too bad that some members of the jury couldn't do their duty.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

2005-05-20

It was a sad day. Dad did not speak for a few days after responding. You will be missed.

2005-01-27